Back on the treadmill & Easter Eggs!

Today was great.  Started off a bit rocky but did a great recovery.  I woke up at 7.  I set my alarm for 6:30 and snoozed it until 7.... not sure HOW the hubby didn't KILL ME!  Got into jogging clothes and went downstairs let the pups out and settled into my morning routine, Facebook, Amazon, Yahoo News and coffee.  I was about to get up to go into the basement when I heard tiny squeals from D2's room.  DRATS!!!  FOILED!!!  She must have KNOWN!  I waited about 10 minutes and she was wakening by the second with NO chance of falling back asleep.  UUGGHH.  There's always nap time, right?

She and I hung out until 830 when I woke D1.  We had breakfast and did some 'chores'.  D1 cleaned up her toys while I vacuumed, swept & mopped.  She 'helps' me.  She did help by taking dirty clothes to the laundry room.  Gotta teach them young!

Overall, we had a good day.  D1 has been BEGGING to color Easter eggs and I did hard boil some 2 days ago but hubby wanted to be present and he had to go into work at 2.  I quickly gathered everything and we got the deed done in just the nick of time!  We had about 3 mins to spare when hubby left for work!  Mission complete.  Tomorrow we will sticker them together.

Once D2 woke from her morning nap we ran some errands.  Hit Costco (and got a harsh reminder of why I do not hit big box stores on the weekends!) and dropped off books at the library.  Then it was home.  Surprisingly both kids went to sleep with little drama.  It was time.  TREADMILL TIME.  I was planning to do about 2.5 miles just to see how it went.  It was fabulous.  I walked the 1st and last .5 so I really only ran 1.5 but it was good.  After 3 weeks off I didn't want to go crazy.  Monday I will be back in the saddle!!!  I have 7 weeks until the Rite Aid Half and I would like to be in the ballpark to jog it.  I have already made myself a deal that I'm ok with some walking.  I would like to jog the whole thing but I am not going to push it.  We'll see how the next several weeks go.  If I can increase without any sort of catastrophe I will do it!

After my run I heard a knock at the door.  Freaked me out a bit because NO ONE comes down my driveway.  My first thought was that it was the 10-ish year old neighbor kids.  They have been at my house peddling shit 3 times in the last 6 weeks.  Hubby FINALLY told them 'NO' on Monday (they were just here Friday as well).  Enough extortion all ready!  Anyways I noticed it was a man.  Our TAX MAN!  Our CPA lives down the street and decided to drop off our taxes instead of making me drive to Parma to pick them up.  How nice!!!  I still do want to kiss the man.  We are having a great year (compared to last year ANYTHING is great though!)  I just hope that we can remain on this trajectory!  I'm one happy mama!

Running eval & clearing land!

I didn't get to write last night as I was quite exhausted by 10pm.  The day started out AMAZING.  I went to my running evaluation and  I got the best news... I am not doing ANYTHING wrong!  YAHOO!!!!  The therapist measured EVERYTHING.  He measured my arches, the  amount of twist in my feet, my knees, hips, and ankles.  The watched me walk... did tons of measurements on my feet (flexibility, movement, stability), and then I got on the treadmill and they videotaped me running.  All I could think was that I hoped my BUTT was not in the frame, its NOT something I want to see on camera.  Thank goodness it was just up to my knees... HA!  Some computer program then analyzes my stride, plant and the movement of my feet.  Since I have always run in Vibrams (the 5 finger shoes) I have learned to run in what they call the Newton Natural Running way.  He said that its the "new" way of running and that people now spend considerable amounts of time to relearn the way I run.  YEAH!  Here's a link:

Newton Running

The theory is that when you run heel to toe your leg is in a straight locked position when your heel hits creating impact in your knees.  The way I run is almost a flat footed slapping and I land on the pad of my foot below my toes.  When you run this way you are hitting down with your knees bent therefore distributing the shock throughout your legs, not your knees.  When I was shopping for my 1st pair of running shoes I had read this.   Knowing my mom & others in my family have knee problems I wanted to try them.  I just didn't know I had heel spurs then.  At this point I have to stop wearing the Vibrams for running because they just have no cushion.  I bought the Reebok Realflex and its exactly what I need.  I also apparently have a rigid arch.  This means that when I am standing, I have the same arch measurement as when I am sitting.  This causes the rest of my foot to compensate. so I have loose foot.  All info was good news so I left with some ankle strengthening exercised and a good luck!  IM BACK IN BUSINESS!!!

After my appt I ran some errands and came home to a husband anxious to get outside!  MORE GREAT NEWS.  He wanted to help me tackle the clearing of the ravine edge.  4 hands are better than 2.  I think he realizes that its quite an undertaking and yes, I can do it myself... but it will just be much quicker if we both work on it.  I strapped D2 to my back and went to work.  D1 was our forman, running back and forth checking "what are you doing".  LOL.  We made GREAT progress.  I think another full day of it and we will be ready to plant grass.

Before pic... all brush, leaves & branches

All cleared out and ready for grass

more of the cleared area..

At 7pm I had a glad meeting of the mom's club.  We had to discuss how well the consignment sale went and start talking about the summer activities.  Everything is falling into place and it sounds like we are going to have some awesome trips & events.  Can't wait!!  The Sangra was flowing!!

Then today......

It was Thursday so we had an open schedule.  I wanted to be outside but it was a tad cold for the girls so we stayed in and vegged all morning.  I had planned to get up and run but after a few too many sangrias it just wasn't happening.  After D2's nap we mobilized and hit Pat Catan's so that we could get some supplies for school tomorrow.  It was our snack day.  Originally it was a frog theme but our teacher called us and explained that she forgot to add Easter to the schedule so she changed it.  Suited me well.  I was gonna try and figure out a way to make rice crispy frogs.  Instead I made cheddar bunny carrots!  They turned out cute.  Then was the dilemma of the Easter eggs.  Our teacher requested that each parent bring 6 eggs to hide so that they could do a hunt.  I have been the crazed mom trying to steer away from candy and sweets.  It a fine line because I don't want to be 'THAT mom'.  I just didn't want to fill the eggs with candy.  Then I saw on pinterest the idea of stuffing rice crispy rest into eggs!  BRILLIANT!  I did just that... washed the eggs, sprayed them with Pam and stuffed those suckers full with rice crispy treats!  Atleast they are fat free, right????

Our bunny 'carrots'

Keurig Vue Party & a mowed lawn

First off I have been doing a happy dance ALL DAY.  I got chosen to do a Keurig Vue house party!!!  Part of the party pack is a BRAND NEW NOT EVEN RELEASED YET KEURIG VUE BREWER!!!  These baby's sell for $250 and they aren't being released until MAY!!  WAHOOOOO!!!!  I JUST replaced my Keurig which frustrates me a tad but I'll easily get over it.  If you have not joined house party.... get on it!!   I have gotten some REALLY AWESOME party stuff and highly recommend it!  www.houseparty.com  I will definitely post pics of the machine & party pack when it arrives!

We got up this morning and my motivation level was ZERO.  I asked D1 if she wanted to get dressed to go to music class.  She asked me if Miss T would cry if we stayed home.  I said "no" so she said "OK, then lets stay home".  Funny girl.  We stayed in jammies and when D2 went to her morning nap we got dressed and went outside.  We walked the drive picking up big rocks and sticks and pulled out the electric & phone marker flags.  We had a great time.  It was a bit chilly but VERY sunny.  I got to clean off the pond filters while she played with her shopping cart and toys.

Once D2 got up we headed out again.  I wanted to get some photos of the girls in the green grass.  I didn't even bother taking off D2's jammies!  It was awesome and I got a few good shots.  I even got some great pic of our two pups!

Once it was nap time for both kiddos I got on the tractor and cut the back lawn and front lawn.  I was admiring the beauty of it all.  I cleared about a 1/2 acre of brush the other day.  There is a patch of wet still in the middle so I can't clear that yet... I've been back there every day waiting for the time to do it.  Today I just cut around... what a beautiful day!

The wet area in the middle of my newly cleared area

Lastly, I thought I would snap a pic of my strawberry infused vodka that is brewing in my pantry.... Mmmmmmmm..... Look out Bunco girls!!!

Damn... its 415 & strawberry infused vodka:)

Today I flew solo because Hubby had to work.  We had nothing on the schedule so we stayed in jammies and watched Lion King all morning until D2 woke up from her nap.  Then I realized that hubby got all the ingredients for my Cilantro Lime Chicken recipe EXCEPT the chicken!!  UGGHH.  So I got the troops mobilized and we were out the door.  D1 keeps talking about Easter coming up so I figured we would stop in at Pat Catan's while we were out.  We got a few cute felt Easter eggs to decorate the windows as well as come cute bunnies for the mantle.  Then I saw the egg decorating packs... they were $1 and have NOT changed since I was a kid.  The memories came flashing back.  The color tablets that you dissolved in water and the wire egg holder.. LOL.. I bought 2... we HAVE To decorate eggs!  OFF TO THE GROCERY STORE!

I had already cut and organized my coupons and had a list.  We did buy a few things like apples and bananas that were not on said list... but I did pretty well with sticking to it today.  It could have been the 2 kids with me!  LOL.  We ran through the isles and at one point D1 said "I'm sleepy".  I looked at my watch and it was 4:15!!!  OMG!  They are usually in bed asleep BY 4.  DAMN.  I completely lost track of time.  We still had a few things to get, had to get my monthly fuelperks fill up and get home.  This was bad.  I raced through the end of the list and got everyone into the car and got my gas.  BTW... funny.  I was pumping and had my discount so my price per gallon was 94 cents.  I told D1 that when mommy started driving gas was 74 cents.  The lady pumping next to me snickered and joined in my conversation saying "yep, isn't this CRAZY".  I told her that I swore that I would ride a bike if gas ever went over $1.  Now its almost $4.  THAT'S CRAZY.

We got home and I got both kiddos to bed.  D2 wasn't very happy about it and didn't fall asleep until 5.  They are supposed to be up at 5:30.  Wasn't gonna happen.  I quickly made the marinade, chopped the zucchini and got the rice into the Zojirushi (BTW.. totally in LOVE with it!).  Then I hopped onto the mower and cut some of the lawn.  Hubby got off work and I realized that in my mad dash out of the grocery store I forgot EGGS!  DAMN!  He stopped on the way home.  I then sautéed the zucchini and threw the chicken on skewers and dinner was served. YUM!!!!  Here's the recipe ( from pinterest OF COURSE ).

Cilantro Lime Chicken

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 Tbs. honey
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Juice of 1 lime
2 teaspoon minced garlic
1# boneless chicken breasts or I used tenderloins

Few Tb of fresh cilantro

In a gallon ziplock combine all ingredients

Throw in refrigerator at least 30 minutes.

Grill on medium high heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side, I skewered mine because they were thin and I chopped a few into bite sized pieces.  Once cooked, throw in bowl and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.  YUM!


I also decided to start the prep for my Bunco night in May.  I don't want to give out too many details but I started some strawberry infused vodka tonight to make strawberry vodka lemonade..... Ohhhhh YEAH!!!! Pics to come!!!

Busy Weekend & GUN NIGHT

This weekend was my mother's club consignment sale.  We throw this show twice a year.  What a well oiled machine!!!  We currently have 143 members and they are free to sell anything kid or maternity related in exchange for a 4 hour shift.  There are no individual tables.. its one HUGE room of shopping and one checkout!  My baby this year was the addition of credit cards.  I know that I do not carry cash and I can't be the only one!  Members can use checks but I always feel like the 'big ticket' items sometimes aren't purchased because people don't PLAN to buy them, but want them!  I did the legwork and was happy to do it.  It ended up being a complete success!!!  I got SO many compliments on this new gem.  I think it will serve our club well.

Anyways Friday night I was at the sale and then back at 8am the next morning.  It made for a long weekend.  Not that it wasn't long enough, but a few people had expressed interest in doing a 'night out' with the husbands.  We tried to think of events that they would enjoy and the first thing I thought of was GUNS.  My husband LOVES guns.  Sure, we could have gone to a sporting event or something, but this sounded just FUN.  I called and arranged the location and a safety talk by the owner.  I found an indoor range not too far away.  Unfortunately they only have 8 stalls so we were limited to that many couples.  I went with the people that constantly asked about the event.  We had our 8.  A few days before, as it always happens, 2 people cancelled.  I felt horrible asking people last minute because we all have kids... so I left it at 6.  We had a ton of fun.  Most of the people have never shot a handgun so it was very interesting to see their reactions.  I loved it.  Of course, the guys were loving it too.  I think we all had a great time.

The crew!

Yep... my target!

Hubby let me sleep in (until 930) because he later hit me up and asked me if he could go to a gun show at the IX center.  What could I say?  The girls and I hung out watching movies.  I decided to trim D2's hair for the first time.  Poor baby is 9 months old and her hair had grown well over her eyes.  I trimmed her up and its fabulous because she can now see and I can look into those beautiful blue eyes without obstruction.

Since this was the first day in about 2 weeks that I didn't have something penned into the calendar my house was a wreck.  I decided to tackle the cleaning.  Dinnertime came quickly so I have more to do tomorrow, but I got a majority done INSIDE.  Its amazing... I mowed the lawn about 4 days ago and it already needs to be redone.  LOVING this weather!!!

The brush mower & a day on the town

I had big plans today to stay home and work outside.  I took D1 to Grammie's house and met a friend to look at paint and to test our new Square Credit Card readers for this weekend's Mother's Club Consignment Sale.  We then were talking about patio furniture and Great Escapes came up in conversation.  It was fairly close by so I decided to take a peek.  Bad idea for Hubby.  I found something and it was a floor model and it was still expensive, go figure.  That talk is for another day.

I stopped at Costco to get a few things, found some AWESOME strawberries and got the call that the landscaper was on his way to meet me at our house.  D2 had been an awesome shopper but I could tell it was time to get home anyways...  The landscaper showed up and we went through the changes we wanted, he will come out tomorrow and do a final measurement and give me exact pricing (all have been estimates to this point because we had not decided on accent stone).  CANT WAIT to get to started, hoping 2 weeks.

D2 and I jumped in the car and to pick up D1.  She was beat.  They had planted tomato seeds, painted, and played around outside so my girl was TIRED!  I then got everyone home and got them to nap.  It was an hour past due, but they conked out pretty quickly.  Now it was MOMMY TIME.

THE BEAST!!!!

My BIL brought over his brush mower yesterday and I was itching to give it a spin.  I broke that sucker out today and realized quickly that it is a BEAST.  It goes through ANYTHING.  I did a bit of clearing on the side and then took out some brush in the back.  Pure power.  It didn't hesitate cutting through the multi floral rose bushes which is pretty darn awesome.  The field mice were scattering left and right... I was praying they wouldn't find a new home in my garage!  I was out there a good hour before I called it quits.  Its self-propelled but it was pretty wet out there so it was more work than normal, I got my workout for the day.

The pond all reassembled!

Kiddos were still asleep and my new UV filter arrived so I got the pond put back together.  Its so clear that you can easily see the bottom.  I'm still waiting for my pond vacuum to arrive to clean more muck but overall its looking pretty good.  I have an island flower bed in the middle of my backyard which I then weeded.  My perennials are all sprouting! AMAZING!

My weed free flowerbed.. landscaper is going to
put matching stones around it when the patio is done!

The perennials are coming!!

Then we decided to cook out on the grill.  D1 loves it and D2, well, not so much!  She can't walk yet so we don't allow her to crawl around on the ground so I decided to bring out the pack & play so I could contain her while still outside.  She loved it.  Score one for mommy!!!

Lawn Mowing Time & Enchiladas W/ Spanish Rice

Its been 80 this week in Cleveland!  Yes, its mid March.  I'm enjoying every minute of it, even if my arms are covered in poison ivy!  I've been clearing the brush in the front, I rearranged my rocks around my pond yesterday since I got some BEAUTIFUL ones when I visited my brother, and today I mowed the lawn.  I did it with D1, we had a blast.  There were some areas in the back acreage that were still too wet to get through with the tractor but I got about half of that done and the whole fenced in backyard.  Every time I mow I think "it looks SO much better mowed" and this was no exception, ESPECIALLY since it is March!  My BIL brought over the brush cutter so I will be going to town clearing more land.  Can't wait until someday this property is all coved in beautiful green grass, ahhhhhh.  Even my newly planted (last year) Magnolia tree is flowering.  SPRING IS HERE.

The stone color and accents we picked!

Making the enchiladas!

Today was a music class day and we took along daddy.  D1 was extremely outgoing. It was nice to see hubby smiling and doting over her.  We then went to pick out our patio stone.  Im REALLY getting excited. Our landscaper said that he can start in April.  CANT wait! A quick stop at the grocery store for a cafe lunch and to get a few things to make dinner.  A friend had her baby on March 1st so I wanted to make a meal to deliver to her.  I had a few people bring us food after D2 and I know how much things like that help.  Not to mention that I like to cook!  So I made 2 pans of chicken enchiladas.  I took one over to my friend's house and we ate the other when I got home.  YUM.  I also made my spanish rice (this time in the rice cooker) and it made a prefect side!

Ready to go!

Chicken Enchiladas

boiled chicken breasts or thighs, shredded

1 sm can green chilies (not drained)

1/4 cup diced onion

taco seasoning (you can omit if you want them "less spicy"

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 spoonful sour cream

2 cans Green Chile Enchilada sauce

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Flour tortillas (makes 7-9)

Stir 1st 6 ingredients together

Add 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese.  Stir.  

Pour 1/2 can sauce in bottom of 9 X 13 baking dish & spread around

Stuff tortillas with chicken mixture, roll and place in 9 X 13 baking dish.  

Pour the other 1.5 cans green enchilada sauce on top

Top with 1 cup cheddar cheese.  

Bake at 350 for 20 min. Then broil for a couple minutes til cheese bubbles and starts to brown...don't burn though. 

***** This meal is EXTREMELY freezable!!!!  You could make a few pans and throw them into the freezer for a busy day!

Spanish Rice

White long grain rice (2 cups)

Diced canned tomatoes (15 oz can)

taco seasoning (to taste)

garlic powder (to taste)

Chopped onion (1/2C)

Chopped Green Pepper (1/2C) 

I make the rice with The juice & diced tomatoes INSTEAD of water.  You can always add a bit of water if you are short.  Cook rice.  Saute Chopped onion & green pepper in a bit of EVOO.  Once done mix with rice and add seasoning.  I used about a tablespoon of Taco seasoning & about 2 teaspoons of garlic powder (we LIKE garlic!).  

Trip grade: A

My trip was GREAT.  We left on schedule at 5:30am Friday morning only to come back 15 mins later because I forgot D1's shoes, OH WELL.  We were back on the road by 6am and arrived in good 'ol York PA at 11:20am.  Not too shabby.  D1 didn't really sleep except for a 45 min nap.  I think she was a bit excited.  I left her in her jammies and we only had to stop once so she could pee.  She did GREAT.  We stopped in to see my dad for just a few minutes before meeting a friend for a sushi lunch.

We then ventured to my brother's house.  It was wonderful.  D1 and her cousin (who's birthday was St Patty's day and the reason we ventured there) are 3.5 months apart in age.  They played, rolled in the grass, hugged, and just overall enjoyed each other.  This was great for the parents because they kept each other BUSY!  They did not nap though.  I think they were both worried about 'missing something'.  I was fearful that this would carry into "real life" upon our return but she took one LONG nap today! YEAH!

Saturday morning I went and got my hair done and my mom watched D1.  Then it was birthday party time.  Since I was out and about (and it was 73 degrees and sunny) I stopped and got my car washed, and did a tad bit of shopping before heading back.  The party was great.  My sister in law always makes great food and I just enjoy spending time with my family.  Everyone took turns watching the "kids" so that everyone could have a good time.  My child-less brother brews his own beer and brought a few kinds that definitely did NOT disappoint.  I swear he needs to go into business!!!

Since it happened to be St Patty's day I mad made arrangements with my parents for them to keep D1 overnight.  I figured it was my 1st St Patty's without kids in 3+ years.  I met up with one of my brothers. his wife and a few others.  A group from high school was also out so we met up.  GOOD TIMES.  One of my friends was very excited to start doing some shots.  I was drinking beer all day and so I was a bit leery but all worked out.  We found a shot named "alot of vagina".  Needless to say we had to try it.  AWESOME.  Then came the "screaming orgasm" which was even better.  I got to see a few co-workers out and we had a great time.  I was my usually UN-shy self so I got several laughs.  GOOD TIMES.

The menu in case you didn't believe me!

Shot one (of ????)

Needless to say I had a tad bit of a headache the next morning.  Mom took D1 to the grocery store and let me sleep it off.  Good thing.  Then I met a friend, her daughter & new grand baby out for breakfast at the restaurant I worked at for 7 years.  I was in the memory mood so afterwards I drove around.  I stopped in the neighborhood I grew up in, the high school I went to, etc.  I moved away several times since I was 18 and the last time was 2006.  My how things change in that short time.  My old neighborhood wasn't quite the same.  The high school expanded and businesses came and went.  I got a bit emotional just thinking about it all.  Not sure why it struck me that way.  It just doesn't seem like "home" anymore.  Its now more like "where I grew up".  Weird.

Then I headed to the grocery store.  I had to pick up my staples that I can only get there.  Sweet Lebanon Bologna, Martin's chips, Batampte pickles (for Hubby), and twin pine farms bologna stick. I really wanted to get a few tasty cakes but I was trying to be a good girl.  After my shopping I headed back to my brother's house.  The kiddos were at the movies watching Lorax with my mom so we had a bit of needed quiet time.  I had brought a corned beef from Jaworski's (Cleveland) and my sister in law did a great job cooking it.  We decided that we wanted to make Haluski with it.  I brought my spaetzle maker and we went to work.  IT WAS FABULOUS.  Below is the dough recipe and then the Haluski recipe compliments of a friend from the mom's club.  Dinner was awesome!

Noodle recipe

1 medium to large head of cabbage, chopped (you can use food processor)

2 sticks of margarine and 1 stick butter (more or less as desired)

salt and pepper to taste

While boiling the dumplings, saute (in large fry pan) butter and cabbage cooked until soft and golden brown
Add dumplings to fry pan and fry a little longer . Mix it all while frying but don't overdo so dumplings stay together.

 I repeated the trip there on the way back except I didn't forget any shoes.  I packed the car the night before, woke up at 5am, dunked D1 in her seat and we were on the road by 5:45am.  She actually slept until 8am.  She had such a long weekend, poor thing.  We were home by 11:20 with one pit stop.  I have now found my perfect time to leave.  It just works for us.  I hate driving at night but this way its only partly night and we can get to our destination and still have a full day.  Like I said, it just works.  I'm glad to be home!!

Going on a a road trip & THE rice cooker

Today was all about preparation.  I spoke with D1 frequently this week about our "big trip" and about how she and mommy were going to have a good time.  Hoping when I wake her at 5am that some of it has sunk in.  Probably not, who am I kidding.

Took D2 to the pediatrician for her 9 month check up.  All went well.  One vaccination and she weighed in at 18# 6 oz!  WHOA!  I looked up D1's stats and she was 14.5!  I'm used to teeny ones and D2 is definitely not that.  She is still only in the 50% percentile for height AND weight but she just seems so much heavier!  Funny how these kids are so aline in some ways yet so different in others.  So fun!

After our appointment I went to the BMV got my new license and took the car to get its E check.  Surprisingly I got everything done and home in an hour!!  SCORE.

Then the neighbor kid V came over to "watch" the kids.  Its nice respite time for me.  I am here and can hear and see what is going on but she wants to do everything.  FINE by me!  I got a bunch of laundry done, dinner made and started to pack.  Hubby took over for V when he got home and I got to finish last minute preparation of our trip.  The car is packed and I am ready to go!

Made Bourbon Salmon (from Giant Eagle), sautéed zucchini, and I did a maiden use of the new rice cooker.  I made sushi (sticky) rice and it was PERFECT.  Can't complain at all.  Highly recommend one!!

Our new Zogirushi

Cross your fingers that I survive 5.5 hours in the car with a 2.5 year old!  Lookout York, here we come!

   

Pond leak & pizza

Today I was again very busy.  D1 woke top at 1am last night because use had to "pee" (she wears a diaper at night) and ended sleeping in the guest bedroom with daddy.  He sleeps in there when he has to be up BEFORE the ass crack of dawn so A. we don't keep him up and B. he doesn't wake us up in the morning.  It works quite well.  So a few days a month I get the king sized bed to myself.  So... for some STRANGE reason he took D1 into bed and of course by morning when I went to wake her, she had peed again; all over the bed.  I didn't put a diaper on her after she went at O'ass 30.  Ugghh.  Today was then an impromptu laundry day.

A few weeks ago Hubby and I decided to purchase a friends Tinkerbell Canopy bed.  It got delivered today!  D1 LOVES IT!!!!  She wanted to go to nap right then and there!!  Here's a pic without the canopy material put on.  She has a convertible crib which has been in the 'daybed' mode for the last year but I thought this would be a great transition bed for her to be in before her bed goes to a twin.  Fingers crossed!

Tinkerbell bed

I decided to take both kiddies outside as it was again 70 degrees.  D1 and I cleaned out my pond and D2 sat in her exersaucer on the front walk.  It was nice.  We ate lunch on the porch.  D1 decided to help feed D2 and gave her a bite of peanut butter & jelly sandwich.  SHIT!  Oh well.  I watched D2 like a hawk thereafter and I can now assume that there are no peanut allergies going on.  I had to chuckle.  I am constantly beating my drum "share with your sister" and when she does.... its PB&J.  Funny.

So we got the pond skimmed (and I found 2 dead froggies that didn't make the winter) so I decided to ramp up the waterfall.  All seemed well until later when I noticed a puddle behind the pond as well as a lower water level.  I shut it down to evaluate.  I was a dummy this winter and shut everything down but forgot to unplug my UV filter.  Apparently it burnt up and was now leaking.  I just need to get a new one and we will be back in business.  Crazy thing is that I have an outlet that hasn't been working.... so I tore that apart during nap time and found that was burnt to a crisp too.  UUGGGH.  Hubby stopped at Home Depot for me to get a replacement. Yep, I do electric too!

Then during nap I tackled the brush again.  I found that we have a honeylocust tree.  I noticed it while out there and then saw that this tree has some pretty scary thorns so I had to look it up... honeylocust.  Neat.  Then I started cutting down all these thorny brush plants out there... looked them up to: multi floral rose bushes.  Appartently a non-native weed that invades everywhere... well I cut all that down.... A few more days and the front is done.  Then it will take me another week or 2 to do the side and a few days to do the back... then it should be just about time to start MOWING!!!!  YAHOO.  Spring is here!!!

Dinner tonight was Antonio's pizza... YUM.  Sorry to disappoint but I really just didn't feel like cooking. Tomorrow I will be unveiling my new toy.  I bought a Zojirushi rice cooker.  Hubby and I are making a solid stab at eating healthy and we both believe that rice is a main staple in the effort.  Guess we will be finding out!  Updates tomorrow!

A whole day with my girl & black coffee

Today was fabulous.  It was 68-70 degrees and I got TONS accomplished.  Mind you, I was hobbling, but TONS accomplished!!

I have also decided to become a hard core coffee drinker.  We have given up creamer.... NOT sugar... but creamer.  Hoping to cut a pound off this year in doing so and I can't say that I miss it!!!  YEAH!!

Anyways, Hubby was off today and our music class was cancelled as our teacher is sick (BOO!) so we slept in.  Daddy made everyone turkey bacon & eggs and mommy got to work cleaning.  I got 3 solid hours in and MAN... windows were open... glass was cleaned and everything sparkled in the sunshine.  HAPPY day.  After my cleaning rampage I decided that I really needed to get out of the house.  I had a TON of errands to run and I had been putting them off because I didn't know the fate of my foot.  D1 wanted to come with me so off we went.  We hit Homegoods, Target, the bank, the grocery, picked up a chair at a friends house, and dropped off something at another friends!  WHEW!  It was amazing weather, how can one complain!  I was a bit uneasy because we didn't get to leave until 1:30.  D1 naps anywhere from 2:30-4.  I knew I was playing with fire but she didn't wake until 9 so I figured I was ok.  I also didn't think my errands would take as long as they did. We blew through nap time like champs.  I made a deal with myself (and hubby) that we would just call an early bedtime tonight.  I think with the time change we've been 'off' anyway.  Bedtime went without a hitch.  Both kids out cold by 8:45pm.  Hoping tomorrow morning will be good.  Weather is supposed to be amazing all WEEK!

Here's a photo of our dinner on the porch.  Hubby fired up the grill and we had a blast!

Tomorrow I hope to get more accomplished outside and get the pond up and running.  CAN. NOT. WAIT!!!  SPRING IS HERE!!! Pics to come!

Good news and OMG Chicken

Hubby and I went to see the Ortho Doc today.  We waited over a hour for our 5 minute appointment but all was great news.  Its not my tendon, nor is it a fracture.  Apparently I have bone spurs on my heels and he thinks one broke off which is causing inflammation (and pain) in my R talus joint.  Should go away with rest, motrin and a splint/boot for 2 weeks.  Bad news was that he couldn't believe how young I was after looking at my X-rays.  He said that I have very "beat up" ankles and they already show significant arthritis.  GREATTTTTT.  My plan at this point is to call an exercise physiologist.  I want them to evaluate my running and to see if I have horrible form, etc.  I also have to give up the vibrams for running.  Doc said that I need support and the barefoot movement is not one for me.  I will also run this past the exercise phys (no pun intended... get it, run it by him????)  HA!  Anyways great news but eye opening information.  He also noted that if I go back to running and this reoccurs... marathoning days are over.  Humph.  One day at a time, right?

This also means that I can drive home to PA this weekend!!  I'm already making plans... got a haircut scheduled for Sat morning... St Patty's festivities Sat night and then some visits Sunday!  WHOO HOOO!!! Can't wait.  I'm only bringing D1 because Hubby is staying home and I don't know if I can handle two kids on my own away from home, not to mention the bum leg.  We will have a fun girls weekend!

Onto FOOD.

I was Pinteresting chicken recipes, as we are really starting to steer clear of anything except Venison and chicken these days.  (Of course I will make Corned Beef around St Patty's!!!) I came across a recipe entitled OMG Chicken.  Looked good and simple so I figured I would give it a try.  I saw it made with mayo (no thanks) or there was a substitution for Sour Cream or Yogurt... YES PLEASE!!!  I estimated the extra calories at 160ish cals divided by 3 breasts (= 53cals) added to the chicken. NOT TOO SHABBY!

1/2C Yogurt (I used 2% Chobani Greek yogurt)
1/4C Parmesan Cheese
bread crumbs
chicken breasts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

1. Mix Yogurt with Cheese
2. Spray a baking dish with Pam.
3. Place chicken in pan.
4. Cover Chicken with yogurt mixture
5. Sprinkle with bread crumbs

6. Place chicken in oven for 20-30 mins or until Chicken temp is 165degrees

Then I thought I would pair it with a household favorite.... Mushroom Rice.  Just make a couple cups of rice (we use a long grain mix) and then sautee some mushrooms (we used oyster but use shiitake all the time) in a bit of EVOO and salt.  Once mushrooms are browned chop them and add to cooked rice & mix!

Add A to B

The Mushroom rice

The cooked chicken

Dinner is SERVED!

This was the most moist baked chicken I have ever eaten!!!!!  It was REALLY GOOD.  Hubby said "how did you make this??  You CAN make this again!"  SCORE for the home team!!  So easy and REALLY good!

So much to do.. no time for a fracture

Please keep positive thoughts my way.  Calling ortho first thing in the morning to see what the frick is up with my foot.  Since I technically can't do anything worse than what I've done (no.... I didn't run) I was out in the front yard raking out the area we are clearing this spring.  Boot & all.  LOL.  Last year I said that I thought the neighbors thought Hubby was a shithead because I was outside 9 months pregnant doing yard work... if they would have saw me today.. LOL.  Funny.  I just can't get this "relax" thing into my head.  I know.. I know... I may have no choice... but I can't sit around until I KNOW its broke.  I just mentally can't.  Criticize all you want... but I should have an answer soon and I will be a compliant patient. I promise.

Today was 70 degrees.  Hubby got home from work at 6 and we grilled out.  YUM.  D2 ate avocado for the first time and LOVED it... then again, she loves everything we put in front of her (EXCEPT BABY FOOD!)  She whines when we give it to her.... seems as if my baby loves texture!  LOVE HER!!!

PS.... if you like reading my blog please "follow me".... I'd love to know how many people are actually reading!!

-Cheers!

I got the call :(

Yesterday at the doctor's office I was told that no news was good news regarding my X-ray.  I put the boot on immediately after waking up this morning and went about my day.  I was on the phone when another call beeped in.  I didn't recognize the number so I ignored it and finished my call.  They left a voicemail.  As soon as I heard "this is Michelle from Brunswick Family Medicine regarding your Xray" I knew it was trouble.  Of course I called back immediately.  Basically the radiologist said that he could not rule out a non displaced fracture and that I need to follow up with an orthopedist.  Not what I wanted to hear. AT. ALL.

Now I keep going through scenarios.  This is where coming from a medical background SUCKS.  I am a RN.  I have worked in ER's, ICU's and for Medflight.  Hearing "can't rule out" means... YEP YOU ARE FRACTURED to my ears.  Then I think... how can I stay off of my foot?  I have 2 small children.  It also happens to be my right foot which means that I couldn't drive in a cast.  Dear God I am praying that I can stay in this boot.  I went from hating it to LOVING it in about 5 minutes today.  We have a call into the 'suggested' office of my husband so that they will call me Monday morning.  Fingers & toes crossed that they give me the news I want to hear.

The ingredients

I did make a quick crock pot dinner today and D1, D2 and Hubby SCARFED down.  Here it goes:

Black Bean Salsa Chicken

1# of chicken tenderloins
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of corn, drained
1 15oz jar of salsa (we used mild)

Add everything to crock pot and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 6 hours.  In last 30 minutes add 8oz of cream cheese.

YUM.  I served this over rice.  It was pretty darn wonderful!

Cooked and ready to eat!

YUMMY!!!

Stuck in a BOOT

So I've been training for this half marathon coming up in May.  I've been clocking the miles and I thought I was doing quite well until last week.  My Right ankle normally "clicks" when I walk down the steps in the morning and has lately been quite painful.  To fix this I take a few motrin and continue with my life.  The last 2 days it hasn't worked.  I did 4 miles on Wednesday and it hasn't been right since.  Any wight bearing causes some severe pain.  I am not one to go to a doctor but this morning I decided it was high time.  I made my appointment and off I went.

The took X-rays and decided it was either tendonitis or a stress fracture.  Treatment is the same.  Stop running, ice, elevation & Motrin.  This also means a boot.  UUGGHH.  I started my half marathon 2 weeks sooner than I HAD to to give myself time to adjust and this injury is putting me back 2 weeks.  With my fingers crossed I may still be able to run in May.... fingers crossed.

  

Warm day outside

Its March 7th.  In Cleveland.  It was 65 degrees today!!  YAHOO!  My husband announced "it is OFFICIALLY spring!"  Thats the real deal then, spoken by the Cleveland boy!  D1 had art class with the MIL & BIL so It was D2 and I today until hubby woke up.  I decided to take advantage of D2's morning nap and I headed outside.  We have 2 dogs, a Rottweiler and a Great Dane mix, thats a TON of poo.  Given that we haven't cleaned it in about 4 months thats REALLY a ton of poo.  I took the girls wagon and threw a trug on it and went to work.  Needless to say, I quickly filled it.  I even got to pick up sticks along the way!  SPRING CLEANING AT ITS FINEST!

Poo central

Hubby met me outside once he got up and dressed and we walked our property and discussed future plans.  We own 8 acres.  Much of it is a ravine and unusable.  He likes the 'natural' (IE WEEDS!) look.  I have been asking him to clear more of the brush to make more usable clean space.  Today he approved!  He left for work at 4 and I was already out there chucking sticks into a pile!  When its nice outside I take full advantage.  Unfortunately that means that my inside projects come to a screeching halt, but that is what rainy days are for... right?

Area next to the driveway.... soon to be cleared out!

Next to the ravine... to be cleared

 I got on the tractor and took down some brush next to the fence.  This is a large area that soon will be grassy.  Yes, more to mow... but more to enjoy!

I mowed a strip next to the fence.. this will all be 'debrushed'

Then I finished my shelves in the garage.  We installed the Rubbermaid Fasttrack in the garage to hang and store things.  I then decided to add a shelving unit next to the door so that things are easily accessible from the house.  We have TONS of shoes and I am always looking for ways to get things off of the floor.  I then found some plant hangar 'S' hooks and found a solution!  WALA!

Boots hung with plant S hooks!

Muffin Mania

Today I woke up and did a 3 mile run in my new Reebok Realflex.  They are comfy OUT OF THE BOX!!  I could barely believe it. I had my vibrams ready to go but they went unneeded. YEAH.  I love my vibrams just need a bit of extra support/cushion when my ankles are screaming when I do back to back days.

My vibrams and my new Reeboks

Then it was off to music class.  D1 is in the stage where she will just REPEAT EVERYTHING.  AND AGAIN, AND AGAIN.  "mommy I like that."  "Mommy, I like that." "MOMMY, I LIKE THAT."  Uggh.  D2 was pretty crabby as well. I was annoyed before we even left the house.  Class went well and on the way home the MIL called and asked if she could have D1 for the day. SURE!  This allowed me to just deal with D2 for Muffin Day.  I dropped her off but was running late.  Speeding home, I got pulled over.  DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My first speeding ticket in over 5 years.  DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!  Its gonna be a doozy too.  UUGGHHHH.

I finally got home and beat the girls here which made me slightly happy.  I started both ovens to start the baking frenzy and started prepping for lunch.  There are a bunch of us that adore Pinterest.  We have been pinning muffin recipes and just love the sound of them all.  Someone suggested baking some.... so I suggested that they come over and we bake and trade!  One friend's daughter named it "MUFFIN MANIA" and it seems to fit perfectly.

For lunch I made Edamame Rice Bowl.  This is a recipe i use a lot.  It's from Vegetarian Times Magazine.  ITS AMAZING.  I have YET to find someone that doesn't LOVE it.  You wouldn't think the ingredients go together but its DIVINE.  Here's the recipe!

EDAMAME RICE BOWL

4 cup brown rice (cooked)

1- 8oz bag frozen SHELLED edemame
1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

10 pitted kalamata olives sliced

3 TBS chopped Cilantro

1 TBS olive oil

1 TBS lime juice

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

1.  Cook rice to package directions.

2.  Bring 2 cups salted water to a boil, add edemame, and cook 2 minutes, or until tender; Drain and set aside

3.  Toss together rice, edemame, cranberries, feta, olives, olive oil, lime joice, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl.  Season with salt and pepper.

Then I made "pizza in a pot"

Pizza in a pot


2 cups Spaghetti Sauce
1 cup Ricotta
1/2 cup diced pepperoni
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella
Torn basil for garnish
Dash of EVOO


Add spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, ricotta and pepperoni in a oven proof bowl.  
Cook at 350 until cooked all the way through
Add Mozzarella, basil and EVOO


Serve with Crostini.

It was now Muffin Mania.  There were 4 adults and a friends 10 year old daughter that helped ALOT.  We all had a blast.  We made:
Pumpkin Donut Muffins (recipe below)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins
Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins
White Chocolate Apricot Muffins
Yogurt, Banana & walnut (my healthy ones!) (recipe below)
and we had Choc Chip Banana muffins

The baking crew!

Assembly

Finished product

Baking!

My Pumpkin Donut Muffins

My assortment

The healthy (140 calories) Yogurt, Banana & Walnut muffins

Everyone brought their own ingredients and muffin pans.  We each baked and then split up our booty.   We cut up each kind and taste tested them all.  We each baked and then split up our booty.  We all went home with an assortment of muffins.  Into the freezer they went!  I suggested that we do this quarterly and I did not hear an objection!  A new tradition has begun!

Here are my recipes:

Pumpkin Donut Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

• 3 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR (SPOONED AND LEVELED), PLUS MORE FOR PAn
• 2 1/2 TEASPOONS BAKING POWDER
• 1/4 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
• 1 TEASPOON COARSE SALT
• 1/2 TEASPOON GROUND NUTMEG
• 1/4 TEASPOON GROUND ALLSPICE
• 1/3 CUP BUTTERMILK
• 1 1/4 CUPS PURE PUMPKIN PURÉE (FROM A 15-OUNCE CAN, NOT THE WHOLE THING!)
• 1 3/4 STICKS UNSALTED BUTTER, ROOM TEMPERATURE
• 3/4 CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
• 2 LARGE EGGS

Glaze: 
• 4 TABLESPOONS UNSALTED BUTTER, MELTED (USE 1 TO 2 TABLESPOONS IF JUST COATING THE TOPS)
• 3/4 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR
• 2 1/2 TEASPOONS CINNAMON

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour 12 standard muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the pumpkin and buttermilk. Set aside.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping bowl as needed.
6. With the mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with two additions pumpkin mixture, and beat to combine.
7. Spoon 1/3 cup batter into each muffin cup. Bake for 30 minutes.
8. Let muffins cool 10 minutes in pan on a wire rack.
9. Working with one at a time, remove muffins from pan, brush all over with melted unsalted butter, then toss to coat in sugar mixture. Let muffins cool completely on a wire rack. Store in an airtight container, up to 1 day.

Yogurt, Banana & Walnut muffins (146 calories!)

• 1 1/4 C OATMEAL
• 1/2 C Brown RICE FLOUR
• 1/4 C GROUND FLAXSEED
• 1 TSP BAKING POWDER
• 1 TSP BAKING SODA
• 2 EGGS, BEATEN
• 1/4 C PLAIN YOGURT
• 3 MEDIUM, RIPE BANANAS, MASHED
• 1/2 C AGAVE SYRUP
• 1/3 C GRAPESEED OIL
• 1/4 C WALNUT PIECES (I used about double this)

Directions

1.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2.

In a large bowl, whisk together oatmeal, flour, flaxseed, baking powder, and baking soda.

3.

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, yogurt, bananas, syrup, and oil. Add flour mixture and fold in walnuts.

4.

Divide batter into paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool on a wire rack.