Thursday, April 21, 2011

No words...

well, maybe a few because JACK WALKED TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I just am so overwhelmed with emotion right now.  I am extremely disappointed I didn't get to see it - Mr. C had that honor.  I'm also secretly in disbelief that maybe it didn't happen at all, just because I can hardly believe it finally happened!

Ok, so I have to back up...Jack has had lots of minor motor skill issues (for unknown reasons) since he was tiny.  He is right on target for all the cognitive milestones, but has been in physical therapy for almost a year now to help him learn to sit, stand, pull up, etc.  Honestly I am so glad he is our second child because I have been able to take the delays more gracefully that I would if this were my first rodeo.

Anyway, I had gotten so used to Jack needing to be carried everywhere, that I think I kinda forgot he'd eventually walk.  I know that makes no sense, but it's like waiting for a package that takes so long to arrive, you forget about it, until it lands on your doorstep.  Well, when Mr. C called down to me this evening to tell me that Jack walked, I was in complete shock!  I was so relieved and happy and in disbelief and also a little sad to be reminded that Jack is actually growing up (despite my best efforts to convince myself he'll be a baby forever), that I just started bawling.  I sobbed...and I'm sobbing now...there are just no words...well, maybe a few...like "we love you Jack!!"  and "we are so incredibly proud of you and grateful to be your parents...may all the shocks we get from you in life be as wonderful as this one!!! :)

Monday, April 18, 2011

It's a sickness really.

Pinterest.com

It's basically the most dangerous thing I have gotten involved in on the internet to date.  It's just wonderful, and did I mention dangerous.

You really must try it out.  It's free, and easy, and terribly addicting.  Just don't say I didn't warn you :)

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Jack's song

As promised :)

Lullaby
-The Dixie Chicks

They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Life began when I saw your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough 'cause I'm never never giving you up.

I slip in bed when you're asleep
To hold you close
And feel your breath on me
Tomorrow there'll be so much to do
So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you

How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough 'cause I'm never never giving you up.

As you wonder this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close you're eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade

How long do you wanna be loved?
IS forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved?
IS forever enough, 'cause I'm never never giving you up

How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough, is forever enough?
How long do you wanna be loved?
Is forever enough, 'cause I'm never never giving you up.
Is forever enough, 'cause I'm never never giving you up.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Godspeed Little Man.

I used to sing this song to Carter when he was in my tummy...every time I hear it I cry. It will always be 'our song'.

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)
-The Dixie Chicks

'Dragon Tales' and 'The Water is Wide'
Pirates sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed little man
Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angel's wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The Rocket racer's all tuckered out
Super man's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, we'll find the mouse
And I love you.

Godspeed little man
Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angel's wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and matchbox cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen" wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed little man
Sweet dreams little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angel's wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams


Jack's song tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

A Season

Last week I made a difficult decision.  I broke up with friends.  I was reluctant to admit that's what I did, but in hindsight, that's exactly what I did.  Not because I don't love this group, and not because I don't hope to run into these people again, but because I realized our season had come to an end.

When I made up my mind that it was time to move on there were tears, followed by sadness, and then just a deep feeling of lonliness. But then my wonderful husband reminded me of this incredible poem.

Reason, Season, or Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you figure out which one it is,you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty;
to provide you with guidance and support;
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a godsend, and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it. It is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons;
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person,
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

— Unknown

Monday, April 11, 2011

Strawberry Picking

Ever since we went blueberry picking last year, I've been itching to try out more pick-your-own places, and our trip to Froberg's in Alvin, TX this past weekend did not disappoint. We had a great time, the strawberries were plentiful and delicious, they have a farmer's market with an incredible produce selection  (and some amazing fried pies), and they have a nice shady picnic area to enjoy lunch. We will definitely be back, if not this year, then next!












Vegetarian Lasagna

Love this recipe...it's my take on the classic no-boil lasagna, minus the ground beef. It's cheesy, delicious, choc full of veggies, and the best part? Your family won't even miss the meat. I promise.

Ingredients
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1 pint (8oz) fresh sliced mushrooms
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 yellow squash, chopped
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 1 (26oz) jar Ragu Organic Garden Veggie Pasta Sauce
  • 1 (16oz) package 2% cottage cheese (small curd)
  • 4 cups shredded Reduced Fat Italian Blend cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 or 2 Tbs Italian seasoning
  • 1 16 oz package whole wheat lasagna noodles
Directions

Heat olive oil in large skillet over med-high heat.  Saute garlic, onions and green pepper for 3 minutes.  Add mushrooms, zucchini, and squash and continue cooking until veggies are tender but not soggy.  Wilt in spinach, and add Pasta Sauce, reserving 1/4 cup of sauce for the first layer.  Stir to combine, and remove from heat.

In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, shredded Italian Blend with the eggs and Italian seasoning reserving 1/2 cup of the shredded Italian Blend for later.

Spread the 1/4 cup of reserved sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan.  Layer with uncooked lasagna noodles (break them off to fit), cheese mixture and veggie mixture.  Repeat layers twice, or until all ingredients are used, ending on the veggie mixture.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.  Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.  Remove from oven and let stand several minutes before serving.

Note: because there is a lot of water in the vegetables, sauce may boil over as they cook down. Place a large baking sheet under the pan to prevent spilling in your oven.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Clean-Out-the-Fridge Quiche

This crustless quiche is my own take on this recipe.  It is a cinch to fix, it's very forgiving, and the options are endless!!
  • 3 - 4 cups of any of the following (imho, a combo of 3 to 4 ingredients is best)
Onions (finely chopped OR sauteed)
Spinach (shredded OR sauteed OR thawed from frozen)
Peppers (finely chopped OR sauteed OR frozen)
 Mushrooms (sliced, diced and/or sauteed)
Bacon (cooked, drained and crumbled)
Sausage (cooked and drained)
Lunch Meat
Peas
Carrots
Broccoli
Squash
Zucchini
Diced Tomatoes
Green Onion, finely chopped
Corn
Chicken (cooked and diced or shredded)
Diced Ham
Black Beans
Shrimp
Crab
Leeks
Celery
You get the idea, right?
Pretty much anything...
seriously, throw it in.
 Just make sure all meats are cooked before adding and
if using canned veggies, rinse and drain well.
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (whatever goes with your theme...mexican blend with peppers, onions and tomatoes, swiss with spinach and mushrooms, cheddar with ham and broccoli...whatever floats your boat or whatever you have in the fridge!)
  • 2 Tbs Oil or melted butter
  • 6-8 eggs, beaten 
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (can also use pancake mix or bisquick)
  • 3 cups Milk, Cream or Half-n-half (or a combination - just clean out the fridge!)
  • Salt, pepper or any other seasoning to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Heat oil or butter in a dutch oven or oven-safe skillet over med to med-high heat.  Saute any vegetables (if sautéing), then add any frozen vegetables, then any cooked vegetables.  When vegetables are cooked/heated through, remove from heat and add the meat (if using) and cheese.  Stir to combine everything, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.  In a separate bowl combine eggs, flour, milk and seasoning.  Pour egg mixture over meat/veggie mixture.  Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until set.  

Serve hot or cold, for breakfast, lunch or dinner!  

Makes 8 servings.