Tell All Tuesday

It's been a little while since I did a post of my random thoughts...

• Well, I thought we were over the house hunt and going to put it off for a few more years. We found another builder that looked intriguing so tonight we will go and look at a few homes for sale. They aren't in the school district we were originally looking at, so I think we'd be looking to build somewhere else... and then could still hold off a little while.
• Unless we get totally blown away tonight. We will see. There is a park right down the street (maybe in the development) complete with playground, basketball courts, etc...
• Hunter doesn't want us to move and not have a pool for the summer.
• Hunter goes both ways on moving... fresh start, new friends are the pros... leaving old friends is the main con. Though- he'll be driving in a year anyway and the magic of facebook would allow him to keep in touch with everyone. Plus- if we were to build, that takes time anyway between selling our house and actually starting the build.
• But- the city we originally wanted to move to has much cheaper taxes... I cannot believe how much taxes are around here.
• The kids are good. Owen is so sweet... If Quinlin says no to something, Owen is quick to swoop in and say yes. even the simplest things like wanting a kiss. "No Mama" says Quinlin and Owen chimes in "Mommy- I'll kiss you". or "No mama, don't sit next to me" and Owen says "Mommy- sit next to me". I think it's hilarious.
• I'm missing $40 from my wallet this morning. Kind of pissed.
• Sean is looking at a motor for his little green fishing boat tonight... hence realizing the $40 is missing. Again, pissed.
• Hunter had a stomach bug last week and missed 2 days of school. so hard in high school to miss time. I hope he catches up and the grades don't fall too far behind.
• Work is busy. I need catch up days...
• On the meal front, I finally decided to start cooking again. Menu items for this week include(d)- chicken enchiladas, meatloaf, chicken Marsala, french dip sandwiches, and shrimp and broccoli pasta.

I think that's all my random rumblings for today... off to search for my money.

Weekend Recap/ Menu Planning Monday

We had a very good, low-key weekend. On Friday, we did nothing. Hunter had his friend Evan spend the night and we thought it would be fun for them to go to the high school basketball game (so movie night in the basement went out the window). Sean dropped the boys off at the game and when he picked them up afterwards, they brought their friend Michael with. So- no decorating of the tree as I now had 3 eighth grade boys in my basement. And- note to self- next time boys spend the night, they need pillows and blankets on the couch... anybody know how to remove drool marks from furniture? (shudder)

Saturday after the boys left, we began decorating. We decided to chance it by putting the tree in our living room and just not using any of the glass bulb ornaments. Luckily, the babies like the way it looks, but do not have an interest in touching it (for the most part). owen likes to pull off the ornaments and look at them, but they are pretty good. I was nervous mostly for Quinlin, but she really hasnt shown an interest.

our finished product:

Some of my favorite ornaments...

It's so fun to pull the ornaments out every year and hang them on the tree. My mom got the last one for us this year- the first ornament to have our complete family on it.

The hand print was from 2001 of Hunter's. We had given this to my ex-boyfriend's family for Christmas that year (we dated for almost 6 years). I maintained a friendship with my ex's sister-in-law who told me one day that my ex's mom mentioned that she had the ornament in storage but knew she couldnt hang it anymore on their tree. She didnt want me to be offended that she didnt want it- and it wasnt that she didnt want it- it was more of a feeling of knowing my ex's wife would wonder why it was on the tree.... I was nowhere near offended, I was so happy that she was thoughtful enough to want me to have it back. It probably is one of my favorite things hanging.

After we decorated, I made a nice dinner (french onion chicken and roaster parmesan cauliflower) and Sean and Owen rushed off to meet Sean's buddy and daughter at Jumpyard (a local inflatable jumping zone).
Owen had a blast! I wish I could have seen him in person. Quinlin was fussy so in bed by 6:30- I knew she would never make it at one of those places.

On Sunday- our friends Sawsan and Mike came over and we watched the Browns beat the Dolphins (Go Browns!!!) and that was it. I made another good dinner (smothered chicken and baked potatoes) and cleaned the kitchen, did laundry, etc.

For our menu this week:
Sunday- smothered chicken (pan seered and then baked with onions, mushrooms and muenster cheese)
Monday- Cheeseburgers and French Fries
Tuesday- cashew chicken and rice
Wednesday- frozen pizza I think (kids on own with sitter- Sean and I to the Cavs game)
Thursday- chicken marsala and angel hair pasta
Friday- probably something on the go
Saturday- our 6th annual holiday party at our house

Weekend Recap/ Menu Planning Monday

We had a very low-key weekend. Friday, I picked the babies up from school and went home and picked up Sean, Hunter and his friend Michael and we decided to go o McDonald's for dinner (so much for my menu last week). I hadn't set anything out to cook and with Hunter's buddy over, we thought it would be fun. So we drove up there so Owen could experience the McDonalds playland. Do you think he liked it?

He loved every second of it! So did Hunter (though he's probably too cool to admit it). Quinlin too- you could just imagine her little legs kicking with delight. I know she wanted to get out and play- but no way! We came home and instantly threw them into the tub to try and disinfect them!

Saturday was a crazy morning. Our contractor came over at 8:30am. Sean's parents (yes- both as his dad was released from the hospital on Friday) came over about 9:00am and our photographer, Colleen, came over at 11:30am. Sean's folks didnt stay long- maybe an hour- and as soon as they left, I kept trying to get Owen in camera mode. We practiced saying cheese, wearing a santa hat. I bribed him with candy so he would wear his sweater (good stuff- I should add bribing to my Mom of the Year post). All in all, the pictures, I hope, turned out great- and no- we weren't naked as I once feared because I couldn't find outfits. I kept it simple- we didn't need to color coordinate- just look nice. So- that's what we did. My parents came over during the end of the photo shoot to pick up Hunter for the weekend. They took him to Billy Elliot (play) and then to the new Harry Potter movie. Sean ended up making two trips to Home Depot and I think, one trip to Lowe's for materials that the contractor needed. He became very stressed about the whole thing- the money the bar was costing, the time it was taking, having to bring Owen with him... so we stayed in the remainder of the day.

Sunday morning we went to my parent's house for brunch and to deliver our queen mattress that used to be in our guest room. Three kids in a four bedroom house eliminated our guest room and we had hopes of building a guest room in the basement so saved the mattress. Well- that theory didn't work as the box spring wouldn't make it down the stairs and into the tight turn to the room that would have become a bedroom. So- off to my parents house it went. We left there and rushed home to watch the football game (not sure why we were rushing since we had dvr'd it and could listen on the radio). The game was frustrating... and my fantasy team faired no better. so- losing day all around.

So- nothing crazy and exciting... you know you're getting old when you no longer have the fun, crazy stories from a weekend and are in bed by 9:30.

On to the week. With a short week, I haven't put too much thought into our menu. Our menu planning monday, inspired by Org Junkie:

Sunday- baked chicken breasts with broccoli
Monday- Vidalia Onion Roast hoagie sandwiches with horseradish and a side of cauliflower
Tuesday- bbq chicken and roasted potatoes
Wednesday- tacos
Thursday- Thanksgiving! We're having fried turkey, sweet potatoes and stuffing (thanks mom), mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, dinner rolls and Hunter is making a strawberry cream pie courtesy of what he learned in home ec class.
Friday- leftovers
Saturday- burgers and hot dogs

Hopefully I will do a little better sticking to this menu than last week!

Tell All Tuesday

• I am so thankful for my parents and in-laws. Between the two of them, my kids have been watched, my laundry has been done and my house has been cleaned. The stress of having the situation happening with Sean's father has left us constantly running around and the house has fallen apart. It was so nice when I came home after work to a clean home. Thank you moms!
• Hunter starts basketball for his rec league on Thursday. I'm excited for him- I think he got on the team he wanted with one of his really good friends.
• Still working on the big project at work. I took a class about artsystem tracking and it seems totally overwhelming. We'll see how it goes. I am hesitant to use it though until I have everything done in the project. Then- I think it will be such a great addition.
• I entered Quinlin in a cutest kids contest through facebook. If you want to vote (please vote), all you have to do is log into facebook and become a fan of Colleen Reed Photography. Go to the Cutest Kids Contest and "like" photo 16. (Thank you!!!)
• Owen went to sleep in his crib but crawled out overnight and slept on the floor. He prefers it for some reason.
• My fantasy football team won again- woot woot! We are on a roll winning 4 in a row. I'll take it but wish my fave NFL team would be doing better!
• I have a neverending to-do list... even with my clean house- there is so much to get done.
• I have family photos on Saturday for my holiday cards- can't find an outfit and Sean thinks I shouldn't spend the money when I have a closet full of clothes. I guess, in the long run, people won't be looking at us anyway- more looking at the kids.
• Cool giveaway on facebook... A Wedding Wish. She's offering up a $50 gift card to a store of your choice! Check her out!
• My menu planning already has failed as we ended up getting take out yesterday since Sean's mom was over seeing the kids. Hopefully my thawed out chicken will still be good today? yikes!

Weekend Recap

We had a pretty good weekend. I stayed in on Friday night and attempted to get some cleaning done in the house. Fail... I can't clean with three children. I think it's impossible. I need a cleaning lady...

Saturday we had a contractor over to work on the cabinets in the basement bar. Those got installed and look great. Owen loved him too- he kept wanting to be down there to help. The contractors name was Walter and everytime I heard Owen, I thought he wanted water, but no, he wanted to go help Walter. Sean's family came over that afternoon which was nice, but the visit was too short. I love seeing my kids with their cousin!

We went out Saturday night for some Mexican and bowling. Had a great time out- there was 12 of us- so the competition was feirce between the guys!

On Sunday we went to the football game. Lost in overtime but it was such a great game. Hunter has really been into it this year, so its been nice taking him to more games now that he really enjoys it. We came home and my kids were terrors. Owen didnt nap on Saturday or Sunday (I knew he wouldnt) and when Quinlin would need something, he would decide he needed something too. I couldn't wait until bedtime!

In other news, Hunter didnt make the basketball team. He got cut for his ball handling. Pretty positive though- the coach liked his hustle and his shooting. He wasnt disappointed- he knew he wasn't going to make it. I love that about him. He has such great self-esteem. Owen attempted potty training again- and earned a sucker (yay Owen)! Quinlin learned to pull herself up and stand in the crib. All she wants to do now is stand. Chuck (BIL) was holding her on Saturday and she even managed to stand a bit on her own (maybe about 4 seconds). It will be nice when she's walking- though I'm sure I'll be eating those words in no time. I have to watch her like a hawk- pulling everything out of her mouth. She even put a golf ball in her mouth the other day. Then I caught Owen playing under the sink and he had a dishwashing capsule in his mouth. Do my kids think I'm not feeding them? Maybe I need to stay on top of my menu planning!

So- Menu Planning Monday- courtesy of Org Junkie!

Sunday- leftovers
Monday- Chicken Piccatta and pasta
Tuesday- Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
Wednesday- Chinese Chicken and Rice
Thursday- Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Friday- Baked Chicken and vegetables
Saturday- maybe we'll order out... by this time, I may be tired of cooking!

Weekend Recap/ Menu Planning Monday

First- we'll start with food because I like it! Inspired by orgjunkie.com, here is our menu for the week:

Sunday- family was on the own- I had dinner out with friends. More on that later.
Monday- creamy ranch chicken with egg noodles and broccoli
Tuesday- beef tacos
Wednesday- Sean and I are having steaks on the grill- the kids will have burgers
Thursday- family on own- I have dinner plans with my friend Linda
Friday- bbq chicken, roasted potatoes
Saturday- Halloween party

Pretty easy week menu wise!

Weekend Recap

I had such a nice weekend. I almost felt like my weekend started on Thursday because I had dinner out with my six closest girlfriends. We went to Winking Lizard and caught up with each other. between marriages, babies, boyfriends, dating stories, we always have so much to talk about!

Friday was a busy day at work. I came home and wanted to relax but the house was a mess. So- we picked up the downstairs and called it a day. Hunter cleaned his bedroom, bathroom, basement and basement bathroom in preparation for his buddies coming over.

My parents came over on Saturday for a little bit (they took Hunter to a play in the afternoon) and I did laundry all day. The greatest was from 1-3 when I had Hunter gone, Quinlin and Owen napping, and Sean napping as well. I sat in the living room and happily tried to catch up on my DVR. I think I have a problem when there are so many shows, and not enough time to watch them all. it was so nice to have peace and quiet and "me" time. Saturday night I went to Megan's for her 11th annual slumber party. It was low key this year- maybe about 15 of us, but a nice time. I decided not to slumber there- something about sleeping in my own bed- so I left about midnight.

Sunday was fantastic! A Browns win over the Saints (amazing defense and special teams game) and then movie night with seven friends. We saw:

Very cute comedy- a little predictable- but I very much enjoyed it. Even though I knew the premise of the movie, I couldnt help but cry when the babies parents die and the baby was orphaned. I hope to God that Sean and I live a long life together!!! Anyway- typical chick flick. Glad I saw it- I am not a Katherine Heigl fan at all (as a person) but love her in these kinds of movies! After the movie, we went to Bonefish Grill. Once again, it was fabulous. This time, I got the scallops and shrimp pan asian style. That was on my sampler platter from the first time I was there and I enjoyed it just the same. I came home, watched some Sunday night football- much more fun to watch now that I have more of an interest in other teams because of my fantasy team. more on them tomorrow for Tell All Tuesday.

Weekend Recap/ Menu Planning Monday

Well- it was a gorgeous weekend and what did I do most of it? Cleaned. But- on the flip side, all the laundry is done, the house is clean and so hopefully we can enjoy ourselves a bit this week. This weekend was productive and nice. We stayed in on Friday night and then on Saturday night had a nice dinner out with friends followed by attending a comedy club. Sunday- we went to the Browns game. Another loss but still a nice time.

Quinlin still has her ear infection (and now a slight rash) so hoping she does ok being back at daycare for the day. I take her for her 9 month well visit tomorrow night and then will post her 9 month stats and her monthly review!

This is a busy week for us- lots of doctors appointments, Hunter's trip to DC for school, and lots of staying organized I hope. We did well with our menu planning last week- with a few variations and some dinners that we didnt make that will be pushed off to this week, but, our only night out on spending money for food was Saturday, which was planned, so no complaints from me. So- on to our menu for this week. Hopefully, we'll stay on it this week! for more ideas on items for the week- visit orgjunkie.com

Sunday- it was a fend for yourself dinner since we went to the football game. I dont even know what everyone ate, but Owen had grilled cheese

Monday- chicken fajitas

Tuesday- we're going to pick up either Subway or Boston Market since Quinlin has a 6pm doctor's appointment

Wednesday- Salisbury steak and baked potatoes

Thursday- chicken marsala

Friday- meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Saturday- chinese chicken and rice

The menu may change slightly at the end of the week. Hunter has oral surgery friday morning (5 teeth being pulled- yikes), so depending on the patient and his needs, we'll see how it goes!

Menu Planning Monday

I was very excited to once again plan our menu for the week and stay organized for once. Sometimes, I dont know how we do it with 3 kids but- we managed to go to the grocery store and only bought what we needed for the week and are trying to use up items from our freezer and pantry. Grand total at Giant Eagle this week? $47.69. The sad thing is, I know if we would have gone to Marc's, we would have probably spent half... oh well. Here's our menu:

Sunday- chicken with tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, steamed veggies

Monday- chicken tacos

Tuesday- sloppy joe sandwiches and baked potatoes

Wednesday- tuscan chicken and pasta

Thursday- chicken marsala and pasta

Friday- chicken fajitas

Saturday- frozen pizzas (Sean and I have plans so kids are on their own with the sitter)

Notice a trend of chicken? Thank you Sam's Club big bags! Plus- Sean and Hunter are starting their big workout that they have been talking about for weeks. Sean wanted to wait until Hunter's cross country season was over. Today is day one- they're supposed to run a mile and then start lifting... let's see if they actually do it today! Hunter's excited to start working out with Sean.... and Sean's excited too... (Hunter calls Sean the "bad Situation") LOL

SOYCZ

My new thing- stepping out of your comfort zone! Recently, after being inspired in a cheesy, corny way by my friend Tara at http://www.pineapple-grass.blogspot.com/, I decided to start stepping out of my comfort zone. I dont know how she did it, but every once in a while, she would post restaurant reviews and what she and her husband ate, etc. I started noticing, she would order different items wherever they went. I am pretty predictable. I go to a restaurant, I order a steak...all.the.time!

So- I went to Champps about a month ago and ordered a bruschetta cheeseburger. It was amazing! (I am in a big tomato kick lately so it really hit the spot). So- I had a thought... dont order what my husband will think I'm going to order. Step outside the box. Try something new. So- I started getting tomato, mozzarella and basil salads... and started ordering them at different restaurants. Amazing. again- tomatoes.

I went to Houlihan's and ordered the stuffed chicken breast with veggies and mashed potatoes. The chicken breast was stuffed with garlic-herb cream cheese. It was so good. This got me thinking- the next time I go out to try something new.

So- Friday night, we had a much needed date night and went to Bonefish Grill. We hadnt been there before. I am not much of a seafood person, will eat fish if its mild, but am up for trying things!

We looked at the menu and we were set! We ordered baja fish tacos as an appetizer and split them.

They were amazing... I could have eaten more. They were cajun grilled and had a mango salsa. The perfect mix of flavorings. For our dinner, we ordered the ocean mixed grill- dinner for two. We figured that was the best way to try everything... it came with jumbo shrimp and scallops, chilean sea bass, wild grouper, salmon, two sides (we ordered asparagus and mashed potatoes) and we each got a salad. I loved it. The shrimp and scallops were cooked in a pan asian sauce and were my favorite, while Sean enjoyed the grouper the most. It was such a great night- and I was so proud of myself for SOYCZ- stepping outside of your (my) comfort zone!

The rest of our weekend was great! Did some shopping, H had a cross country meet (scored 17:25- 1 minute faster than his last meet and 2 minutes faster than when he ran the course a year ago) and lots of laundry. I dont know how we manage to get 8-10 loads of laundry a week. I realize we're a family of five, but I didnt realize how much space in a washer even the little people's clothes are!

Looking forward to the week ahead- we have a menu going for the week to avoid eating out, two cross country meets, and a concert. Should be busy and fun!

Taken from http://fatcontrolfreak.blogspot.com- here is our menu planning monday!

Sunday- meatloaf, mashed potatoes, broccoli

Monday- Jack Daniels Pork Loin, baked potatoes

Tuesday- kids are eating pizza or fish sticks

Wednesday- tacos

Thursday- chicken and pasta

Friday- chicken fajitas