Sunday, March 22, 2009

Ok, I finally feeling like writing...

It's been a while since a family update and I have a long list so those that are interested get comfortable. I have a few pics available to show the new things in our life.

Updates on AJ and myself. We have really been enjoying the warmer weather and getting out to run 2 times a week. We are going to up it to 3 times a week in April. It has been wonderful to run together, sometimes we talk, sometimes we just enjoy each other, and there are those few times when we are privately competing to see who can run faster and farther. Either way it has helped to bring us back to spending time with each other. We began our relationship with outdoor activities and it helps keep us grounded. A has also been figuring out what he needs to race his car this summer and had a blast participating in a Race To Read program. He drove his Camaro down to the Charter school and talked to the children, plus signed Autographs. It was a real hit!!!
I have started riding Nitro again to get both of us in shape. My rear end is the most sore afterward. It is fun to be back riding and spending time with my parents preparing for our adventures with cattle this summer.

Now for Sammy update....

Sam has also been working out regularly. She is rollin both ways more, getting up on her knees a little, and riding horse (pictures to come, my sister has them).

We started feeding her solid food a few times over the last week. We actually began with letting her suck on carrot sticks, they make a great chew toy. One night I made green bean salad and decided to let her have one of the beans. This worked well until the bean broke...we took it away. However the next day we went to baby message class and revealed a massive blowout in her diaper when we were getting undressed for class. The reason became obvious when there was a little bean in the diaper, oops. No harm no foul.

To facilitate the eating thing we have put Sam's highchair at the table. Plus this way she can sit with us when we eat and eat or play. We have tried puried rice and Avacado so far. She doesn't really seem to love the avacado and really just chokes on the rice. This morning we had Cream of Wheat for breakfast and that she loved!!!! She was opening her mouth wide and even grabbing the spoon. I think we found a winner.

With the loveliness of poopy smell that comes with food we are also trying to do a little early potty training. Now wait, I know it sounds crazy but just hear me out. There is a concept called EC (Elimination Communication) and I have a friend who started. The idea is that you learn to read the childs signals and help them to learn when they are going to do it on the potty. So, when I'm home (I bought a little travel potty because I'm going to need one anyway) and it is after a nap or feeding I take her into the potty. When I do this I am saying "Haces Pepe" spanish for 'do you need to go' and making a peeing noise and a pooping noise. Are you laughing yet.....she has done both in the potty and almost at least once a day. I would even say that she is proud and happy to do it.....no sitting in a dirty diaper. Plus I put the potty in front of the mirror in the bathroom and one day she stood up leaned into the mirror with both hands and slowly kissed the baby in the mirror. Trust me she wasn't licking or sucking the baby, it was a very gentle purposeful kiss.









Grandma's, Sadie and Sam swimming. Grandpa and Sam going on a walk.

That's it for now....perfect timing the little one is waking from a nap!!

i know....it's always about food.

I promise I will do a post on something other than food. Today is the only day to go to the store so this is what you get to read. It is Menu Plan Monday that keeps me in line with my groceries and I got a little out of control last week. I do have to say though that the Turkey Meatball Subs last week were awesome.


Monday - Leftovers, something easy, busy day with the Bradley moms!!!!

Tuesday - Manchego Grilled cheese with noodles and cucumber

Wednesday - Green Chile Baked Chicken, Roasted Asparagus and Potatoes

Thursday - Chicken Enchiladas from the freezer; freezer veggies or Broccoli Cheese Soup if it snows!!

Friday - Meatloaf, Quonia w/ Zucchini

Saturday - Rice noodle Veggie Stir Fry

Sunday - Take your own meet - Grass Fed NY Strips (we won!!); Tabouli for everyone
**Dinner at the Grands for 'Life Study'. Grandpa's B-Day

Monday, March 16, 2009

So many changes...

We have lots to report from the last week but first it is Menu Plan Monday, hosted by $5 Dinners this week. If I didn't do the blog carnival as accountability I probably would not plan meals this week. However, it really is so nice through the week, just not on the planning day. So, here goes for this week. Stay tuned tomorrow for the Family updates...

Monday - Pasta

Tuesday - Rotisserie Chicken; yam

Wednesday - Mango Ginger Salmon; rice; kale

Thursday - Potato Crusted Chicken; squash risotto; asparagas
Make bread; cheese; wine
Bob, Colleen, and Caroline over for wine and cheese!!!!

Friday - Broccoli soup; bread; cheese
Snowboarding with Albert and Amie!!!!

Saturday - Turkey Meatball Subs; salad

Sunday - Leftovers???? Or maybe hubby can have an idea

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Busy day with Grandma's

We are headed out for a day with the Grandmas!!!!! Just a quick note....


SHE ROLLED OVER ON TO HER TUMMY ALL BY HERSELF!!!!!

Everything is moving and changing so quickly.....my head is spinning with mixed emotions.

I want to participate in Works for Me Wednesday at We Are That Family this week so I'm attaching an earlier post. Please follow this link for some FABULOUS baby sleeping advice.

Learning from Repetition

Monday, March 9, 2009

Gramsi Meal Week

Check out all the hundreds of people doing their meals on the Organizejunkie meal Plan site. It is amazing how devoted we all are becoming to this accountability. Just imagine how much we all are enjoying more time with family and friends, and how much food and money we are no longer wasting. It is exciting.

Monday - something from the freezer

Tuesday - Twice baked potato

Gramsi comes into town!!!

Wednesday - **book club** - Chicken Sate w/ peanut sauce
Gramsi and AJ - Green chile elk (in the crock-pot); mashed potatoes, cauliflower

Thursday - sloppy joes; mac & cheese; salad

Friday - KC Fish Fry

Saturday - Potato Crusted Chicken; rice; veggies

Gramsi and Daddy leave town
Sunday - Beet salad

* to try: Turkey Meatball Subs