Ingredient of the month...

Apples!!

Its finally fall and nothing makes us feel like fall then apples! Going to the local orchard and picking them off the trees and tasting all different varieties. Now, we eat apples year-round but we feel like eating them more in the fall months.

What to do with them? What NOT to do with them!!

Eat them plain! Or slice up and eat with cheese or peanut butter.

Apple Crisp!

Slice up some apples thinly with the skin on--enough to fill an 8x8 pan. Top with your favorite crisp topping and bake. Use canned biscuits or oatmeal cookie dough. Our favorite is a mix of 1/2 whole wheat flour, 1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup smashed almonds, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp each of ginger, nutmeg, ground cloves, and allspice. Cut in 4-6 tablespoons butter. Bake 30-45 mins until browned and bubbley.

Slice and add to sandwiches. Turkey or ham and apples is yummy.

Add to salads.

Make an apple salad--dice apples and combine with pineapple, peanuts, and yogurt! or grate with carrots, dried cranberries, and a poppyseed dressing.

Add to muffins or breads.

Add to soups.

Butternut Squash and Apple soup! Sautee an onion, two carrots, some celery, one butternut squash, and a couple apples, 6 cups chicken stock, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until squash is tender and puree.

Slice and sautee (a little butter, brown sugar, and spices). Add to sweet potatoes, waffles, pancakes, french toast, carrots, pork chops, or serve alone.

Enjoy fall and its fruits!!

Birthday Season

Twice a year, we have Birthday Season. In the fall, my kids' birthdays fall within six weeks of each other and my husband's and my half-birthdays are mixed in there. In the spring, my husband's and my birthdays come up and the kids' half-birthdays. What are half-birthdays, you ask? My husband's family started to celebrate their half-birthdays (six months past your actual birthday) because a year is too long for a little kid to wait for that special day. We have half of a cake and sing half of Happy Birthday. It is a great idea until you are still forcing your wife to plan a big celebration in your twenties or your child doesn't understand why no one at school is wishing her Happy Half Birthday.

Anyways....because of this season, we end of eating cake for six weeks. In many ways, we enjoy this. But as we are trying to keep off that baby weight (or loosing it, darling hubby)...it takes great restraint.

Each person gets to pick what kind of cake they want. 9.5 times out of 10, its chocolate cake. So, below is my standard cake recipe. Everyone picks different fillings and icings but the cake is usually the same. Once in awhile we throw in carrot cake (for the baby's first birthday, he likes carrots) or a cheesecake.

I also let the kids pick their theme...Toy Story, Bugs Life, Hungry Little Caterpillar, Princesses. Decorating cakes is really easy. Just be imaginative and creative. Use some ziplocks as piping bags. Color frosting to any color you want. And use small toys as cake toppers. Recently, I made a cake for my niece using small rounds a cake on top of each other to create Rapunzel's tower.

Enjoy!

WW Birthday Chocolate Cake

2 cup sugar
1 ¾ cup flour
¾ cup cocoa
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 cup hot water

Combine dry ingredients in large bowl. Add remaining ingredients except water. Mix for 2 minutes. Add water. Mix until well incorporated. Pour into 2 greased, and parchment-lined circle pans. Bake 30 minutes on 350oF. Cool and frost.

Chocolate Ganache Filling

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla

Combine cream and chocolate in microwave-safe bowl. Heat in microwave for 1 min. Stir, repeat until chocolate is melted. Stir in vanilla. Chill one hour or until thick. (Add a layer of raspberries! my hubby's fav!) Can add any extract or liqueur to change flavor.

Chocolate Frosting

3 cup powdered sugar
2/3 cup cocoa
½ cup butter, softened
5-6 tbls milk
1 tsp vanilla

Combine cocoa, butter, about half sugar. Add remaining sugar and milk alternately. Add vanilla.

White Frosting

1/3 cup water
2 tbls meringue powder
½ cup plus 1 tbls butter, softened or shortening
6 cup powdered sugar
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla
¼ tsp almond extract

Combine water and meringue powder. Whip until soft peaks form. Add 2 cups sugar. Add butter and remaining sugar alternately. Add salt and flavorings.
Can be easily colored and great for piping.

Little Things

Its been a stressful and busy week, so here are some little things to get you through.

*My daughter's art teacher was named the Teacher of the Year for the state of Illinois today! She is a fabulous teacher and person. We love her and we are so glad that she was recognized for her outstanding dedication to our kids and community.
Check out the story at:
http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2006/09/14/washington_school_teacher_named_illinois_top_educator


My husband is hilarious! Now he doesn't cook, really at all. So, when he was in charge of dinner...he lost track of things. He was making breaded chicken fillets (the pre-packaged, just heat and eat kind). When I got home I noticed that the oven was off and there was no chicken to be seen. I assumed he just didn't make them. So we were sitting down to eat--I somehow ended up serving, my daughter asks where the chicken is. The look on my husband's face was priceless. Then he explains...well I put them in the oven and set the timer for 17 mins. But he apparently completely forgot what was happening and when he went back in the kitchen, he noticed the oven on and turned it off (I don't know, thinking I left it on before I went out to run??). When the timer went off later, he simply turned it off and completely forgot he was baking the chicken in the oven. It still makes me laugh thinking about it.

**Our baby is officially walking! and into everything possible!

**Our almost 3-year-old started preschool and loves it so much he wants to go all the time--especially after dinner and on weekends. Just wait until he is a teenager and I have to bribe him to go.

**Our almost 10-year-old had artwork selected to be copied onto a tile for the wall of the new pediatric wing of the hospital. It is very special (and super cool of the hospital to think of including local, children's artwork as a permanent feature!).

This Week...

What we ate...
Pot Roast (in the crock pot) with roasted potatoes and acorn squash
Meatloaf with brown rice and veggies
Pasta Primavera
Smoothies (hubby's on the Abs Diet that includes lots of smoothie recipes)
Dove Bars!
Apple Crisp
Whole wheat french toast
Cheesy scrambled eggs with hash browns with peppers and onions
Lots of leftovers! (the pot roast and meatloaf fed us for days!)
Carrot Cake (baby's 1st bday!!)
Pumpkin Bread

What we read...
the baby...really into Baby Sign books, Five Little Ladybugs, the Eency Weency Spider
the 2-yr-old...Berenstein Bears Get into a Fight, Green Eggs and Ham, Look and Find Books
the 9-yr-old...Bone: Out from Boneville
the mom...4% Famous (a new book and I have yet to see a plot develop and I am 100 pages in...I don't even know why I am reading it still)

Baby Weight

First of all, I would like to give my love and support to anyone trying to loose weight and/or get into better physical shape. It is a hard thing to do.

Secondly, I would like to share that I am finally back to my pre-baby weight (pre-my 3 year old weight). Although I think our stomach flu of last week helped me get there...

I was very young when I was pregnant the first time and only gained about 25 pounds. I lost it right away...didn't even think about it. Second baby...gained a lot. I decided to be pregnant as much as possible and ate anything I wanted, didn't exercise....I gained almost 40 pounds (I know many people think that is nothing but consider I am only 4 ft 11 inches tall and normally weigh about 118 lbs). With that pregnancy, I had back pain all the time and swelled up like a whale. After losing the initial chunk (e.g. the baby and fluids), I didn't loose much weight at all (I kept a good 5 lbs on in the end). So, we decided to have another kid instead of trying to loose the weight.

Now 3rd time around...I gained about 30 lbs, exercised (up until the day before delivery), and ate better. I thought... I feel great, I look great. I will loose this weight in a snap--I'll be nursing (not that I stopped) and running around after three kids now. And I did loose the initial 20 lbs by my 2 week check up...and didn't loose another pound for 4 months.

What did I do? Besides sweeping away any depression about my weight (couldn't hear or see another celebrity mom who lost all her weight in a week--with the help of nannies, personal trainers, and chefs--did any of those women breastfeed?) and refusing to buy new clothes to accommodate my new size...I started taking classes at the gym (the same gym I had been going to all along and just using the cardio machines--the same gym we picked because of the classes we had never been to). The first class...cardiokickboxing was awful, I thought I would die. The second class..step was terrible, I was just waiting to fall on my face. Then, I did a core class. This is great! Then I persisted on the kickboxing class. I ended up going to the class 2-3 days a week. I have kept this up for 10 months! I love it!

I also tried to watch my diet. Just more fruits and veggies--eating the rest of the baby food doesn't count. I cut out all beverages during the day and drank only water--I allow one small glass of juice and one of milk and an ocassional cup of decaf coffee (I used to down cranberry juice like my life depended on it). I don't drink soda anyways.

I also frequented a Breastfeeding and Weight Loss message board (at ivillage.com). This is a great help. There are other women who don't bounce back in six weeks or even six months either.

Finally, the pounds trickled off. And one year later, I finally lost that extra 13 pounds (that's about a pound a month). So, I lost the weight and can I say my jeans are even a bit baggy! (know that I still have a nice, soft belly there) More than the weight, I am in good shape. This means I can play harder with my kids and be a great example of good health for them.

Sick again

Well, we went through it this week. My daughter came home after visiting her various grandparents sick. Not just tired and crabby from too much fun and spoiling from the grandparents...but throwing up sick. We figured she was exhausted, motion sickness or maybe even food poisining. She was fine the next day and even the next. But that night, it started again and it wasn't pretty. After about 4 hours of vomitting and other things (not all making it to the bathroom), it was over. She was better the next day--tired, dehydrated, and afraid to eat in case she had to get sick again...but better. Great, that was over.

Then I got it. Thankfully, I got the younger two to bed easily and finished my PTA stuff for the coming first day of school before it hit. My husband was out at fire fighting training, out of reach so if the boys woke up, I don't know what I would have done. For over 6 hours I was in the bathroom. I slept on the couch, sitting up...close to the bathroom and far away from anyone else. My husband brought the baby down a couple times to nurse. But I figured that our daughter was sick for 4 hours so I should be done soon, right? And I did feel a bit better the next day--exhausted but better. But my husband came down at 6am that morning to take his turn. Now I had only not thrown up for 3 hours and a terrible sense of anxiousness came over me.

If my husband and I were both sick...I mean really sick like this, who was going to take care of the children? Crap!! What were we going to do? Most of our friends were out of town or working and we didn't want to send our possibly infected children to anyone else's house with little ones. Should we call in the reinforcements (e.g. the parents)? Unfortunately, my mom who had been babysitting the kids while we were out of town had caught the same bug and was sick, sick, sick too. There is a crisis nursery in town that we could have used if necessary. But I was feeling better, enough to take care of the kids. And then my husband felt better (only 3 hours of real sickness for him). So we took turns napping and taking care of the kids.

Then all was well. Well, the dishes and garbage piled up (a lot) and we watched a lot more TV than usual. We fed the kids whatever they wanted (out of the meager supply we had). My husband felt better fast and was running errands (e.g. more saltines or powerade, anyone?), he threw in some laundry and a load in the dishwasher. I made up a batch of cherry jello and another of vanilla pudding. And we were all set...then I started getting sick again. Of course Mom gets the sickiest--probably because I had the least amount of time to really devote to getting better (I still had to nurse and take care of people, my husband can nap anywhere anytime).

It feels like it will never end---my kids will never eat a real meal again (I couldn't even watch Food Network, I was so nauseous), the sink will never be empty, I will spend the rest of my life in the bathroom--our one, tiny bathroom.

But alas, it did end (at least I hope so, the little ones haven't gotten it). I finally woke up this morning and felt completely different, anew. I could eat. I could play with the kids. We had an actual meal together tonight. It was only a few days but having three of us sick in the house (including the two adults) was a big blow. I feel like we should set up some kind of plan in case, god forbid, it should ever happen again. At least a sickie food stash and unwatched dvd's.

I hope none of you get sick like us--at least not at the same time.

This Week...

What we ate this week...
Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin and baked potatoes with mixed veggies
Hash Browns (using the leftover potatoes) and cheesy scrambled eggs
Taco Pizza (see below)
the Big Salad
New Barilla Plus pasta with tomato sauce
Homemade Mac and Cheese (with new pasta)
a yummy dinner at a wedding reception
lots of PB and J's (with natural PB and all-fruit J, of course)
Raisin Bran and Cheerios
Carrot, Apple, Kale Puree (for the baby)
Udon noodles with tofu and veggies
Tabouleh salad

What we read this week...
the baby...animal board book, Maisy Takes a Bath
the 2-yr-old...Buzz and the Bubble Planet, My Truck is Stuck
the 9-yr-old...American Girl Books
the mom...People and Parenting Magazine, newspaper (no books, I know...bad, bad)


I grew up in Chicagoland, so it is given that I like pizza. This was a problem with I decided to give up cheese to help with the baby's reflux. Now that I don't live in Chicago any more, it is hardly worth it to order pizza (too expensive for sub-par food). So we often make our own...plus its a great use for leftovers.

What we do...

Crusts

Crackers, tortillas, toast, store-bought crusts, homemade crust (sorry, I haven't found a recipe I like enough to pass on)

Toppings...

Leftover chicken, bbq sauce, onions, jack cheese

Ground meat, black beans, leftover pasta sauce with a splash of taco sauce, cheese, lettuce, avocado, tomatoes (last 3 add after baking)

Any leftover or fresh veggies

Ham and pineapple (a great use for that Easter ham)

*The kids like to make their own pizzas (torillas are the perfect size for that)!

A Working Vacation

Remember when you were a kid and vacation was the coolest time of the year? You would play until you dropped, ate junk food until you felt sick, got sun-burned, drove for hours and hours at a time?

Who made those priceless, childhood memories possible? Your hard-working parents.

We are on vacation this week in Wisconsin. We are here at my parents' house with my parents, brother, and niece. When I was a kid, we used to come up to Wisconsin all the time with my cousins, aunt, uncles, and dogs as well. It was a blast when we were kids. I have very vivid memories of all the fun. I don't remember the 8-hour drive. I don't remember my parents cleaning up all the time or scrambling to keep us entertained and somewhat clean and rested. I don't remember what my parents did at all actually. Probably because they were busy being thoroughly exhausted.

Honestly, I was ready to go home before we even left Illinois. We had come up early and stayed at my parents' regular house for two days before heading up. So with a teething baby, a moody two-year-old, and a overtired nine-year-old, we were done after that. But we got in the car and did it. The ride was actually ok. The baby only screamed for probably an hour or so (reaching his hands out to me with a look to break my heart). I didn't get car sick--a usual occurance. My map-loving brother navigated us passed a terrible traffic jam. Our two-year-old actually ate lunch when we stopped. So all is well. But what makes you so tired while driving. We were just sitting and talking for 6 hours.

I know why I was. It is hard to entertain two kids for that long. I used every toy I brought and found in the car, plus anything else babysafe I could find. Fed them animal crackers, teddy grahams, juice, water. Sang songs, played peek-a-boo, read books. Let the baby poke me in the eye--since it made him laugh. Tickled them, carassed them, ignored them. Finally, we made it.

Then we had to make sure they safely explored the new place. Remembering if everyone ate, slept, has clean clothes. Are the doors locked? Did the baby eat the dog food? Are the cousins fighting again? Why won't the two-year-old wear a lifejacket? Where is the three-year-old?

It is just so much work to go on vacation with the whole family. My husband and I just want to sleep, really. My mom keeps asking me what I want to do this week...and I reply 'nothing'. I just want to relax a bit. So we are trying to relax and have fun--in between the overtired tantrums, dehydrated kids, and wet dogs.

At least we are with family...the kids will love that they got to go on vacation with their cousins, uncles, aunts, and grandparents. It will build loving relationships for life. Just as our parents did for us. It is worth it in the end (I am close to all my eighty-plus family members who we still vacation with regularly).

But my husband and I are thankfully going out of town next weekend without the kids. Its to a wedding but I'll take the excuse to go overnight without the darlings. Its our vacation from the vacation.

Ingredient of the month...

Well, its time for INGREDIENT of the MONTH!!!!

Ground Turkey

This is our family's new favorite thing. We use it all the time. You can easily replace ground turkey in any recipe that calls for ground beef. It is leaner than beef as well. It can be more expensive than ground sirloin (our usual beef of choice) but if you catch it on sale and stock up...it is about the same price.

Turkey burgers are good as well. It won't taste just like beef but it is yummy nonetheless.

Turkey Chili

1 package ground turkey

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

1 sweet pepper, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 large carrot, chopped

1 4 oz can diced green chilies

1 15 oz can of tomatoes

1 15 oz can beans, whatever you like

1 15 oz can of chicken or beef broth

1-3 tablespoons worcestershire sauce

1-3 teaspoons chili powder

salt and pepper to taste

In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat pan and add oil. Add turkey and brown. Add veggies and cook 5 minutes. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Add chilies, tomatoes, beans, chili powder, and worcestershire sauce. Cook 3 minutes. Add broth. Bring to boil. Once to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook 10 minutes. Add extra water to make desired consistency. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I usually make this in the morning when I have a bit of time and then stick it in the frig. This allows the favors to meld better. Also, serve any leftovers over grilled hot dogs with cheese and onions.

This Week...

What we ate this week...
Pork Chops with Gorgonzola and Pears (yummy and fast!!)--recipe below
Thai takeout
Turkey Chili Mac and Corn Muffins (the kids made this dinner)
Sweet and Sour Beef (crockpot meal)
Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled Salmon
Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Whole Wheat French Toast

Lots of Salad and fresh veggies and fruit

What we read this week...
The baby...Hey! Wake Up! Winnie the Pooh Collection (ok, he ate these books)
The 2 -year-old...Monster Muffins, Elmo's Counting Game, What Bounces?
The 9-year-old...Babysitter's Club, Nickeloden Magazine
The Mom...A Simple Plan by Scott Smith (this was great!) and Parenting and People Magazines

Pork Chops with Gorgonzola and Pears
Source: Better Homes and Gardens, July 2006
Prep: 10 minutesCook: 20 minutes

Ingredients
4 pork rib chops, cut 3/4 to 1 inch thick
Sea salt, kosher salt, or salt
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 medium ripe pears, peeled, cored; each pear cut into 8 wedges
2 Tbsp. butter
1/4 cup dry white wine or apple juice
1/4 cup whipping cream
8 oz. creamy Gorgonzola or blue cheese, cut up
Freshly ground black pepper
Additional Gorgonzola cheese, cut into chunks (optional)

Directions
1. Sprinkle pork chops with salt. In a 12-inch skillet cook pork chops in hot oil over medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn chops and cook 5 minutes more or until browned and juices run clear (160 degrees F). Transfer chops to a serving platter. Drain fat from skillet.
2. In same skillet cook pear wedges in butter over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until browned, turning once. Add pears to platter.
3. For sauce, add wine and cream to skillet. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Boil gently, uncovered, 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the 8 ounces Gorgonzola; whisk until cheese is almost melted. Remove from heat. Serve with pork and pears. Sprinkle with pepper; serve with additional cheese. Makes 4 servings.

Breast is Best

SOAP BOX ALERT!!!

Ok, I didn't really think so but I am becoming a bit of a Breastfeeding Nazi. I was breastfed and I breastfeed my kids. Almost all the women in my family have breastfed their children as well. I didn't even debate it when I had my kids. I honestly don't think there is a debate...breastfeeding is the best choice.

We are mammals...because we feed our young with our own milk. Women are made it do this...this is the purpose of breasts (sorry, it is not to make sex more fun). Babies were made to eat it. And humans have been doing it since the creation of humans. Formula wasn't invented until 1867 (by Nestle)!

Now, I understand that their is a small, very small percentage of mothers that truly cannot breastfeed. And since their is an alternative to breastfeeding, it is a woman's choice. But I am amazed that only about 65% of mothers leave the hospital breastfeeding and by six months only about 30% and only 10% at one year*. Now, the American Academy of Pediatrics** recommends breastfeeding for 2 years and in most cultures where children are allowed to nurse as long as they want or need to, they usually self-wean between 3-4 years--yes, YEARS!

And breastfeeding in public...now there's an issue. In most states, 41, women and children are protected by law to nurse in public. And if a public place denies a woman and nursling this right...you will probably hear about in the news (recently Target and Victoria's Secret). Of course I nurse in public. I am as discret as possible and most of the time people don't even know it has happened. But if you look over and notice...so what. Baby's gotta eat. Or would you rather he scream in hunger.

Extended breastfeeding (typically nursing after 1 year)...ya, I do that too. My first baby...13 months. Second baby...20 months. Third baby..going on 11 months. Besides continued nutritional benefits, the emotional benefits are great.

Nursing while pregnant...did that too. Yes, it is safe (as long as you take care of yourself).

Breastfeeding and the Media...in the news, both sides of the debate are well-represented. In entertainment...very poor. This includes shows about babies (such as TLC's Bringing Home Baby). Where did my kids learn that babies eat from bottles? Not at home. If you can see women's breasts almost falling out of their shirts, you can show mothers nursing their babies (which doesn't show any of the breast, in most cases). The most recent media blitz has been the cover of the August issue of BabyTalk. (see http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14065706/).

Overall, I think breastfeeding is great. It works fabulously for our family. I had great support, education, and resources. Sometimes, breastfeeding takes some real work and can be frustrating and painful. So, if you are going to breastfeed, go out there and find some support (most hospitals have a lacation consultant on-call (We love the Carle Hospital Breastfeeding Clinic!!), join La Leche League (lalecheleague.org) or just call the leader for advice, find some other breastfeeding moms (either in person or online--ivillage.com has a great set of breastfeeding message boards).

Why We Love Breastfeeding...
Its the best and most natural nutrition for my baby.
It is so easy and convienent.
Its free!
It guarantees me individual time with my nursling.
It makes me sit down for 10 minutes every two hours.
It keeps my breasts to a C-cup (ok, this is my husband's addition).


Resources
*Kelly Mom
www.kellymom.com
A great breastfeeding website! Tons of information and support!

**American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/breastfeeding.cfm

Oh Poop!

You know that you are a true parent if you talk about poop on a regular basis.

And I am a parent so...

our two-year-old finally went poop on the potty! This is a big moment in life. He has been working on potty training for months. He has total control over his bladder and bowels. He runs around naked most of the time with no accidents but he resisted using the toilet for bowel movements. So much that has become chronically constipated--requiring daily doses of milk of magnesia. When he needs to poop, he would ask (or plead) for a diaper. But yesterday, we simply didn't have any diapers. We went and bought some Buzz Lightyear pull-ups but he refused to wear them. So he had no choice but the potty left. It took him several tries but he finally did it. He was so proud. We hope that is the turning point in potty training. He still won't wear underwear--he prefers to be nakey. But one step at time.

Summer Changes

This summer has been a challenge as a parent. Overall, I am exhausted but I have to find the energy and strength to continue on from day to day. What has changed the past six weeks?

Well, not much overall. But, school is out. My nine-year-old is home...all day...every day. I never realized how much she was gone at school and her other activities. Don't get me wrong, I love my daughter and overall she is a delightful person. But, I realized that having her home all the time changes the vibe and routine in the house. My usual quiet time while the boys are napping is gone. I have to divide my attention throughout the day in thirds. And the girl has got to eat! This has been a very unexpected change--not that she eats, I knew that, but the amount of food and expense was a surprise. During the school year, my daughter eats two of her three daily meals at school. And we only pay 70 cents a day for her to do so. Can you believe that?! I have tried to figure out how to do that at home, and it is impossible...so thank you school district for finding a way to nutritionally and economically feed our children. So our grocery bill has gone up a bit and I find myself having to go to the grocery store weekly (I used to make a 'big' trip every other week, and a produce and milk run once a week).

Speaking of eating...the baby is eating more food now too. Don't worry...he still nurses ten times a day (that is not hyperbole). Having all three kids home and eating has been good for our schedule. It makes us all eat, together, three times a day. This has been especially good for our picky, snacky two-year-old. He sees his sibs eating and thinks maybe its a good idea.

Speaking of the two-year-old...this summer has been the summer of transition for him. Potty training, pacifier weaning, juice reduction. And he decided to cash in on his last few months of being two...temper tantrums! Lots of them!

And the baby is crawling and learning to walk....

My husband is trying to find a new job....

And I am trying to keep us all under control.

Ingredient of the month...

This month...I love GOAT CHEESE!

This is a great ingredient that is relatively affordable and makes you feel like you are eating adult food again! And everyone will think you are a fancy chef.

At our local farmer's market sells some great stuff! But it is available in most grocery stores.

Here is how we use it...
*Add to tomato soup!

*Top it on burgers! or steaks! with mushrooms and onions!

*Mix into salads!

*Make a turkey, apple, cranberry, goat cheese quesadilla!

*Top puff pastry with goat cheese and sliced apples, drizzle with olive oil and bake 10 mins!

*Mix with dried cranberries and a drizzle of honey and spread on crackers or bread!

*Mix in pasta with sundried tomatoes and garlic!

*Smear on portabello mushrooms, sprinkle with bread crumbs and broil 5 mins!

The possibilities are endless!!! Enjoy!

What I've been doing...

This is part of my new format...this will give you a quick idea of what our family has done each week. Additionally, I will write journal-type entries.


What we have been eating...
Many of these meal recipes are or will be posted on this site.
*Thai Chicken Pizza (so yummy!)
*BBQ Tofu/Tempeh in wheat tortilllas
*Pasta with artichokes, mushrooms, and spinach (yum!) and big salad
*Homemade macaroni and cheese, grilled hot dogs, and mixed veggies with spices
*BBQ chicken sandwiches, baked red potatoes, peas
*Turkey Meatball Sandwiches
*Peanut Stir Fry with Noodles and Chicken
*the Big Salad

*the famous 'Leftovers!'

What we have been reading...

the baby--Baby Sign books, Maisy's train, Goodnight Moon

the 2 year old--How I Became a Pirate, Tarzan, The Very Busy Spider, The Very Quiet Cricket, 10 Hungry Monsters

the 9 year old--Harry Potter 4:GOF, Ella Enchanted

the Mom--Blindness by Jose Saramago (this is a great book! and it would have been even better had I had all my brain cells back intact. it is a bit difficult at times but really thought-provoking (remember when you thought about something besides poop)); Double Whammy by Carl Hiaasan (great, fun read).

What have we been watching...

BabyFirst TV (babyfirsttv.com)

(we got a month-long preview on our service). It is really great. The 'shows' are about 3-5 minutes each and are developmentally-appropriate. Our baby didn't really care about it but our 2-year-old loved it. He was very interactive with the programs.

So You Think You Can Dance (Fox)

My daughter and I like to watch. We have never really watched American Idol or anything, so this is our first show that we are getting into it all. No, we haven't voted for our favorite yet (and probably won't). Its good summer fun.

Rent

Got it from the library, of course. I haven't seen the stage show (but I have seen La Boehme) but I really liked this movie. The music is great and the cast (mostly the originals from Broadway) are great.

Pirates of the Caribbean 2

Search for the lost editor...it is WAY too long. Its all pirate action and its all good. Johnny Depp is great and I could easily be persuaded to watch Orlando Bloom for two hours. My nine-year-old liked it too but was scared at certain parts. The plot confused her a bit as well. If you liked the first one...and plan on seeing the third...head on out.

Cars

This was a good one--of course Pixar can't miss. Of course my two-year-old son loved it (and told his toy Lightning McQueen that he was home when the movie started). I thought is was a bit long (2 hours) and slow at times and right now the least favorite of the Pixar collection (but I am sure it will grow on me once my sons have requested to watch the DVD a hundred times).

New Directions

So, I have been trying to become a master 'blogger', rather unsuccessfully. I intended to use this blog to express my feelings and experiences about early childhood and parenting, including how I get through my daily life of a mother of three kids (e.g. recipes and activities). But...because I am a mother of three kids, I have been having a difficult time finding the time and energy to blog.

But rest assure, I have not given up. I have decided to use a slightly different format (and fancy new layout). Additionally, one thing that has bothered me about blogging is the lack of interactions with my readers. So, please email me or comment on the blog. If you are reading this, let me know what you think...any questions...want a recipe for something...what to share a recipe....

Please keep coming back. I really am determined to update the site weekly...I promise...at least for now.

Enjoy!

Wake Up!

So, our lives are so busy and our schedules are so full that I seem to run on autopilot. The routine that I have established in the house runs itself each day, seven days a week.... This routine is good. Kids thrive on routine--don't we all. They can predict what is going to happen next and find comfort in knowing what is going on in this crazy world they live in. Also, routines set your biological clock and allows one to sleep (or want to sleep) at regular intervals and eat in a sensible manner. Parents loves this as they can predict when their kids eat and sleep and thus can plan activities.

However, this continual routine can also be bad. It runs, and runs, and runs, and then all the sudden a month has gone by...or a year. What happened? The days run together and you find yourself in continuous motion--working only to maintain this routine. And you've been eating the same ten meals for the past three months. And it is exhausting.

What actually made me think about this was a song on the car radio--actually one of my husband's countless mixed CDs. It said--with a great dance beat--"Wake up! You're asleep at the wheel!" And indeed sometimes this is how I feel. I wake up and 'drive around' without even aware of what I am doing--nurse, change diapers, pour bowls of cereal and cups of juice, throw in some laundry......and on and on. I even find myself driving certain places without much thought--I have actually driven to a place and realized I had no real reason to be there, I simply automatically drove there.

So, I have decided to 'wake up'! Yes, I still have to 'drive'. Kids have to eat, play, and be cleaned--so do I. And a basic routine is still a good thing. But we can make things fun and interesting. Change things up! Stop and watch the kids laugh and dance, instead of taking the opportunity to finish the dishes. We can go to the park--even though lunch is supposed to be in 30 minutes. Take the time to enjoy breakfast with the kids and not be thinking two meals ahead. Take a bath or shower with the kids--with bubbles!

And to this end...here's some quick 'wake ups' for regular recipes (basically by adding fresh herbs and favors).

Mint and Lemon Peas
Frozen or fresh peas, cooked
Lemon zest
Fresh mint, finely chopped
Salt and Pepper

Make peas like usual. Add lemon zest and mint. Enojy. (good cold as well!).

Crunchy Green Beans
Frozen or fresh green beans
Dried cranberries
Roasted almonds, chopped

Cook beans like usual. Add handful of berried and almonds.

Chili Corn
Canned, frozen, or corn on the cob
Butter
Chili powder
Lime zest
Salt and Pepper

Cook corn like usual. Add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with chili powder and lime zest.

Books are Back

Yes, I am still here. Sorry. We have been so busy this month...including a great vacation to Colorado. Travelling with the kids is so exhausting but the kids and even I had a great time visiting family, friends, and nature. Then we just have all these things on our calendar. Crazy! So is the life of a family. I can only imagine what it will be like when the kids are in jr. high and high school!!!

Anyways. I wanted to at the very least recommend some more reading--I know we all have tons of extra time to sit down and read, right?! Actually, I read at least 15 mins or one chapter before I go to bed each night unless its super late or I am super exhausted. I just finished R is for Ricochet by Sue Grafton and have Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code on my shelf.

The Tao of Poop by Vivian Elizabeth Glyck
This is a funny and interesting book for new and vetern moms alike. Read the whole first chapter before making a judgement. Besides including her personal experience as well as other parents, each chapter includes 'sanity savers' and 'thought exercises'. These give you some things to help out and think about your life.

Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy
This book is the first in a now series of books by the comedienne. It is a funny reflection of her own pregnancy including all the things that other books don't really mention including the unpleasantness of pregnancy and weight gain and loss. Its a fun read for vetern moms and a reality check for new ones.

The Breastfeeding Cafe: Mothers Share the Joys, Challenges, and Secrets of Nursing by Barbara Berhmann
This is a fabulous collection of stories from breastfeeding parents all over the nation. You'll laugh, you'll cry...what could be better?! A great book for all nursing moms.

The Complete Book of Breastfeeding by Marvin Eiger andSally Wendkos Olds
This is the breastfeeding reference book I own. (Yes, I do occasionally purchase a book). Besides all the usual info, there is a drug list for nursing moms and a great reference section.

Hoot by Carl Hiaasen
No, this is not a parenting book but its a great book to read with your child--age 9-15 years. I love Hiaasen's books and he has two young readers' books. This is a great book. My daughter and I really liked it. There is a movie that was recently released based on the book--although I have yet to see it.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Ok, I haven't read it yet but...this is our first summer read-together book with my daughter. There is also a fabulous movie based on this one. I'll let you know how it is.

What my 2-year-old is reading right now...Sesame Street Magazines, Maisy's Train, Arthur's Valentine Countdown

What my 9-month-old is reading right now...The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Good Night Moon, Barnyard Dance

Recommended Reading

by request

I'll be honest, I don't have a lot of 'parenting' books on my shelf. Since I have studied families, child development, and education, I have read a lot about these subjects. And I have been a parent for almost ten years, so my past experience is enough to write a couple books. Additionally, other parents and the internet are fabulous resources. I do own a few books--mostly reference books on pregnancy and breastfeeding.

But I do have some books that I highly recommend.

Our Babies Ourselves: How Biology and Culture Shape the Way We Parent
by Meredith Small
This book is a must for any new or vetern parent. Read this one as soon as you realize you want to or will be a parent. Small takes the reader through several aspects of parenting (e.g. feeding, sleeping, play) in relation to cultural traditions of many cultures including the US. This book allows you to think critically about your parenting choices and why you make those choices. Its great book to read to reflect upon yourself as a parent.

Entertaining and Educating Your Preschool Child
by Robyn Gee and Susan Meredith
A good book to help you figure out what to do with that bundle of joy. It answers the question of 'how do I play with my child'. Including developmental information for ages 0-5 years, this book describes numerous activities to do with your child to foster his development. It is super parent-friendly.

The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and Help Your Baby Sleep Longer
by Harvey Karp
This is a nice book to learn how to relate to your child and make her feel good. Written by a pediatritcian, he clearly explains why and how to soothe your baby.

The No-Cry Sleep Solution: Gentle Ways to Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night
by Elizabeth Pantley
This book is an interesting perspective on sleep. It includes information on babies' sleep cycles and many options for getting some sleep (including co-sleeping). Be warned, this technique takes hard work--like any sleep training, and strong consistency. It also may work for one baby and not the next (like in our house).

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know about Your Baby from Birth to Age Two
by Martha and William Sears
I like Dr. Sears' books and perspective on parenting. He utilizes 'attachment parenting' as his major philosophy. Again, this perspective may not work for your family or every child. His website is www.askdrsears.com.

First Meals: The Complete Cookbook and Nutrition Guide
Annabel Karmel
This is a good book to to guide you through making your own baby food. Although there are some questionable recommendations from my perspective (I don't push solids too much until the babies are 9-12 months old and I avoid dairy the first year); there are a lot of fun and great recipes for all ages.


You should know by now that I love the library. So, I urge you to go and spend some time in the baby book section. There are a lot and you should find books that match your personality and outlook on parenting as well as your baby's temperment. Do not feel obligated to follow all of anyone's advice. Do what you feel is best.

Bring the Restaurant Home

We don't eat out much. But we miss a couple things from restaurants--soup and salad bars. We love to have soup and salad dinners--they are healthy and economical. So here are some ideas to bring the 'restaurant-style' home.

Fake-Out Cream Soups
This recipe is for Cream of Cauliflower Soup or Cream of Brocolli Soup but its a lot healthier and super fast. Pureeing soups gives a creamy texture without adding lots of cream--actually no cream. Simply topping soup with cheese instead of adding it while cooking, reduces the fat as well.

2 tablespoons olive oil or 1 tablespoon oil and one butter
1 medium onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 head of cauliflower or 1 bunch of brocolli, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
4 cups broth or water (if using water, simmer extra 10 min)
1 cup shredded cheese

In large pot, heat oil. Add onion, carrot, and celery. Sautee five minutes. Add garlic and cauliflower or brocolli, and salt and pepper. Cook 5 minutes. Add flour and stir well. Cook 5 minutes. Add liquids. Cook on high and cover. Bring to a boil. Drop heat to low and simmer 5 minutes. Using immersion blender, puree soup (or ladle into blender and puree in batches). Leave some vegetable chunks. Ladle servings into bowls and top with 2 tablespoons cheese.

Makes 6 servings.

*You can also make Baked Potato Soup by adding 3 baked potatoes (leftover or made in microwave so save time). And so not puree but use a potato masher to smooth out soup. Top with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
**Experiment with adding spices or fresh herbs to change flavors. Cummin, curry, cilantro...

Great Fruit Salad
Your favorite fruits (we like apples, berries, bananas, melon)
Add chopped nuts--almonds are great!
Add minced mint and ginger
Add the rind of one lemon or lime and its juice

Super Salad
Start with your favorite greens. Add as many fruits and veggies as you like. Here are some of our favorite combos.
*Apples, dried cranberries, almonds
*Carrots, peas, avocado, almonds
*Veggies, nuts, dried ramen noodles
*Pears, nuts, blue cheese, raisins
*Peas, pesto
*Brocolli, carrots, peas, apples
*Beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, green beans)