1. Sean- truly the love of my life. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life.
2. Hunter- I seriously don't know where I would be if I didn't have him. It may not have been how I thought my life would turn out at 20, but I couldn't have planned it better if I would have tried. He made me a better person. And I' so proud of the man he is becoming.
3. Owen and Quinlin- I am putting them together because they are two peas in a pod. Completely best friends and lost without the other. The two of them have made me a better mom, have taught me so much, and make me laugh. They are sweet, funny and delicious.
4. My parents and Sean's parents. It was a rough year on Sean's family with losing his dad. We are thankful to be close enough to our parents and know they will help us at a moment's notice if needed. They love our kids like their own and we couldn't be more grateful.
5. Our jobs- which have allowed us to provide a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and clothes to keep us warm.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I will be back to blogging next week about our holiday and events that we have been up to.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Favorite Main Dish Recipes- Chicken Curry in a Hurry
Linking up with Kelly's Korner today for the show us your life series- Main Dish Recipes. I wish I had a picture of this yummy goodness that I actually took, but the stock photo will have to do. My sister in law introduced it to me after finding it online and I am passing it on here.
Chicken Curry in a Hurry
source: simplyrecipes.com
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_curry_in_a_hurry/
Ingredients
• 1 Tbsp corn, grapeseed, or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons yellow curry powder, or to taste
• 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves (1 to 1 ½ pounds)*
• 1 cup sour cream
• Minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Method
1 Put the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the onions (and optional raisins), sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, sprinkle with half of the curry powder, and continue to cook a minute or two.
2 Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle it with the remaining curry powder. Move the onion to one side of the skillet and add the chicken in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
3 Add the sour cream and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is nice and thick. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple more minutes, or until cooked through, turning once.
Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with rice.
Serves 4.
This recipe is so good. I don't use the raisins and I think I cook it backwards. I cook the onions and then remove them completely from the pan (I dont like anything touching raw chicken even though it all gets cooked). Once onions are cooked, I cook the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, I add the onion back in and continue on with the sour cream. I can never get enough of the sauce and the onions and just how truly easy and fast it is to make. My whole family likes it- especially Owen. Enjoy!!!
Chicken Curry in a Hurry
source: simplyrecipes.com
http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/chicken_curry_in_a_hurry/
Ingredients
• 1 Tbsp corn, grapeseed, or olive oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 ½ teaspoons yellow curry powder, or to taste
• 4 skinless, boneless, chicken breast halves (1 to 1 ½ pounds)*
• 1 cup sour cream
• Minced fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Method
1 Put the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the onions (and optional raisins), sprinkle with some salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium, sprinkle with half of the curry powder, and continue to cook a minute or two.
2 Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle it with the remaining curry powder. Move the onion to one side of the skillet and add the chicken in one layer. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer to a plate.
3 Add the sour cream and stir constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture is nice and thick. Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a couple more minutes, or until cooked through, turning once.
Garnish with cilantro or parsley and serve with rice.
Serves 4.
This recipe is so good. I don't use the raisins and I think I cook it backwards. I cook the onions and then remove them completely from the pan (I dont like anything touching raw chicken even though it all gets cooked). Once onions are cooked, I cook the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked, I add the onion back in and continue on with the sour cream. I can never get enough of the sauce and the onions and just how truly easy and fast it is to make. My whole family likes it- especially Owen. Enjoy!!!
He's on a plane!
OK- today is the day that I put my baby on an airplane to travel alone for the first time. He is a pretty seasoned traveler, thanks to my parents and constant trips to Florida and cruises with them. But this is the first time he's flying alone. Off to another state to visit his dad. I'm so proud of his independence, his courage, the man he is becoming.
We woke up about 5am and we were out the door at 5:45. Got to the airport, parked, went to the ticket counter and then I stood in line with him as far as I could until he needed to go through security. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him and to be careful (voice cracking the whole time) and I was on my way. I came to work early and am now waiting for texts from him to say he got there safely. I have already been updated that he got breakfast and was at his gate. Prayers for a safe return and a great visit. Sunday cannot come soon enough when he's back on the ground with us!
And as an add-on to yesterday's post, Owen drew a few more things before bed. Too cute to not share and document.
His drawings are awesome. I can't wait to show them to him when he's older. Big weekend for the kids- Quinlin gets fitted for her dance uniform tonight, they have two birthday parties tomorrow (one inflatable jump zone place and one is bowling), Sean and I have date night tomorrow night, and then big shopping day on Sunday to get everything we need for thanksgiving. And of course, a trip to the airport to pick up Hunter. I think the kids will get a kick out of going there.
This is the "are you kidding me? you're really taking a picture?" look.
We woke up about 5am and we were out the door at 5:45. Got to the airport, parked, went to the ticket counter and then I stood in line with him as far as I could until he needed to go through security. I gave him a hug, told him I loved him and to be careful (voice cracking the whole time) and I was on my way. I came to work early and am now waiting for texts from him to say he got there safely. I have already been updated that he got breakfast and was at his gate. Prayers for a safe return and a great visit. Sunday cannot come soon enough when he's back on the ground with us!
And as an add-on to yesterday's post, Owen drew a few more things before bed. Too cute to not share and document.
This Owen described as "Germy. He got sick and puked". Germy looks pretty angry if you ask me. He must still be traumatized over his and Quinlin's recent bout with a stomach virus.
This he described as "Owen with a rainbow and a sun"
His drawings are awesome. I can't wait to show them to him when he's older. Big weekend for the kids- Quinlin gets fitted for her dance uniform tonight, they have two birthday parties tomorrow (one inflatable jump zone place and one is bowling), Sean and I have date night tomorrow night, and then big shopping day on Sunday to get everything we need for thanksgiving. And of course, a trip to the airport to pick up Hunter. I think the kids will get a kick out of going there.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Drawings by Owen
I have been loving age 4 with Owen. He's so fun, smart, creative. I wanted to make sure I posted these and didn't forget about them.
The other night before bed, Owen drew on his doodle pad and came out with such pride. This was daddy fishing.It's so perfect!
He drew this one on Friday. This was "Owen at the water park". I think he's still remembering his vacation to Great Wolf Lodge this summer. I love his fingers and everything about this picture. One to save in the scrapbook!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Saturday Recap
This past Saturday, we had a fun day planned. It was gorgeous weather for November. 63* and sunny and we had a busy day ahead of us. It started with family pictures. Sean hates when I schedule these, but it's so nice for me to have professional images each year to watch my family grow. Plus- we needed them for our Christmas cards. So we decked out in our fall attire and headed towards a beautiful park. My friend, Colleen, has been photographing my family since Owen was 4 months old. I cherish these memories. We were there about an hour and later that day, she already gave me an image as a teaser.
I love it! Sean says he has "Irish Fat Face" going on.. he still looks handsome to me!
After the pictures, we came home and napped and then headed to the local mall to meet up with 11 of Owen and Quinlin's friends to see Wreck It Ralph. Very cute movie! Owen did awesome. He sat in the row in front of us with his buddies. This was the second movie he has been to and did much better than the first (Avengers where he only lasted 30 minutes). Quinlin had never been to a movie before and she did well as well. She sat on my lap and watched most of it. Wasn't the best timing to be potty training as we needed to check out the bathrooms five times during the movie (only went twice) but at least she was going! She ate a ton of popcorn, drank half our pop and thoroughly enjoyed herself!
After the movie, we went across the street to Chick-Fil-A. The kids all played and we hung out with the other parents. It's nice to form a group of friends that we seem to have a lot in common with because of our kids. We stayed there about an hour and then headed home to our neighbor's house for a campfire, s'mores and cornhole. The kids played and I finally got them home about 10pm. Exhausted and overly tired, it wasnt a fun night. They cried through thier baths, Owen said he didnt feel well, they wanted Sean (why is it that they always want the parent who isn't home???). Sean stayed back with the neighbors and made it home about 11:15.
At 1am, Quinlin started throwing up. Of either child, I thought Owen was the one who would have been sick. about 1:30am, Owen started crying complaining his foot hurt him. So, we were basically up between 1-4am (Sean sleeping in Quinlin's bed with her, me doing laundry out the wazoo and comforting Owen).
They both woke up fine. No more foot pain for Owen and Quinlin was happy as a clam for the most part (lingering tummy issues on sunday). I thought it was all the junk she ate but it could have been a bug. If it's a bug, I'm hoping it leaves without infecting the rest of us!
I love it! Sean says he has "Irish Fat Face" going on.. he still looks handsome to me!
After the pictures, we came home and napped and then headed to the local mall to meet up with 11 of Owen and Quinlin's friends to see Wreck It Ralph. Very cute movie! Owen did awesome. He sat in the row in front of us with his buddies. This was the second movie he has been to and did much better than the first (Avengers where he only lasted 30 minutes). Quinlin had never been to a movie before and she did well as well. She sat on my lap and watched most of it. Wasn't the best timing to be potty training as we needed to check out the bathrooms five times during the movie (only went twice) but at least she was going! She ate a ton of popcorn, drank half our pop and thoroughly enjoyed herself!
After the movie, we went across the street to Chick-Fil-A. The kids all played and we hung out with the other parents. It's nice to form a group of friends that we seem to have a lot in common with because of our kids. We stayed there about an hour and then headed home to our neighbor's house for a campfire, s'mores and cornhole. The kids played and I finally got them home about 10pm. Exhausted and overly tired, it wasnt a fun night. They cried through thier baths, Owen said he didnt feel well, they wanted Sean (why is it that they always want the parent who isn't home???). Sean stayed back with the neighbors and made it home about 11:15.
At 1am, Quinlin started throwing up. Of either child, I thought Owen was the one who would have been sick. about 1:30am, Owen started crying complaining his foot hurt him. So, we were basically up between 1-4am (Sean sleeping in Quinlin's bed with her, me doing laundry out the wazoo and comforting Owen).
They both woke up fine. No more foot pain for Owen and Quinlin was happy as a clam for the most part (lingering tummy issues on sunday). I thought it was all the junk she ate but it could have been a bug. If it's a bug, I'm hoping it leaves without infecting the rest of us!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Big Girl Underpants!!!!
Quinlin's teacher at school went out on Maternity leave and her replacement teacher is making it her mission to potty train. Yay!!! Finally! This little girl was ready at 21 months, but because there was nobody to work with her consistently at school, she regressed slightly. But now, at 2 months before turning 3 years old, she is ready.
We sent her to school on Monday November 5th in underpants and she did awesome! She stayed dry all day (though they did put a pull up on her for naptime). We came home and continued with the underpants while she was awake and diapers at night. All week she did awesome, and had only one accident. At school they give suckers if you remain dry all day in that classroom, and she constantly reminded her teachers that it was sucker time when she was leaving.
We sent her to school on Monday November 5th in underpants and she did awesome! She stayed dry all day (though they did put a pull up on her for naptime). We came home and continued with the underpants while she was awake and diapers at night. All week she did awesome, and had only one accident. At school they give suckers if you remain dry all day in that classroom, and she constantly reminded her teachers that it was sucker time when she was leaving.
Most days she had been waking up dry so on Sunday I let her nap in her undies and she did great! We had a little sickness so I will write about that tomorrow, so it has still been diapers at night, but we will attempt this evening to go diaper free. She has been dry though, so fingers crossed!!!
And the best part? How cute do little bottoms look in undies???
Yay Quinlin!!!
Monday, November 12, 2012
Halloween Recap (finally)
Halloween 2012 will be known to be as the most drawn out holiday ever. I never would have thought that we would be hit by a hurricane...in the Midwest! The weekend before Halloween, we went to my mother in laws house so the kids could play with my niece and nephew. While there, Owen discovered one last final costume. I was nervous he would want to be Clark Kent now for Halloween, but luckily, he just played around that way.
The next night, we were invited to a family Halloween party by one of the kids in Owen's daycare class. So, we got ready for the party and I was stressing trying to find a costume. Some of our better costumes are more appropriate for the Halloween bar scene, not a 4 year olds party. Sean pulled out the costume bin and found Hunter's old power ranger costume (from when he was 8). It was a youth size L (10-12) so I laughed and tried it on. As soon as Owen saw it, there was no turning back. I squeezed (squeezed being the key word) into it and Sean cut off the bottoms as I was a little two tall. We posed for pics (Owen went back to the Power Ranger costume) and Quinlin wore her Tinkerbell.
We went to the party (Sean in his hung like a horse attire) and the kids had a blast. My costume was off within 10 minutes (I seriously felt like I was being choked) and Quinlin soon after was running around in her tights and long sleeve t shirt as she wanted her costume off as well. The rain started that night... and it didn't stop.
We got hit with the Hurricane on the 29th and 30th. Several of the suburbs near us had flooding, trees down, no electricity. over 400 schools were cancelled on Tuesday, the 30th for a Hurricane day. The rain just wasn't ending. On the 31st, the actual holiday, the kids went to daycare and had their parties.
Trick or treating was cancelled in most cities that night and postponed until the weekend. It worked out great for us- easier to do it on a Sunday anyway.
Sean's family came over so the cousins could trick or treat together and we also invited our neighbors over for some pre-trick or treating festivities. We ordered pizzas and everyone ate and the guys played a little corn hole. Then we were off!
we even wore our masks...
We got hit with the Hurricane on the 29th and 30th. Several of the suburbs near us had flooding, trees down, no electricity. over 400 schools were cancelled on Tuesday, the 30th for a Hurricane day. The rain just wasn't ending. On the 31st, the actual holiday, the kids went to daycare and had their parties.
Sean's family came over so the cousins could trick or treat together and we also invited our neighbors over for some pre-trick or treating festivities. We ordered pizzas and everyone ate and the guys played a little corn hole. Then we were off!
It was 38* and freezing, so Quinlin wore the Iron Man costume so I could have her bundled nice and warm. Owen opted, surprisingly, for Optimus Prime.
Admiring all his loot!
She loves candy! (so does daddy)
Halloween was really great this year. They understood it, looked forward to it, enjoyed it. When we started trick or treating, we were all together. Owen knew that the faster he went, the more houses he would hit and was off like a mad man. Sean went with Owen and the neighbors and I went around with Sean's family. I loved that Quinlin and my niece got to trick or treat together. It was so fun being with those two girls! Hunter went out with about 4 buddies in the neighborhood as well- came back with 7 pounds of candy. He wore his Homer Simpson mask and that was about it. I guess at 15, there isn't much effort involved anymore. I asked him if he was too old, and he said he liked candy, looked like he was 12 and saw nothing wrong with it. At least he had a good time.
Next year, I hope the holiday remains on one day. And, I need to remember the weather next year too. I don't know if Quinlin will be so agreeable to switch up costumes like she was this year.
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