Slacker....

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING MAY BE SLIGHTLY "TOO MUCH INFORMATION"...READERS BE ADVISED ;)


Exhibit A:

My daughter is slightly over 2 months old and I'm already counting down the months until I can quit pumping. Shameful. I breastfed Carter until 14 months and then had enough milk stored up to last him 2 additional months. As long as I have a milk supply, I will definitely aim to do the same with Lauren.

SO, ONLY 1 YEAR TO GO! Whoo-Hoo!.......... (Ugh)

 It's a Blessing in my opinion to be able to do it for her. I'm apparently feeling a little more selfish this go round though wanting sleep and not wanting to have to stop what I'm doing and go pump but I will get over it seeing as how it's the only option and I shouldn't be negative about it. I just want to know what happened to me.  With Carter I would get up and feed him, then pump, then do some cleaning or office work for about an hour in the middle of the night, then go back to bed, wake up slightly tired, went on no caffeine and dealt with it well. NOW, I'm having to take breaks between house keeping, seeing double by the middle of the week, and constantly fantasize about naps and long baths.

Common sense tells me the difference is having 2 kids instead of 1 and working more and more to do around the house but I was the energizer battery bunny! Seriously, I was thumping right along and now.........I think my battery ran out lol

These two will be sure to make sure I pick up the slack though :)

Ask me what I have done the last 2 nights....

.....I have slept in our bed all stretched out by myself! Ever since we brought Lauren home, Carter has boycotted his bigboy bed. It has been easier just to give in and let him sleep with me. Travis works 3rds so having the kids in their hasnt seemed like a big deal- that is until my husband is off work and cant sleep in the bed with us. I kept telling myself it would be so hard to get him to sleep in his bed especially since Lauren seems to always be awake and fussy at Carter's bedtime but after talking about it over the weekend, I decided...well, Travis decided, that it was time i gave it a try. It has worked out so well the last 2 nights. No fussing, no tears. Such a blessing so far. He has slept through the night AND hasnt had any accidents either. Ms. Lauren has been hungry the past 2 nights. She had went a little longer between feedings last week but I believe it was only due to a decreased appetite after her shots because she is now back to hungry every 2 to 3 hours but hey, atleast everyone is getting on some type of routine around here :)

Yesterday was so nasty/icky/bitter cold. I haven't been impressed with our weather. Kinda over it and ready for days that involve open windows, warm breezes, and playing outside. One great thing about the nasty day yesterday was getting to meet up with a great friend for lunch. It made my day. We had a "husband bashing session" lol. That sounds so bad. We didnt bash them too terribly. We basically just made fun of the male species a little bit- and laughed alot. (Very therapeutic).

I've decided it has set the tone for my week. A fun week full of laughs and positive attitudes. Happy Tuesday!! ;)

Well, I cant ever say I'm bored....

My mom had a dr. appt yesterday so I came home from work at 2pm. At 4pm I told carter it was time for him to rest and by 415 both kids were surprisingly asleep. The house was completely silent. I laid there curled up on the couch trying to decide what to do in the little amount of free time I had. I could catch up a little bit on sleep, I could attempt to shave my legs, I could do the office work I didnt get to finish earlier, I could go ahead and cook atleast one of the meals for Travis to take to work, do laundry and put away the dishes, or I could do my Power90 workout (that I really did not feel like doing). I just laughed. Isn't just wild all the things you need to accomplish? I always feel like I am drowning in my week by Wednesday and completely sleep deprived. I get a weekend power nap that usually gets me from Friday to Wednesday but once Wednesday comes, I'm fighting the urge to think about how nice it would be to lay down and my to do list is a mile long and the funny thing is I could have sworn I was accomplishing so much everyday. It actually took me a little while to catch on that with a 2 1/2 yr old, you have to clean the house every single day and when you cook every meal, you have to clean your kitchen all day long and dishes and laundry will always be waiting to be done and office work/paper work is never done. I finally got it in my head that I will never be "done" with any of it and that's ok. I'm definitely not stressing it all like before but no doubt I find myself laughing and shaking my head every day. it's just so much busier over here. I could do office work every single day and still have more things to do. I could spend everyday managing the house and meal plan and groceries, I could spend every day all day long taking care of my babies, keeping them on a routine, and teaching Carter new things, I could spend everyday of the week working out, getting to shower daily, taking time getting dressed and ready to go- but i cant. i have to "bounce" from one thing to the next all day long everyday. It's wild. I Love the life God has allowed me to have- It is full of blessings and "bouncing" is okay, beyond that it HAS to be okay because that's the life I'm living. SO, after 10 minutes of deciding, I put my phone on silence- (only to find later that I had 7 office related voicemails,2 personal calls, and 5 text messages)- I did the power 90 workout while the oven pre-heated, the rice cooked, and the washing machine ran. Lauren woke up 10 minutes into everything but found mommy quite amusing while jumping around the livingroom. I took a quick shower after cooking and put away the dishes. I ran 15 minutes late to chuch but I got there AND I didnt hit the skunk or the dog that ran out in front of me on the way.
I looked down at church and realized I had thrown on my new balances instead of a pair of dress shoes (the white and pink new balances looked great with my black slacks lol).
I know everyone stays busy, I'm nothing special and am not doing any more than the majority of people so please dont take me as if i am complaining or even venting, though I'm sure it sounds as if I am. I truly am finding a good balance with all I am having to work with. It's just amusing to me when I try to make out a "to do list". It takes too long to make it because it is So long. lol. Shew, I see a nap somewhere in my future- and hopefully a somewhat long bath! Both are hiding under all the house work, meal plans, diaper changes, storytimes, Surgery day schedules, and exercise ;)

Popeye Would Eat it :)

All the flavor without the fat :)

Tofu for protein and iron, and spinach for vitamins, minerals, fiber- Does a body good :)

Some tend to make a cringing facial expression when tofu is brought up. I really like it and view it as a healthy substitute. I dont make many dishes with it yet but it hasnt let me down thus far.  Any time Travis and I go to Whole Foods we always eat lunch there and it is always the first food that finds it's way to my plate.  I'm hoping to have a boost of energy in a few hours (around 5am) so I can get up and make it before getting the house picked up from the 2 year old tornado that hit this evening and leave for work. Here's the recipe for anyone who wants to try it out. It's a P90x recipe, so in my opinion, you cant go wrong there :)
Lean Tofu Lasagna

1 lb. soft tofu, drained and patted dry

1 lb. firm tofu, drained and patted dry

1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

3 cups tomato sauce

1 bag spinach

1-lb. package dry lasagna noodles, cooked al dente and drained

1 cup nonfat mozzarella, shredded

Salt (to taste)

Pepper (to taste)

Food processor

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place tofu in large bowl and crumble. Chop spinach, then combine in bowl with tofu, parsley, salt, and pepper; mix well. In bottom of a 4-quart rectangular baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, then a layer of noodles, then a layer of tofu/spinach mixture. Repeat layering process with the remaining sauce, noodles, and filling until all ingredients have been used, ending with noodles covered by sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella over top. Bake for 45 minutes or until bubbly. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Craving

I had a major craving over the weekend for bbq chicken.

I could eat a whole plate of that stuff easy. I always have to hold myself back. Of all the ways you can cook chicken, it is probably my favorite. The husband isn't a big fan of the bbq chicken. He isn't a fan of bbq anything- except on ribs ?? It blows me away that he doesnt really care for it. Kind of disappoints me. I may never look at him the same. lol

Sweet Little Weekend

If you ask him to pose, he will always have his eyes closed  ;)

Weekend Recap: Tee-ball, rolling in the grass, Cleaning, Organizing, football, watching Carter ride his tractor, Carter's Art time (Painting), A Bunch of cooking, Family cuddle time on the couch (Priceless), Power 90 workout (Oh, the Pain), naps, flirting with the husband, grocery shopping, Church, family dinner, shooting guns (I know it just doesnt "fit" in this paragraph does it?)

IT was such a wonderful weekend. A reminder of all the Blessings. Hope everyone has a great week!!

SATURDAY MEAL PLAN

BREAKFAST:BREAKFAST CASSEROLE

LUNCH:STUFFED BELL PEPPERS

DINNER:CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

Cook This, Not That

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!

When we used to eat out, Travis got us the book, "Eat This, Not That", it tells you how many calories are in the restaurant foods and what is the best choice to eat at each retaurant. It really opened our eyes. What we ate while out and about on a Saturday at Sonic and Captain D's would total up anywhere from 2700-3300 Calories (CRAZY!!!)  No wonder we weren't losing weight while hitting the treadmill and attempting to work out. Anyway, we got the "Cook This, Not That" book and every recipe in that book is our favorite. Everytime I make something Travis and I both say it is our favorite meal yet. Tonight I made the Chicken Fajitas- So yummy. I decided to share the recipe but as I may have said in past post, you HAVE got to buy youself this book!

You'll Need:
1/2 cup orange juice
2 Tbsp chipotle pepper
Juice of 1 lime- (You will miss out if you dont add the lime juice)
1 tsp ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
1 lb boneless,skinless chicken breast
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 sliced red bell pepper
1 sliced green bell pepper
2 sliced onions
8 flour tortillas (warmed)

(Can also add 1 cup shredded cheese)

How to make it:

*Combine the Orange Juice, Chipotle Pepper, Lime Juice, Ground Cumin, Salt, Pepper in sealable plastic bag. Add the chicken and marinate for about an hour.

*preheat grill or stovetop grill pan until hot. Remove chicken from marinade and discard what is left in the bag. Grill the chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until lightly charred and cooked all the way through. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

*While the chicken cooks, heat the oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat. Cook the bell peppers and onions until charred and carmelized on the outside, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

*Slice the chicken into thin pieces. combine with peppers and onions.  Serve with warm tortillas. Feel free to add cheese.

*We had Refried Beans on the side and chips and salsa.

It's a new family fave :)

Back in Blog World...maybe :)

I'm not sure about starting back in the blogging world. I want to but tending to Carter and Lauren or the guilt of knowing I could be doing office work while pumping (breastfeeding), or giving my nails and overdue paint job may supercede the blog world once again in the near future.

I was afraid I was on an actual verge of a nervous breakdown a few weeks ago. I kept joking before having Lauren that I wanted those in my company to enjoy our time together before I have a 2 kids- full time job-breastfeeding-cooking 3 meals a day-P90x daily workout-lifestyle and lose all my sanity, yet I was surprised when I realized my joking might not be far from the truth. I have went slightly back and forth in my mind about whether or not my job is going to survive my new world and while the jury is still out for the time being, I do know that full time hours are going to not only be impossible- but extremely not worth it. I'm enjoying my babies before they grow up. i want to savor every moment.
 I like having the income, I like paying the bills I pay and having money for the kids savings account however, I am not a big shopper and the only money I need is enough to pay the bills I have taken responsibility over and for the kids needs and I can make that working part time hours so it's a "take it or leave it deal" that i hopefully wont have to discuss with my boss. I am hoping to condense the work into 3 days (3 1/2 days tops) and it not be an issue. If it isn't possible, then back to the drawing board. Hubby is being very supportive of whatever I choose but I love building up the kids savings and I am determined I will make my own car payment, cell phone bill, and cover the utilities so I'm trying to hang in there and get an awesome balance going. I'm praying God will have his hand in all my decision making. I've been so confused the past few weeks. Satan is trying to "throw me off", I have felt his presence and cannot stand it BUT I have felt God's presence too and that has made all the difference. I also found a simple solution to trying to make decisions when confused about what to do and that solution is: DON'T MAKE ANY.  LOL. I had to look at myself in the mirror and say, "Don't decide anything, just wait. just roll with it until God clears the fog, makes the dust settle, and lets you know in his own way what you need to do and in the mean time do what you can when you can." So Wednesday before I left the office, I called the prior Surgery patients and checked on their recovery, gave them my cell number, and didnot turn the office phone over to my cell phone. Those who need it have it and everyone else can leave a msg and I will call them back Monday. (We will see how this goes). Not turning the phones over may put more stress on me, I'm not sure. I won't know until I go in tomorrow and see. I haven't not turned the phones over in years. I even had office calls coming through to my cell while in labor. (I know, no wonder I am so stressed, can we say "self-inflicted").

This weekend has been the best one yet not having that phone ringing every 2 hours. I don't live a "stop-drop-and run" life anymore so I have to stop trying to and stop beating myself up for not being able to. Just enjoy life and all the Blessings. I only get one experience of living in this world so I can't waste it and fill it up with stressful things.

Okay, more about my fun family weekend later, off to get this family ready for church. (YAY). My spirit has been so hungry for God's word. I cant even begin to explain how much I desire to get my spirit fed. Hope everyone has a great Sunday!!

Happy Halloween!

Finally found a use for my empty glass jars I've been hoarding :)

Carter's New Big Boy Room

Carter's Room- the before and the "so far" after. Lauren is getting his room and he has upgraded to what used to be the spare bedroom/office.


     The Before

(overlook the mess :P)

THE AFTER =)

Projects

I bought a table at freds for around $15 a few years ago to use at the office for our fridge to sit on. Well, I found an even better table with storage included for all of our office manuals and such so I brought my little $15 table home. Carter uses it on occasion to stack blocks on or to pretend "cook" on in the kitchen when I'm making dinner. 
well, let me show you what I did.....

First I dismantled the legs and grabbed some green paint.

Then I added a few more coats of paint, a pond and a road.....

And Polyurethane so little man doesn't peel the paint up with his first lap around the track :)

Obviously my road is not at all perfect. I have no talent with painting or drawing but luckily my 2 year old thinks I rock and recognizes what I "try" to do.  I was going to attempt to add little houses, signs, and a bridge but decided, I'd rather him use his imagination -plus that makes less for me to mess up on ;)

One of my other projects in the making is this sweet little chair I found at a yardsale for $2.

I took off the ratty old seat and hit her with some glossy red spray paint.

Now, she just needs a new seat, Lauren's name possibly, and some flowers and she will be good to go :)

I got Mr. Spidey out today too. 

I Love him. I caught him checking me out with those big ol eyes last year at Crackerbarrel and decided to pick him up. Every Halloween, all the family members that can make it out, spend Halloween with us and we have Chili, hotdogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and make smores while handing out candy. Mr. Spidey fits in perfectly (He holds the Chili). I was excited to sit him out on the counter. Autumn and Halloween decor is so fun and festive. It gets me into the holiday spirit.  :)

Pieces of Lauren's room

I'm sick and becoming bored so I decided to play with my pictures of the things completed in Lauren's room. Still have quite a bit to do but hoping within 4 weeks it will all be completed. Fingers Crossed!

Lauren's bow holder =)

Lauren's bouquet of Flowers Monica made for her =)

Milk cartons=dice

I got this idea off of another blog. I love being able to recycle and make a great counting tool for Carter at the same time.  :)

Welcome to the Jungle....

Darbie wanted a diaper cake for a family member so she bought the supplies and I put it all together. I added some more ribbon, jungle stickers and his little name sign as added embellishments. I LOVE this diaper cake. It may just be a favorite on my list. I had to take a picture from every single angle- because I cant help but think it is adorable-from every single angle ;)

roawrrr....hehe...