Meatloaf Magic!

Again, I am participating in Marcie's DWYH Homemaking Party. As always, I'm always on the hunt for hearty and fast meals to fill the bellies of my two hungry guys :)

Sooooooo, I  made the most AMAZING meatloaf last weekend. It was honestly the best meatloaf I have ever had! I'm not usually very cocky, I'm just being honest here. When I tasted it, I really felt like I'd done something special :)

I pulled out all my many meatload recipes, and pulled from each one what I thought would make a good recipe. Also, I didn't want to wait 1 1/2 hours for baking, so I skipped the "loaf" part and formed them into patties. This cut the cooking time down to about 30 minutes.

2 lbs hamburger meat
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup  ketchup
1 cup dry dressing mix ( I used Stove-Top Herb)

Mix all ingrediants well and form into patties. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. I brushed mine with ketchup during the last 10 minutes.

The dry stuffing mix is the magic ingredient I think. It absorbed some moisture while baking, but still stayed crunchy and flavorful!

I served this with mashed potatoes, a quick salad, and biscuits. It's rare to find a meatloaf that kids really like. Big G, my nieces Emily and Joey, and all the adults left smiling and full!

I literally cried right there in the grocery store!

Last weekend, Hubby and I had a little disagreement about grocery shopping ( of all things ). He couldn't understand why I didn't want to take the baby with me to the store.

Amidst my tears and exhausted sobs, I retold this story:

* After school one day last week I took both boys to our local grocery store ( which I rarely go to) to grab a few staple items.
* Big G was walking ( well actually running and jumping and grabbing and poking....) and Baby G was in his carseat, which I put down inside the shopping cart.
* As I shopped, I wedged the random can of pears or bag of rice down into the cart behind and beside the car-seat. Actually, there was a loaf of bread and bag of salad resting on his legs. Everything fit, all was well...
* After waiting 10 minutes in line, we began to check out. By this time, the baby was extremely fussy and gearing up for a total screaming session and Big G was looking at the candy bars with total determination.
* Trying to be efficient and speedy, I asked Big G to put the bagged groceries in the cart. He began putting everything ( including a heavy bag of potatoes) on top of the baby b/c the bags would no longer fit around the carseat.  
* I then instructed Big G to take them out and put them on the rack underneath the cart. Whew, crisis averted. We're sailing now.
* Receipt in hand, I push the buggy forward. CRUNCH!
* I look down and see that all the groceries were underneath the cart- in the floor. The cashier THEN told me that the store had removed all the racks in an attempt to thwart shop-lifting.
* Crisis returns. Screaming baby, laughing 6 year old, mangled groceries, and me in the front of the IGA crying and vowing not to attempt grocery shopping with both boys again for at least a few more years.


This may have been the most stressed I've been since we brought
Baby G home. Probably the most embaressed as well....

Soooooo, I think re-telling this story to my hubby must have worked. He kept the boys @ home, and I took a leisurely ( yea, sure) trip to the grocery. Whatever.  

So What Wednesday!

I really enjoyed last week's So What Wednesday, and have gotten some comments about how accurate and brutally honest it was. It's all in good fun, so here we go again!

SO WHAT IF:

* I sometimes hit snooze too many times and am forced to "baby-powder" my hair ( frugal version of dry shampoo)
* Even with concentrated detergents, I still fill to the line
* Hubby & I use the same toothbrush sometimes
* I will go without groceries rather than taking both boys to the store
* I do NOT understand the stock market ( I don't care to either )
*  Even with lesson plans, I'm usually only one or two days ahead of  my kids @ school
* I don't have time to read, but continue to download books on my new NookColor
* I seem to be the only girl/woman my age who loathes Jersey Shore

* If you are firmly opposed to E-readers, live for the fist-pumping action of the Jersday nights, or are grossed out by my germ-swapping dental tendencies,  I wholeheartedly apologize :)

Time Management for New Mommies!

I never dreamed being a mommy to two little ones would be as rewarding as fun as it has been so far! I also never dreamed that our daily life would change so drastically.

Getting out of the house with a fully clothed and fed 6 year old isn't always an easy feat. Adding a 10 pound screamer didn't really help matters!

Since Hubby works away during the week, I am on my own with the kids. Getting the housework done, dinners prepared, stories read, and baths given have proven to be a complete juggling act for me.

One issue I have had to wrestle with in my mind is that of community and church involvement. It is sooooo hard for me to tell people no, especially when the time committment is for a good cause.

After alot of praying, my thought process has started to change about how my time is spent outside of home. I am beginning to think of my boys ( hubby included) and my home as my mission field. I know that there are many needs in our community, but I cannot reason attending to those at the expense of our homelife.

Big G still does his karate, and I am still part of our local womens community improvement group. Sunday worship is still a priority, as is time with friends and family. Beyond that, my reply will probably be a gracious and polite no!

My 2 Blonde Boys!

Here are the birth announcements for baby G and they are so sweet. I wanted a two sided card to give to family and friends. The side with boy boys can be framed, and the other side has the baby's birth information ( I cropped it out for the blog).

 If I say so myself, I think I have two beautiful little boys!

 

Baby G just looks so cute propped up on that rocking horse. Big G said the photographer is magic because he made me disappear! I hated to tell him it was actually called photo-shop!

Ritz & Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This is probably one of my favorite "go-to" dinners. It really is the simplest, most delicious casserole! After coming home from work yesterday and knowing I had two hungry boys ( and myself) to feed, this was on the table in less than 30 minutes.

To make prep easy, I start with a store-bought rotisserie chicken. The only other ingrediant I had to buy was sour cream, making the total for this meal about $7.00!

* Pull the chicken off the bones and throw into a large mixing bowl.
* Add one can cream of mushroom soup, 3 large dollops of sour cream, and one tbsp poppy seed
* Pour chicken mixture into 9 x 9 baking dish.
*Crush 2 sleeves of Ritz Crackers and sprinkle on top.
* Finish with another tbsp of poppy seeds and 1/2 stick melted butter
* Bake for 30 minutes and ENJOY!

Quick. Easy. Awesome! With it I served a quick tossed salad and King's Hawaiian dinner rolls. You really should give this recipe a try. If you do, let me know what you think!

So What Wednesday!

Today I am saying SO WHAT IF:

  *  I have lived in my house for 3 years and have never mopped ALL the floors. I mop what needs to be mopped. Period.
 * I never do tummy-time with Baby G. He hates it.
 * I am  horrible at sending " Thank You" cards. But I'm working on it.
 *  I like to listen to NPR radio in my car ( just like my dad does). Sometimes I listen to country afterwards just to balance things out a bit!
 * Sometimes I eat cereal for dinner b/c I'm too tired to cook.
 * I usually don't listen to the advice of others.
 * I spent way too much money starting a Mary Kay business, only to realize I hated selling makeup. 
 * I look for reasons to go to my mom & dad's house. Sometimes I make up a reason ;)
 * I usually can't stick to my " One Mt. Dew per day" rule. I CRAVE it!
 * I have thrown  socks away because I can't find the match. Whatever. 

I'm linking up to Life After I Dew for So What Wednesday.

Tidy Tips that work for me!

I have discovered recently that there is so much more to homemaking that just " cleaning ". It took me several years as a wife and momma to recognize this. With the addition of sweet baby G, I have been forced to find more efficient ways of keeping my home neat and tidy ( and my sanity in check!)

Here are a few "tricks" that seem to save me time and work:

* We don't use them often, but paper plates and plastic utensils are great for snacks and sandwiches when the dishwasher is full and I don't have time to empty it. This helps keep my kitchen clean!

* I DESPISE putting away laundry, so I force myself to hang everything ( yes, even Hubby's undershirts) up before it ever leaves the laundry room. Everyone in the house transfers their empty hangers there once a week, so clothes don't get folded up and forgotten!

* I keep Lysol wipes in both bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room. A quick swipe when I notice dirt or crumbs or smudges prevents having to spend a lot of time on it later.

* In my living room, I keep a  basket with my dust cloth and spray and Febreze air freshener. If I running low on time or unexpected company is coming, I have those items on hand and the basket doubles as a catch-all!

New Pediatrician & New Formula



Formula #1
Similac Advance



We switched the baby from our family doc to a new pediatrician, and the first appointment was yesterday. The 50 minutes drive was sooooo worth it! He addressed Baby G's tummy issues and constant cough/congestion.



Formula #2
Similac Sensitive



He ordered a chest xray to rule out pneumonia and physical abnormalities. When it was good, he told us he suspected both issues were related to an allergy issue with his formula. Big G never dealt with these issues, as I nursed him. I'm trying to be patient with this formula roller coaster we're on, but I hate seeing my baby uncomfortable. 

Formula #3
Enfamil Nutramigen

* This is Day 1 of Nutramigen
*Nutramigen smells like Cheese-Nips and feet ( not kidding here, it really does)
* Nutramigen formula is almost $30 a can, and there doesn't seem to be ANY coupons out there

Pokin' holes in pop cans!

My 6 year old, Big G, has recently started being a little destructive. He is normally very meek, but apparently he has these weird temptations. I'm not talking about anything serious, so it is almost comical. However, I don't want him to begin thinking this behavior is okay.

Just to give you an idea of what he has done ( bless his heart, this is soooo unlike him )

* He cut in half the only suction bulb we have for the baby. I bought another that didn't work, so we've had a stuffy baby ever since :(

* He used a thumbtack to poke holes in 3 cans of soda in my classroom. It wasn't unlike I felt the sticky mist of Dr. Pepper that I saw him toss the thumbtack behind a desk.

* He un-stuffed one of my mother's nice feather throw pillows. The living room floor looked like a "down" explosion.

So, based on the advice of an older mom, I have decided that we need to do some "tomato-staking" with Big G before I get too stressed!

The idea is that in order to train your child and correct bad behavior, you have to truly know their heart. Talk with them about why they feel the desire to carry out the action, and show them ways to deal with those desires. The goal is to correct the behavior without spanking or negative punishment. Of course, we have to do these things every now and then. However, there is never a time when I really want to spank him.

Lastly, and probably most important, is the actual "tomato-staking". The name is wacky, but the idea is pretty basic. You have to involve your child in almost every activity you do and watch them constantly, until they are trustworthy enough to be alone. This is the key thing for me. It seems like nearly everytime he is alone, he does something like this. So I guess he doesn't need to be alone very much.....

I will let you know how this goes. Big G is pretty independent and likes to do his own thing alot of times, so taking away his freedom at home will be difficult. Hopefully, it's not a complete bust!

* Scroll to the bottom of the page & click on the DWYH button for more parenting and homemaking links!

3 Years Cancer Free

3 years ago  I learned the true meaning of the word " bittersweet".

 November 26, 2007- we moved into our newly built home.
 November 28, 2007- Big G's 3rd birthday party in our new home
 December 2007- My 23rd birthday and college graduation.
 January 2008-I took a substitute teaching position
 Febuary 2008- Got hired for the job.

During all of this wonderful craziness, I ignored the obvious and persistant bleeding I was experiencing everytime I used the restroom. When life slowed down a bit ( end of Feb), I made an appointment with my family doctor. He referred me to a specialist who recommended I have a colonoscopy. On March 3, my family wished me well as I went back for the procedure assuming I would be told I had ulcers or maybe IBS.

On March 6, my husband, parents, and oldest sister took me back to the doctor for the results. As soon as the doctor walked in, he stated that he had carried around my chart all day wondering how to tell me I had a 2.5 cm tumor in my lower colon.

I don't really remember how my family handled the news that day, but I do remember they wouldn't leave the house when we returned. The 30 minute drive home was horrible. The only thing I remember is the intense desire to hold my baby boy. When we got home, he rushed into my arms just as he did everyday. That hug felt so good. Sweet innocense and love all wrapped up in my arms. It felt like everything was perfectly fine at that point.

 However, it only took a few seconds for the bitter to wash over me. It hurt beyond belief to even think about this little boy not having a mommy. I was ANGRY more than I was scared. I was so mad that he was going to have to deal with this.

The emotions I felt during that hug seemed like they are burned into my heart. I think about that hug ALOT.

I won't go into detail about my treatment, but I will tell you that I kicked cancer in the butt ( haha ) and I am now three years cancer free!

Kelly's Korner- Show Us Your Life Series

I have enjoyed reading the SUYL series at Kelly's Korner for the past year or so. This is the first time I have ever participated though. The week is all about family.

Since they have both played such a big role in my life, I decided to focus on my two sisters. I was blessed to be born the baby sister of 2 older girls. From left: Robyn, Liz, Momma Betty, Suzi

Aren't my sisters  and momma just gorgeous!?

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When I was little, Robyn was almost like a second mother. Even though she still busts that out every so often, we are now very good friends. She is voice of reason in my new momma insanity, and always makes me feel better when I'm down.

There can be no situation in life in which the conversation of my dear sister will not administer some comfort to me. ~Mary Montagu

 Here are a few things I love about my sister Robyn
* Your newfound talent for cupcaking
* Your soft voice and sweet laugh
* Memories of listening to your Paula Abdul and Prince RECORDS!
* That you love live music as much as I do
* Our random midnight runs to Wal-mart
* Your courage and determination to finish your degree
* That fact that your hair always looks good
* Remembering all the fun times we had while you were driving me the 90 miles to chemo everyday for months
* Our shared love of Starbucks, SNL, flip-flops, candles, and lip gloss
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I grew up pretty much in the shadow of Liz. I stole her clothes, eavesdropped her phone calls, and annoyed her friends. But when she moved off to college, we immediately became great friends. Even though she is 7 hours away, we talk almost every day. I am so thankful that God blessed me with two beautiful sisters!

A sister is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. ~Marion C. Garretty

Here are a few things I love about my sister Elizabeth
* Memories of us staying home together during the summers ( You introduced me to pizza rolls, and you always made my scrambled eggs just how I wanted)
* You can put anyone else in their place ( especially these strong-willed men in our family! )
* I so admire your style- home decor, cooking, clothing, etc.
* You understand me even when I don't understand myself
* Our shared love of reality tv, community service, and Banana Republic
* Your hilarious teacher stories
* Memories of us camping all the way to Canada- I don't know how Dad dealt with our whining!

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Sometimes my sisters and I joke that in the end, we will all end up living together in an old farmhouse. We'll spend our days drinking sweet tea and rocking on the front porch. I can imagine we will fuss with each other, and then solve the worlds problems!

P.S. That was in good fun, we all actually plan on spending the rest of my life with our sweet hubbies. Brandon and I will spend our time on the front porch too, and I am sure we will fuss. But he hates sweet tea!