Friday, January 27, 2012

Thankful Friday

My work Friday came earlier this week on Wednesday. I spent yesterday doing loads of laundry (wash, dry, fold and put away), sweeping, mopping, vacuuming and baking yummy bread (white and banana).  Today I relaxed and spent a chunk of the day on Pinterest.  Dang it can be addicting!

Things I'm thankful for this week:

*  Most importantly for my family. My husband and kids are my world.

*  Having two days off from work this week!  I got to take the kids to school. I miss doing that. I was able to catch up on things around the house. Much easier when no ones home.

*  It was nice to enjoy a quiet breakfast after taking the kids to school.  I really enjoyed not rushing through it. The strawberries and blueberries, along with my homemade banana bread were divine if I do say so myself.

*  Continuing to teach my son important study habits. He hates to do it but his (our) hard work pays off. He received a 93 on his science test. So proud!

*  Knowing that you can go back home. Our old rink reopened under new ownership at the end of  last year. They're not 100% operational yet but they have put together a rec youth league. We took my son to play there last week since he didn't have a game. It was nice being back. It's not the same but it will always feel like home. He got to see some of his old teammates and we got to catch up with the parents. We're going to go back again this Saturday and next. Home sweet home. Can't beat it.

*  Doctor appointments booked over the next few weeks. Goalieboy is having his heating aides adjusted. He's lost about 10 decibels of hearing and only hears we'll when his aides are turned up to 3 instead of 2. Both kids will be seeing the eye doctor. Looking into how much of a problem Goalieboy is having with tracking. It may be effecting his learning so more testing might need to be done.  Both kids will definitely continue to be in glasses.

Hoping we make it through next month without any major bills. We're dead broke right now. Can't wait to get our taxes done and we have some tax money to throw at our bills.

Stay focused on the positives and work through negatives.  That's my motto right now.  How was your week?

Slow Cooker Pizza

Slow Cooker Pizza






This recipe is super easy and my kids loved it! 


Ingredients:

1.  Pizza Dough (I purchase ready made from the grocery store)
2.  Olive Oil
3.  Choice of toppings

Directions:

1.  Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray.

2.  Stretch/roll out dough to roughly the size of the bottom of your crock (slightly more).  I'm lazy.  I stretch it a
      bit and then put it in the crock and then stretch it along the bottom and up the sides a bit.

3.  Drizzle with olive oil.

4.  At this point I generously shake some parmesan cheese on top (love the taste and texture) and then I
     added peperoni.

5.  Put a kitchen towel or a few folded paper towels under the lid to collect moisture.

6.  Crock on high for 2-4 hours.  Check at 2.  I checked at 2 and a half and a corner of mine was over
     done.  If your crock heats unevenly you may want to turn it and hour in to get even cooking.  I wish
     I had remembered to do that.

7.  5 minutes before I'm ready to pull it out sprinkle with mozzarella cheese (Mmmmm!).

I haven't attempted to add sauce to the top of the pizza before crocking.  I'm going to try it soon. I set out pizza or marinara sauce for the kids to dip their pieces in.  I'm also going to try it with black olives next time.  Can't wait!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Winter Has Arrived!

Winter has finally really arrived!  I'm not counting the freakish storm in October that caused so many problems.

The kids were so excited to go outside and play.  The only thing that would've made them happier was if it had happened during the week and they would've gotten a snow day.

They bundled up in warm winter coats, snow pants, gloves, hats and scarves.  Excitement sparked the air. 

Too bad my camera phone only uploads grainy pictures that don't do the moment justice.




First stop was the shed in our backyard where the sleds and stuff are stored.























The kids took turns sledding down our driveway.  It's a nice little hill that makes it perfect for sledding.
The kids also raced down it together.  Laughing all the way.



Snow angels are a must!  My daughter loves making them.  My son of course had to play hockey in the snow.  He even got grandpa in the act.  Grandpa stood at the top of the drive and played goalie, keeping the puck out of the street. Both were having a great time.  I loved seeing the pure childlike joy on both their faces.

The atmosphere of pure joy and abandon is priceless and intoxicating.  I felt like a kid again, laughing with them.  My daughter would take the sled up the top of the driveway and have me push her hard.  She would giggle going down and squeal at the bottom and demand again!

It was such a good day.  The kids are now inside enjoying hot chocolate and playing in the "fort" I made them.  The simple things are the best and most fun!

Friday, January 20, 2012

Thankful Friday

Things I'm thankful for this week...

My husband for trying to step it up and be more helpful around the house.

My kids...They drive me insane but they're my world.

My friends-Oh how I miss you all so much!

Hockey-My son played on the all star team for his league and they won the Atlantic Division (Squirt) Championships!  I'm a very proud mama.

Work...I don't know how our family would've survived the last 3/4 months if I hadn't found a job that worked with my physical restrictions.

Health-It's been a roller coaster but so far we haven't plummeted!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

My All-Star

So proud of my All-Star Goal!






Sunday, January 08, 2012

Give Me Strength

Do you ever feel like you're in a race you have no hope in winning or even completing?  Do you feel like you're constantly going in circles with a few hills and lots of gullies?  Do you feel hope only to have it repeatedly dashed? Do you feel like you're on track only to get knocked off?

This seems to be the routine of my life during the last few years. I don't know which way is up.  I feel like I'm constantly  fighting the current tugging me backwards and under.

I struggle to pull ahead. I find myself in a good place. I'm happy. Only to get side swiped and pulled down.

I want to please everyone and make them happy but I can't. I can't seem to even hold on to my own happiness.

I feel critical of others and I don't know why. 

I just want to be complete. I want to be happy. I want to feel at peace with myself and others.

Is it me?  Is there something wrong with me?  Is it them?  Is it us?

I just don't know anymore. I'm lost and there's no road map. I need a helping hand but I don't know where to turn.

My manta to live by is:  Stay strong.  Focus on the positives. And, this too shall pass.

God doesn't give us more than we can handle. This I believe.

Thursday, January 05, 2012

Twisted, Work of a Master Manipulator

Do you have a daddy's girl?  I wouldn't say Little Bee has daddy totally wrapped around her finger yet but she's working on it.

Funny thing is, I know he knows he's bring played.  It depends on his mood and what she's asking for on whether or not he agrees.

This time she just claimed she was hungry to him in that innocent, needy voice. You may know the sound of it.  I knew what was coming next.  She doesn't ask me because she knows what I'll say.

First he says, "Honey you just had some cake".  She says, "But daddy I'm still hungry". This coming from the girl who often eats like a baby bird. She tones her  voice just right to tug on his heart strings. It's like she's starving and hasn't eaten anything besides that piece of cake in hours, maybe days.

Rather than saying ok and offering her a few healthier snack options, he asks what she wants. Now she starts to reel him in. "I don't know daddy", she tells him. Then she pauses as if to think. Then sweetly says, "Maybe can I have a cookie?".  And yes he gives in. 

Ding, ding, ding....we have a winner!!  46 lb, 7 year old destroys 210 lb, 40 year without lifting a finger!  Simply amazing.

And some say it can't be done. Guess they never had a sweet sounding, master manipulator for a daughter. Ha!!

Wednesday, January 04, 2012

New Addition

Welcome Jason, the soccer playing koala, to our family!  Little Bee got a Build-A-Bear gift card from her older sis and was so excited to finally go on mommy/daughter shopping day. 

First we went to get Little Bee's hair cut because her curls had turned to dreaded frizz at the ends. Just a few inches. Nothing drastic for us in the hair department. 

Then a quick lunch in the food court before heading to get her new friend. It was love at first sight.  She knew she wanted a boy and she was so excited to find him a  soccer uniform. It was calling her name.  She decided that Jason plays soccer just like her.  The uniform has pants, shirt and knee pads. We bought him a pair of cleats too.

The store's staff is so wonderful there!  I admit I teared up as the girl at the "stuffing" machine talked to my little girl. She was sweet and caring. She asked if it was a boy or girl and what his name was. She saw the soccer outfit and asked Bee if she played. It was a great experience. I love the part where you pick out your animals heart and the special routine they do before placing it inside. Melted my heart. Happy memories are written all over this place. The cashier was wonderful too. She talked soccer with Bee while she rang her up and then took all the tags off the clothes so we could dress him at the counter.

It was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. I plan on writing the company a letter about the amazing staff there.  Unfortunately it's unusual to have such a positive shipping experience all the way through.  They deserve major  kudos.

Thank you Build-A-Bear for making my daughter's experience one for the memory books.

****I was not compensated by Build-A-Bear Workshop for this post. We had a wonderful experience I wanted to share with everyone.