Thursday Tattler

Today started out with full of energy and I'm very optimistic about the upcoming week. Breanna will be home Sunday and Kevin is getting her computer all ready for her to become more knowledgeable. We are going to start to give her some daily computer time so that she is more comfortable with maneuvering and allow her to use the Disney website, since it is one of her favorite stations on TV.

Kevin is home and we are doing some planning. I'm amazed at how well we communicate. No matter what I throw his way he is always supportive. I have been really working on budgets and calendars this week. Bills are being paid on time and today one got paid early (this was a task we were concerned about since I quit my job). We never really worry because we know God always has is in his care and always comes through for us. Of course we are human and I'm OCD so a little planning never hurts, I think God wants it that way. We have decided to to a little tweaking and make the current computers in the house work for us. We have a ridiculous amount of computers...seriously. We have a family desk top that is older than dirt and with a $50 upgrade it should last us a couple more years. Kevin, Cameron and I all have laptops (mine being the oldest) and Breanna has a desk top that was refurbed. So we figured by spending just $50 that we can make them all stay in commission for a couple more years. Our goal is to buy a new all-in-one top of the line in 2013 for the family and then reaccess from there. So one big decision made.

For those who don't know my car has been on blocks now for...well I can't remember how long, I'd say a month. Finally the parts are supposed to be here today, coming UPS. Local shops didn't sell them and Kevin had to get them online. We are just on the other side of the green so to speak. Hopefully next weekend Kevin won't have to work and will be able to dedicate those days to repairing it. He's a bit stressed because this a new fix for him and from what he tells me if it doesn't line up right the engine won't crank...and that would be bad. He'd have to start over. But hey I have all the patience and faith in him. I told him don't rush, I don't need it, I've managed this long and well take your time and do it at a pace you are comfortable with so that you don't get frustrated. He is the best husband and father and I would never put too much on him on purpose.

I'm really excited about the upcoming changes at our house. Our storm door shattered a little while back and well we really didn't see the rush (wish we had), with all the rain this year and living on a hill (downhill) water leaked into our entry and well the floor is weakened. So we are going to fix that area and pull up the living room carpet and put matching kitchen flooring down since it is adjoining. We have the carpet to put in both the kids rooms. So the plan is to redecorate the living room. I've got browns and neutrals in mind. I'm just not sure really. I want to get two tall bookcases to match our TV stand and for both sides, possibly with some doors for hidden storage. We are going to really minimize our furniture, hoping to keep a more spacious look. I love my new wooden blinds so I don't really want a window treatment. I guess we shall see as the weeks go by.

I want to buy a new fridge and stove after the first of the year. I really been thinking about all the new fridges on the market and I think I want a double wide side by side top and freezer on the bottom. I guess we shall see if we win the lottery first and how much of a dent Christmas ends up being. Of course I've already made my shopping list and am slowly working on it. I have the kids birthdays in October so that will be on the top of the money spending list.

With all the August calendar planning complete (menu, activities, Dr. Appts., Bre's visitation, Bre's school schedule, Cameron's Homeschooling, work, etc.) I'm feeling very confident that this month will go smooth. I got Cameron into his old Psychologist for his therapy, doesn't start until September. I was so glad he could take us. It has been 2 years since we had him in regular therapy and I really didn't want him to have to get comfortable with someone new. Plus he is awesome. Nationally know and has wrote several books and workbooks for self-help. He is a Godly man and we always question that when we start treatment with anyone new.

So that's all the tattling I'm doing today. I'm sure there is more to tell but well I just may want to save some for later. I just have one last comment to add. Make time everyday to enjoy your family and never let a moment pass without telling them you love them.

Chicken Fajita Casserole

Well we know the story of my crock pot fajitas...this is actually how it turned out.

So I took my crock pot fajitas and put in a glass dish and then mixed up a new cornbread recipe I had found (I'm not sharing because I don't care for it). I decided to dollop the cornbread on the top and then baked at 450 for 20 minutes. I actually soaked up all the extra juice and is pretty tasty. Served with just a bit of sour cream. I definitely will do this again if I have leftover fajitas.

Wednesday Whining.....

Okay so last night I had the bright idea to make my famous (to my family) fajitas in the crock pot. I was concerned at the amount of liquid it might create and so this is what I came up with.

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/crock-pot-chicken-fajitas/

The only thing I don't do is use chicken broth usually but thought it might need it (maybe I shouldn't have).

Anyway true to my thinking...too much liquid. I also think the veggie are too done for me (for fajitas). So I tasted it and had forgotten that the crock pot holds flavor in and it is very spicy...very tasty also. Not a complete mess. I decided this won't go to waste, so I'm going to stir up some cornbread and make a casserole. I also think it would make a good soup by adding more chicken broth and either cream cheese or sour cream. So tonight will be a trial and I'll have to post what happens and let you know if we have all survived.

Cameron starts homeschooling Monday. So today we went over his schedule and I had him write his first day of lessons in his agenda. I'm not sure that letting him pick his agenda was the best, I had my doubts that is was a good one but thinking about letting him have control of things that might not matter much I let him make the final decision. The problem is he writes too BIG. I think that probably is just a personal preference...I know some people that write so small that you can't read it. Oh well, so not much space to write and no lines (that's another issue in itself, lol).

So I'm whining on a Wednesday...I still have the rest of the week to overcome and well really all this isn't so bad.

One last note without all the details...don't make excuses to your ex about why you can't pick up your daughter (2 different excuses in a matter of hours, neither of which are legit) for visitation and then post on facebook what you have been doing and it contradicts your story. You just told on yourself..of course we knew you were lying because it is typical.

Yellow Squash Bread

I found the recipe online a while back and couldn't wait to try it. I will put it on here just like I found it but I ended up turning the heat up to 400 and baking it 1 hour and 45 minutes. I'm not sure why I had to do this. My oven is very accurate. It caused it to be burn on the edges and the bottom, top was fine since I put foil over it when I turned the heat up. I think next time I'll make muffins and hopefully it will turn out better. The taste of the bread was awesome. I definitely will make it again, especially with all the squash growing in the garden this year.

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
2 cups unpeeled squash, shredded (it took about 3)
1 cup chopped nuts (I left these out since the kids don't care for them)

Beat sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla in mixing bowl until fluffy. Mix flour, salt, baking soda and cinnamon. Add to egg mixture and stir until well blended.

Stir in squash and nuts. Turn into greased and floured (I just used non-stick spray, worked great) 9 x 15 x 3 loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until done (yeah). Wrap with foil when cool.

Red Beans and Rice with Cajun Sausage

Only 440 calories per serving. Click on my livestrong.com link for the recipe. This was an awesome throw together hit with the family. Enjoy.

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/red-beans-rice-w-cajun-sausage/

Just a random Sunday...

I'm just sitting here relaxing and thinking about what a great weekend we had. Kevin has been off since Friday (very unusual) and we have packed as much fun and family time as we could. It started with errands and then a quick cleaning of the house on Friday. We threw together a small cookout with some friends of ours from Alabama. Nothing like a little steak, Cajun sausage on the grill. I parboiled some potatoes and then put them in aluminum foil packet with butter and seasonings (whatever you like, its different every time I make them but always good) then they went on the grill with foil wrapped corn on the cob that had butter and salt and pepper. Picked up some pita bread and brushed with olive oil to warm and put grill marks on. Made a white sangria for the adults and a mixed berry juicer for the kids. We all just sat around the pool with some good conversation and much needed relaxation. Of course we had to make s'mores with these huge campfire marshmallow my mother found for the kids (bigger than my fist), always the yummy finish to a summer meal. Kids showered and went to bed while the adults got to relax in the pool (something that never happens in this place). Was a late night for the 8 o'clock bed timer, but loads of fun...we plan to do it very soon and make it a bigger crowd.

Early rising Saturday we headed out for some shopping and then lunch with the folks. Everyone was wiped out from the heat so we came home and napped. A little TV and video games and a quick dip in the pool then it was time to head to our favorite babysitters Sweet 16 Birthday. We had a great time seeing old friends that are really just extended family. I love the way you can just see someone every six months and it is as though you have talked everyday. We came home and the kids swam awhile and then Bre' and I headed to bed while the boys stayed up playing video games.

Today has been great. After everything got rolling (the laundry) the kids cleaned their rooms and they have been swimming and slip n sliding all day. I think we will have a breakfast dinner tonight (a favorite). It seems like a biscuit and gravy, egg and bacon kind of night. yummy!

All in all it has been an awesome weekend with my family. I'm am so blessed. Sad that Monday will see Kevin back to work and Bre' leaving that evening for 7 days, but I know that more weekends are to come...

Time to budget...

Okay just some free advice. I hear people talk about needing to be on a budget and always saying they don't know where their money went. Well I've come across yet another FREE site that can make this easy for you. Mint.com will help you set a budget and track your money as well as set goals. It can be used for many other things but in its simplest for form it can be use by everyone easily. Check it out and give it a try, I hope it is really helpful and if so pass it on.

click this link: https://www.mint.com/

Yummy Chicken Squash Pasta

Needed to use some of my yellow summer squash from the garden and I've been looking a various recipes. I couldn't find one I wanted to make with pasta and Cameron decided I need to make something with farfalle pasta and Alfredo sauce so this is what I came up with based on his request.

2 boneless chicken breasts, diced
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 medium onions, sliced
1 jar Alfredo sauce
1 box farfalle pasta, cooked
2 cups yellow squash (whatever you have would probably be good), sliced
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
1 tbsp. minced garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

Cook bacon in a fry pan, add onions and minced garlic (may have to add a bit of olive oil). Cook until translucent and add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (always add salt and pepper as you layer your cooking). Add squash and steam. Drain cooked pasta and add Alfredo sauce until warmed through, top with fry pan contents. Cook diced chicken (I like small pieces), in a small amount of olive oil in same fry pan and then mix with pasta. This was an awesome throw together pasta and the kids loved it. I will definitely make it again.

250 Calorie...Quick Satisfying Lunch

This is my pick for a low calorie quick pick. I keep these on hand for when I just want a fast lunch. With only 250 calories you can still have a piece of fruit or yogurt if you like. I'm a kid and like to chop up the steak and mix all together like a mini shephards pie. YUMMO!

Italian Sausage Deep Dish Pizza

This was a quick spur of the moment meal. I had everything on hand and it was a huge hit with the whole family.


1 lb. Mild Italian Sausage
2 cups Shredded Cheese
2 cans Refrigerated Biscuits (I used Grands)
1 medium Onion sliced thin
Crushed Red Pepper
2 tsp. Minced Garlic
Olive Oil
Nonstick Spray
Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper
Ragu Garden Style Sauce (use whatever you like)

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a fry pay fry onions until translucent then add Minced Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper, Italian Seasoning and Italian Sausage...fry until brown. I used 3 pie pans, spread biscuits on bottom and sides of pan, then brush with Olive Oil, spread half the cheese on bottom. Once meat mixture is done spread over cheese, then top with Ragu sauce and then the rest of the cheese. Bake in oven for 20 minutes and enjoy.

You could easily make this a special pizza night creation. Make all your toppings and layer in as each person wants...what a pizza party that would be. Everything was on hand in my pantry or freezer from coupon stock up. I don't even think I have $5 in this whole family meal...AWESOME!

Healthy Steps

Weight has been a struggle all my life. I can't remember when it wasn't ever an issue. As a child hearing about every little thing I put in my mouth and every little activity I did made me want to shut people (at least their voices) out. I don't want my children to have the same issues. Cameron never had to deal with weight until a few years ago when he started his psychotic medications. If anyone has ever had to take or knows someone who has had to take these medication you know that it can pack the weight on you. Cameron gained 60 lbs. on his first medication in this category in about 4 months time. We have battled it in so many ways. I think as a child you just don't see the necessity of worrying about weight and activity level. Well his weight and health was a huge concern and that was what led his doctor and me to take him of all medications and start from scratch so to speak. Any parent that deals with any ADHD or psychotic issue with their child will find that you need to do this every few years anyway to make sure they are really benefiting from the medication. I know it has reminded us of how bad things can get. You tend to only remember what recently happened and forget what it was like a few years back. This has been a trying time for the whole family, but we are committed to always help our children grow in the best way possible (even when it means we have to step into an uncomfortable zone). So now Cameron is only taking a medication that is a hormone replacement for his bladder (actually common) and a new medication called Intuniv (used for ADHD but also for impulsive behavior...since we have both), which is not a psychotic medication. His medication that was causing weight gain should be out of his system in about 2 weeks (can you believe a medication can stay in your system for so long). Well with Cameron you can't spring things on him and this summer has been filled with a lot of changes. I've just quit my job, got him in a Christian Home School, ordered his curriculum, planned his days, and worked on my lesson plans (all including Cameron, so it has been a slow process). We haven't conquered the weight loss as of yet but today was a first step to getting him on board. I found a wonderful site, seems like I heard about it before but never checked it out. Livestrong.com is where I found myself a few days ago. I looked around and it really reminded me of the Weight Watchers online site I had done a while back for a few months. Online is easy for me and Cameron is very interactive so I thought maybe I should think about this. After further investigation...IT"S FREE! Weight Watcher's cost $20+ per month (couldn't remember exactly what I paid) and this would allow Cameron to have his own login so he would be the one watching his food and activities instead of me asking (nagging). So today I set myself up and he set him up an account (had to fudge his year born so he could do this...of course I never told him, don't want to give him any ideas). So far we have logged breakfast and a few activities. I just want him to be aware that he has choices and has the power to control them. I will update every now and then on how its going. I know for the next few weeks I will have to remind him to go online and record things since new things are hard to make a habit but I am very hopeful. I know lots of people struggle with weight/health issues so why not join us and give it a try. I'd love to hear how you are doing.

General Tso Chicken

My family is a HUGE fan of Chinese food. One of our favorite dishes is General Tso Chicken. I've made it from scratch before and it took time and well I'm into quick dishes. I was in Walmart a while back and looked in the Oriental isle and looked around the sauces. The fact that I lived three years in Japan makes me a bit picky with certain flavors. I just can't help it. I found a sauce packet that I thought I'd like to try.

I of course didn't follow the recipe as it told me to but it really turned out good. Cameron had two helpings. This a definate purchase again for us.

GENERAL TSO CHICKEN

1 pkg Sunbird General Tso Chicken Seasoning Packet

1/4 cup sugar

3 Tbsp Soy Sauce (I used Bull Dog sauce, a Japanese sauce used in Yakisoba)

3/4 cup water

1 bag pre-breaded chicken pieces (makes this a quick and easy dish)

Directions: I put my chicken in the oven to bake following the package directions (use real chicken pieces not nuggets). When chicken was almost finished I mixed all other ingredients together in a sauce pan and brought to boil, stirring frequently (this doesn't take long). In a large bowl with lid I dumped all my chicken in it and poured my sauce over the top. Placed lid on top and shook until all chicken was coated. I served with steamed white rice. This was a real winner and I will definately make again. I had dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. I love it!

Pork Chop Casserole

(from the Fix It and Forget It Cookbook)

Makes 4-6 Servings

4-6 Pork Chops

3 cups Water

1 cup Rice, uncooked

10 3/4 oz. can Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 tsp. Salt

1 tsp. Dried Parsley

1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

1. Saute Pork Chops in skillet until brown. Transfer to Crock Pot (I just put them in the Crock Pot, no since in messing up another dish).

2. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over chops in cooker.

3. Cover and cook on Low 6-8 hours or High 3-4.

This was a good recipe. I had planned to fix some carrots and peas for dinner but we ate it for a late lunch and decided we didn't need anything else. Cameron has a picky side and really enjoyed it. I only had one complaint...a bit greasy even though my chops were lean. I guess that is just pork for you. I hope you try and enjoy. I'm going to see what else I can find to fix for tomorrow. Maybe a dessert in the Crock Pot.

Yummy Snack

I have found the best snack for only 140 calories (3 thins). I have always been a fan of Fig Newtons since a kid. But my best snacks have a crunch to them. These little crisp cookies are so yummy. I decide to brew some French Vanilla coffee this morning and had 3 of these for breakfast and all I can say is I'm in heaven. I bought the Blueberry Brown Sugar (anything blueberry is my favorite) but the have three other flavors. They also are a whole grain product with 8g per serving. I will definately buy more of these and try the other flavors. I hope you get a chance to try them before they are all sold out or sad to say stop making them.

Thanks Brother!!!

I just had to make a quick post. Cameron hasn't really wanted to go any place for days. He even turned down the opportunity to go buy fireworks with my dad earlier today. This is a tradition that he has always looked forward to. Since I've seem him withdraw from social situations before I knew not to push him. I figured church tomorrow and dinner with the grandparents was enough for the weekend.

Out of the blue my brother Carl called and wanted Cameron to go see Transformers in 3D. I wasn't sure if he would go but he loves my brother and has a special closeness with him. After just a moment of hesitation he said yes an immediately got in the shower and ready to go.

Cameron waiting for Transformers to start.

I don't know if Carl knew that he was doing this household a huge favor. First, he gave Cameron a spark and got him excited about something outside the house. Second, I've had about an hour break so far and it was a wonderful feeling to know that Cameron was safe and I could relax. Third, I heard it was about a 3 hour movies so Kevin and I will have a couple hours alone time (that is very, no extremely rare).

Let me just say that I am thankful for every moment I have with both of my children. But just like all families, every parent needs a break. If you know someone that has a child with any type of special need, do them a favor and offer to entertain their child for even just an hour. You have no idea what just an hour can do do rejuvenate a person.

Windows of Life

Okay, I may not be an expert but I have lived a little life in my forty (yes, forty) years. It’s funny how people can face the same thing and get different results. That just goes to prove my point I’m trying to make here. People are so willing to make assumptions and they know exactly what is going on and what you should do about it. Hence they become experts!

It is so easy for anyone that isn’t walking, standing or washing your shoes to have an opinion about what is going on with you. From the outside you seem to have the perfect life; married, a house, 2 cars parked in the driveway, a boy, a girl, and two dogs (seems like every American family). For our family this is a blessing. We really aren’t much different from everyone else but I wonder if that is so for everyone.

Windows are a perfect example in life to me. If you are walking past a beautiful house that is well groomed and seems to be all in order…your first thought might be, “they got it made”. On the other hand if you were walking past a house that has a little paint pealing, grass past your ankles and toys thrown around the yard you might say to yourself, “they need to clean that up.” While these might not be the best examples, I think your get the idea of where I’m going.

From the “window” everyone seems to form an opinion, but no one (not even the fly on the wall they wish they were) really knows without walking through the door and staying a while. I’m not just talking for a cup of coffee or even dinner, I’m talking about a week or a month and really walking through the door (all doors in your house).

While I taught my parenting class this past year, my favorite saying to the class was, “What works for me may not work for you, and what works for you now may not work next week, next month or next year, and what works for one child may not work for the other, you have to find out what works best for you and your family situation.” This really should be how we live life. Willing to listen to others, try new things, but doing “only” what works for your situation regardless of what everyone else is doing.

Life is going to put you through many different trials, moments of laughter and tears but most of all it is going to create memories. Don’t let even the lowest situations find you creating a memory not worth remembering. Even the roughest points in my life have been worth remembering and talking about because I learned from them. I’m thankful for every moment in my life (even the ones I never thought I’d get through) and as I look back and even today I hear advice from many different directions.

Here’s my second lesson on how we should live our life. Don’t talk about your life (where it matters) to anyone that hasn’t been in a similar situation as yourself. If you are a parent with unruly children, don’t run to your friend that has never had children or even to a friend that is having the same issue but refuses to find a solution…I suggest you find the friend or mentor that had children with unruly behaviors but got a grip on them and has overcome. That’s the advice I need…Been There, Done That and Conquered! Don’t set yourself up for failure.

While the “window” in your life may make people think you have it all, or make them think you need to get it together, all that really matters is what you think and how you handle things. Don’t let the outside come in unless its sunshine. You deserve the best and nobody needs to understand why you haven’t painted, mowed or picked up the toys. When I see this I think they must be really busy, or maybe like me life happens, God first, family and then everything else. I’d rather look back on life and think I was there for all the memories, instead of just the ones that looked good. And for those who have the perfect “window” just be prepared, windows get dirty and eventually someone notices and has to offer that dreaded opinion.

So if you walk past my house and notice my grass is a bit high, the pool area has floats out of place and towels laying around, my garbage cans are empty by the curb and bicycles are in grass and start to form an opinion, just know I’m inside living life and creating memories with my family…we will get to that stuff later!