Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Finally Some Snow!

 
 
Snow!!!
 
 












We've barely had any snow since #snowtober and I can say I'm very happy about that.  The weather gurus have been going back and forth on how much snow/rain this system would drop here.  At last check we have about 3 inches.  It's suppose to change to over to sleet and freezing rain just in time for the evening commute.  Hoping the hubby can make it home from work.  His commute is usually an hour.

Most of the school around us either closed or announced early dismissal before 9 a.m.  Our school district waited until almost 10.  My kids were not realeased from school until noon when the snow was falling rapidly and the roads were not plowed or salted.  The roads by the school were slick and messy at pick up.  I'm so glad my kids are not bussers. They are home safe and sound and enjoying all the snow out back now that lunch and homework are done.  Oh to be a kid again!

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Our Family is Growing

Yes indeed, our family is growing. Well, has actually already grown.
Meet our two newest additions...Mitsy and Matthew!


Friday, February 10, 2012

Mom Jobs (aka The Things We Do For Our Kids)

Here's a (partial) list of jobs moms do, day in and day out, from birth to the teenage years and beyond.

-  Butt Wiper
-  Nose Blower
-  Boo Boo Kisser
-  Tear Dryer
-  Housekeeper & Maid
-  Cook
-  Dish Washer
-  Teacher
-  Homework Helper
-  Dispute Manager/Peacekeeper
-  Entertainer (Movies, Books, Games  Etc)
-  Chauffeur
-  Stylist (Hair & Clothes)
-  ATM/Money Maker
-  Cheerleader
-  Negotiator
-  Event Coordinator/Social Calendar
-  Alarm Clock
-  Nurse
-  Problem Solver
- Advice Giver
-  Listener

Where do we pick up our paycheck?

These jobs change and evolve as children get older.  Many stay around way past their expiration.  It's a tiring, often thankless job but someone needs to do it.

I'm happy and proud to be a mom.  Though through it all though there are definitely days I question it and my abilities.  I wouldn't change it for anything. My children mean the world to me. 

What mom jobs would you add?  What ones do you enjoy and which ones could you totally do without?

I LOVE bring my kids biggest cheerleader whether it be on the sidelines of a sport/ activity or in school. Being their chauffeur and maid, not so much.

Just Because

My husband brought these and a pizza home last night just because. How sweet is that?!  Granted, I had already made dinner but its the thought that counts. We'll have the pizza tonight before going to a hockey game. And flowers...always appreciated!


Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Sweet Dreams (Wordless Wednesday)

Little Bee went to bed tonight with a sore tummy. Glad she was able to finally fall asleep. Hoping she has sweet dreams and feels better in the morning. 

Love my (not so) baby girl.


Monday, February 06, 2012

Tax Time is a Time Suck (and the Inner Circle of Hell)


Like good americans, my husband and I, called our local H&R Block and scheduled a time to come in and do our taxes.

When I was single I use to do my own State and Federal taxes. For the most part it was easy. The federal rarely gave me a problem . The state a minor nightmare, but bearable.

Once my husband and I got married we started using a tax service because at the time we both had worked in 2 states and he had several W-4 forms.  It was easier and saved me from pulling out my hair.

Today hubby called at 1:30 and made a 5:15 appointment. We showed up, kids in tow at 5:10. The kids were prepared. They brought stuff to keep them busy. They knew the consequences if they didn't behave appropriately. 5:15 came and went, as did 5:45 and 6:00. The kids were being patient playing Uno and getting along. At 6:10 hubby said we would leave at 6:15 if we weren't seen. I was beyond annoyed.  Don't schedule an appointment if you can't actually see the person/people close to that time. The preparer came out at 6:13, in the nick of time.

You would think I would be grateful but I was annoyed. No apology was made. He actually had the gall to ask us if we had an easy return. Then when we told him no he turned to the other person waiting ( one that came in only 10 minutes before he came out) and asked her the same question. I saw red. Thank goodness she said no too. He actually said, oh I would taken care of you really quick first. Wth?!!!  Very unprofessional.

I'm done. I've had it.  I plan on calling tomorrow and speaking with the branch manager. That is poor customer service and unacceptable. I've worked the majority of my working life in customer service and I would never have handled a situation that way. We will not be using H&R Block next year.

And those  well behaved, patient kids are now crazy bored and getting under mine and each others skin.   I've officially lost my patience. 

****Oh, and to top it off we filed an injurd spouse form last year.  We received the federal monies but never the state. We signed and paid for both forms. When we inquired about we got no answer. He'll be asking his boss about it tomorrow .  What a joke.

H&R Block and tax time is what I imagine hell to be.

Sunday, February 05, 2012

Bear Sitting is a Big Responsibility

My daughter has asked me to watch her "baby", Jason, while she showers. She's left me a list of things to do. I need to feed him a snack,  cuddle him and put him down for a nap.  So glad she trusts me to take care of her precious bundle. She's a good mommy.  I'm proud of her.

Do your children mother their special babies or animals?


Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Loaded Baked Potato Soup


I found this recipe on www.crockingirls.com. I tweaked it slightly and it was a hit with my whole family.


Loaded Baked Potato Soup




Ingredients:

★8 mediun potatoes, peeled and cubed (I usually leave the skin on potatoes.  Less work for me and more nutritious).

★1/2  onion, diced

★1 32 ounce (4 cups) container of chicken broth


★3 garlic cloves, minced

★1/4 cup butter

★Salt to taste Pepper to taste

★1 cup cream or 1 cup 1/2 and 1/2 cream.

★1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Garnish: chives, sour cream, bacon, and cheese


Directions:

Combine all ingredients EXCEPT  cream/ half and half and cheese in a large slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours (potatoes should be tender).

Mash potatoes until coarsely chopped and soup is slightly thickened. If you like a really think soup (like my husband does) add potato flakes a little at a time until desired thickness is reached).

Stir in cream and cheese. Garnish with toppings.

*** You can add chopped ham (at the beginning for a complete meal.