Show & Tell Friday and tons of other fun stuff!

[If you want to skip all of this and just get to the show and tell, it's below I promise, but for those of you who are interested....] Somehow I managed not to post every day this week as I had initially intended. In my defense however, it has been a really long and hectic week. Reagan is sick again. We're not sure if she has yet another ear infection or if she has some massive teeth coming in. We keep asking her if she's 'owee' in her ear or her mouth and she points to her mouth, but I'm not positive she understands what 'owee' means just yet. So, today will probably yield yet another doctor's office visit. I swear, that man could retire in the south of France just off what he makes from our family.

On other news, Josh and I have decided NOT to move. Yes, after all the packing and craziness that has ensued in this house for the past month, we are NOT moving. This decision was based on the fact that the market has been so s--l---o-----o-----o---w and Josh's company is really affected by that since they cater to the new home market and also, to the home improvement market. Additionally, Josh is desparately trying to finish up his MBA and we do want to adopt soon--all of which costs a ton of money. So, we're doing some home improvement projects to the house, unpacking what was packed, cleaning, sprucing up and making better use of space so that we can be here for another 3 years.

Reagan will also be getting a new 'big girl's room'! I'm really excited about this--we're moving her to the now junk, um, er I mean, guest room and we'll set up her current nursery as a nursery for a potential little brother. I think her new room is going to be green and pink, which is similiar but a little more grown up, than her current nursery of green and raspberry. Our son's room will be cowboy themed, based around Josh's cowboy blanket from his little boy days! Promise to post pics when it's all done---who knows when that will be!?

And finally, I'd like to announce that my best friend, Stacy, has moved her blog to Blogger! Visit her by clicking here at Insanity Happens! Great name, isn't it? She is the mom of 4, yes, I said 4, God bless her soul, kids, and wife to a wonderful guy named Stephen who, I'm proud to say, serves us and his country as a soldier in the US Army. They are about to move to Italy for the next several years, which means that, at some point, I too, will be visiting! Stace has been my best friend for let's see....17 years now?? Was that how long ago 6th grade was? Hold on, let me pick myself up off the floor. Gosh, I really am getting old.
Anyway, please visit her blog. You'll read all sorts of wonderful stuff about her life and dealing with her crazy, but beautiful and smart, kids! She also has some great insight into being a good Christian woman and the life that God intends us to lead. One day I'll tell you guys all about Stace and what an incredible best friend she is...she's actually more sister than best friend and she knows everything about me and still loves me! She usually backs me up on hare-brained schemes and holds my hand when life gets too tough. Stay tuned for that..I promise you'll get some great laughs!

I'm also hoping to talk her into co-hosting a Thursday meme with me! Stay tuned for that..more to come NEXT THURSDAY!!!

And now.....(drumroll please..........) Show and Tell Friday!

*Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Kelli. Visit her site to see more great show and tell items!

Below is my wire rooster--I actually collect roosters. It's a small collection but I have four and I love each one of them. The one below was a gift from my mother in law for Christmas one year (as Josh says, when we got gifts, because now they all go to Reagan! LOL! He's not serious..we still get presents!). I had actually spent the entire year looking for a wire pig because I had seen one in a decorating magazine filled with green apples and I just *had* to have one. I never found that stupid wire pig (until later I did find one at JoAnns but I was completely disenchanted at that point). However, my mother in law found my rooster at an antique's store and picked it up for me! I love the way he's rusty and made with chicken wire and he appeals to me in such a wonderful, southern way! Thanks so much for looking! (And Hootin Annie if you're out there, I do visit your blog..I can just never figure out how to post a dang comment!)

Tackle It Tuesday!

I got started on my tackle it list early this week! I cleaned out the pantry, cleaned out the fridge, did almost all the laundry, dishes are done (thanks to some help from Josh!), kitchen is mopped and litter is changed! YAH!

However, I STILL have a long list of items that need to be completed. Today, I plan to work on Reagan's room and touch up the paint and put away some clothes that I've left scattered in the closet. Then the room gets closed off again until we're ready to put the house on the market...no little messy hands messing it up! That's what the family room is for!

Next on the list is sprucing up the laundry room. I need to finish cleaning it. Then, I need to touch up paint and repair an area in the laminate, for which I already have the extra tiles! Hopefully it'll be easy enough--I just have to convince Josh to let me use his utility knife without saying why. If I even mention I'm tackling cutting something without his help, he'll flip (he is terrified of me using knives which dates back to right after we were married and an unfortunate incident with my thumb, a knife and a pototo which led to a hospital visit, which led to an infection..you get the point!)

I am also going to continue to work on packing this week and hopefully get to use my new carpet steamer...ok, how boring does your life have to be for you to get excited about a new carpet steamer and a new mop?? Yep, that's me----I. AM. PATHETIC.

The only other items on my list are ordering a repair kit for a small hole in my closet (we put in new shelves and removed old ones and it left a nice gaping hole..luckily not too big for me to repair myself!), contacting the insurance company about a claim for Josh's laptop, mailing out some packages for friends that have had a baby or are having a baby.

I can't wait til the weather gets nicer so I can plant a few flowers, paint the fence, stage the backyard and wood putty and gel stain the doors (I've decided to nix the repair man in case you couldn't tell!)

Oh, two other things...at some point, we really need to do our taxes. Ugh. I DREAD DOING TAXES, but I hate filing extensions or rushing to get it done at the last minute! And secondly, we need to prepare a networking letter to send out to family and friends about us adopting and print up some business cards that can go out with it too.

Whew! I think that'll make for a full week!

Menu Plan Monday

I missed an entire week of blogging. I'll have to rectify that by posting every day this week! For a start, below is my menu. (And also, if you're making WW meals, wow.....they make a TON of food!! I learned not to overcook this week!)

Monday: Breakfast: light english muffin with cheese and fruit; lunch: tuna salad on light bread with a green salad; dinner-hamburgers with blue cheese coleslaw (I never got around to making this last week due to all the leftovers!)
Tuesday: Breakfast: light english muffin with cheese and fruit; lunch: warm tortellini salad with zucchini and tomatoes; dinner: Reagan and I-out to dinner at a friend's house-I'm bringing the fruit salad, Josh will pick up something on his way to his master's class
Wednesday: breakfast: oatmeal with raisins; lunch: leftover tortellini or pork chop dish; dinner: chicken with creamy herb gravy and a veggie
Thursday: breakfast: high fiber cereal with fat free milk and fruit; leftover chicken with herb gravy; dinner: taco salad (WW recipe from last week--fantastic!!!)
Friday: breakfast: cereal and fruit; lunch: meeting at my office, lunch for reagan and i provided; dinner: easy chicken quesadillas and a mexican-salsa salad
Saturday: breakfast: english muffin with cheese and fruit; lunch: field salad with tomato, feta and olives; dinner: any leftovers and i'll put together a large salad and some whole grain rice
Sunday: breakfast: cereal and fruit; lunch: chicken salad with fresh peaches and blue cheese; dinner: lemon sage roasted chicken with sage pan sauce

Can you tell it's a chicken kind of week? :) Actually, beef is really high in points and I always want food, so I've discovered that by eating things that are lower in points I can constantly eat and still lose weight!

Snacks for the week: fresh fruit, light string cheese, celery, fat free sugar free ice cream, and of course, sharing cheerios with Reagan! We'll probably also try our hand at Oatmeal-Nectarine Scones. YUM!

*Note: menu for Reagan, if she doesn't like something, we usually give her steamed veggies with cheese and sometimes leftover chicken and that makes a very hearty meal for her!

Menu Plan Monday!

Ahhhh, Monday. It's once again time to plan my menu! And guess what? This week I have a head start on the game because I've already roasted a turkey breast for tomorrow's dinner! Yummm! Yummm!

This week I'm also going to try something different and plan out all my meals for the week--that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks! I figure this will help me stick to my weight loss plan. Inevitably I find myself eating poorly for those meals I don't plan. So here we go! (Items in bold indicate recipe listed below!)

Monday: Breakfast-light whole wheat english muffin with butter and string cheese; Lunch-turkey sandwhich and green salad; Dinner-Sliced turkey breast, mashed sweet potatoes and green beans
Tuesday: Breakfast-steel cut oatmeal, fruit; Lunch-tuna salad on whole wheat with fruit or green salad or carrots; Dinner-Spicy Chicken-Spinach Bake
Wednesday:Breakfast-light whole wheat english muffin with melted cheese and 1 serving of fruit, Lunch-chicken salad with a green side salad, Dinner-WW Potato-Broccoli Soup and half of a turkey sandwhich
Thursday: Breakfast-eggs and light whole wheat toast; Lunch-turkey strips on salad with walnuts; Dinner-Leftovers!
Friday: Breakfast-muffins of some sort; Lunch-leftovers once again; Dinner-lean hamburgers with broccoli slaw or just plain coleslaw
Saturday:Breakfast-light whole wheat english muffin with melted cheese and 1 serving of fruit, Lunch-leftover Potato-Broccoli Soup and half of a turkey sandwhich; Dinner-Taco salads
Sunday:Breakfast-eggs, toast and fruit; Lunch-Salads for adults; veggies and lean meat for Reagan; Dinner-salmon patties and veggies, leftover coleslaw

Snacks for the week for Josh and I: yogurt, cheese sticks, celery with peanut butter, fruit and popcorn (lowfat or fatfree); Reagan: her usual snacks, which could include any of those listed for us too!

Recipes:
WW Potato-Broccoli Soup
3 cups cubed peeled potato (about 1 lb)
1 cup frozen, chopped broccoli
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp salt
1 14.5 oz can of no-salt-added chicken broth (i usually use reduced sodium!)
1.5 cups of 1% milk
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
6 oz. light processed cheese (such as Velveeta) cubed

Combine first six ingredients in large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 20 minutes.

Combine milk and flour, stirring until smooth. Add milk mixture and cheese to vegetable mixture in Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and mixture thickens.

Serve immediately, or cool and divide into individual airtight containers; refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in microwave. Yield: 7 servings of 1 cup each. Points Value: 3

Spicy Chicken-Spinach Bake
8 oz uncooked penne
2 teaspoons butter
1/2 cup chopped onion
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2.5 cups 1% milk
1 6 oz. package of fresh baby spinach, coarsley chopped (NOTE: WW said they tested with both fresh and frozen and had better results with fresh, but I'll probably still use frozen, easier to keep on hand!)
1 1/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspsoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
1.5 cups salsa
cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350. Cook pasta according to package directions, ommitting salt and fat. Drain.

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a Dutch oven (what is it with WW and Dutch ovens?!?!) over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 4 minutes until tender. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup, level with a knife. Add flour to pan; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add milk, stirring constantly with a whisk. Cool 11 minutes or until thick. Add spinach, stirring until spinach wilts. Remove from heat; add 1/4 cup of cheese, salt and pepper.

Stir in chicken, salsa and 3/4 cup of cheese. Carefully fold in pasta. Spoon mixture into a 13*9 baking dish coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake at 350 fir 39 minutes or until bubbly. Yield: 8 1 cup servings.

Show & Tell Friday

This is my one and only Demdaco figurine. It's entitled "New Life" and my mother in law gave this to me the day after I had Reagan. I love this so much because it really seems to capture the awe that you feel towards your new little one.

Reagan has enjoyed toting it around this morning while I was attempting to get pictures! LOL! It's just her size!

*Show & Tell Friday is hosted by Kelli. Visit her site to see more great show and tell items!

It's Valentine's Day

...and I feel obliged to write a post regarding said day! So far, today has been...well pretty much a normal day. Reagan and I woke up, ate breakfast, had our shower/bath, got dressed, went grocery shopping, looked at some more houses (this is the norm lately!), came home, unloaded groceries, had lunch, fought for several hours to get her to take a nap and I cleaned the kitchen and am doing some laundry.

So, all in all, pretty normal. The one exception was surprising Reagan with a highchair surrounded by balloons this morning! She went nuts over her froggy balloon (she saw it in Wal-Mart the other day and I think it reminded her of another froggy balloon I bought for her birthday!) and she had much fun playing with, i mean, chewing on, the blocks I bought her.

We were going to make cupcakes this afternoon after her nap, but it's getting pretty late and we definitely don't need MORE sweets around here! However, we are having some yummy dinner tonight, along with some heart cookies I already purchased and we're all opening up our Valentine's cards (that is, Josh and Reagan will....who knows if I'll get a card!??). Reagan gets one more surprise--a stuffed moo cow, and then we'll probably all fall into bed, exhausted!

I did actually ask Josh not to spend a bunch of money on me. In other words, I would rather we save the cash than have him spend $30-$40 on a bunch of overpriced roses that are going to die in a few days! I don't need chocolate..I got a ton of that from my office and I've never been a big jewelry person--although I do have my eye on a gorgeous blue topaz pendant (Reagan's birthstone), but that can be for another holiday that actually means something! (um, er Mother's Day, anyone??) Right now I'm just hoping for a heartfelt card and maybe a bunch of daisies or even a potted plant..maybe an iris or crocus or something very spring-y. You know, to remind me that it won't be freezing cold forever!

Well, I think that does it for my Valentine's post! Here are some pictures to enjoy!

*Oh: please ignore the piled boxes and bags in the background..boxes are for moving, bags go to Goodwill!*

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Can you say 'brrrrrrrr...........'? This winter has been so fecking (thank you Eileen for that wonderful Irish word!) cold and damp that I'm on the verge of screaming if we don't get some sunshine soon! And I'm not talking about that watered down sunshine that barely filters through the clouds. I'm talking about full on, so bright it makes your eyes hurt, sunshine! Is it spring yet?

Don't get me wrong. I truly enjoy winter. I just like for it to be over a little more quickly than it actually is. I love the cocoa, the warm blankets, curling up with good books. But at this point, I'm just ready for spring! Wildflowers, walks outside, the smell of fresh damp earth, butterflies! And I can tell Reagan is ready too as she stares longingly out the window most days!

Speaking of Reagan, she is already down for her nap..at 7:46 a.m.! That's because she woke up at an unearthly hour this morning. And that means I'm going down for a nap too! Amazingly, for the first year of Reagan's life, I thought naps were a waste of time for me-I had waaaaaaaaaay too much to do.

Now that I'm an exhausted mom of a toddler and after a year of getting less sleep than tortured prisoners, I am a firm believer in good old fashioned naps! And with that, I'm off to curl up in my blankets!

Tackle It Tuesday

Ah, Tuesday! Today is Reagan's Valentine's Day Party and we'll be heading off to the library for storytime and then all sorts of treats..yum! Which means she'll be high on sugar just in time for her afternoon nap! Gee, that was planned well!

After that the handyman should be coming by to give me an estimate for installing new doors and a new ceiling fan and removing the bathroom mirror so we can install a new one! Yah! I'm excited about getting our house on the market and finding another one.

Josh is getting cold feet again, but he does this routinely...he is constantly analyzing and reanalyzing various scenarios...he freaks himself out :) But amazingly enough, HE was the one that made the decision to go ahead with the move.

Ok, so for Tackle It Tuesday I plan to get more boxes and pack more stuff! Sounds exciting doesn't it? I also plan to go to the store and finish getting the items I need for Valentine's Day and mail out Valentine's cards to our family. I think that should about do it for Tuesday.

Menu Plan Monday!

Last week I didn't do a menu plan and we ate so badly! It always pays to have a plan.

Also, in addition to trying to lose weight, I'm trying to prepare more heart healthy menus, so this week is going to be very simple and very healthy. My weight watchers cookbook finally arrived so I'll be using some of those recipes next week! Enjoy!

Monday-Baked chiken, baked potato, steamed broccoli
Tuesday-Baked fish, steamed veggies and brown rice (not instant--the kind that has tons of fiber and cooks for an hour!)
Wednesday-Lean baked meatloaf (made with steel cut oatmeal), baked sweet potato and veggie
Thursday-HAVE NOT YET DECIDED! VALENTINE'S MENU! Would love to hear what everyone else is having!
Friday-Stirfry and chicken with brown rice (again, not instant!)
Saturday-Tomato soup and fruit salad
Sunday-Roast with veggies

Changes

I was taking a bunch of silly blog quizzes tonight and started thinking about how much I have changed in the last few years.

I used to be the life of the party and threw some great ones too---now I'm such a homebody I rarely see other people and my parties seriously stink!!

I used to love loud music, fun drinks, staying up til 3 a.m. and phone calls all night--now I prefer quiet evenings, hot tea and getting into bed early...and God help you if you call during dinner or past 7 p.m.!!

I used to spend a fortune on clothing--now I spend a fortune on Reagan's clothing, or crafts!

I used to have tons of boyfriends and would sometimes have as many as three dates in one day--now I'm in a committed marriage and haven't had a date night with my husband in months!

I used to have a million friends that were with me all the time---now most of my friends are far away and the ones I do have here, I see only once a week or less!

I used to think the world revolved around me, me, me---now I know for sure it revolves only around Reagan!

I used to think looks were important---now I haven't shaved my legs in weeks! (I'm a MOM give me a break!!)

I used to eat (or drink) every meal away from home because I didn't own a pan---now I have an entire binder of recipes and whip up from scratch meals for my family all the time.

I really have changed. Sometimes I feel like I've lost my identity. Like I've become someone I hardly recognize. But I like some of the changes--actually most of the changes. But I guess what I miss most is that fun-loving, lighthearted, confident in any situation, part of myself that I used to have.

I'm trying to make it a priority to get that part of me back. I think Reagan deserves a mom that feels confident in herself and happy about life in general. One of my new years resolutions for 2008 was to be come confident in being a mom, but in order to do that, I think I have to become confident in being ME again. Being happy with myself and my life is an important part of ensuring that Reagan will be happy with me and her life, too.

I read this on someone else's blog and thought this was a good time to share it. It's a quote from William Henry Channing:

To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than luxury; and refinement rather than fashion; to be worthy, not respectable; and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly; to listen to stars and birds, to babes and sages, with open heart; to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasion, hurry never; in a word, to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common. This is to be my symphony.

Such a beautiful quote.

A symphony. My life. My changes. Then. Now. All blending together to create a beautiful symphony. I want to allow my symphony to play out and be heard and become a beautiful tune that enriches not only myself but others who hear it. I want to become the person I was, the person I am, the person I am meant to be. Here's to a symphonic 2008.

Just Because It's Saturday

You Are A Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Girl

Popular. Friendly. Fun.

http://www.blogthings.com/whatflavoricecreamgirlareyouquiz

Wierd Things About Me

It seems like every blog I've visited lately has a list of weird things about that particular blogger...so I'm joining in! There are tons of weird things about me, but I'll pick some of the safest!

1. I absolutely can't stand to look at food after I finish it. Even in restaurants, I'll stack the plates away from me and cover them with a napkin!
2. I can share iced tea, coffee, water--but cannot, will not share milk, oj or coke with someone. It just grosses me out!
3. I used to check locks and plugs at least four or five times before leaving my house.
4. I have a fascination with cleaning my cat's ears..seriously. It's an obsession!
5. I get grossed out if I meet a man with longish nails...really, even if they're trimmed and clean. Hello! Men do not need long fingernails..cut those things back!!!!
6. My list of top guys of all time includes (I'm not making this up): Seth Green, Jack Black and Oliver Platt. [Honestly I cannot for the life of me remember the last one but my other guy (and the only true hottie on the list: is Val (sigh, droooooooool, sigh, drooooooooooooooooool, hubba-hubba) Kilmer.]

So those are a few weird things about me! (See also my post on lists...I'm a fanatical list maker!)

Show & Tell Friday

Time for Show & Tell Friday again and time for me to get back to feeling good and blogging! Today I'm showing off just a few pieces (sorry the pictures are blurry!) of the antique blue and white china set my Mom purchased for me for my wedding gift. I just love these! And I have a full set, including salt and pepper shakers, plates, pitcher, butter dish, etc, etc, ,etc..so I display them everywhere! They are Currier & Ives and depict various scenes...Sometimes it's a country scene, sometimes a woman driving a carriage, sometimes a ship!

I love how the plates pop against the rustic red of my kitchen! When we eventually move, I'm going to make sure to paint my new kitchen in the same color...I adore it! Enjoy the photos and thanks for looking!

Random thoughts (again).

I feel like John Candy when I say that. I don't know why. Anyway, I really have nothing much to talk about this week. But I've observed this. I've been so exhausted and tried to sleep while Reagan played with her toys this morning, but the second she laid down for a nap, I'm wide awake.

This always happens...I'll be super-tired and begging her to sleep...then she goes down and pop! the caffiene has kicked in.

GRRR. So ironic. Now I feel like Alanis Morisette.

Update on Reagan

Today I took Reagan to her umpteenth doctor's appointment this year (already!). She now has a sinus infection and is on Albuterol, Pulmicort, Prednisolon, some kind of nasal spray and a very agressive antibiotic that I can't recall the name of at the moment. Joy! Dr. "D" (as I'll call him) has also decided we should run allergy tests on Reagan. So, as soon as she's feeling up to snuff (exactly where that expression came from I have NO idea), she'll be having bloodwork done.

If the bloodwork turns up something, then he'll do a scratch skin allergy test when she's a few months older. The reason for waiting a few months is because allergy tests are really inconclusive at this age and the closer to two we are, the more accurate they will be.

A sidenote: Many babies that have reflux are susceptible to allergies and the same with eczema...Reagan has had both reflux and eczema. And preemies are more susceptiable to everything it appears. So please keep Reagan in your thoughts and prayers.

She's a tough cookie though...I swear, no matter how sick or how badly she's feeling, she always has the biggest grin and a ready laugh for you. I love my baby!

The Giants win! The Giants win! The Giants win!

WOWOWOWOWOWOWOWOOWWOOWWO WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! THE GIANTS WIN!!!!

*And can I just say what a huge slap in the face it was to have Belichick leave the field before the game was officially over? What a scumbag!!!! He should not even have been allowed to coach after he disgraced the league by cheating!!!*

Being sick sucks.....

Why is it when men or children are sick, moms do everything for them? Fresh sheets, comforting kisses and hugs, homemade chicken soup, hot tea, fluffing pillows, tucking warm blankets......and yet when Mom gets sick....no one seems to care? All I want is a little comforting and instead I hear "ewwwwwwwwwwww...you're sick, get away from me!" ....ugh...where is the compassion, people, the love??

When I'm sick, all I want is to be a kid again and have my Granny tuck cool, clean sheets around me, bring me tomato soup and grilled cheese and apple juice and feel her cool, almost papery-soft hand checking my forehead for a temperature.

Can you tell I'm feeling miserable today? I'm a hacking, drooling, runny-nosed mess. In fact, my nose feels like I tried to rub it off....actually, I HAVE tried to rub it off. Ah, to be nose-free.

What's even worse is Reagan is sick...she's been sick since before Christmas and it will not go away. More importantly than me, I just want Reagan to feel better. I feel so bad when she looks up at me with red-rimmed eyes and a stuffy nose and to hear her hacking away with a cough in her chest just makes me cringe. She's not at that age yet where she believes a kiss from Mommy can make it all better...and I really wish that's all it would take.

So tomorrow, off to the doctor we go. Again. I'm really beginning to think I should just move in right next door to Reagan's pediatrician....it would make things a lot simpler, for us at least ;)

Well, I'm off to go hack-cough-slurp-blow my way through the rest of the Super Bowl...Go GIANTS!...and tomorrow I'm going to talk about just how crappy the commercials where this year..what is up with that??

Only in Indiana...

This morning it was probably, oh, say, around 20 degrees outside.....and strolling down the ice and snow encrusted sidewalk in front of my office was a man dressed in a t-shirt and much too short shorts. Yep, folks. Only in Indiana.