Free Pancake Day at IHOP

Today between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. everyone can get a free short stack of 3 pancakes. Donations are being accepted for the Children's Miracle Network at each location.

In addition, please don't forget to tip the waitress/waiter based on the value of the meal and drinks are extra! So free pancake day really won't be free, but low cost.

We were planning to go after school -the kids get out at noon today, but our plans have changed. Instead we are going to go see Aunt Cyn and the babies at the hospital.

Then we have more baseball practice and karate tonight.. a busy night here.

Today I woke up to sunshine coming thru my window. I felt happy and rested. I came downstairs and it is dark and gloomy... but I am still happy. I think the sun was just peaking out of the clouds and angled just right to hit my bedroom window.. and I am grateful for that. That one burst of sunshine has changed the path of my day!

I really think I have S.A.D.

Seasonal Affect Disorder. It is real. I think I must have it. When it is rainy and blue outside, I feel blue inside. I have thought about blogging every day this week.. but didn't get around to it because I felt like I really didn't have anything to talk about.

We are kicking back into busy around here with baseball. Steven has had practice 7 of the last 8 days. 2 hours a day! It cuts into our schedule, that's for sure. In fact, he and his dad are at practice right now.

I leave Thursday morning for Dallas. I am headed to the BeautiControl Leadership convention. I am super excited about the trip, but hate all the preparations that go into a trip.. packing, listing what to pack, figuring out my food for the trip (trying to not eat out much) from both a WW and a budget perspective. I am lucky that one friend is driving, so she will pick up water, apples and bananas and milk for me! I plan to have oatmeal with banana in the room each morning, apples for snacks, we are getting lunchmeats/bread for lunches and so just 2 dinners out and the rest is done! The cool thing about packing is figuring out exactly how much of my clothing doesn't fit. So I shopped at Old Navy Saturday and got 3 shirts and a skirt for $34!! I haven't been able to shop there, off the rack since I had Jackson. It was so nice to get so many cute pieces for so little $$. Added to what I have -I should be set. I am just looking for a swimsuit so I can go in the hot tub at the hotel...

My SIL had her surro-babies yesterday. Twins. 1 boy, 1 girl. She and the babies are all doing well, so that made me really happy. I hate hospitals and always worry whenever anyone needs surgery -so to know it's all good is peaceful.

I have been prepping and cooking for the family so they will have food during my trip. The boys have school, but the hubby will be home for the 4 days -I think he is looking forward to the break. Of course he has to juggle baseball, basketball, karate, school and such.. such fun and not often his responsibility.

Menu for the week:

Monday: Chicken Noodles
Tuesday: Spaghetti & meatballs with garlic bread
Wednesday: Chicken
Thursday: Shepards Pie
Friday: Tacos
Saturday: Hot dogs with Mac & Cheese
Sunday: Chicken Noodles
Monday: Spaghetti with sausage
Tuesday: Chicken Parmesan
Wednesday: Pork Chops.

Now I have to go.. Jackson is sitting behind me, waiting (somewhat patiently) to watch Jon & Kate Plus 8. This is the episode where they get 2 puppies.. he can hardly contain his excitement.

Another week begins...

So since Friday.. what has gone on here.... well, let's see. It was my dad's birthday! I went to breakfast and saw a movie with my friend whose son's birthday it was too. We had a nice time, a few minutes to stop worrying about other things. I found out on Thursday that USAA is closing the office where I used to work. I was nostalgic about it -but her husband still works there -so for them it is a big deal! So we took a time out. We needed it.

Then I went home, took the dogs to the park in the pouring down rain to get their energy out... picked up Steven at home, then Jackson at school and took both dogs to training. Since Sammy is in a class by himself -he has progressed thru the requirements faster than expected (3 classes left including that day) so our trainer, Mary, said we could bring River to the last 3 classes to see if we can work on them together. Because although Sammy behaves on his own, they seem to feed off each other and get crazy when they are together.

After training we took the dogs home, fed them, picked up the presents and Jonathan and headed to my parents house for dinner. We had a great lasagna dinner and then blueberry and apple pies for dessert.

We got word that the baseball tournament for the weekend was cancelled, so Steven made plans to join his basketball team at their tournament for 2 games Saturday. They lost both games but the boys played better than I've seen before.. more passing, rebounds, etc. After that we headed to Back Forty for a Valentines Day lunch/dinner as a family. Then home and we planned to watch Groundhog Day. We all got busy doing other things and my head was pounding, so I opted out of the movie, took a hot bath and went to bed early. I hear the boys really liked the movie -so I was sad I missed the fun -but I felt like a new person when I woke on Sunday.

Sunday we hung around the house most of the day. Steven and I did watch Curious Case of Benjamin Button and I watched The Secret Life of Bee's... both were good movies. Then we had to be at Round Table Pizza by 5 for Steven's baseball team meeting. He is on the Diamondbacks this year -they renamed the Cubs... his coaches seem knowledgeable and I am super pleased about that! It's about time for him to be really challenged by people who know what they are doing!They started out strong with a week of practices all lined up!
We came home and everyone got pj's on then we watched the season premier of the Amazing Race! Gosh we love that show!

So today the boys slept in. I went to my WW meeting (lost 1/2 a pound) and then came home. We spent the morning hanging out and cleaning up from the weekend. Then Ciera came over and she, Jackson and I headed out to see Twilight. Steven didn't want to go, which was good, because it stopped raining just in time for him to go to baseball practice. They are using the blacktops right now, not the grass, so they were good to go. We all got home around the same time... I quickly got the spaghetti ready (sauce was already done in the crockpot) and we ate...now everyone is getting ready for tomorrow. I hear the sound of a bath -Steven is a bit sore, but excited about his team. He is probably soaking in the tub in anticipation of batting practice tomorrow.

It is cold, wet and dreary here. I don't like this weather. It makes me blue. There are times I wonder if I don't have Seasonal Affect Disorder as I am so conscious of the weather and my moods. I can't wait for it to be bright and sunny! It makes me much happier than all this darkness. Sometimes I really think I can do it all. Other times I know I can't do it all. Right now I just feel like I can't do anything. Lots of started projects I don't finish. I want to finish them, but I don't seem to care that they aren't done.

Now that I am feeling better, more rested, I am ready to get some things done. This week is full of to-do's and I want to cross off lots of them! Wish me luck...

What a day it turned out to be..

First I would like to say thank you to everyone who sent me such nice emails today. I am ok, really I am. I am ready for the weekend and some "time out" with my family. I hate whirlwind weeks like this and don"t seem to handle it well. I still have a headache and am tired, hopefully one more night of good sleep will make it better.

Right after I finished my blog post and got my cup of tea, I glanced out the window and saw a car park across the street. As I looked I realized there were 2 women walking towards my house... another glance and I realized it was my sisters-in-law.. Marisa and Lori- who is here from Colorado. She had business in San Francisco and was able to work out a few days to come here... she wanted to surprise me and it was a surprise.

I told them they were lucky that I was home sick today.. otherwise I would have been scrapbooking or getting my oil changed (which Jonathan had talked me out of about 1/2 hour before when I questioned if I should go run errands since I couldn't seem to fall asleep). Instead they found me in my sweats with bed head, but swept me off to have lunch at the Olive Garden anyway.

We ended up spending a couple hours together and laughing -- which was something I needed, really needed.

Emotional times...

So it is already Thursday.. time seems to have flown since I updated on Monday, but really I haven't been on the computer much at all. Mainly because it is taking my system 30+ seconds to load every page and my patience is thin because I am not feeling well.

Tuesday morning I got the call that my parents good friend had passed away. He was in the hospital last week and went home with Hospice on Sunday. While I was not close to him, his wife has been a very influential person in my life since I got married. I have been very worried about her and am glad that my mom has been there with her everyday taking care of her. I haven't been able to see her yet -I am still so afraid that I will break down and cry - and I know that isn't going to help anyone. It is just so weird to me that less than 3 weeks ago when I saw her and we talked... the next time I see her nothing in her life will be the same. I love her and hate that she has to go thru this. I will say, just typing this makes me cry -so I know I am not ready yet. They were married 60+ years I think - and now she has to live without him. It is hard for me to imagine.

I have been very lucky in my life. I haven't lost many people I loved and I am so grateful for that. Those who were important to me and are now gone, I miss and think of often (Gram, Grandma Cline, Pop, Uncle Vele, Uncle Bob,Grandma Begley and my Grandpa)... since I didn't see many of them on a daily, monthly or even yearly basis.. their deaths didn't have alot of impact on my daily life. Many people I know my age have lost parents, siblings, spouses, children... and I feel so sad for them. I hope that it is a very long time before that happens in my life. It is that one moment that changes everything in your life... everything.

So Tuesday I spent baking food to go over to the house. Then I headed to my meeting in Stockton. It was a long drive, but nice to have that time in the car with my friend -we had a great talk. Got home around 10:30 and went straight to bed, exhausted.

Wednesday I spent the day at home, trying to get things done and not really accomplishing anything. I gave in about 11:30 a.m. and decided maybe I can call my headache and tired feeling being sick. So I took a nap until Steven got home and then bundled up with my blankets to watch some tivo'd shows and try to relax. My head has been pounding and it has been brought to my attention that this could all be due to the weather change and it may be a sinus headache. Whatever it is, nothing is really making it feel better. I am not really eating, but I am drinking lots of water and hot tea. So Jonathan left about 5:15 to drive Steven to basketball practice and I got up to fix dinner... the ground beef was still frozen! I had had it out since 7 a.m. (5 # package) and it was only thawed about 1/2 an inch down. So when Jon got home I said dinner was cancelled and went back to my chair.. really I cried because I was overwhelmed and didn't know what else to do. So the boys ended up with pizza for dinner and they were all happy about it.

Then about 6:30 Jackson pointed out that he had to complete the actual test for his science project as it is due by Friday.. so we got paper cups, found the 5 pennies we needed and set it all to soak, carefully documenting each step as we went along. He completed the paperwork part this morning and it is done.. now we just need to compile the information onto a board and it will be finished.

This morning I had to get up (head still pounding) to drive both kids to school as it was raining and about 35 degrees outside. I came home, made a cup of hot tea, checked my work emails and went back to bed. I read for a bit, napped for a bit and now I can't sleep any more. I have the kettle on and once my tea is ready I will light a fire and sit down to watch a movie... maybe that will make time pass.... I can't sleep anymore, I can't focus to read really and I just don't know what else to do.

I have to say that this feeling sickly, stinks!

Menu Plan Monday

So it's Monday again and my menu is done. As always this is a basic outline of what we are
eating and it is flexible as changes do happen.

Monday - Spaghetti, green salad and french bread
Tuesday - Mac & Cheese and hotdogs ( I won't be home for dinner, I have a BeautiControl meeting in Stockton and the boys all love this dinner!)
Wednesday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn
Thursday- Sloppy Joes, scalloped potatoes and green beans
Friday - Dad's birthday -we are having Lasagna at the parents house!
Saturday - Valentines Day and baseball tournament out of town -we'll be eating out!
Sunday - meatballs and gravy, steamed potatoes all done in the crockpot as Steven's tournament continues...

We have made 2 new recipes that have been big hits in our house! I thought I would include the recipes here in case anyone is interested...

Pasta & Sausage Bake

2 link sausage sliced and cooked
1 jar pasta sauce (or homemade equivalent)
1 box whole wheat pasta (or regular I guess)
1/2 cup water
some shredded parmesan or mozzerella cheese about a cup.

Mix pasta, sausage and sauce. Put in casserole dish. pour water over the top and then sprinkle with cheese. I also added raw sliced green and red peppers, you could add mushrooms I guess. Cover tightly with foil and bake at 375 for 45 minutes, then uncover and cook additional 10 minutes. Supper in 1 dish and super yummy!

Chicken and Noodles

1 can cream of chicken soup (I used reduced fat, low sodium)
1 chicken boullion cube
5 cups water
2 cups cooked chicken ( I boiled the breast pieces for 6 minutes, cooled and chopped them up)
1/2 of a chopped onion (med size)
pepper to taste
bag egg noodles

bring soup, water and boullion to a boil.. add chicken, onion and noodles...cook about 15 minutes until noodles are soft. Turn off heat and let sit about 10 minutes. Serve with peas and biscuits -a big hit!

They grow up so fast...

 

The other morning Steven and I headed to breakfast at IHOP. We both ordered the special all you can eat pancakes (knowing we would eat just what they bring the first time!) because you get 2 eggs, 4 sausage or bacon, hash browns and the pancakes for $6.99! Of course we had a BOGO coupon too -so we both ate breakfast for $9. sweet. Now I almost always order my eggs scrambled and then put ketchup on them -just like my daddy. But I do love poached eggs when I get Eggs Benedict. Our local diner (chain) makes Eggs Benedict and you can have it made with country sausage patties.. Steven tried it about a year ago and he loved it. He orders Eggs Benedict often when we go out.

So here is the growing up part of the story... he ordered his eggs poached! He really enjoyed them too. He ate them over his pancake and liked the gooeyness of them. Now he did have to send the first batch back -they were hard boiled it seemed, but the replacements he says were yummy!

Steven shares my love of breakfast out. It tastes better when someone else cooks it and it is my favorite meal to eat in a restaurant. Now we only eat out like 1x per month these days and if I can get it to be breakfast -I will! This month I am participating in the "no spend" challenge, but gift cards are excluded and I use a Visa gc I earned online to pay for this outing.

Free Throw Championship

 

 

 

 

So today was the District Free Throw Championship at church - sponsored by the Knights of Colombus. Steven has made it to this district level every year -and every year but this year he has been beat by the same kid -Brandon (see him standing in the picture next to Steven, this year he is the runner up!) This year he rocked it! He shot 17/25 and Brandon shot 10/25 and the 3rd kid only made 3 shots!

So next level here we come! It is the Regional and I believe is for all of Sacramento. The contest will be held in Lincoln on February 28th. I am bummed to say I won't be able to attend, as I will be in Dallas, Texas for my BeautiControl Leadership conference. I know he will do well and I hope my husband will video and upload it for my viewing pleasure... please?

The winners of the Regional contest will get to go to the State contest... so keep your fingers crossed for our boy! He is so excited to have beat Brandon and moved on to the next level!!!!

The pictures are from my phone, so I am not sure how the quality will be... imagine that I forgot my camera!! I took it out of my purse to download pictures and it was still on my desk when we left. I could hardly contain my horror at my mistake (LOL) while my son smiled and did a little dance that I was without the camera. go figure.