Monday, November 29, 2010

Enjoying the left-over turkey, or not

I decided to try really hard and think of a recipe to make with the left-over turkey tonight (and yes, it hurt!!).  I can only think of eating anything BUT turkey!  I think I found a recipe, though, that is really easy to make in the oven.  It is called Turkey Bake.  It looks a lot like all the same ingredients as tuna casserole, minus the tuna and peas.  Yep, I'm gonna try it tomorrow.  Tonight, we are having pizza.  I don't know about you all, but I definitely don't like to ever eat turkey after Thanksgiving.  Especially since I had to watch everyone else eat it.....  I'm just not a big left-over person anyway.  Let's just say that I had a few bad experiences as a kid.

On another note, I started to wrap the Christmas presents today that I bought on Black Friday!  I love wrapping presents, but our daughter also likes to dance on the paper, so it took me longer than I thought it would.  By the way, I don't think I have ever seen worse "Sales" for Black Friday.  The only reason we actually went this year was because it is a tradition for my best friend and I.  We always to go Kohl's, then Target, and then to Victoria Secret in the mall.  It was fun, but I was just a little disappointed.  I still have a couple things to get for my best friend, nephew, and my Mr. Wonderful.

Turkey Day, Black Friday, and the flu!  Whooohooo!  It is really amazing what we put ourselves through for a "sale."  I am more into it for family and the tradition.  Those two things are so important to me.  Keep those things close, and never let 'em go!

Sincerely,

Mommy Dearest
xxx

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Yucky!

I did not expect to spend the day before Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving Day sick with a stomach bug!  Wow, I am so sick of being sick this year!  I am getting my flu shot this week.  Not only was I sick, but our daughter was sick with me.  And, by the way, those were the only two days my husband had off of work for this holiday.  I couldn't do anything but sweat and sleep on our air mattress, and my daughter would occasionally beat me up, because she was mad at me or something -by the way, no, I don't expect a one year old to understand why Mommy can't do everything for her, like she normally does.  I can definitely say that she was  much tougher than I was though, because she was still kind of playing and walking around.  I'm just glad that I wasn't vomiting like she was.  I had my fill of that a month or so ago. 

Well, on another note, we ended up having to cancel all of our plans with family, which by the way, I was completely bummed about, but I couldn't get up except to go to the bathroom.  That was definitely no fun for anyone.  And to make things worse, that was one of my favorite holidays out of the year.  My Grandparents were here in town, so we usually all get together at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  It is also one of the handful of times that I get to see my family all together, so it is special.  To top off our Thanksgiving, we were also planning on getting to see our brother today as well, but found out that the rest of the family had the same stomach bug as Zoi and me.  We also came to find that our brother is in ICU with a chemically induced coma, which all started with strep throat; and somehow got into his bloodstream.  Needless to say, it did NOT feel at all like a holiday, but I still had everyone in the household sit together in the living room, and mention aloud 5 things that they are thankful for.

Tootles,
Mommy Dearest
xxxx

Never fails, when you finally realize that you don't have life by the horns, life rams you with them, just to give you that completely unwanted and unneeded confirmation!  What's up with that?

Sunday, November 21, 2010

The Celestial Seasonings Factory Adventure


Brings new meaning to dressing up for tea
We finally got to go to the Celestial Seasonings Factory in Boulder!  It was so much fun.  The kids even enjoyed it.  I was really excited to find out that you get a discount on the teas.  Plus, all the tea is cheaper than in the grocery store.  Plus, you get an additional 10% off if you buy a case.  It doesn't seem like much, but it really added up for the amount of tea that I bought!  I went crazy, obviously, because I am a tea freak!  I now have enough tea to last me a good year...hopefully.  Otherwise, we are going to go back up to Boulder.  Another really cute thing about the factory was it's street names.  They named the streets after the teas - Sleepytime and Zinger something or other (see picture below).  The tour of the factory was free, and your "ticket" to the tour was a sample of one of the teas.   I thought is was very cute and fun.  We had a really fun time.  I am also really into art and sculpture, and the cafe gallery is filled with all of the artwork and a few tea bag sculptures (pic is below).  There was also free samples of all of the teas that they make.  Any type of tea that you can imagine; white, black, green, red, etc.  Well, technically, it was only all of the teas that they are currently selling.  The gift shop has so many different things for the upcoming holidays as well, and, of course, everything was pretty pricey, but all of the holiday stuff was really neat.  The holiday teas are my favorite, and that is what I stocked up the most of.  The only down side to the tour was the fact that they don't let you take any photography of any kind of inside the factory.


Family picture in the tea garden... awww right?


Another reason we looked really forward to going up there so bad, was because there is this super awesomely delicious pizza that is only up there.  The pizza is a BBQ Chicken pizza from this place called Sun Deli.  When our friend lived up in Boulder, we went to see him, and we ordered the pizza and fell suddenly addicted to it!  So, now, every time we go to Boulder, we have to stop by Sun Deli and get at least one pizza.  We haven't tried any other toppings yet, but maybe we will next time (but I highly doubt it).

Mommy Dearest,

xxxx
PS I just had to share what we saw outside Sun Deli... no comment required



Friday, November 19, 2010

The Brazil Butt Lift

I don't know about all of you guys and gals, but I am so tired of the millions of ads that try to sell fitness products that don't work.  I found a really amazing workout plan that will work with any body type!  It is called the Brazil B​utt Lift​ workout!  I was reading that a lot of the supermodels use this Brazilian workout, so that should show all of us that it works.  Basically, it is a 3 month workout plan  that will shape and sculpt your butt (no matter what your "butt type" is) by using dance and cardio.  Fun, right?!  The best part about it is that it is also really efficient with helping you lose weight the healthy way!

I know a lot of you might be skeptical, so if you want to get additional information, I recommend that you go to the Extreme Fitness Results blog and read tons of free reviews on the Brazil Butt Lift.  There is not very many natural and healthy ways to lose weight and get fit, so I lucked out finding this one!  Natural and effective!!! Please go check it our for yourselves, and evaluate the Brazil Butt Lift for yourself.  It is always good to read up on any new product, so that you can form an opinion for yourself.


Now, personally, I need an option that is for beginners, so there is also program called Slim in 6.  This is a 6 week slim down program that is super easy.  This "Slim in 6" workout is perfect for anyone that has been out of the workout game for a while.  It is the perfect way to get in shape for beginners, like me!  My suggestion is to start with this program, because if you start with something that is to rough  on your body, you can hurt yourself.  So, be careful and check it all out!!  Like I mentioned above, if you have questions about any of this, just click on the highlighted words above, and it will take you directly to the website!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Going Backwards

I have struggled with my son the last couple of weeks about going to the potty in the toilet....not his pants.  We are totally going backwards!  I know it is common when there is an age gap, and when there is a new baby, but it is still frustrating.  So, we decided to go back to the "treasure box" system with him, so that he will be rewarded once again with doing what he is suppose to do.  It has got to be the attention crap.  I give both of my children the same amount of attention, but it is never enough.  I am a stay at home mom now, but I am failing miserably with this.  I feel like all I ever do is pick up and clean up after everyone else, so therefore, I don't actually get to give my children the type of attention I long for.  I want to have a good relationship with them, and I want them to feel as though they can trust me and not be afraid of me.
One of the "good times" that gets me through times like "this time"
Our son told me that he is afraid of me, and he always says that he wants to go back to the "other" home.  What a stab in the heart!!  Painful.  Anyway, I asked him about if he has accidents over there, and he says no, but why, then, is it happening with me?  I try so hard.  We really need to bail from here.  It is long over do.
Do you all ever feel as though being a parent is the hardest and most emotionally trying thing that you will ever do in your life.  I see people, and have met people, that make parenting look like it is the easiest thing in the world.  And, magically, they have perfect kids, too!  Why is that anyway?  Whatever, I am just taking one minute at a time.  I love my children so much, and there is no exceptions or buts about it.  Life is hard, but how we handle each situation will make or break who we are and who we will become.  I have so much more room for improvements, and I still have so much to learn!  Why hasn't someone written a guide (not a gimmick) for us Moms yet?

Tootles,

Mommy Dearest
x

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Bye Bye Papa

So, we received an itinerary in our email today from my father-in-law, and it is a one-way ticket out of the country.  He is moving with his wife to the Philippines; that is where she is from, and his dream is to retire there.  It is really sad to me, because we were all getting closer and getting along so well.  We don't have much family here, aside from my Dad and my husband's brothers.  I don't really know what to do or say anymore.  My kids are going to be able to still talk to him using a web cam, but it is not the same.  It is really hard to explain the dynamics of our family, because it is really complicated.  But, who doesn't have a story like that, right??  Anyways, we will just have to stay positive, and try to help our children understand the situation.  And, hope that he comes back sooner than later. 

On another note, we were suppose to get to see my Dad today for dinner, but he was busy.  That is the usual for him, though.  My Dad works in law enforcement, and he is always busy.  I miss him a lot.  Sometimes, I have anxiety attacks when I hear about an officer getting shot on the news, because I would never know if it was my Dad, unless I got a call from the hospital or something.  My relationship with him is okay, but I want it to be awesome.  I have always been a Daddy's girl at heart, and it means a lot to me to have family close.
My husband and I are a very, extremely family oriented couple. Trying to spend time with our families can be a little crazy.  It is hard to be able to have the other members of our family to be that same way as well; something usually comes up to where we do not get to see them.  Although I do feel as though if you actually want to spend time with your family, you will make the time; even if it means only seeing them for a few minutes.  We will just simply be showing our children what we want them to learn by being an example.  At the end of the day, if you don't have your family, then you don't have anyone. That is what we want our children to learn.  We will always be there for our children, no matter what.

Friends may come and go, but family is (supposed to be) forever.

With Love,

Mommy Dearest
xxx

PS I miss Mom...

Monday, November 15, 2010

Love Love Love

Isn't it crazy how we will love our kids no matter what they do?  They drive us to our limits and push us over the ridge until we just crack and fall down!  My kids were so tough to deal with a couple weeks ago, and it made me think about what my life would be like with having both of my children full time...wow!  Our son has been through so much, and I struggle with disciplining him, because I realize that it's not his fault that the "other" household teaches him all the opposite things that we do.  His life is so hard, but we want to make it easier.  I really think that the second we get the word on this house, we are going to file the paperwork to proceed with getting him most of the time; instead of this 50% crap. 
My husband and I are so excited about spending time with the kids this weekend, because it is his weekend off.  We are going to drive up to Boulder, pending the weather, and go to the Celestial Seasonings factory.  I think it will be a great lesson to the kids about being "green" and always being resourceful.  Also, I am going to buy a bunch of my favorite tea.  That way, I can enjoy them all year!
I am so thankful for all of my little family.  No matter what I happens any day, my husband and kids have always been there for me.  We will always stick together.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Going to the dentist

I went to the dentist yesterday, and I couldn't believe how much we got charged.  The only thing they did was  my annual teeth cleaning!  We got charged for the office visit, and the cleaning!  So, I decided to look for another, less expensive dental office in my area that would give me the same awesome care, but at an honest and affordable price.  I also want someone that will listen to me about my fears and make me feel comfortable, while keeping me as pain free as possible. My dentist is nice, and he is always smiling!!!  I wonder why....he just got $190 from me, and he is double booked every day!  A cleaning is the least expensive service.

My biggest fear about going to the dentist is probably the same as everyone else, too - the fear of having pain and loud tools in my mouth!  Well, I looked around and found Bright Now! Dental.  I am glad that I found this place, because they are everything I am looking for and more. I already have insurance, so I definitely can't stand when I get jabbed with retarded additional expenses.  This place will tell you everything you need to know up front, and you won't be surprised with an outrageous bill later.  Check out the site for yourself!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Finding Happiness in Sad Times

So, I am attaching some pictures of the fire aftermath, because I didn't get any of the actual fire.  It is a completely sad situation, but amidst all of this, I talked to the girls that I was telling you all about in previous blogs, and they saw Zoi's first hair-do, and they were telling me that it was the only time that they have smiled since the fire a couple days ago.  Then, my husband and I were thinking about starting a memorial fund at a local bank, so that people can donate money for all of the victims of this fire.  There was a total of 55.  It is extremely close to home for me, because it was literally, the building 20 feet from mine!  I want to help these people, so we are going to.  There needs to be more outreach in communities anyway, so why not have us start the chain reaction?  I will have to figure out how to have donations besides money, but the problem is that we have no where to put it.  I will figure it out though.  These people really need some help.  They lost everything.  I don't have money, but I have time.  God will help me help these people.   I will give updates on the account information to donate for all of you that are able to spare for the cause.



On a side note, our daughter actually loved her first little hair-do, and she kept it in all day, until we went to buy her a  new brush, and she brushed them out.....OUCHY!  Anyway, she had a hard night, so I made her the first root beer float she has ever had!  I am the coolest Mom ever!  I felt terrible, because she looked like I let her play with a blow dryer and running water!  See for yourselves.



Thank you all for your support,

Mommy Dearest
xxxxx

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Traumatizing

The apartment building across from ours caught fire today.  It was a horrific sight, and the worst part about it is the fact that my favorite neighborhood girls lived in it.  Their apartment burst into flames and the roof caved in after the fire started on the floor below theirs.  The most horrible feeling for me was the fact that they tried calling me for help while we were downtown this afternoon.  The girls were in tears, and there was nothing I could do, except have my husband speed back to the apartments.  I can't even describe the scene that I saw.  It looked like the worst light show ever, with all the different fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars all lit up.  No one could have ever asked for a worse day. 
My husband got us back as soon as he could.  When we arrived, I went straight to yelling for the girls.  I found them and they were in shock.  How can you explain to a high school child that everything that they own and all of the materialistic memorabilia that holds any kind of memory, is burning and they will never see again.  That is the first thing they said.
I told them, this evening, that God gave us special places in our minds that hold those thoughts of the memories and the feelings are held in our heart.  God doesn't want us to only have things that are materialistic that hold meaning.  Otherwise, He wouldn't have made us the way He did.  I also gave them the invitation to my closet, which I know they will be raiding tomorrow.  It is a good feeling to know that I am needed by other people, besides my family.  But even with my little family, I have my hands full.  I am so thankful that God is able to use me, even in the worst of situations.  I really feel as though He put the words into my mouth, so that I could at least give a little bit of comfort during such an uncomfortable time.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

So Much Fun

Today was a blast!  We took our son to his first birthday party, and it was at a place called Monkey Bizness.  They have all kinds of different rooms with so many different types of the blow-up jungle gyms and stuff.  I really wanted to go down the monster slide, but I forgot my socks!!  I can't believe I forgot socks.  I am a sandal girl, and the weather was nice enough for wearing them today, so I forgot my socks!  It was awesome to watch though.  Anyway, we also finished our Christmas shopping for the kids today, so now, I have to get really good at looking for a gift for my husband.  He really deserves something completely awesome.  I know what I want to get him, but it is outrageously expensive.  A 27" monitor for his computer!  Wow, at about $400, I will be looking for it on Black Friday!
Well, I am so thankful that we just had an amazing day with the kids and as a family!  The kids were on their best behavior most of the day, until they got hungry.  Always make sure you have extra snacks packed in car or purse!

Mommy Dearest
xxxxxx

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Applying to make money for Mommy

Have you ever actually read some of the blogs that you all entre card drop?  Some of them are so funny, but some of them seem really creative, and then you have the stay at home Moms that complain, or boast about how they are perfectly content with themselves. Whatever wife lectures the violent baffle.  Crazy, right?  When I read some of the blogs, I get good ideas of what people are, and I enjoy trying to figure people out by what they portray to the world... although, blogging is a way for some people to use as a violent outlet, some use it as a personal diary of hidden feelings of pain or happiness or both, and the rest of us just love sharing our blessings with others.  Oh, and I absolutely love the people who have the blogs of personal art and humor. 
No matter what we rant about, we are all in this blogging world together, and I think it is pretty fun and cool.  I enjoy trying to write and pull old creativity from the back of my mind.  Every time I sit down to blog, I get to use my imagination, and that is good for everyone in this world.  If you have kids, using your imagination allows you to be able to interact with them even more on their level, and actually understand exactly what is going through their sweet little minds.
Oh, and I like with recipe blogs, but they are very unoriginal.  Unless they are personal recipes.  It is cool though, because it does give me a couple of new dinner ideas, but I usually just look on the internet.

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Operation Christmas Child

I had a wonderful day today, because today, Zoi and I thought about what we were going to put in the boxes that we picked up from our church a couple weeks ago.  The boxes are for the "Operation Christmas Child" project that many people are participating in across the country.  Many churches are having the congregation pick up the provided boxes on their own and fill the boxes with specific items for children in third world countries.  I am very very sadly admitting that these children are getting more than my own children this year.  We picked up three boxes for us, and two boxes for my friend from the church to fill.  I am extremely broke this year, because I got laid off from my job this year, but I really wanted to help the other children that wouldn't have the same type of Christmas that I was going to have.  It is really weird though, because the more I think about it, no matter how many presents my kids can't get this year, they still have a roof over their heads and warm clothes on their backs.  God has provided for us in every situation, so I feel as though if we do this, He will continue to provide.

I am not so sure how this house thing is going to turn out anymore.  We were told today that the bank wouldn't except the offer without the offer-price being raised.  So, we did.  Now, I feel really dumb, unless of course, we get the house.  Why is it that you ask for an inch as an adult, but you have to give a frickin mile?!!!!!  We may have raised the price so that we can get a couple major things done on the house before we move in, but we can't give our kids a bath until we fix a few huge things before we move in!  What in the world!  Welcome to the world of home ownership, right?

Monday, November 1, 2010

What A Day!

I have finally made it home!  Have you ever made a return, and the store tried to back peddle their way out of it?????  Not only do I know better, because I am the return QUEEN, but I went to Target today.  I wanted to simply "Exchange" our daughters Halloween costume.  The store tried to tell me that they aren't "allowed" to return the costume, because it is after Halloween.  Let's just say that I was extremely nice with the associate and reiterated that I wanted to "Exchange" the outfit.  So, I go back to the Halloween section where everything is clearanced out at 50%, but no luck for me with finding the exact costume in the size I needed.  But what I did find is extremely alarming.  I found several of the costumes, but none of them had the accessories with them....they were being sold separately with a sticker gun price tag on them.  Keep in mind that the accessories were suppose to be included with the outfit!  Not only did they not let me exchange it, but they told me that I was going to have to go all the way across town to the store I purchased it at.  I asked for the number for the Corporate office.  So, let's just say that I stayed at the Customer Service counter while I called, and I got my money back! 
I start heading to the Target closer to my house with my daughter, and I get into a fender bender!!!  The frickin perp drove away, so I didn't get a license plate number or anything!  Luckily, they just chipped the paint on our bumper.  I was so flustered at this point.
That was not my full day though, so just keep reading.  I decided to not get the diapers I needed at that Target after my experience, so I went to the Target closer to where we live.  I saw in the ad that they had the diapers on sale for $29.99 per jumbo pack, but you had to buy two packs, and you get a free $10 gift card.  I thought to myself that it was a good deal, because I also had my coupons.  I found the diapers that I needed on an end cap with the free $10 gift card sign and sale price.  I get up to the check out, and I notice the diapers ring up at $35.99 per box...not what I was expecting.  After the day I had, I just wanted the sale price.  The manager says that all they can do is take off $10 from my total, but I don't get the gift card.  I took it!  I was tired and sick of Target.
Some people say that Wal-Mart is horrible, but they save me the MOST money and emotional stress.  They never promise me what they can't give.  Wow, what a day!  I ended up getting our kids one costume each for dress-up at 50% off, but you can guarantee that I will be calling the corporate number tomorrow.