Hello!!

Wow, I promised to get back into blogging regularly and I failed. Things have been insanely busy here, but in an insanely awesome way!

I GOT A JOB!!!!! Yes, I had to shout it! Just when I was starting to feel lower than low, just when I was thinking I may have to go in a whole new direction, things turned around. I applied for a 4th grade special educator position, and got a call on a Thursday to interview the next day. It turns out they had interviews set up, and when they got my application they decided to add me into the interview line up. I was the last interview, at 3:00 pm on Friday the 13th. At the end of the interview, the Special Services Director (my boss), leaned toward me and said, "I just have to tell you, you have interviewed beautifully. On Monday I got the call saying I was the top candidate and they would love for me to accept the position!! I started attending professional developments that Wednesday, and kids came back the following Wednesday. It has been one wild ride! I found out later that the interview team wanted to offer me the job right then and there, but decided to do things the "right" way and check my references. I am refreshing on evaluations and paperwork, since although I've been a teacher for a while now, this is my first year as a Special Educator. So far I love my job. The school community is amazing, and it feels like a perfect fit. The only downside is that I have a commute. It's not an issue at all right now, but winter will be tough. It's so worth it to me though, this job feels meant to be. Also, for the first time since 2008, my whole family has health insurance again!!

The Diva is starting at a new preschool not far from my job on Tuesday. I just couldn't bear to have her far from me, should anything happen, or should she need me. The preschool seems fabulous, and the director/Diva's teacher is a certified teacher. It turns out that she taught 10 minutes from where I taught in FL, in the same school district. She is from VT and she and her husband moved back here the same summer we did. Also, (not that it matters but I thought it was another weird coincidence) her husband is black. There were just all of these weird parallels in our lives. She comes highly recommended by my coworkers and she is really excited about the fact that Diva is writing and starting to read. I feel like this will be a great year for Diva, as this is her final year before Kindergarten!

I wanted to share my happy news, and I hope that life settles down a teeny tiny bit, and that I will be able to blog more often. I hope all is well in your worlds!

A Different Color

Today while teaching 3rd grade summer school, I had my cell phone out on the table, as I was using it for the stopwatch for running records. A picture of Diva is displayed as my wallpaper. One of my students looked down at the picture on the phone....

Student: Is that your daughter?
Me: Yes, it is.
Student: She's a different color than you.
Me: Yes, she is.


That's as far as the conversation went. I could see the little girl trying to comprehend. I guess I could have elaborated, but it really took me by surprise. Most of the time I don't even think about the fact that Diva's skin is darker than mine. She's just my Diva. After class, I looked at the picture again, thinking to myself, "Really? Is it really that obvious that Diva is "a different color?" Of course it is obvious to the naked eye, but she's not just a "different color", she's my baby. When I look at her, I see the brightness in her eyes (that are a deep brown like D's but shaped like mine). I see the perfect combination of mine and D's nose, and I see my chin. I see D's long eyelashes and distinguished eyebrows. But most of all, I see the precious little person who I am blessed to call my daughter. I guess it's just another reminder that we all see things differently.

Meal Plan Monday

Okay, getting back into the swing of things. This week we are eating

Italian sausages and potato salad
Grilled tilapia, summer squash, and rice
Bbq chicken (in the crock pot), mashed potatoes, tossed salad
Swedish meatballs (in the crock pot) over wide egg noodles
Salsa chicken (in the crock pot)


There's a whole lot of crock potting going on here this week!

Happy Monday!

Random on a Sunday

*I am about to finish my summer school teaching stint, and when it is done, I am officically jobless. I am still trying HARD to find a position for this school year. No luck so far. It is making us take a hard look at things, and we are trying to figure out our next step.

*With my job situation up in the air, The Diva finished up at the home daycare she had been attending since we moved to Vermont. She'll be hanging with me until I find a job, and then we will find her a preschool for her to attend. I can't believe she only has one more year before kindergarten. Time just slips right by us. Sometimes I try to cradle her in my arms like I did when she was a newborn, but it's super awkward. She hasn't grown out of general cuddling yet, for which I am grateful. I don't know what I will do when she stops climbing into my lap, throwing her arms around me and laying her head on my shoulder.

*I found out yesterday that my 1st grade boyfriend was killed in a car accident. We were good friends through elementary and middle school, lived down the street from me, stole his moms earrings to give me as a gift (my mom made me return them). A lot of my younger day memories include him. I haven't seen or spoken to him in years, but my heart goes out to his family.

Friday night, we had a family date night. We did dinner at Pizzeria Uno, and went bowling. Bowling is kind of becoming our family "thing". We've gone twice. But seriously, we enjoyed ourselves both times and plan to keep bowling a part of our family fun. I am a terrible, terrible bowler. More than once, a stranger has felt the need to come over from their lane to try to help me with my lame skills. That hasn't happened since I met D, but I'm still lousy. D likes to laugh at me, and Diva actually beat me (without bumpers) the first time we went bowling as a family. I am proud to say I actually beat my darling husband and daughter on Friday night! Go me!

I am working on a grocery list, so I am hoping to get meal plan Monday up and running again. I hope all is well in your worlds, and here's to a great week ahead!

It's been awhile

Between life and a crappy computer, I haven't had time in a while to update my blog. I am hoping our computer situation will improve soon, and I will be able to squeeze some more blogging in while I keep on truckin' through this thing called life.

I am back in the job hunting jungle, and things have been looking pretty bleak. I am trying to think positively, trying to remind myself that everything happens for a reason, trying to keep my faith. All of these things are hard, when the date of your last known paycheck is fast approaching.

We've also been going through some growing pains with the Diva. At least, I'd like to think of them as growing pains, and I hope that things will improve. A lot of the time lately, I question my abilities to be a great mom, because things are just so darn challenging. The Diva is so darn challenging. I've always admired how bright The Diva is, how quick she is with a witty response, how perceptive she is. Now it seems that all of those things are working against me. She's sassy, she's bossy, and sometimes she's manipulative and downright rude. I LOVE MY DAUGHTER. I love her with more intensity than I ever thought existed. But, she is wearing me out. I keep reminding myself that her persistence and strong will are traits that will be helpful to her as an adult. However, in the here and now, I am tired. I am tired of power struggles, and I am tired of having to defend each and every one of my decisions with her. Perhaps she'll have a great career as a lawyer some day, but as her mom, sometimes I just want an easy day sometimes. I've checked several books out of the library recently, including Raising Your Spirited Child. If ever there was a spirited child, Diva fits the bill. I am reading some interesting things, but honestly I am also reading some of it thinking, "Sure, in a perfect world that would work, but I don't see it working here." Sometimes I miss those days of reading books like What to Expect the First Year. Now there was a book that seemed to outline things pretty clearly. I don't think a how to manual exists for a strong willed, extremely bright, completely exhausting 4 year old. We'll just keep playing it by ear.

Now that I've done my venting, I'd like to close with the POSITIVE things about my daughter. Because while I've just done a lot of griping, she's still my girl, and she brings me so much joy. Currently, The Diva has just started a summer dance class that she loves. Dancing and making up songs (really long songs that often change topic several times) are two of her favorite activities. She's also mastered the hula hoop and is now trying to teach her self to hula hoop with three hula hoops at a time, and to walk and hula hoop at the same time. The Diva has also become kind of obsessed with writing. She loves writing the words she knows, spelling and writing new words, and labeling her pictures. Recently one morning, she asked me how to spell Lady Gaga while we were riding in the car. That night, I found a piece of paper with Lady Gaga written all over it. I blame my teenage siblings for her even knowing who Lady Gaga is. The Diva is sensitive and loving, helpful and compassionate.She is inquisitive and a deep thinker. I am really proud to be her mom!

Dead computers, meal plans, and snow. Oh my!

Our computer decided to lay down and die, for no apparent reason (D, of course, blames me). This of course, is driving me batty. I am blogging right now from my mom's house. When I was a teenager, the parents being out of town led to plans of debauchery, now I am just happy to be able to come over and do my laundry, and use the computer.

So, because the computer failed me last week, I didn't post a meal plan. We had a pretty tasty week too. Just in case you care, or are looking for new ideas, our meals last week were: Swedish Meatballs over farfalle pasta, curry rice soup, cajun chicken quesadillas, and spanish rice casserole. We ate pizza downtown on Tuesday night, before going to see Sesame Street Live (it was great!).

This week on the menu:
Monday: Chicken alfredo and garlic toast
Tuesday- Pork chops, rice, green beans
Wednesday- Cajun catfish, cauliflower, and garlic mashed potatoes
Thursday- Chicken, broccoli and rice skillet
Friday- Tacos (per Diva's request)

Diva and I are on vacation this week, I do not have a migraine (so far), and we have no house guest, unlike our February break. I am enjoying my time with Diva, she is such an amazing (and exhausting) girl. We spent the whole day outside yesterday enjoying a beautiful sunny day. Today, it is snowing. Yes, a few short days away from May, and it is snowing big, wet, sloppy flakes. Thank goodness for the library, lunch at the mall, and our plan to bake this afternoon. Let's hope we get a little more sunshine and warm weather soon!!!

Have a marvelous week!

Diva live on tv!

Diva was live on the local morning news this morning to promote our local Relay for Life. I am one proud mama!

Meal Plan Monday

Monday- Pork chops, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli
Tuesday-Chicken and yellow rice bowls.
Wednesday-Ribs, corn, rice
Thursday-Shepherd's Pie
Friday- Chicken breasts, green beans, rice, and gravy. (No date night after all!)

Enjoy the week!

Random on a Saturday Morning

*I have been having a busy, stressful week. It's that time of the year where I try desperately to find a classroom teaching position. I have been tweaking my resume, and writing essays until the cows come home. I keep telling myself this is my year to get back in the classroom, and then I psych myself out. I am working on dropping the psych myself out part.

* This has been the lowest maintenance hair week Diva has ever had. I got 3 whole days out of her twist out, then 3 days of ponytails on her twisted out hair. The Darcy's Botanicals curling jelly has been like a miracle in a jar, keepin her curls looking fresh.

* I talked to my mother-in-law on the phone yesterday (it was her birthday), and was reminded of how much I miss her living close by. When we lived in Florida, she was my mom away from mom. I feel blessed to have such an amazing mother-in-law!

*Today Diva has dance class (the highlight of her week), and the rest of the weekend is unplanned so far. It feels nice to not have a jam packed weekend.


Enjoy your weekend, whether it be busy or laid back!!!

Diva's Easter hair and flair

I took Diva's two strand twists out for Easter Sunday,and we were all please with the results. Diva looked precious in her polka dotted dress, but of course she had to add her own personal touch with a pair of sunglasses from her collection. She was her usually posing self all day long.

Meal Plan Monday

Here it folks:

Monday- Goulash, salad, garlic toast
Tuesday- Salsa Chicken in the crockpot (love, love, love this!)
Wednesday-Beef Stroganoff
Thursday- Bbq chicken in the crockpot, cheesy mashed potatoes, broccoli
Friday- Pork chops (marinated in something), rice, green beans

A beautiful Saturday, and two strand twists

Saturday here in Vermont was ridiculously beautiful. We're talking sunshine and 80 degree weather, a rariety in early April here. When we got out and about, it was shocking to see so many people out walking, biking, etc. You forget other people live here when everyone is hunkered down for the bitter cold winter.

I wanted Diva to have a twist out for her Easter hair style, so Saturday morning I did two strand twists all over her head. This was the first time I had done twists all over, and I must say I LOVE THIS HAIR STYLE. It took us about two hours to complete. I recently bought some new hair products, and after conditioning Diva's hair with Darcy's Botanicals Pumpkin Seed Conditioner, I detangled her hair and got to work. Detangling was super easy after using the pumpkin seed conditioner. I love this stuff! I used the DB Madagascar Vanilla Styling Creme to do Diva's twists. The styling creme is another big hit here in the Blitenotwhack househould. I'm just loving these products and can't wait to try more!

While I was twisting Diva's hair, I had an emotional moment. Diva turned her little head toward me and said, "I want to watch you do this Mommy, so that someday when I have a little girl, I will know how to do her hair just like you do mine." Ack, I get teared up just typing that. Call me a dork if you will, but something about that just really got to me. It lets me know that deep down somewhere, Diva is learning about the love and importance I place on taking good care of her hair. As a biracial woman, Diva's hair will play a large part in her self image. I strive for it to be a positive one. I love her natural hair, and I want her to love it too!!

The twists got rave reviews all day long. I wasn't sure whether to feel insulted or flattered when people assumed she got her hair done at a salon. (I went with flattered!). Stay tuned for pics of her Easter Sunday twist out. We will definitely be rocking twists again soon!!


A back view of her twists

I love the confidence in this picture

I promise you she's not sad here, just being her usual dramatic self

Super Easy Hair Style

Because I work full time, and Diva plays hard, many of the hair styles I do on her hair start with 4 parts. Once I have done the work of parting, I can use the parts as a starting point and change things up throughout the week. This hair style is done by starting with 4 braids. I then take the bottom braids and bring them up to the front of the top braids, attaching them to the top hair elastics. Then, I take the top braids, and hook them in the back. I like to use a colorful knocker, but you can really dress this hairstyle up or down depending on the accessories you use.

Diva at play

These pictures were taken by Diva's teacher. Even on a cloudy day, my girl's "cool" sunglasses are always on standby.

Hair stylin'

This hair style was a few weeks ago, but I never posted pics. I sectioned off the front of Diva's hair and did tiny braids, and put them off to the side. Then I parted down the middle (kind of badly) and did two banded ponytails. Lastly, I took four tiny braids and crossed them over the other four. Diva has so much hair that they are kind of hard to see (since Diva has such thick hair), I would make them bigger next time. I added some colorful ponytail holders and had one happy Diva.

Meal Plan Monday

Here's the run down for the week at our house. I will be once again looking for some new ideas for next week, this week I am going with old faithful, people pleasers.

Monday-Chicken stir fry
Tuesday- Meatloaf muffins, broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes
Wednesday- Pork chops, green beans, noodles
Thursday- Baked chicken breasts, rice, cauliflower
Friday-Jambalaya

Have a fabulous week!

It's only 7 am and

The Diva is already on a roll. These two gems are straight out of her mouth in the last 15 minutes:

"Hold on Mom. I'll put my clothes on. I just want to see how cool it is to hula hoop naked."

and, while I was helping her put her tights on for dance class:

"Wow, Mom. It's like your my servant. Nice."


I don't know what to do with this girl.

My little schemer

I am getting sick of cleaning The Diva's room. There's a place for everything, and she knows where everything goes. Nonetheless, she continues to toss things around with no regard for putting them where they belong. She has been asking to have a friend over for a play date, and I keep telling her that she can't until she can keep her room clean.

Fast forward a few weeks. We were in the car, and Diva says (all in one breath), "Mom, can Eric come over for a play date?He said he'd clean my room."

So, if she's already figured out how to sweet talk a friend into cleaning her room, what kinds of schemes am I going to have to worry about when she's a teenager?

Meal Plan Monday

Here's the run down:

Monday- Chinese take out (Happy Birthday to me)
Tuesday- Chili
Wednesday-Pork chops, cheesy rice, broccoli
Thursday-Some kind of pasta, with a meat sauce, salad, bread
Friday- Dirty rice (we still haven't had it)


Have a wonderful week!

Meal Plan Monday

So this week, I am trying some new recipes. I think I could live on rice and fruit and veggies, but D NEEDS a big hearty meal. So this week, I am really making an effort to make his tummy full and happy.

Monday- Buttered Chicken (yeah, I know real healthy), green beans, scalloped potatoes
Tuesday- Muffin Tin Meatloaf, macaroni and cheese, yellow squash
Wednesday- To Die For Pot Roast (haven't made it before, so we shall see if it's to die for), onions, carrots, mashed potatoes.
Thursday-Salsa Chicken (in the crock pot), served over rice with a side of corn
Friday- Left overs (between the pot roast and the chicken, I am thinkin' we'll have plenty), I might grab some tortillas to make tacos with the leftover chicken.


Have the best Monday ever!

Hair today

Actually it's hair tonight. With all the errands that come with Sunday, and a migraine to contend with, I put off doing Diva's hair until this evening. Sundays are shampoo days for Diva. I shampoo, condition, and then go to work detangling and styling. Yesterday we got some cute hair ties that look like pieces of candy. They were a dollar at Claires. I wish they had more, but I was only able to get one pack. Diva was so anxious to put them in her hair. I decided to part her hair in 4 parts today, and then section each ponytail into twists. My parts are crooked, but it will have to do. For a rush job, I think it came out okay.

How old am I?

Do you know? Because I can't seem to keep track of my own age. My birthday is coming up in just over a week. Somehow in the last few weeks or so, I convinced myself that I was 32, turning 33. I was on the phone with my 13 year old niece last night, and I said something about turning 33. She said, "You're 31." I said, "I am NOT. I am 32, I will be 33 on the 22nd." Again she said, "You're 31. You are turning 32. You were born in 1978. Do the math." So, sheepishly I did the math. I am 31. I am turning 32. Somewhere along the line, I just forgot. Aren't I too young for this? I feel like such a dork, especially since I had to be shown the light by a 13 year old who is now questioning my sanity.

Darcy's Botanicals Giveaway at Happy Girl Hair

One of my favorite new hair websites is Happy Girl Hair.Happy Girl Hair has been inspiring me to try new styles on the Diva, and has been introducing me to hair products that I haven't yet tried. I am so excited that there is a giveaway for 3 products from Darcy's Botanicals. I have been wanting to try these products when I make a new order. This giveaway is a hair obsessed mama's dream. So check out both sites, and sign up for the give away at Happy Girl Hair!

Meal Plan Monday

It's a boring food week here at the blitenotwhack house. I am trying to use up stuff we have around the house to save a bit o' money this week. So...

Monday- Chicken tenders, rice, corn
Tuesday-Tacos
Wednesday-Pork Chops, garlic mashed potatoes, broccoli
Thursday-Fiesta shells and cheese (ground beef, taco seasoning, shells and cheese)
Friday- Dirty rice

Hair

As you may have figured out if you are a reader here, The Diva has a lot of hair. A. Lot. Of. Hair. I have spent all 4 years of her life searching for the best ways to care for it. It is an ongoing process for sure. The Diva has never been very cooperative about letting me do her hair, and I have been timid about braiding since doing her hair has been kind of a traumatic experience for both of us. You know, she cries, I cry, you get the picture. I have tried television, snacks, songs, rewards (bribery), nothing has been successful. The Diva prefers to be a martyr. She would rather cry and scream and tell me how horrible things are than be distracted. However, I am happy to say we are turning a corner. Maybe she's more mature now (ha), or maybe she is just tired of being miserable. Either way, she is being a lot more patient about letting me do her hair. For the most part, I do a lot of styles that look similar to the picture above. Recently, when I look at hairstyles online, I have been having Diva look with me and tell me what she likes. I remind her that those little girls in the pictures must have been sitting VERY NICELY for their mommies in order to have such pretty hair. The Diva LOVES looking at new hairstyles and she LOVES it when I ask her what kind of hairstyle she would like. We are finally getting somewhere, and I am hoping to share pics of more elaborate hairstyles in the future!

Winter Vacation

Diva and I just finished our winter vacation. Winter vacation is over, so does that mean Spring is coming? I sure hope so! We did get some snow last week, and The Diva enjoyed some snowman building, sledding, and just being Diva. I swear, I get these perfect ideas in my head of how I would like pictures to turn out, and The Diva always has her own agenda! I am hoping that this is the last picture I take of her in the snow this year!

Back to the grind

I return to work tomorrow, and Diva returns to daycare. Our house guest leaves tomorrow. I feel cheated out of this vacation, mostly due to the fact that I spent the majority of my time with an ice pack over my head, trying to cure my migraine with a variety of over the counter pain medications. Tonight I told D that I wanted to start putting some money away toward "Mama's Tropical Vacation Fund". He asked me if I was planning this trip for just myself. I was including him in the little plan in my head, but I wouldn't mind running away to a beautiful island alone either. I'd come back! I got sucked in to The Bachelor, and now all I can think about is being in an ocean side pool in St. Lucia. I really can't stop thinking about it. Close your eyes, and picture yourself somewhere warm, tropical, and stress free. Isn't that nice?

Back to reality! I hope every one's weeks are full of happiness and void of stress!

Meal Plan Monday

I am going to apologize in advance. Due to having a houseguest (big fake smile here), our meal plan changed a little bit last week. So, some meals look like repeats, but we just haven't eaten them yet. I also have maybe flipped some side dishes around. Who knows? I like to live dangerously.

Monday- Teriyaki pork tenderloin, buttered noodles, spinach

Tuesday- Shepherd's pie

Wednesday- Spanish rice casserole (a new recipe I am excited to try)

Thursday- Goulash, salad, maybe garlic bread

Friday- Kielbasa, macaroni and cheese, and carrots (Diva's favorite dinner, perfect for a Friday-I don't really want to cook but I will-meal)

Bedtime

In my migraine haze, I managed to cook up a nice dinner (chicken marsala). While sitting at the dinner table, I said to D, "I am passing the bedtime torch to you. I am going to bed, and you and Diva are on your own." I proceeded to retreat to my dark bedroom with a huge glass of water and an icepack. I woke up this morning, and wondered why Diva didn't come in for bedtime kisses. I asked her about it, and she said, "I did, Mommy. You were sleeping, so I kissed your forehead and Daddy tucked me in." I'm sure it's true, my migraines certainly can knock me out, but I hate that I missed out on those bedtime hugs and kisses. It turns out that I need that tucking in time with Diva as much (or more) than she does.

Migraine

I am on day six of a migraine. I am not happy. It is interfering with my life in so many ways. I can't enjoy my vacation with Diva, I can't properly clean (and we have a house guest coming), and I can't read the pile of books I checked out of the library. Go away migraine, and I mean it!

Meal Plan Monday

I am not impressed with this week's meals. I just couldn't get very inspired. The Diva and I are on vacation this week, so maybe that's why my meal motivation is lacking.

Monday-Beef taco skillet- something new I found online, featuring beef, taco seasoning, tomatoes, and rotini pasta. It probably has some other ingredients I am failing to mention.

Tuesday- Chicken marsala, green beans, rice

Wednesday- Crock pot kielbasa- kielbasa cut into circles, 5-6 potatoes peeled and chunked, canned corn, an onion, and cream of mushroom soup.

Thursday-Goulash and salad

Friday-Crock pot bbq chicken, buttered noodles, spinach.

Have a lovely week!

Do you like enemas?

D got Diva a tube of M&M's for Valentine's Day. It reminded me that not long ago, Diva didn't call them M&M's. She called them enemas. It provided me with all kinds of amusement. Here are some examples of just how funny it could be:

Diva: "I want an enema!" "Mommy, can I have an enema?" "I want more enema's!" "Do you like enemas Mommy?"


Now that Diva pronounces the name of those little chocolaty treats correctly, it's just not as much fun to let her have them.

Interview with Diva-then and now

Last year around this time, I did a facebook note interview with Diva. I thought it would be fun to post last year's answers, ask her the same questions again and see how they change. Here goes:


March 09- Age 3

1) What does your Mama say to you a lot? I love you
2) What makes Mama happy? A smiley face
3) What makes Mama sad? Getting mad
4) What does your Mama do to make you laugh? Plays music
5) What was your Mama like as I child? I don't know
6)How old is your Mama? 30
7) How tall is your Mama? This tall (gesturing with hands)
8)What is her favorite thing to do? Pick me up at daycare
9) What does your Mama do when you aren't around? Works
10) If your Mama becomes famous, what will it be for? Drinking and laughing

Feb 2010

1)What does your Mom say to you a lot? She calls me Pookie.
2) What makes Mommy happy? Hugs
3)What makes Mommy sad? When I yell. That makes Mommy sad.
4) What does your Mommy say to make you laugh? She says I am funny and silly. That makes me laugh.
5) What was your Mommy like as a child? She was very nice and she was very special.
6) How old is your Mom? 31
7) How tall is your Mom? A little bit tall. Yeah, but not as tall as Daddy.
8) What is her favorite thing to do? Play at the park with me.
9) What does your Mom do when you aren't around? She goes to work.
10) If your Mommy becomes famous, what will it be for? She would be famous for dancing, and jumping jacks.

Mini post- Margaritas

This morning, Diva was running around the house singing one word over and over again. The word was margarita. Why was she singing margarita? Not sure. I do find margaritas to be a happy drink, but the only time I ever have one is when D and I get a rare evening out. I asked her why she was singing "margarita", and she said, "What? I'm just speaking spanish, Mom." This kid. Sometimes I just don't know what to make of her.

On Love

With Valentine's Day being this past Sunday, it was easy to get the topic of love stuck on the brain. My first Valentine's Day with D involved a hotel, japanese food, red wine, and a reggae fest. We were young (25) and carefree (no kids). As the years have passed, our Valentine's day celebrations have mellowed. We spent one at a rib joint where we ran into one of D's exes, we spent another having fondue after Diva went to bed. This year, D treated "his girls" to a brunch out. Do I like being recognized as D's "true love" on Valentine's Day? Sure. More important to me though, are those daily reminders that we still love each other (for the most part we like each other too). Sometimes, I think to myself, "GOD, I just LOVE D". I will just be overcome with this feeling of intense love. (Go ahead, gag.) So, I got to thinking. Does D ever have those "GOD I just LOVE her moments? If I asked, would I get an honest response? I decided to ask. When I asked him, he chuckled and said, "You know, I do." Then he followed up with, "I also have those times where I think, "God this woman is driving me nuts!" His responses lead me to believe I got an honest answer. Sometimes I feel wistful thinking about that passionate, can't be apart, no one else matters love from the early days. Then I remember, I have a steady love. I married a guy who knows me better than anyone and still loves me. A guy who buys me giant lemonheads and cleans my car off when it snows. A guy that I can grow old with. Okay, mush over.

Meal Plan Monday

Good Morning! I am up at at 'em with this week's meal plan. No more slacking for me.

Monday- Tilapia (cajun for D and I, lemon pepper for the Diva), yellow squash, mashed pototaoes.

Tuesday- Yellow rice and chicken- this is a family favorite. I take 1.5 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut them into small pieces, and cook them in a pan in some olive oil. While this is happening, I cook Carolina yellow rice in a big pot. When the chicken and rice are done, I mix them together, and I have dishes of taco ingredients (sour cream, tomatoes, onion, shredded cheese, lettuce), to add to individual bowls. Diva and I like ours with tomatoes, cheese, and sour cream, D likes the works. This is a really tasty meal that can be made in 30 minutes!

Wednesday- Beef stroganoff over egg noodles

Thursday- Salmon fillets, rice, cauliflower

Friday- Chicken and stuffing, green beans. Another easy one- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in a baking dish. I pour a can of cream of mushroom soup over the chicken, and prepare a box of stove top stuffing, and put that on top. I throw it in the oven at 375, for about 30 minutes, give or take.

I was kind of in a rut this week as far as what I wanted to make. I am going to be scouring some cookbooks and the net to look for some new recipes to try. Have a great week!

Bedtime fears and happy thoughts

I've been wanting/meaning to post this since late November. I haven't been slacking on it, but the subject matter makes me emotional. However, knowing that most or all of my readers are parents, this may just be helpful or useful to someone out there in the blogosphere.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my grandfather died suddenly in early November. The loss was a hard hit for me, and a hard hit for my Diva. This event in our lives is the official marking of the first time her innocence about life took a beating. My Papa was a big part of the Diva's life. They were a two member mutual admiration society. I was grieving double time, for myself, and for my sweet little girl who had never had to truly experience the loss of a loved one. Instead of my heart just been ripped out of my chest, it was being stomped upon as well.

As parents, we want the best for our children. We want to be able to protect them from the hurt and the pain that life can bring. Unfortunately, that hurt and pain is part of life. The best we can do is guide them through it.

The night my grandfather died is the night Diva stopped sleeping. She refused to be in her room alone, and after falling asleep she would be up within a few hours, terrified to go back to sleep. Also, a form of separation anxiety we had never experienced set in. Leaving the room was an impossibility. Endless questions about death pelleted us in pretty much every conversation. My amazing girl, the source of so much of my joy, was suffering.

After two weeks, I was at a loss as to what to do about the sleep issue. Something had to change. Diva was a mess, and we all now how important sleep is for the body. Getting her to go to bed was a struggle. I've always been pretty firm about bedtime, but when your baby girl is crying, "Please, I just can't be alone!', something has got to give.

I started polling everyone I knew. What do I do? How can I help her? Will she ever feel safe to sleep through the night again? I do believe it takes a village to raise a child. Some of the best answers to my questions came from the minds and mouths of our family and friends. One suggested a special blanket or animal to sleep with. Diva sleeps with a stuffed rottweiler, but I decided to add something else to her ritual. I pulled out an afghan that I have had since birth. I introduced it to her as her "brave blanket". I explained that the blanket had been mine, and was very special, and she could hold it close to her to help her feel brave at night. She was thrilled! I couldn't believe it. I didn't think it could be so simple, but my girl just needed reassurance and she needed something concrete that she could hold and feel. That brave blanket turned out to be something she could believe in.

The other jewel of bedtime advice that we now can not live without was happy thoughts. Diva's teacher told me that when her girls were young, she would rub their foreheads as they listed happy thoughts that would help them to sleep and keep them from being scared. Happy thoughts. Something so simple, that I never thought to do. Diva can't go to sleep now with out her brave blanket and a good long list of happy thoughts. But hey, she's going to sleep. And we've made it over our first hard emotional hurdle. I know there will come a time when little tricks like these won't be tools that can ease my daughter's heartache, but I have learned from this. Bag of tricks or not, I will continue to do what moms everywhere do. I will try to make things better.

Meal Plan Mondays, errr Wednesday

So, I have been fighting a cold (and the cold has been winning). I didn't post a meal plan, thinking no one would notice. Surprise, someone noticed! So, for you- Shan (and anyone else who cares)-

Monday- Spaghetti and meatballs, salad, and garlic bread. I made a double batch of meatballs and sauce, and froze some for another meal.

Tuesday- Grilled kielbasa, angel hair pasta with garlic and olive oil, and broccoli

Wednesday- Taco night!!

Thursday- Pork chops marinated in italian dressing, cheddar broccoli rice, green beans

Friday- Chili and corn bread.

I vow to post my next meal plan on MONDAY. :)

Random Ramblings

* Monday night, two of Diva's fish ate her other fish. The fish was alive one minute and a skeleton the next. It's still disturbing me. Thank goodness my sweet girl was sleeping!

*It is 3 degrees today with the windchill. Yesterday it was in the 30's. I'd like a little more consistency. Please and thank you.

* Yesterday the Diva was playing with a loud toy that I had asked her not to play with. I told her that if she played it again, I would take it away. She replied, "What if I'm loud Mommy, will you take me away too?" I dread the teen years.

* Tuesday night D surprised me with a babysitter and happy hour. I had a margarita and we ate pub food. He knew I was feeling down, and having that little break really helped.

*I have finished all four Twilight books, and against my better judgment I find myself craving more.

That's all for now. Happy Thursday!

Meal Plan Monday

Happy Monday! (Pretend I am saying that in a really pleasant, cheery voice). I have felt neither pleasant, nor cheery today, but we can all pretend, now can't we?
Here's what feeding looks like at our house this week:

Monday- Cajun catfish, herb and butter rice, cauliflower

Tuesday- Chicken and broccoli alfredo, garlic toast

Wednesday- Sausage gravy over mashed potatoes, green beans

Thursday- Chicken/veggie stir fry over rice

Friday- Cheese raviolis in meat sauce, salad.

Have the best week ever!

Who's my boss?

Yesterday when Diva and I were walking into the house after work/school, she said this to me:

"You're the mom, so YOU work for ME. I just get to do girly, daughter things. But, you do get to stay up later because you're the mom."

She said this in such a matter of fact way. There was nothing bossy or rude about it. Simply how Diva looks at our relationship. And she's kind of right, I DO work for her. In many, many ways. And I wouldn't change a thing.

Meal Plan Monday

Since I meal plan every week, I figured I will start posting my meal plan here on Mondays, for our Monday-Friday meals. I love checking out meal plans on other people's blogs. It's nice to get fresh ideas!

Monday- Spiral ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans
Tuesday-Chili with ground beef and ground sausage (at D's request), hopefully corn muffins too!
Wednesday- Pork chops, rice, broccoli
Thursday-Jambalaya
Friday- Sloppy Joes and sweet potato fries

I'll be there with bells on

How many times have you heard that expression? I know I have heard it countless times. Sometimes, because The Diva is a pretty bright little cookie, I forget that she isn't completely worldly, and sometimes takes things very literally.

This Saturday, we will be celebrating Diva's birthday. She is having a Fancy Nancy Soiree. We are all excited. The Diva wanted to make sure that Uncle K was coming to the party, so she called to invite him personally. His reply was, "I'll be there with bells on."

So, fast forward about a week. The Diva is sitting at the table, drawing a picture for Uncle K. She holds the picture up to me and says, "Mommy, look at the picture I made for Uncle K!" And look! I put a bell sticker on it, because he is going to wear bells to my party!" Sure enough, she had placed a bell sticker on the picture. I started to speak, stopped myself, and then asked, "Did Uncle K say he would be there with bells on?" The Diva looked up at me with her enormous (and gorgeous )brown eyes and said, "Yes! That's what he said! He'll be there with bells on!" I could see all of the certainty in her sweet face. I relayed the story to Uncle K, and I sure hope he shows up with bells on, or we will have one confused little Diva!

Foto Friday

This picture just cracks me up! Diva loves to pose, I usually can't get the pictures I want to get, since she already has it in her head how each photo shoot should go down. This is just an example of what happens when I pull out a camera. This was taken on New Year's Eve.

Lost

I haven't posted in a really long time. I experienced the loss of my grandfather on November 9th, 2009. It was sudden, it was unexpected, and truly I am still reeling from the loss. I have had a hard time getting back on here, but I am ready to try. My Papa was an amazing man, and over the last two months, I have been learning how to celebrate his life through my memories, rather than focus on the pain of no longer having this man in my life. I hope this finds you all well ( if you are still reading)! The Diva has kept me very busy, and we all have a lot to catch up on!