Sticking to the idea that kids are a GREAT source of humor, ummmm embarassment. Here are a few from Nora over the weekend.
She had great fun making everyone come help her go potty at moms house...Aunt Cari got the job and was treated to
'Aunt Cari, this take a while, I have to poop.'
'Ok, we can wait'
''OH! Did you hear that?! It's my poop splashing'...
Aunt Cari only has a 3 mth old so she is in for more of this greatness, but a genius introduction to the word of potty talk.
Nora was also big on public potties this last week. The plane for one was a fantastic place! She had to go pee a record 3 times in 1.5 hrs. We are sure it was just the novelty of it.
This one was the kicker though...
We were delayed for 4 hours at the San Antonio airport due to crazy rain and tornado warnings in Atlanta...so weird for November 30th....this left us hanging out in the airport more often...
Run Nora around. Feed Nora. Nora needs to go potty. Nora watches 2.5 seconds of a movie. Nora runs to the window. Nora makes a random friend. Nora needs to go potty. Feed Nora. Nora watches another 2.5 seconds of movie....on and on and on...
Then this happened on a adventure to the potty.
''Mommy! You have on bluuuuuuue panties!''
Me hanging my head into my hands inside the stall. Whisper, 'yes, but we don't need to say that outloud ok?'
''Ok, mommy. I be quiet.''
''Thanks''
''Mommy? You have hair on your bottom?'' (She did whisper)
Me in my head thinking 'OMG! You did not just say that! Thank God for the previous whisper directive.'
KIDS! They keep life interesting.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
D.L.D...it's a serious condition.
Dishwasher Loading Disease....
Let me explain.
Somewhere in my genetic make-up, dad passed down obsessive dishwasher loading. It edges on insanity and I can't convince my husband to jump on the crazy with me. The brother in law will attest that Cari has this exact genetic tick as well. Both husbands will also admit to loading the dishwasher as fast as possible and hitting 'run' so we don't the see the disasterous waste of space they have left.
There are several principles that rule dishwasher loading for me.
Uniformity. The plates. Love them, hate them. All plates big or little must face the left hand side of the dishwasher. This is for maximum square inch usage as they are oversize and can only face one way. In fact, when purchasing a new dishwasher we entered every store holding a blue ceramic plate.
Placement. Certain dishes or bowls must be placed in the exact same spot every time. The striped ceramic bowl goes in the front left corner. The Rubbermaid drink bottle fits perfectly into little vacant spot it leaves. The bowls go on the top rack all the way to the right.
Time. You must be efficient at this as well. Dilly dallying will not be tolerated. I can load the whole dishwasher in less than 5 minutes most days...why can't you?! Not to mention, if I have to unload it...that's 7-8 minutes to get everything out and put away.
Best time ever was 10 minutes. Yeah, I timed it. Gotta entertain myself somehow or suffer a slow brain death from domestic boredom.
Bonus points. Creativity in loading, like putting the strainer on top of the sippies, it does not need it's own zip code. Figuring out how to fit the 's' piece in, like the ceramic crock pot or my roasting pan. Maximum items per square inch, jigsawing all the little sippy lids, straws, wire wisks into a dishwasher mosaic on the rack.
Now that you know the rules you can load my dishwasher, make sure I'm out of the room. Please don't make me lean against the counter with my arms crossed tightly across my chest to keep my arms from flying out towards the dishwasher to FIX it!
Let me explain.
Somewhere in my genetic make-up, dad passed down obsessive dishwasher loading. It edges on insanity and I can't convince my husband to jump on the crazy with me. The brother in law will attest that Cari has this exact genetic tick as well. Both husbands will also admit to loading the dishwasher as fast as possible and hitting 'run' so we don't the see the disasterous waste of space they have left.
There are several principles that rule dishwasher loading for me.
Uniformity. The plates. Love them, hate them. All plates big or little must face the left hand side of the dishwasher. This is for maximum square inch usage as they are oversize and can only face one way. In fact, when purchasing a new dishwasher we entered every store holding a blue ceramic plate.
Placement. Certain dishes or bowls must be placed in the exact same spot every time. The striped ceramic bowl goes in the front left corner. The Rubbermaid drink bottle fits perfectly into little vacant spot it leaves. The bowls go on the top rack all the way to the right.
Time. You must be efficient at this as well. Dilly dallying will not be tolerated. I can load the whole dishwasher in less than 5 minutes most days...why can't you?! Not to mention, if I have to unload it...that's 7-8 minutes to get everything out and put away.
Best time ever was 10 minutes. Yeah, I timed it. Gotta entertain myself somehow or suffer a slow brain death from domestic boredom.
Bonus points. Creativity in loading, like putting the strainer on top of the sippies, it does not need it's own zip code. Figuring out how to fit the 's' piece in, like the ceramic crock pot or my roasting pan. Maximum items per square inch, jigsawing all the little sippy lids, straws, wire wisks into a dishwasher mosaic on the rack.
Now that you know the rules you can load my dishwasher, make sure I'm out of the room. Please don't make me lean against the counter with my arms crossed tightly across my chest to keep my arms from flying out towards the dishwasher to FIX it!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Hot and Sour Chicken
This one is a twist on my mom's Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe that I absolutely adore, but cringe at eating fried food all the time...
This recipe takes a little prep time the day before but is an easy throw together the next day.
Hot and Sour Chicken.
4 chicken breasts defrosted
1 can. pineapple chunks (juice and pineapple divided) use a LARGE can...
pineapple juice
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. ketchup
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 T. hoisin sauce
1 T. Szechaun sauce - this makes it about a medium on the spicy scale
1 T. olive oil
3 T. cornstarch.
1.5 c. water. (divided)
1 onion diced - about 1 c.
2 green peppers cut up in large pieces
Rice - you can decide how much you want to prepare for 4 servings. I typically use 1 c. cooked brown rice per serving.
1. Put chicken in shallow tupperware or similar container with lid.
2. Mix pineapple juice reserved from can., soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, Szechaun sauce, olive oil in glass bowl...mix well. Pour this over the chicken and let marinade for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Remove chicken from fridge and let stand for 30 minutes.
4. Spray large pan with non-stick spray and brown chicken on both sides...Be sure to cook thoroughly.
5. Remove chicken from pan and add onion, cook until done, add peppers and pineapple, cook to desired crisp.
6. Add set aside marinade from container to pan and add 3/4 c. of water. Turn on low so you don't burn. All the sugar in the pineapple juice can heat up fast. This needs to come to a boil to ensure that all the chicken juice is cooked...no food poisoning please!
7. In small bowl mix together the cornstarch and remaining 3/4 c. of water until milky looking. Pour mixture into pan and stir...sauce will thicken within 5 mins or so. Be sure to stir or it will be lumpy.
8. Put chicken back in pan with sauce and veggies. Let simmer for 5-7 mins making sure chicken gets coated with sauce.
Serve over Rice with Asian salad as side dish(Salad with Ginger Dressing)
If your wondering about moms' Sweet and Sour Pork.
3 lbs of boneless pork chopped cubed, salt and peppered, roll in flour, then egg, then flour again....fry in your choice of oil.
In pyrex....mix pineapple juice, garlic, ketchup and soy sauce....
Restart recipe at instruction 5.
This recipe takes a little prep time the day before but is an easy throw together the next day.
Hot and Sour Chicken.
4 chicken breasts defrosted
1 can. pineapple chunks (juice and pineapple divided) use a LARGE can...
pineapple juice
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. ketchup
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 T. hoisin sauce
1 T. Szechaun sauce - this makes it about a medium on the spicy scale
1 T. olive oil
3 T. cornstarch.
1.5 c. water. (divided)
1 onion diced - about 1 c.
2 green peppers cut up in large pieces
Rice - you can decide how much you want to prepare for 4 servings. I typically use 1 c. cooked brown rice per serving.
1. Put chicken in shallow tupperware or similar container with lid.
2. Mix pineapple juice reserved from can., soy sauce, ketchup, hoisin sauce, Szechaun sauce, olive oil in glass bowl...mix well. Pour this over the chicken and let marinade for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. Remove chicken from fridge and let stand for 30 minutes.
4. Spray large pan with non-stick spray and brown chicken on both sides...Be sure to cook thoroughly.
5. Remove chicken from pan and add onion, cook until done, add peppers and pineapple, cook to desired crisp.
6. Add set aside marinade from container to pan and add 3/4 c. of water. Turn on low so you don't burn. All the sugar in the pineapple juice can heat up fast. This needs to come to a boil to ensure that all the chicken juice is cooked...no food poisoning please!
7. In small bowl mix together the cornstarch and remaining 3/4 c. of water until milky looking. Pour mixture into pan and stir...sauce will thicken within 5 mins or so. Be sure to stir or it will be lumpy.
8. Put chicken back in pan with sauce and veggies. Let simmer for 5-7 mins making sure chicken gets coated with sauce.
Serve over Rice with Asian salad as side dish(Salad with Ginger Dressing)
If your wondering about moms' Sweet and Sour Pork.
3 lbs of boneless pork chopped cubed, salt and peppered, roll in flour, then egg, then flour again....fry in your choice of oil.
In pyrex....mix pineapple juice, garlic, ketchup and soy sauce....
Restart recipe at instruction 5.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
I Take That Back...
My husband is fabulous with kids. I always knew he would be from the start.
You know, the way they dote on animals, treat them like people. He will admit to having full conversations with his dogs growing up.
These days he has endless talks with our cat, Loki...what she did that day, how she's feeling, if she'd like the sink turned on to drink. Nevermind that it might still be running 3 hrs later because he forgot. The cat is spoiled.
Getting back to kids. Rich adores our children, plays with them, makes up songs, reads books, you name it he's done it....I could not be more blessed with a partner to share in the joys and challenges of parenthood.
The hubby has been traveling A LOT. I'm not exaggerating to get sympathy points here....he's been gone Sunday evening through late Wednesday every week for the last three weeks.
We have the daddy leaving drama of Nora calling ''Daddy come baaaack, don't gooooo! I miiisss youuuuuu!..no, no, no come baaackkkkk!''
Then we have the 2am bedroom visit with squealllllll...''DAddy! You're back! I LOOOOOOOVE you!'' There insues a whole conversation about what she's been up to for the last three to four days while he's been gone. Rich will groggily have this conversation while she snuggles into the bed. Yes, indearing, but not so much at 2am.
It's all the time in between leaving and returning that really gets me exhausted, frazzled, and tired. Don't get me wrong, most of it is filled with great moments that are etched in my memory for when I'm old and grey. I send Rich endless youtube videos and cellphone picks to keep him informed of the happiness he is missing. The end of some days finds me cuddled down on the couch with a good book or my laptop and a couple drinks...one for each kid.
The class of wine or amaretto usually falls on the last day with the kids, when I start fantasizing about my own business trip or time away.
I'm serious, there are days that I crave an escape. To feel the adrenaline rush of a deadline or the calm of the drive home with the sun setting. I'm somehow jealous that Rich gets to come home and slip out of work clothes into jammy pants and tshirt, to feel the last remnants of the office leave you....yeah, I'll be the mom over here with erp and cereal on her gym shirt. Not quite the same is it?
Rich understands that I want to be more than just a mom in this life. That's not an insult to anyone that truly sees that as their calling, it's just not 100% what I want to do for the rest of my life.....So Rich hears this during our morning commute....
''I need a job! It would be a vacation from this!''
This is as Nora is whining in the back seat about the 12 thing that is making her sad or frustrated today and it's only 10:30am.
''Well hon, if you can find a job that makes 'X', I'll stay home with the kids''
''Yeah right. What's wrong baby?''
''My tummy hurts''
''What's she complaing about? I can hear her''
''Yeah, Nora just threw up in her carseat. ''
''What!? No way, she three up?''
''Yep, oh God she threw up again. Gotta go home and take apart the carseat. I'll talk to you later''
''Um, hon. I take that back. The thing about staying home.''
''I see, little barfing gonna scare ya off? You know that's in the job description''
''I forgot about the fine print. Yeah, deals off'.
Ok, so he's fabulous until there's barf involved.
You know, the way they dote on animals, treat them like people. He will admit to having full conversations with his dogs growing up.
These days he has endless talks with our cat, Loki...what she did that day, how she's feeling, if she'd like the sink turned on to drink. Nevermind that it might still be running 3 hrs later because he forgot. The cat is spoiled.
Getting back to kids. Rich adores our children, plays with them, makes up songs, reads books, you name it he's done it....I could not be more blessed with a partner to share in the joys and challenges of parenthood.
The hubby has been traveling A LOT. I'm not exaggerating to get sympathy points here....he's been gone Sunday evening through late Wednesday every week for the last three weeks.
We have the daddy leaving drama of Nora calling ''Daddy come baaaack, don't gooooo! I miiisss youuuuuu!..no, no, no come baaackkkkk!''
Then we have the 2am bedroom visit with squealllllll...''DAddy! You're back! I LOOOOOOOVE you!'' There insues a whole conversation about what she's been up to for the last three to four days while he's been gone. Rich will groggily have this conversation while she snuggles into the bed. Yes, indearing, but not so much at 2am.
It's all the time in between leaving and returning that really gets me exhausted, frazzled, and tired. Don't get me wrong, most of it is filled with great moments that are etched in my memory for when I'm old and grey. I send Rich endless youtube videos and cellphone picks to keep him informed of the happiness he is missing. The end of some days finds me cuddled down on the couch with a good book or my laptop and a couple drinks...one for each kid.
The class of wine or amaretto usually falls on the last day with the kids, when I start fantasizing about my own business trip or time away.
I'm serious, there are days that I crave an escape. To feel the adrenaline rush of a deadline or the calm of the drive home with the sun setting. I'm somehow jealous that Rich gets to come home and slip out of work clothes into jammy pants and tshirt, to feel the last remnants of the office leave you....yeah, I'll be the mom over here with erp and cereal on her gym shirt. Not quite the same is it?
Rich understands that I want to be more than just a mom in this life. That's not an insult to anyone that truly sees that as their calling, it's just not 100% what I want to do for the rest of my life.....So Rich hears this during our morning commute....
''I need a job! It would be a vacation from this!''
This is as Nora is whining in the back seat about the 12 thing that is making her sad or frustrated today and it's only 10:30am.
''Well hon, if you can find a job that makes 'X', I'll stay home with the kids''
''Yeah right. What's wrong baby?''
''My tummy hurts''
''What's she complaing about? I can hear her''
''Yeah, Nora just threw up in her carseat. ''
''What!? No way, she three up?''
''Yep, oh God she threw up again. Gotta go home and take apart the carseat. I'll talk to you later''
''Um, hon. I take that back. The thing about staying home.''
''I see, little barfing gonna scare ya off? You know that's in the job description''
''I forgot about the fine print. Yeah, deals off'.
Ok, so he's fabulous until there's barf involved.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
This Means I'm Old
The crazy things that come out of my childs mouth at snuggle time before lights out.
''Mommy, I am 3?''
''Yes, you are three.''
''This means I'm old momma. I'm 3.''
''No, you are not old sweet pea''
''Yes momma I old, I growed and growed and growed!''
If 3 is old in her book, than I'm practically ancient by those standards.
''Mommy, I am 3?''
''Yes, you are three.''
''This means I'm old momma. I'm 3.''
''No, you are not old sweet pea''
''Yes momma I old, I growed and growed and growed!''
If 3 is old in her book, than I'm practically ancient by those standards.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thankful
Thankful. Definition "a grateful heart", '' Aware and appreciative of a benefit''
With all the hustle of the holidays upon us, it is that moment in life when we all choose to reflect on months gone by.
What have they brought us? Joy, sadness, Hope, discouragement, satisfaction, defeat...the list is endless in this life of constant change.
Maybe that's what I'm most thankful for, the change. The promise of it. That no tomorrow will be the same as today.
How do I explain this one to Nora?
Here's the conversation....
''Hey Nora.''
''Yes mommma''
''Ms. Angela wants you to bring something to preschool that you are thankful for on Wednesday. Thankful is something that you really like, that makes you happy''
''Ummmm, I bring my new crayons.''
''Ok, your thankful for your crayons, mommy thinks that's great. You get to draw pretty pictures with them.''
''Mommy, I not take one crayon, I take lots, for all the children to share. It make me happy, ok?''
And with that my heart sung, just rung out that my child would think of others.
Today, I am thankful for such a sweet child.
____________________________________________--
I'm just going to log this email I got from her teacher last week. It makes me wonder what we did right and how we can copy it for Trent. Rich and I are in constant awe of her.
''Nora was such a sweetie today! We have a new student who does not speak any english. Nora was such a big helper with her...just trying to show her things, and inviting her to sit down and do playdough with her. She's always such a helper with other kids who need anything...and if she can't do it...she'll come get us to do it for them. She has an immense amount of compassion and empathy for a 3 year old!! If you are wanting more specifics...she was great at cleaning up, and getting others too. She had the other kids get quiet in the hallway when we couldn't. She's just so sweet when she does it too, she's not mean about it!! :). I've gotta say...I wish I had 10 of her in our class!! :)
Have a great weekend!!
Angela
With all the hustle of the holidays upon us, it is that moment in life when we all choose to reflect on months gone by.
What have they brought us? Joy, sadness, Hope, discouragement, satisfaction, defeat...the list is endless in this life of constant change.
Maybe that's what I'm most thankful for, the change. The promise of it. That no tomorrow will be the same as today.
How do I explain this one to Nora?
Here's the conversation....
''Hey Nora.''
''Yes mommma''
''Ms. Angela wants you to bring something to preschool that you are thankful for on Wednesday. Thankful is something that you really like, that makes you happy''
''Ummmm, I bring my new crayons.''
''Ok, your thankful for your crayons, mommy thinks that's great. You get to draw pretty pictures with them.''
''Mommy, I not take one crayon, I take lots, for all the children to share. It make me happy, ok?''
And with that my heart sung, just rung out that my child would think of others.
Today, I am thankful for such a sweet child.
____________________________________________--
I'm just going to log this email I got from her teacher last week. It makes me wonder what we did right and how we can copy it for Trent. Rich and I are in constant awe of her.
''Nora was such a sweetie today! We have a new student who does not speak any english. Nora was such a big helper with her...just trying to show her things, and inviting her to sit down and do playdough with her. She's always such a helper with other kids who need anything...and if she can't do it...she'll come get us to do it for them. She has an immense amount of compassion and empathy for a 3 year old!! If you are wanting more specifics...she was great at cleaning up, and getting others too. She had the other kids get quiet in the hallway when we couldn't. She's just so sweet when she does it too, she's not mean about it!! :). I've gotta say...I wish I had 10 of her in our class!! :)
Have a great weekend!!
Angela
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Some of My New Favorite Blogs...
Because I'm always up for a big deal on home decor....make it look like you spent a million when you spent less than half.
http://www.copycatchic.com
Always up for a good recipe or two....by the way, I saw brussel sprouts at Trader Joe's the other day..had NO clue they grew on a stalk!
http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/
This is just a good laugh about everyday life....And she posted about DressBarn this week, possibly one of my favorite places to shop outside the mall.
http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com
http://www.copycatchic.com
Always up for a good recipe or two....by the way, I saw brussel sprouts at Trader Joe's the other day..had NO clue they grew on a stalk!
http://kalynskitchen.blogspot.com/
This is just a good laugh about everyday life....And she posted about DressBarn this week, possibly one of my favorite places to shop outside the mall.
http://www.graspingforobjectivity.com
Friday, November 12, 2010
If it Works on the Toddler.....
Now, I understand that as a part-time stay at home wife and mom there are responsibilities that I have to undertake.
This is not one of them on MY list.
Rich goes on business trip.
Rich comes home.
Rich puts suitcase in bedroom on the floor somewhere.
Suitcase sits in bedroom unpacked (except for the random toiletries he digs out, like his toothbrush)
Suitcase becomes very nice carpet weight. Won't have to vacuum that patch this week.
Amanda gets tired of suitcase sitting on floor for DAYS or even a week later, unpack it, put it away.
Wife has come up with a new plan. After request, ''Just get the clothes in the hamper'' has been forgotten.
If husband can take away toys from child for not picking up.....I will take away his clothes! Or refuse to wash them. Either way I think this is a win for me.
Ok, rant over.
This is not one of them on MY list.
Rich goes on business trip.
Rich comes home.
Rich puts suitcase in bedroom on the floor somewhere.
Suitcase sits in bedroom unpacked (except for the random toiletries he digs out, like his toothbrush)
Suitcase becomes very nice carpet weight. Won't have to vacuum that patch this week.
Amanda gets tired of suitcase sitting on floor for DAYS or even a week later, unpack it, put it away.
Wife has come up with a new plan. After request, ''Just get the clothes in the hamper'' has been forgotten.
If husband can take away toys from child for not picking up.....I will take away his clothes! Or refuse to wash them. Either way I think this is a win for me.
Ok, rant over.
Hot Wing Meatballs...
This has become a standard dish in the house now....
Hot Wing Turkey Meatballs.
Ingredients
- 21/2 pounds lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, finely minced
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 TB soy sauce
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp basil
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- 12 whole wheat saltines crushed.
- Frank's Red Hot (to taste)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 2 large baking pans with oil. Mix turkey, onion, garlic, salt, soy, oregano and basil in large bowl. Crumble bread and crackers into turkey mixture and mix well. Roll meatballs about golf ball size. Bake for about 35 minutes, until slightly crispy on top. Toss meatballs in a small amount of Frank's Red Hot just before serving, or serve sauce on the sideThursday, November 11, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
The Snuggle Bug and the Spool (a tale of warmth)
When your dating someone, you notice things. Some things you don't like, some things you really do....these things get quirky nicknames or secret phrases that only the two of you know.
Reference here would be the well known trick of saying 'olive juice' silently from across a crowded room towards your loved one. It's suppose to look like you're saying 'I Love you'...personally never tried it, because hey if I'm going to say that then whoever is around can hear my admission of passion for my husband.
Why hide a term of endearment?
Some of my readers have long heard our terms of endearment for each other....neither of these have any embarrassing connotation to them. They just speak of early moments in our love for each other.
Rich is 'Bug' to me.
In fact, he's listed as 'A Bug' in my cellphone making him the first contact number for me, even though he's on speed dial as number 2. Is it weird that it annoys me that my Sprint phone won't let me list him as number 1? My voicemail has to be first, sometimes on a BAD day voicemail should not be my number one option. In fact, some days selecting the number one option results in an immediate dialing of number 2 because *insert family member* has pushed a different kind of button....
(I got off track, small consumerism and familial dynamic driven rant. )
Rich likes to snuggle.
Rich also radiates heat and is my personal space heater on cold winter nights...think Jacob Black to Bella in the tent on that fateful eve. Atlanta can be cold to a Texas girl in the winter, really cold. We call it 'Cold Footy Weather' because my extremities turn to little icicles that can send Rich six inches off the sheets if touched to his calf.
In those early relationship months, he was determined, getting me all snug and warm.....then was coined the endeared nickname 'Snuggle Bug'. Shortly after that I would get emails and cards signed 'S. Bug' and now 9 years later it's just 'Bug'. I'm told that my referenced name choice is a barometer for emotional stability at any given time.
Me. I'm the 'Spool'.
Ironically, my endearment also has to do with needing warmth. You see, at night when I'm cold, I turn and turn and turn in the covers. Imagine a spider turning it's prey into a cocoon of web.
That's a little gory, but hey you get the point.
Rich said I 'taco'd' myself, which I wasn't too happy with the term. Although now we refer to wrapping the kids after bath as 'baby taco'...Nora uses the term as a verb asking to 'taco me!' Kids can be tacos but adult woman probably don't want to be referred to as a greasy, fat filled, crunchy outside form of cheap food.
Who's with me on that?
So he went into his vocabulary and found another term 'spooling'. Is that even a verb? I'm too lazy to look it up. Many a morning I'm told that I spooled the sheets the night before.
Thus, I became the 'Spool'. Stealer of the sheets. Winder of the quilt. Spooler of warmness on cold nights.
There is the physical warmth that comes from the actions behind our endearments. Truth is, the endearment adds an emotional warmth to our relationship.
Reference here would be the well known trick of saying 'olive juice' silently from across a crowded room towards your loved one. It's suppose to look like you're saying 'I Love you'...personally never tried it, because hey if I'm going to say that then whoever is around can hear my admission of passion for my husband.
Why hide a term of endearment?
Some of my readers have long heard our terms of endearment for each other....neither of these have any embarrassing connotation to them. They just speak of early moments in our love for each other.
Rich is 'Bug' to me.
In fact, he's listed as 'A Bug' in my cellphone making him the first contact number for me, even though he's on speed dial as number 2. Is it weird that it annoys me that my Sprint phone won't let me list him as number 1? My voicemail has to be first, sometimes on a BAD day voicemail should not be my number one option. In fact, some days selecting the number one option results in an immediate dialing of number 2 because *insert family member* has pushed a different kind of button....
(I got off track, small consumerism and familial dynamic driven rant. )
Rich likes to snuggle.
Rich also radiates heat and is my personal space heater on cold winter nights...think Jacob Black to Bella in the tent on that fateful eve. Atlanta can be cold to a Texas girl in the winter, really cold. We call it 'Cold Footy Weather' because my extremities turn to little icicles that can send Rich six inches off the sheets if touched to his calf.
In those early relationship months, he was determined, getting me all snug and warm.....then was coined the endeared nickname 'Snuggle Bug'. Shortly after that I would get emails and cards signed 'S. Bug' and now 9 years later it's just 'Bug'. I'm told that my referenced name choice is a barometer for emotional stability at any given time.
Me. I'm the 'Spool'.
Ironically, my endearment also has to do with needing warmth. You see, at night when I'm cold, I turn and turn and turn in the covers. Imagine a spider turning it's prey into a cocoon of web.
That's a little gory, but hey you get the point.
Rich said I 'taco'd' myself, which I wasn't too happy with the term. Although now we refer to wrapping the kids after bath as 'baby taco'...Nora uses the term as a verb asking to 'taco me!' Kids can be tacos but adult woman probably don't want to be referred to as a greasy, fat filled, crunchy outside form of cheap food.
Who's with me on that?
So he went into his vocabulary and found another term 'spooling'. Is that even a verb? I'm too lazy to look it up. Many a morning I'm told that I spooled the sheets the night before.
Thus, I became the 'Spool'. Stealer of the sheets. Winder of the quilt. Spooler of warmness on cold nights.
There is the physical warmth that comes from the actions behind our endearments. Truth is, the endearment adds an emotional warmth to our relationship.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Foodie Fridays!
I'm really starting to get into experimenting, especially with my crockpot! There is just something about autumn that makes you want to fill the house with the smell of comfort food.
Apple cider is one of my favorite fall comforts and I splurged this week and bought some in a jug. Sometime on Wednesday morning, my brain thought 'hmmmm you can roast things in apple cider right'.
Then came the canvas search of several food websites.
Let the experiment begin. Mad cooker in the kitchen! I seriously, think I was giddy as the ingredients were thrown in my pyrex measuring cup. Ingredients were slowly taken from several different recipes to make the one below.
The fun part, this recipe helps me get rid of a lot of odds and ends ingredients in the cabinets. Like the last of the molasses from Xmas cookies, ground ginger that I never use, and dried fruit that Nora decided she didn't like.
This was just fabulous! (Even the picky husband approved)
Applecider Pork Roast - Slowcooker
3-4lb pork tenderloin or roast
1 onion chopped
1 c. apple cider
1/4c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3/4c. brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. chopped garlic
1/2c. dried cranberries or cherries
1 tsp thyme
1/2 c. molasses
I served this with some roasted potatoes and broccoli....
Another secret to this....afterwards the leftover pork got chopped up and mixed with some bbq sauce for fantastic fall pulled pork sandwiches.
Apple cider is one of my favorite fall comforts and I splurged this week and bought some in a jug. Sometime on Wednesday morning, my brain thought 'hmmmm you can roast things in apple cider right'.
Then came the canvas search of several food websites.
Let the experiment begin. Mad cooker in the kitchen! I seriously, think I was giddy as the ingredients were thrown in my pyrex measuring cup. Ingredients were slowly taken from several different recipes to make the one below.
The fun part, this recipe helps me get rid of a lot of odds and ends ingredients in the cabinets. Like the last of the molasses from Xmas cookies, ground ginger that I never use, and dried fruit that Nora decided she didn't like.
This was just fabulous! (Even the picky husband approved)
Applecider Pork Roast - Slowcooker
3-4lb pork tenderloin or roast
1 onion chopped
1 c. apple cider
1/4c. apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp ground ginger
3/4c. brown sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp. chopped garlic
1/2c. dried cranberries or cherries
1 tsp thyme
1/2 c. molasses
I served this with some roasted potatoes and broccoli....
Another secret to this....afterwards the leftover pork got chopped up and mixed with some bbq sauce for fantastic fall pulled pork sandwiches.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Take My Breathe Away
I found out something sad yesterday.
The news just stopped my world every time I thought about it.
My mind can't wrap around it.
I hurt for this friend, more than I every thought I could.
Though I know she is fighting through it with strength and faith.
It still takes my breathe away to think of her.
To think of her leaving this world way too soon.
I don't need to type her name, it is etch in my heart.
My heart is forever changed and my eyes a little more open to the preciousness of life.
The news just stopped my world every time I thought about it.
My mind can't wrap around it.
I hurt for this friend, more than I every thought I could.
Though I know she is fighting through it with strength and faith.
It still takes my breathe away to think of her.
To think of her leaving this world way too soon.
I don't need to type her name, it is etch in my heart.
My heart is forever changed and my eyes a little more open to the preciousness of life.
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