Camee.

I have been meaning to post since... well April. And my sweet cousin Camee who I run into every once in awhile keeps harrassing me on how sick she was of seeing "recycled crayons" I don't blame her.

Like I said, I have been meaning to write forever and ever... so! With that, I'm giving a shout out to Camee "HEY HEY! Good to see you at the rodeo and not a depressing setting!" I will update with something that has to do with this blog this weekend. When my house is in order... so maybe it won't be until 2012! Until then! Have fun at work Cam!

Recycled Crayons

I heard about this project a long time ago, but never thought I would actually do it. Well, I got sick of all the broken crayons I found laying around, so I thought I would save them and I finally had enough. Not that you need a ton, but I ended up having PLENTY. So if you are cheap like me, here is a fun little project you can do with or without your kiddos.

STEP ONE:

Peel paper off broken crayons.

STEP TWO:

Break crayons into smaller pieces (if they aren't already) and stick them in a muffin tin!
(I also read you can put them in silicon molds as well)

STEP THREE:

Stick muffin tin in oven (temp 350 or lower).

STEP FOUR:

Take out of oven when they are melted. (maybe 10-15 minutes?!)



STEP FIVE:

Let cool.



STEP SIX:

Color!!!


OK, so it is really that easy. I did find a problem with the crayons after they were made (and read it on Google after it happened). If you don't use CRAYOLA crayons, the crayons are super waxy and you have to kind of rub off the extra wax before the color starts to come through. But they still work! And my kids love them.

Monday's Meal

Easy Shredded Beef Burritos/Chimichangas

INGREDIENTS

Flour tortillas
Jar of salsa
Can of Hereford beef (found at Costco)
Shredded cheese

Shred the beef, pour in salsa and warm in a pan.
Warm flour tortillas, put in beef/salsa combo, and cheese and roll up!

You have yourself a burrito! And for fun, you can fry them for a delicious chimichanga!!!

***Don't be scared of the canned beef. I almost freaked the first time I opened it up. But once you drain and shred it, its totally fine!!!

Add some rice, chips and you're good to go!!!

Family pics.

Why, oh why are family pictures so important?! Most family pictures are fake anyway. I know for a fact that in most of our family pictures, four seconds before the camera clicks, I am threatening naughty chairs, no treats, and anything else that my kids like if they don't look at the camera and smile. Then I hear ONE-TWO-THREE and I put on a fake smile for the camera. I would LOVE to see a family picture that depicts how the day/pictures are really going. Let me tell you, mine would not look like they do! Maybe in our next photo shoot, we will do one with how we really feel. And then put it on a Christmas card that most likely won't be sent out... But it would be funny don't ya think!?

Here is our faux picture I had taken a couple of weeks ago. I cried at the end of the night the day was so bad. Pictures weren't the bad part. It was everything before and after. The photographer was awesome. My family was horrible. Horrible! Oh well. Maybe next time!



Click {here} for the photographers info! She was awesome!

Words.

Not exactly sure what to do about my son. He is two. And his two favorite words are STUPID and BOOBIES. That's right. Boobies. I am not sure where he picked up on this word since his father doesn't go around yelling it, (thinking it yes, but saying it no). Anyway, so if you think you have it bad... just hang around my son and you will know your kids are angels. Boobies.

Monday's Meal for Tuesday

I have been a blog slacker. Don't worry (all three of you), I have a real post coming soon!!! :) For now, here is a simple meal to make for the fam! Once again got it from The Kitchen Cafe and I LOVED it! My four year old actually prepared the whole meal. It is THAT easy.

Slow Cooker Southwest Chicken Stacks

2 cups frozen corn
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
2 large frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1 1/2 cups salsa

Lightly grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker. Pour frozen corn into the bottom of the slow cooker and place the frozen chicken breasts on top. Cover with beans and salsa. Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with forks. Return to the slow cooker and stir until the chicken, corn, beans and salsa are combined.

Serve on a bed of tortilla chips and top with additional garnishes: lettuce, tomato, avocado, sour cream, cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, etc.

***I think it would also taste good wrapped in a tortilla. Maybe?

Housewife.

Housewife: ˈhau̇s-ˌwīf n., pl., -wives (-wīvz'). A woman who manages her own household as her main occupation.

The husband told me last week that if I was on American Idol, that is what would be put under my name. Wow! Really?! Housewife?! Not amazing mom?! or just PERFECT under my name?! When the heck did I get demoted to just housewife?! Now don't get me wrong. It's a fine title to have. Most days, I don't mind it. But last week, I think my title would have been schlump.

Schlump: A lazy, overweight, under- or unemployed, undesirable middle-aged man. Usually wears crappy clothing. Shaves infrequently. Has nonchalant attitude about everything.

Pretty much how I was last week. I was super lazy. My house rarely got picked up, I was SO ornery with the kids, and irritable at the husband. Dinner was at the bottom of my list. I think we had cereal three nights. And the others we ate out. Granted, I was fighting a sinus infection the first part of the week but still. The point of my post.

Being a housewife is a full time job (as most of you know). With little benefits and no pay. The work is the same day in and day out with a few exceptions. Like I said before, I don't mind being a housewife. And I love being a stay at home mom (mostly). I don't even have to go into details on what happens. I assume most of you know. But really?! Do the kids HAVE to bring all of their toys from their playroom into the living room?! I thought that is what the playroom is for right?! And the pressure I feel from the "boss" to make sure that the house is picked up and spotless. Not that he puts on pressure... I just feel like that is "my job" And it's not like I am going to get fired if their are army guys strewn around the house. Or if dinner is "late." Because what happens if he did fire me? NOTHING! The house would be even worse than what it looked like before I got fired! So, BRING IT ON!

Needless to say, sometimes being a housewife sucks. But being a Mom with the benefits of going to the park, swimming, or just hanging with friends works kind of outweighs scrubbing the toilets.... most days.

Church.

I am a church going girl. An every week church going girl. Even though I don't always want to. Well, most of the time I don't want to. But I go. Because I want blessings. It might be a little selfish, but it's true. Not that I don't believe in it.... I just don't have the attention span for it. Either do my kids. Most kids don't. ANYWAY!

Point A. The princess cries every week about not wanting to go to church (mind you, she doesn't hear me complaining), but she never "feels good" or whatever. Don't blame her really. But we make her go. Because it is the right thing to do.

Point B. My little boy decided to throw a full coloring book at an "older" lady (probably 45 but that is old in my ward) sitting behind us yesterday. It hit in her in the head. She didn't like that too much. I had to act mad, and then hide my face because I was trying not to laugh out loud. What kid just chucks a whole freaking book at someone? And then a crayon at another lady?! And a little horse in the girls curls in front of us?!

You might be wondering where we were the whole time?! I was up on the stand leading the music for one incident. And the rest, we were just sitting there trying to pay attention to the speakers. I took him out in the hall (after fighting with the husband who also wanted to take him out), but he thought it was just time to run around and hit the big Jesus pictures and kick the doors before I could get to him. What a little rascal. So, if you think your child is bad at church... I bet mine is worse.

Monday's Meal

Disclaimer: I got this recipe from My Kitchen Cafe:

Teriyaki Meatballs

*Makes about 16 meatballs

Meatballs:
2 pounds ground beef (at least 90% lean)
2 eggs
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons milk

Sauce:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 3/4 cups water
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey

3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water

For the sauce, in a medium bowl mix the soy sauce, 1 3/4 cups water, ginger, garlic powder, brown sugar, honey and cornstarch together. In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch into the 1/2 cup cold water. Set both bowls aside.

For the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients except for the ground beef and mix well. Add the ground beef and mix until combined. Form ground beef mixture into 1 to 1 1/2-inch meatballs. In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat two tablespoons oil over medium heat until the oil is rippling and hot. Add the meatballs to the hot skillet and brown on all sides, turning with a pair of tongs. The meatballs don’t need to be completely cooked through, just equally browned on all sides.

When the meatballs have browned, pour the sauce ingredients over the meatballs and gently turn the meatballs to coat them in the sauce. Heat the sauce until just simmering and add the cornstarch/water mixture, carefully mixing so as not to break apart the meatballs as you combine the cornstarch mixture with the teriyaki sauce. Simmer the meatballs and sauce over medium heat, maintaining a constant simmer but not cooking at too high of a boil, until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is thick and smooth (if the sauce becomes overly thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time to thin), about 10-15 minutes, turning the meatballs every two or three minutes to ensure even cooking. Serve over rice or couscous.

These were simply amazing. I made them tonight for dinner and it will definitely be in my recipe rotation!!! So good... and fairly simple as well! Enjoy!

Dinner.

I have always thought that dinner time was a time to spend good quality time together as a family. Where we all gather around the table and share how our day has gone and such. This is how our dinners go almost every night. Jealous now!?


Yeah. Good day for her huh?!

Stretch marks.

Yes, yes, yes. It is time for me to rant about another body issue that I have. You're stoked right?! Just to know that I really am not as perfect as I seem!? So... from the title, you should know what I am going to moan about... A lot of people have them. Mainly women, but men, and even some teenagers if they grow too fast! (I try to make myself feel better about it). Either way, I am one of the unfortunate ones that have them. I got them two weeks before I gave birth to my first child. I thought I was free since I had made it 38 weeks without any. And then it started... the itching got worse and worse, and then I noticed that little red line right under the place where my belly button used to be. And then I noticed a few more the next couple of days, and well- you get the picture. And they hurt! I never thought they would hurt, but man did they hurt! I was pissed! (yes Mom, I know that didn't sound very lady like). If she only would have come two weeks early, I would have been SCAR FREE. But. She didn't. And now, I hate it. And I have this layer of fat in between my stomach muscles and skin, plus the stretched out skin (obviously I don't have much elasticity in it) and no matter how much weight I lose, it is ALWAYS there. ALWAYS... And kind of looks like cottage cheese. Is that WAY too much information!? Probably. At least you don't have to look at it. I am SO jealous of all of you women that have stretchy skin. I don't even want more kids, just for the fact that I don't want to think about what my skin will end up looking like... UGH.

Stretch marks SUCK.

Monday's Meal

Caramelized Chicken {Wings}

3 lbs chicken wings (or strips, breasts, whatev you like)
2 TBS olive oil
1/2 c. soy sauce
2 TBS ketchup
1 C. honey
2 tsp. minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Place chicken in 9x13 pan.
Mix all ingredients together and pour over chicken.
Bake for one hour, or until sauce is caramelized.

Serve with rice, potatoes, or veggies! Yum!

The age of the mini-van!

DISCLAIMER: I do not judge anyone for wanting, owning or inheriting a mini-van.


I have friends that drive mini-vans. My friends husbands drive mini-vans! And they LIKE it. I cannot even believe that I am old enough to consider driving a van. I remember the brown van that my parents used to drive. And we were so embarrassed to be seen in it, that we would slide down in our seats or pretend we were picking something up, when we drove by people we knew. Luckily, before we got too old, they upgraded to a van with tinted windows. But I remember having conversations with my friends that we wouldn't be caught dead in a mini-van. SUV's were just becoming popular, so we were for sure that we would all drive one.

Needless to say, most of them drive mini-vans. I am twenty seven. TWENTY SEVEN. That is WAY too young to be even considering a van. Old, soccer moms drive vans. Or so I thought. Until the Honda Odyssey arrived. And now, everyone drives a van. Honda's, Hyundai's, Mazda's, whatever kind of van there is. They have it. And don't look like total dorks. But once again, I AM TWENTY FREAKING SEVEN! When did it become cool to drive a minivan? Since they have automatic doors that open and close at the push of a button, they have DVD players, or a trunk that can store half of a grocery store in it!? Or is it because they have seats that go up, down, back, forward and around?! I am hoping that I will not resort to driving a van (no offense once again) cosidering I drive an "old school" SUV with enough seats to hold five possible children. But if I do... at least I'll be with the "in crowd."


-----Niece

Monday's Meal

Pasta Marinara w/Italian Veggies

1/2 c. Olive Oil
1/4 c. chopped onion
2 TBS. minced onion

Saute together until onions are clear.
Add:
1 tsp. each salt and sugar
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 TBS. dried basil
28 oz. can diced tomatoes
28 oz. can tomato puree

Stir and simmer for 15 minutes.

Italian Veggies (sauteed)

Red Peppers
Yellow Onion
Squash
Zucchini

Saute in a little bit of butter or olive oil.

Cook any type of noodles, add marinara and then top with veggies! So yummy.

***This sauce makes a ton, so you should be able to freeze half of it for quite awhile.

Anxiety.

I left town approximately 12 hours ago. I was ready to go home six hours after I left my destination. No joke. I know I'm a loser. The thing is, I love going on vacation. I love doing new things. Until I get to where I'm going and then I spaz out. I don't know why. But I do! I feel like I am suffocating and don't know which way to turn. I try to find every excuse to go home as quickly as possible. But I am rational enough to tell myself to relax and just have a good time. That the kids don't get out enough and to enjoy what we are doing. And I do. Until I think about Gavs missing his nap. Or them not getting to sleep in their bed at exactly 7:30. Or when my two year old throws a tantrum from HELL in the middle of a hospital parking lot, running from my car, almost getting hit by another, and then throwing himself to the asphalt like I am the worst mom EVER (maybe I am). When I get to our sleeping quarters, I unpack all of their bags, repack them, and then close them up for the night to do it all over again in the morning. Freak. I know. I should just up my anti-anxiety meds a few days before I know I am leaving town so I am the same "balanced" person I am at home (at least I think I'm balanced.) I envy any one that can just pick up and go and not think twice about it! I wish I could be you. Please, tell me how you do it. I am begging you! Or just go on vacation with my family, so I can stay home and be the "hermit" I love to be. Strange thing is... I am not home A TON when I am home. Man, I really am a loser. Is anyone else like this since they have had kids!? And how do I avoid not making my kids this way?!

-----Niece

Monday's Meal

SLOPPY JOE'S

1 LB. hamburger
1 small onion
Salt & Pepper

Cook together.

Add

1 can of tomato soup
1 can chicken gumbo (yes, it does have rice in it, don't be scared!)
1 squirt of mustard
2 TBS brown sugar

Mix, warm through and cook!
*Note: It will look a little watery, but will soak up if you heat it for awhile

Grab some hamburger buns and enjoy!!!

---Niece

Leap Frog

I don't like letting my kids watch a ton of TV. But in the car, it is a must or I have to listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks sing I Gotta Feeling, over and over and OVER again. Therefore, I have these two DVD's that rock the house. I figure, if they are learning while watching TV, then it's OK right!? I am so glad that these frogs can teach my kids the days of the week, instead of me having to worry about it! *phew* My two year old even knows the song to the Week Song. Half of the sounds of the alphabet, amongst other things. The four year old knew what all the letters were and sounded like before she was three and now knows all of the months, seasons, days etc. Don't get me wrong. I do teach my kids important things like who Robert Pattinson is dating and what Reese Witherspoon wore to the Oscars, but these just reiterate the OTHER important things.

Click {here} to order.

Click {here} to order.

You can also find these at Target and Wal-Mart if that is easier! I highly recommend them!

Monday's Meal

This takes a little longer than some of the recipes, but it is DELISH!

SWEET 'N' SOUR PORK
(crockpot)

2 1/2 TBS paprika
2 1/2 lbs, pork loin roast cut in 1 inch strips
1 TBS canola oil
1 can 20 oz pineapple chunks
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
3 TBS brown sugar
3 TBS soy sauce
1 TBS Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp salt
2 TBS cornstarch
1/4. c water

***Put paprika in ziploc bag, put cut pork in, seal and shake until all pieces are covered.
***Then put pork in canola oil in frying pan and brown mean (it doesn't have to be cooked through). Put in crock pot.
*** Drain pineapple juice into a bowl and mix the rest of ingredients (except water and corn starch). Put pineapple in fridge. Pour liquid on top of meat, and turn crock pot on low for 6-8 hours.
***Combine water and cornstarch and stir until smooth. Add pineapple, and mixture to pot 30 minutes before you are ready to eat.
***Put on hot rice if you want!

I don't feel good.

DISCLAIMER: I am posting this on my (niece) {personal blog} as well.

I hear this phrase no less than 15 time a day. No exaggeration. It makes me cringe every time I hear it, just for the mere fact that there is going to be a list of problems that my hypochondriac four year old "has." And this girl can make up problems with the best of them. It must be a Martin trait that she has inherited (good at making crap up). As soon as I say, "No, your tummy feels fine," her "head hurts," and then her ankle is going to bleed, and then she might throw up at school if she goes, or poop her pants because all of the sudden she has chronic diarrhea, or just possibly her skin might start getting blue and pink stripes on it which then will make her fingers start to swell, in turn making them possibly pop off if she has to buckle herself up. Because heaven forbid that she does something that she doesn't just LOVE to do or that isn't her idea.

I was so frustrated with it, I didn't even make her go to school, in fear of her contracting the hantavirus. After losing count how many sicknesses she came down with during the night, and bawling for 2o minutes, she was sent back to her room to "feel better." Because as we all learned when we pulled this stunt ourselves when we were little, if you are too sick to go to school, you are too sick to play. And sure enough, five minutes after missing the carpool and me losing my cool (surprise surprise), she felt totally fine when she found out she couldn't watch TV or play with friends that day. I made her stay in her bed for a whole 20 minutes or so, until I got sick of her yelling, "MOM! Can I come out yet?! I feel better!" Then our day started. Needless to say, she didn't stay in her room the whole day, BUT I didn't let her play with friends... I know I'm tough. Speaking of tough, the husband is not. He totally falls for every issue, problem, or sickness that arises with her. Therefore, I am yelling at two people convincing the both of them that she is fine.

One day, I want to pull the "I don't feel good" card and not be able to do anything. Or throw a fit so that they will think I am tired and need to take a nap! Or be given everything I ever want or need in a five minute window... but then again, my house would be destroyed, I would get woken up to change a movie, and I would have to provide my own wants since I am "the adult". Oh, to be a kid again!

Balls & Smells.

Three stories in one:

I have a new "discipline" system in place in our house. It is known as the BALL system. How it works. They are good, clean up, listen, help each other, they get a ball or two. If they are naughty ie. hit, scream, tell me no, they have to give their balls up. Once they hit a certain number, they get a prize. This time: Go to Jumpin' Jacks when they get 50. It took 4 1/2 weeks to get there, but they made it! And we went. This brings me to story number two.


I have problems with play areas. Especially enclosed play areas (McDonalds, Jumpin' Jacks) in the winter. The germs freak me out. You never know where snot, spit, or pee has landed or been hidden. Well tonight was no exception of snotty nosed little rugrats. We were all but done with the place when Gavin was getting off this plastic little car saying "Help MAMA!" The husband ran over to help him, and then handed him to me drenched in PEE. That's right. My kid was "one of them" There was a puddle right under where he was hanging. I made him waddle out of the place while B disinfected the area with hand sanitizer and we booked it out of there before we were labeled as "that kid and his parents." So gross.... and so embarassing. And this brings me to story number three.

There is a smell that everyone knows. The dirty kid smell. Not the hormonal, over active teenage BO smell, the dirty kid smell. It is the smell that overwhelms your nostrils as you open the front door to an elementary school? Yeah, that smell.

Anyway, I leaned down to give my little girl a kiss on the top of her head tonight and as I did I smelled it. THE scent I have dreaded. Mind you, I give my kids a bath almost every night, just so they don't ever smell like it. And she did. I was horrified. I can't believe she is old enough to have THAT smell. I have never noticed it before. And I hope to never smell it again. But then again, I have a little boy- and I know he will start smelling sooner than later. Dang. We might have to up the baths to three times a day to avoid it.

Love.

I just finished reading this:


I liked it. For a book that tries to make you a better mom. I have a hard time reading books that don't involve a plot, love triangles or vampires. It definitely hasn't made me the best mom on the planet (yet), because according to my four year old I am "the dumbest and worst mom EVER!" Maybe not after reading this book (and hopefully applying it.)

I do LOVE this.


LOOOOOOOOVE it! It is Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss. My little sister let me borrow it, and I forgot to give it back. Thankfully! It makes my lips so soft, shiny and tingly! The mint isn't too strong in it, and the taste (if it accidentally gets in your mouth) is delish as well.

Monday's Meal

This might sound harder than it really is. I promise, if I can do it, anyone can!!! There are variations you can do, so whatever is easiest for you! I am just too cheap and feel that I can make it taste better the way I do things.

HOMEMADE PIZZA

DOUGH:
2 1/2 c. flour
2 pkg. RAPID RISE yeast
1 tsp. salt
1/4 c. sugar
1 1/2 c. warm, warm water (not scalding hot)
1/4 c. melted margarine/butter
***Mix together***
Add two eggs
***Mix some more*
Add more flour until dough isn't too sticky (maybe 2 more c. flour)
***Mix for 3 minutes***
Cover with towel for 15 minutes to let raise
***Flour cookie sheet and scoop some dough onto it and roll out
(you might need to add a little more flour onto dough if its too sticky)

ADD:
Pizza sauce (leave about 1/2 inch around pizza if you want a crust)
Mozzarella cheese
Any other toppings you like!!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Put pizza in oven for 15 minutes or so until crust is "golden brown" and cheese is melted all the way.

Variation: You can buy a bag of pre-mixed pizza dough at the store
Thaw out Rhodes Bread Loaves/Rolls and roll onto sheet

***I also melt more butter, spread it on the crust (before its cooked) and then sprinkle Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder on for extra deliciousness.

PS. I use this dough recipe for dinner rolls or breadsticks as well!!!

PPS (or is it PSS). If this doesn't make sense, leave a comment and I will try to explain better...

What's a mother to do!?

I'm at a loss. A couple of issues have come about in my household. Two stories. Two problems.

NUMBER ONE.

My two year old wears pajamas (as most people do). Yammies in his two year old language. That is not the issue. The issue lies in that he NEVER, EVER wants to take them off. EVER. Not even when they are soaked in Cap'n Crunch milk or at juice (also two year old for apple juice). Recently, he has been throwing MAJOR tantrums about taking them off.

Now, I don't mind letting him run around the house in his yammies all day, but not in public. It's just not my thing. Until today. I had to go to the bank. I tried, oh man did I try, but he WOULD NOT, take his pajamas off. He cried, screamed, thrashed around, and hid under the covers trying not to put them on. So I did what any mom would do (I at least convinced myself of that). I got all ready, added extra make-up, hairspray, put some heels on, and hauled him into the bank in his pajamas. I figured at least one of us has to look decent. Most people probably thought that I was "into myself" more than my kid, but who really cares!? He was SO PROUD of his jammies. He told the lady there he had his "yammies on". And the husband, and aunt, and everyone else. He was SO excited. Happy kid, I guess happy mom! Is that totally white trash or what? (No offense to anyone who lets their kids wear their jammies everywhere, like I said, just not MY thing!)

NUMBER TWO.

The dinner I made tonight was not my fave. Not at all. In fact, I knew I wasn't going to like it when I decided to make it. It was made specifically for the husband. He has been BEGGING me to make meatloaf (bleck) for years now and finally I decided to be nice and make it. If you like meatloaf, here is the recipe. Multiply the salt and pepper by 1000 and add a bunch of garlic powder.

As I said before, I am not a fan. And obviously, either is my daughter. So the question is. Do I make her eat the nastiness of the loaf when I didn't!? She is usually a good eater (especially when I threaten dessert), but I didn't have the heart to make her suffer! Should I have been firm with her and make her choke it down or was I OK to let it slide tonight!? The husband and I were "discussing heavily" over it. I think I won. Or should have won. She ate a cookie for dinner instead.

FOR NICOLE:

EASY CHICKEN STRIPS

1/4 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp. seasoned salt
1 1/4 c. crushed cornflakes
1/3 c. butter, melted
1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken strips (or breasts cut in 1 inch pieces)

Combine flour and seasoned salt in a bowl. Place cornflakes and butter in separate bowls.
Coat chicken with flour mixture, dip in butter, and coat with cornflakes.
Put on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
*Dip in BBQ sauce, honey mustard, whatever you want!

Brownie Cupcakes?!

Best idea ever... almost!

I love brownies. LOVE brownies. Especially ones with powdered sugar on them. Just the good ol' brownie out of a box mixed, baked, and cooled. The edge is my favorite, especially if it is crunchy. That is beside the point.

There is a simple solution to being able to have the brownie cut without getting all squished up when you are scooping it out of the pan. And its not the nifty little pan seen {here}. Although, this thing is pretty amazing, I have a cheaper way of getting the "perfect" brownie. (Aunt will most likely be buying the pan)

CUPCAKE BROWNIES! I am sure many of you have thought of this, but this "invention" has just been introduced into my life and I LOVE it!

All you do is line your muffin tin with holders, add the brownie mix and bake them! You can frost them if you want, sprinkle powdered sugar or just eat them out of the wrapper! YUM.

-----Niece

Monday's Meal

Italian Chicken (crockpot)

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
14.5 oz can Italian diced tomatoes
3/4 c. water
2 TBS. dried onion
2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
3 TBS. cornstarch
Hot cooked rice

-Put chicken in crockpot and place all ingredients on top (EXCLUDING CORNSTARCH)
- Cook on low for FOUR hours.
-Put chicken on plate
-Put juices in a small pan
-Mix cornstarch and 3 TBS of water together and pour into juice.
-Stir until thickened.
-Put chicken on cooked rice and add sauce on top!

Side dishes: Rice and steamed asparagus!

How to properly make a bed...

I am just going to say it.
I googled 'how to make a bed'.
It isn't the first time I have experienced 'google shame', but this was an all time low.
Don't get me wrong, I kinda make it. If you saw it you would think it was pretty, but that is only because it is covered with lots of throw pillows and a fluffy duvet cover. Underneath...
it's a mess. I just don't get the sheet thing. I never know how to fold and tuck so I end up just shoving the excess under the mattress and covering it up with the the spread.

Bottom line is that I actually found a tutorial, ( on Martha's website, of course) watched it, and I still don't get it.
I was frustrated for a minute until I realized that this whole 'bed making' problem could possibly have happened for a reason. Is it a metaphor for my life? When things get messy, or I don't understand something, I kinda just cover it up instead of really addressing the issue and fixing it. Maybe this is the reason I go shopping when I am upset, spend too much money, end up going over budget, and then shop more.Sometimes I just feel like it is better not to know what is going on "underneath the covers" and the problems will go away. Wow. Do I need to go to therapy? Or did I just discover the root of all my issues and now that I am aware I will be better? Who knows... but for now I'm just going to crawl into my big messy bed while my kids nap, put the covers over my head and forget about it.

--aunt

You know you're a mom when....

{1} You step in something wet on the carpet and aren't sure if its apple juice or pee.

{2} You now say "potty" instead of "bathroom or restroom"

{3} You have snot stains on all of your couch cushions because it is easier to wipe your nose as you're running by than the Kleenex box two inches away... (anyone wanna come over and hang out on the couch!?)

{4} You have enough snacks on your car floors to survive for a month if an earthquake hit.

{5} The staples to your grocery list include: Apple juice, cereal (sugared of course) and Diet Pepsi to make it through the day!

{6} You are late to church every week no matter what time it starts because you can't get ready... maybe that's just laziness though.

{7} You plan your whole day around nap time so everyone can have an enjoyable day

{8} You can't find one clean piece of paper because there are "grocery lists" all over everything.

{9} You have girls night out starting at 9:00 PM because you have to wait until all the kids are in bed...

{10} You invest a lot of money in bras to hold up your boobs to put them in a normal place because heaven knows they don't hang how they used to!

{11} It's easier to have your kids friends over to entertain them, so you can get some cleaning done.

{12} You subconsciously rock a baby doll as if you are rocking a real baby.

{13} Going to the grocery store alone is actually a treat!

{14} You don't remember the last time you showered by yourself... or was able to get ready without being "interrupted"

{15} The last ten minutes before the kids bed time seems like it is dragging on for HOURS!

UPDATE:

Here is the correct link to 'Garlic Red Potatoes" that Aunt posted last month. So click {HERE} to go to the recipe. I have to admit... they are dang good! I had some the other night... DELISH.

Monday's Meal (a little late)

Today has been a super crazy day!!! I mean, I actually showered (with the two little ones sneaking in unfortunately) and did my hair... and you know how long that can take!

Chicken Tortilla Soup
(crock pot style)

1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken
14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes
10 oz. can of red enchilada sauce
Chopped onion (however much you like)
4 oz. can of green chilies
2 TBS. minced garlic
14.5 oz. can of chicken broth
1/2- 1 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. chili powder (unless you like it spicy, then add more)
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf (not sure what this does, so don't worry about it if you don't have one)
1 small package of frozen corn

Put everything in crock pot (undrained) and cook on low for 6-8 hours!

Homemade Tortilla Strips

Package of CORN tortillas (cut in small strips with a pizza cutter)
Oil

Fry in deep fryer (Fry Daddy?) or a frying pan until they are hard! They are DELISH!!!

Things a Mom "SHOULD know!?

My dear sweet mother has been going through parenting magazines clipping out articles and making a scrapbook for me... isn't that sweet?! I'm not sure if I should take that as a hint, as I am a horrible mother, or that these writers have better ideas. Either way... I was going through it today and I came across an article called "39 Things Every Mom Should Know." Hmmm.... Should know!? Or should learn to know?!

I am a mom. I was not born with some of this knowledge. So I will assume that I am supposed to LEARN to know them... I will not expound on all 39, just a few of them.

#5: If the kids are awake, bite the bullet and be awake yourself. You'll waste so many hours trying futilely to extend early-morning snoozes that it's not worth it. If you are sick, pregnant, or it's the middle of the night, ignore this advice.

I am just going to IGNORE this advice altogether.

#24: Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet.

Ummm.... OK?

#12: Know this: that stain won't come out. And it's OK. (the sooner you accept this, the better)

#2: Don't make birthday parties a huge deal.

WTH!? Umm... yes, make them a big deal! It was the day they were born! Just don't invite a bunch of roudy kids!

I pray every day....

that I will not put my children up for sale on Ebay or leave them at the store where they are throwing the fit.

For instance. I was at Target today, and being the WONDERFUL mom I am (not) thought that I would be nice and let them sit in the "limo" cart. You know what I'm talking about... the one where there is the cart, and then the four foot extra seat part where the children sit and it is about as long as a limo?! Yeah... so that lasted about five minutes before the princess started beating the crap out of her brother. And then they had to switch places, and then fought over the buckles and then switched places again?! ARG. It was then I contemplated to just leave them there and let them duke it out while I shopped in peace. BUT, I didn't. I should have. Because not ten minutes later, the boy was on the ground crying (in the middle of the exit doors) because of who knows why, while the Princess has run away to the entrance trying to go through those doors. That is when I was telling myself that I couldn't just leave. I had to stay there and take them home with me... first off, beause the Princess knows my phone number so they would hunt me down, and I really would feel bad for the people that took my kids home. :)

Nevertheless, I went home (with kids in tote) and we survived another day.... BARELY, but we did.

---Niece

I am only going to brag about these garlic potatoes because A. it isn't my recipe, and B. I didn't screw it up. I made them last night for a family dinner with the in-laws, and even my mother-in-law who I think at times wonders about my domestic abilities said, " Wow, you have really learned how to cook!" I tried not to take offense to that and instead relished the moment of actually producing something that wasn't previously frozen or in a box and they were absolutely scrumptious! The key is to cook them for 50 -60 minutes (even though the recipe suggests 30 minutes) and uncover the foil the last ten minutes. Also, I added some oil and mixed the potatoes around in the dish before I cooked them.
Oh, and I omitted the lemon juice.
Enjoy!
Aunt

Monday's Meal

Lasagna
(crock pot)

1 lb. cooked ground beef, seasoned (garlic powder, chopped onion, italian seasoning S&P)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce (whatever flavor you like)
box of OVEN READY lasagna noodles
Cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese

-Spray crockpot with cooking spray so lasagna doesn't stic
-Mix meat and spaghetti sauce together
-Put a little meat sauce on bottom of crock pot
-Put noodles side by side next (you might have to break a couple of them to fit)
-Add more meat sauce on top of them
-Scoop some cottage cheese (however much you prefer) on top of meat sauce
-Add mozzarella cheese (also however much you prefer)
-Add noodles and repeat layers!

-Turn crock pot on low for roughly four hours!

*****Side dishes: Garlic bread (out of a box) and a salad

Is he your Daddy too?!

The husband is a business owner. A boss. A leader. A dad to two kids. That's right. TWO. Not three... so why do I feel like I am his third child?! Isn't it supposed to be the other way around?

I am not irresponsible. Nor flighty. The bills are paid on time, I shower on occasion (by myself nonetheless!) and can even put my shoes on the correct feet. So why when he talks to me, does he talk a little slower and in a higher voice!? I pay for my blonde hair, so I am not dumb! Here is a prime example.

I am not one to get embarrassed. The other night (on my birthday!) I was completely humiliated by "the dad". Story:

I have to go exchange a skirt for a different size that he bought me for my bday (thanks hunny).
The husband and kids are in the car.
There are two skirts on mannequins.
I go to the back (after him telling me exactly where the skirt is) and look for the size.
Don't find it and start walking back to the front.
I hear. "*name* did you find the size?"
Me: "No, it wasn't back there"
Him: Did you look on the mannequins?
Me: Not yet. I didn't want to undress them if I didn't have to.
Him: Why not? Oh look. Here is your size. (as he is undressing them)
Me: Ok.
Him: Let's get going. Why didn't you check these first?
Me: Because I didn't want to undress them.
Him: I'm going back in the car. Hurry.
Me: Thanks Dad!

Seriously. Maybe he just wanted to undress the "models" I was so embarrassed. And like I said, I don't get embarrassed easily. I was also informed on how to subtract 50 from 30 (the answer is 20 if you didn't know), where the closest gas station is to my location, and everything else under the sun. Don't get me wrong. I love my Dad... I mean husband. But that's who I want to live with. Not my dad.

"GLOW-rious!!!!"

People always stop me on the street and ask me how I get my 'youthful' glow.
Ok, I am kidding, never been asked that.
But, maybe next time you see me you will notice.
I received a 1oz sample of this creme by Clarins, as a sample from an order I placed through Sephora about 6 months ago. I have used just a little dab of this (above the cheekbones) almost every day and today I sadly squeezed the last drop and therefore the last day of my 'glow' until I can get another tube. I was a little disappointed that the price is a whopping $45.00, but I will be ordering it soon!
You can check out the details and reviews here-- so
if you are looking for a 'dewy glow' and a great moisturizer...

One of those days....

It has been one of those days. It started with:


Plus the FIVE loads of clean laundry that I had to fold (but you can't see it under my feet) BTW, does anyone else stick loads of laundry back in the dryer over and over again so they don't have to fold them?! Or is that just me?

Plus all the other normal crap of life and I resort to this:



And then I am this again:



Gut and all.

The end.

'Misa'

This is Misa. She is a one-year-old baby girl in Haiti who, according to the source of this photograph , had just woken up from a nap on the streets of Haiti where her family has been sleeping the last few days.
Of all the horrific images I have seen via the internet or t.v., this one really did me in.
I have a one-year-old baby girl too. She has that same little chubby neck roll as Misa and she took a nap today as well. The difference is that my baby girl woke up in a crib, in a house, warm and comfortable. She was smiling. And it makes me feel grateful, and guilty, and sad, and ashamed of all the trivial things I let consume me. As foreign and far away as Haiti is, one thing is the same, Misa has a mother and father who love her little neck rolls and I found myself feeling in a strange way happy as I thought about her today. Happy that she is alive

Monday's Meal

Here is this weeks meal. It is super easy! I hope you all enjoy it. Especially on a freaking cold day!

Taco Soup

1 pound of cooked hamburger (seasoned with salt, pepper and chopped onion)

ADD TO POT

28 oz. can of tomato sauce
15 oz. can of corn
15 oz. can of pinto beans
15 oz. can of black beans
15 oz. can of kidney beans (dark or light)
15 oz. can of white hominy (found by the canned corn and green beans)
1 pkg. of Hidden Valley BUTTERMILK Ranch packet (in salad dressing aisle)
1 pkg of taco seasoning

---DO NOT DRAIN ANYTHING! Cook on med/low for a couple of hours and enjoy!

Sides: Fritos, tortilla chips, scones

RHODES ROLLS SCONES

Microwave frozen rolls on a plate until they are soft (roughly 30 seconds)
Put two rolls together and stretch out
Place in hot oil and fry (flip over when golden brown and cook other side!

This is US.

Now that we have a few posts under our belts, it is time to introduce YOU to US.

We are Aunt and Niece. There is an eight year gap between us and we have grown up like sisters. Niece, passing through middle school and high school 8 years after Aunt was repeatedly mistaken for Aunt by middle and high school teachers. There is an eight month difference in the time we were married (Niece being married first), and a three month difference of our first born daughters (Aunt winning that one). Niece had a baby boy two years after The Princess was born, and Aunt had a baby girl exactly one year after that.

Aunt is definitely the beauty guru of the two. Niece always abides by the "Beauty Rules of Aunt" and has often dyed and cut her hair to the specifications of Aunt, and when there has been a bad cut or color, Niece often goes to Aunt to either blame her or get confirmation that the hair do is as really as bad as it looks. Niece often receives the "hand me downs" of Aunt which has included clothes with tags still on it, designer jeans (Niece being the cheap one), and home decor. Aunt loves to shop, plan parties, and spend irresponsibly on whatever beauty product claims to make her beautiful. Her life is filled with family, friends, and being in "the know" of entertainment news. (She also knows A LOT about the little things like politics and world issues). She however gets and "F" in personal finance.

Niece is the more conservative one. 'Great Value' is her middle name! She thinks (or thinks she thinks) more logically than Aunt (sometimes), and often offers her opinion whether it is wanted or not. Patience is a definite trial for the both of us, but with a Diet Coke (Niece drinks Diet Pepsi) anything can be solved for both of them and the children...

We talk multiple times a day, commiserating together as we attempt to excel, or sometimes just survive motherhood. And of course to discuss more important matters like if Rozlyn really cheated on Jake on The Bachelor.

We explained a little bit in the first post, but we want this blog to be interactive, a place where you can find some relief. We know that we can't be the only two ladies out there that feel overwhelmed with every day life and still maintain some personal hygiene. We want meal ideas, cleaning tips, beauty product suggestions, parenting styles, and stories.... we will have some sort of structure set up in the next week or so (if the kids would just leave us the heck alone for a couple of hours), but please, please PLEASE! help us with this. We hope that as a network of moms, wives and WOMEN we can keep each other somewhat sane and happy.

O.P.I. Nail Polish

Aunt will mainly be doing the posts on beauty products (I don't know all that much), BUT! I am going to beat her to it for now.

Anyone heard of O.P.I Nail Lacquer!? Yeah, I hadn't until recently. I usually do the Wal-Mart specials of Wet'n'Wild or if I feel like splurging I will go Revlon, or something like that. I really don't even know any brands of nail polish. Not the point.

For Christmas Aunt (and husband, that's a whole other story!) gave me O.P.I nail polish MATTE finish. I have "You Don't know Jacques" and "Lincoln Park at Dark" and I L.O.V.E it! It literally dries in 15 seconds. Only problem. It comes off in about 12 hours. Literally. Doing dishes, cleaning, sleeping, it doesn't matter. It comes off. With two coats. It doesn't matter. There is a disclaimer saying that it doesn't stay on as long as the lacquer, but don't use a base coat, top coat, or anything else. WHAT THE HECK?! How am I supposed to keep it on?! I don't want to keep reapplying every 12 hours... I don't have time, or WANT to have time to do that. Anyway, suggestions would be helpful. The bottle said $8.50. Wouldn't you want it to stay on!? Me too.


-----Niece

Snot rag.

There are many times in a day that one or both of my children (ages two and four) come and "give me a hug" to either wipe their snotty noses on my pants, skirts, or shoulders. The first "hug" usually comes about three minutes after I put on my pants. I know this comes with the "joys" of motherhood, but really!? On my new black shirt I just got at Target?! ARG.

Point of the story. I was at dance the other day, and saw a Mom with dried snot on her shoulder. AWESOME. I felt much better, knowing that my shoe had just been peed on by The Boy...


Niece.

Housewife, mother -- A.K.A. Penguin Killer

As I was walking out of the baby's nursery the very concerned four-year-old said, " Mom, you forgot to turn off the light... and that kills baby penguins." She then walked back into the nursery and turned the light off. After some probing, she told me that her daddy told her that "when we (meaning MOMMY), forget to turn off lights and close the garage door, it causes the earth to warm, and baby penguins die." Wow. The husband just hit an all time high in the art of 'scaring a child to death to accomplish an agenda.' By the way, this is coming from a guy who believes (for the most part) that global warming doesn't exist.
While I nag a bit about the forgotten ice cream bowls left in his office with the spoon frozen to the bottom, and the age old toilet lid issue, HIS issue is with lights left on and the garage door left open. Of course, my peeves never win any arguments because they aren't money suckers, although, I could argue that I have thrown out over a dozen bowls since we have been married.
But really? Need we resort to manipulating the 4 year old? I gotta give him credit though. His plan was a success, because she won't ever forget those words..."killing penguins" and she won't let me forget them either.

Bar Keepers Friend.

I LOVE this stuff. If you are looking for a good cleaner for your flat top stove, sink, counters, and even toilets.... it is for YOU! With this and a sponge (one with the scrubber on one side), you can attack anything. I promise. It is super cheap and it works awesome. I suggest wearing gloves because it can leave your hands feeling a bit funny and "dry" but even then, it is totally worth cleaning with. You can find it by the Comet, Ajax and other cleaners at a store near you! (do I sound like a commerical?!) Yeah, go get some if you are looking for something cheap to clean with. It ROCKS!

WARNING! WARNING! Abort EVERYTHING else you are doing! We have a... MAN COLD!!

ok so I know that it is a little dramatic, but hyperbole is exactly the way to describe the last 24 hrs. and counting, living with this debilitating, life threatening (you would think) sickness the husband has had.
Even as I sit here typing I receive sporadic text messages, almost like he has a little bell next to the bed, asking me for something.
Let it be said that the 363 days during the year
(that's assuming he is healed by tomorrow), I am quite frankly the dramatic one in our marriage. A self-admitted hypochondriac. (Geez I hate that word, hypochondriac. It sounds so harsh.) I am actually much better than I used to be, but I blame that on lack of time. This whole being a mom thing and having to worry about other people besides myself has really prevented me from self-diagnosing myself (along with the endless hours spent on Web M.D. ) and finding a cure for all the diseases, that now I don't even know that I have.
The husband loves to remember the first few years of our marriage when I was at the height of my disease and I became obsessed with having blood tests, doctors visits, the occasional MRI and oh yes, his favorite to remind me of is the LUMBAR PUNCTURE , more commonly known as a 'spinal tap'. I make light of it now, but at the time I was really convinced I was dying. Also at the time, the husband didn't think it was so funny. Who knew an MRI could cost so much. I actually remember wishing they would find something, even just an itsy bitsy tumor, so I could validate the financial toll it was taking. Anyway, that was YEARS ago, two, to be exact and now I am stepping up to the plate and attending to the sick and VERY needy with a smile and a soft voice asking, "Poor little bunny, what else can I do for you?"
p.s. if you haven't seen this commercial--it is hilarious. Click {HERE} to view it!

What's wrong with your face!?

My resolution for the year. Be myself and enjoy it. In trying to keep this resolution (I have done great! Eleven days into the year and it hasn't been broken, GO ME!) I am going to talk about something I am learing "to live with."

Most women have body image issues. Whether it be the "junk in their trunk", thunder thighs, baby pooch, or the boobs that now hang TO their baby pooches, we all have them. Mine you ask? Acne.

In recent weeks, I have been asked by close family members, who shall remain nameless (Drew), what is wrong with my face. Seriously. Is that not SO RUDE?! I don't ask why they waddle like a duck or have knee caps that relate to the size of a horse!

Yes, I have ACNE. A.C.N.E. Acne. Adult acne, hormomal teenage acne, baby acne. Whatever you want to call it, I have it. Often. It usually peaks during "my time of the month," two weeks before then, and probably the week after, but nevertheless, there is usually a blemish (or four) on my face. I pick my face out of habit, and I know it needs to stop. Sometimes I shy away from people because I don't want them staring at the third eye that has miraculously appeared out of nowhere! I have tried everything from soap and water to Clean & Clear, Accutane, and ProActiv and nothing has worked. Therefore, I just need to get over it, stop picking it (know I will always have it) and realize there are bigger "issues" out there I need to be worrying about- like who Jake is going to pick on "The Bachelor". (Did anyone see it tonight!? D.R.A.M.A!!! Stay tuned for the Top Ten List!)

So! I am going to try and stop making it such an issue. I am going to "embrace" my acne (if that's what you want to call it) and worry about the "bigger" issues out there.

Ladies (and men if you are reading as well). Let us unite together and embrace some of the things we might not be able to control, because in most cases (obviously not in mine) people don't notice if your thighs rub together, if your fingers are crooked, or if you have hair on your back. Only you. So be you. Or try to be you. And I will try to like my face. Or the zits on my face. The Princess (aka my four year old daughter) seems to like them. She often points out to me that I have them... so sweet of her.

On a lighter note, American Idol starts tomorrow night (Tuesday) on Fox! I am SO glad that the TV shows are starting back up again. I am SICK of having to socialize with my husband and kids!!!

-----Niece

DON'T BE JEALOUS!

“She’s just jealous” was my mother’s motto when I was growing up. This saying was the perfect cure for hurt feelings and provided temporary comfort in the world of MEAN girls. I find myself recycling this phrase to my four-year old daughter, girlfriends in need of a self-esteem boost, and even random sob stories I hear from mere acquaintances, in which once this phrase is pulled out, immediately makes them a ‘BFF’.

In the last year or so I have tried to appease myself with this phrase as I have discovered the blogosphere which is replete with the overachieving domestic goddess who somehow in one day manages to post a menu of her monthly meals, the money she has saved clipping coupons, housekeeping tips, and the cute bows and tutus (that take ‘just minutes’). Oh yeah, and it was raining that day, so she put on an ‘impromptu’ circus in the living room for the kids… SO FUN!!
So after reading just a couple of these blogs, I convinced myself there could only be a few of these women out there, but all it took was a few hundred clicks on their “my favorite blogs” list and I knew I was in trouble.
This domestic goddess might as well have been sitting here on my couch telling me... “YOU’RE JUST JEALOUS!!”

So in an effort to make myself feel better I went to the niece, who also lives by this family motto, to see if I was the only one feeling like the worst mom ever. I couldn’t hear her response due to her kids screaming “YOU’RE THE DUMBEST MOM EVER! in the background so I took that as a no.

We have decided that amidst the PERFECT lives in blogosphere, we cannot be the ONLY two 'Pop-Tart ’ moms out there. This blog is designed to not only make YOU feel better about YOUR life, but to hopefully discuss real life issues we face, ideas how to handle these issues (from the reader), simple meal ideas, giveaways (so if you have anything you want to give away let us know!) and encourage us all to know we no longer need to live by the ‘she’s just jealous’ motto.

PS. Please forgive the boring look to our blog while we sass it up!