Nastiness

I was all ready to write about Cooking Baking Day 2009, but I can't.

I was all ready to show you the pictures Hubby took of me and Boo last week, but I can't.

I wanted to write about my Christmas Tunes, can't on that either.

The stomach flu bug has hit our house and Boo is miserable. We are waiting for Hubby to get home from the store, but then it will be couch and movie time. We are thinking a Zac-A-Thon, HSM, HSM2, HSM3 and 17 Again.

We'll see.

Wish me luck!

Some Closure

I realized this week that I have left a TON of things open lately, so sorry. So in effort to close some thing out, I give you this post. lol

Boo's Foot:
Boo foot was NOT broken, but she did have two inflamed ligaments and a strained tendon. You could feel the heat coming off her foot. The surgical shoe wasn't needed, but she was ace wrapped for over a week, and was not allowed to participate in gym or regular recess. All is better now, with some slight discomfort only every once in a while.

Hubby's Grandma:
Being the over-achiever that Grandma is, she is already back in Iowa resting in a smaller hospital. She spent a total of 4 days in the big hospital when they deemed her well enough to not be a high risk patient. This woman is a rockstar!

The Bathroom:
We are slowly working on the bathroom. To get it framed in we used gift cards only, so now we are slowing down. Small steps! It should be done by the time I turn 80 or so! lol

Hunter's Mad Skills!:
I can't say enough about Hunter's Mad Skills right, I am still a bit in disbelief of how his day at the tournament went. He spent some time this morning focusing on what he wanted to happen today, and how he wanted to bowl. Warm-ups were good, he adjusted where he needed and read the lanes pretty well. His first game, 154. His second game, 158. His third game, Oh My Lanta, 188!! I was amazed and so very proud of him, still am. There is a good chance that he will once again make it to state, but we won't know for sure until after the 30th, and state is on the 9th or 10th. Good thing he is here that weekend!

The Sleep Clinic:
This is really a post within itself, but because we don't KNOW a ton, I will trim it down a bit. We spent almost two hours with the doctor for her appointment. He told me first off, that I was doing everything that I possibly could right (woohoo!) and that he wished all his patients parents filled out the forms as well as I had.

Right now we are working on the Quality of her sleep, and once we figure out why that is all goofy we will work on the Quantity of her sleep. He told me that every time she gets up during the night, it takes close to a hour to get back into good sleep. So, if Boo sleeps total 10 hours, but gets up three or four times she is really getting six or seven good hours of sleep. Not much for her. We are working to clear up a couple issues first, see if they impact her sleep at all and so far they have. She is still getting up, but some other "while sleep" issues are getting better. She still has a hard time going to sleep at night, but that will be worked on once this stuff is fixed.

She will have a sleep study, but not until February or so. They want to give her treatment now a chance to work before we go that route. After the sleep study, she will most likely pay a visit to ENT and Allergy as they both seem to play a part.

Did you know that they "grade" tonsils on a score of 0-4? Boo is at a 2, not bad but not great either. Also, did you know that bags under your eyes is NOT from lack of sleep but sinus and/or nasal congestion. Strange facts I learned at the sleep clinic!

I think that's it. I have to start getting this house ready for The Great Cookie Bake Off 2009! We are all gathering tomorrow to bake the day away, and I can't stinking wait!

Chicago Part 2 - In Pictures

Here...

We took pictures of ourselves...

And of the kids...

In the Giant Bean (could that sky BE any bluer!). That's me in the middle.

Then we walked and saw these guys

Then we walked some more and had the BEST hot chocolate EVER

(Note Boo's hot chocolate lethargy)

Then we went to Shed, where they had these...

And these creepy looking crabs too.

Then we rested to prepare for this (the bowl was the size of MY HEAD)

All in all, a great trip had by all!

What I Learned This Week

This was a quiet week on the learning front, at least at home. With Open Enrollment in full swing, by the time I get home I am exhausted and just wanting to crawl into bed. I haven't been keeping track like I normally do, so wing it I shall!

- When dealing with a dog product company on the east coast, it is best to call them as soon as they open. Otherwise you might end up sitting on hold for 20 minutes. Not the best way to spend my day.

- When traveling with three small children, bring more than the movies for in the car than you think you will need, we needed at least 3 more. Selection is key!

- When traveling with a sleep walking child, don't laugh when they can't get out of the bedroom you have trapped them in. It's funny, but mean.

- Lemon juice is a great deterrent for a dog whose training collar stopped working AGAIN.

- Sleeping only 5 hours than driving home 7 hours is not a good idea...just saying.

- Wisconsin is in fact the drive-through state. We played the licence plate game and say 27 states and 3 Providences. It was great. And by "we" I mean me and M...not the kids.

- When getting excited about a blogger event in MN, don't do a happy dance that causes you to almost fall over. You pain-riddled knee will thank you.

- Finding jeans that actually fit your skinny waisted 7 year old is not easy, but when you pool your resources and compare stores with a friend you find new tricks! I heart Justice Jeans! They don't have an adjustable waist-band, but Boo doesn't need a belt either! Woohoo Victory!

For more What I Learned this Week posts, head on over to Musings of a Housewife.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About How We Celebrate Christmas

It is Christmas time, and as an adult I LOVE Christmas. I am borrowing this from Girlymama and Musings of a Housewife because why do they get to have all the fun!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Oh Hot Chocolate and I are best friends.

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? All gifts are wrapped in our house. I love watching the kids faces when they pull something open.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Oh Colored, 100%. I went through 9 ads on Black Friday to find a tree on sale that had colored lights.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No.

5. When do you put your decorations up? This depends...if Hunter is with us for Thanksgiving, they go up that weekend. If not, then the next weekend he is with us. I hate even thinking about his missing out on that!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Cookies...is that a dish...

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? Christmas at my Aunt's, playing outside after lunch, all the cookies Ma would make for us while we decorated the tree...do I have to pick just one?

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Santa is real people...whatchutalkinabout

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? When we got older, my parents would let us but my kids do not unless we are at someones house. But again this depends on Hunter. If he is with us on Christmas Eve he opens all his presents on Christmas Eve, otherwise we wait for him on Christmas Morning.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? I don't, the kids do for the most part. We have a hodge-podge of ornaments that are from me growing up, and the ones that the kids pick out each year. It is a fun tree for them.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Love it! We are getting some this week and I can't wait.

12. Can you ice skate? Sure...or something like that. When I was younger I was on the ice almost everyday. Now I am older and out of shape.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Ever? No. But I got Kris Mutts one year, those were pretty cool. Last year Big Sis got me my scrapbook bag, and that almost brought tears to my eyes!

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family, eating and being lazy for a whole week!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Of course

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Setting out Santa's cookies with Boo (crap...I have no idea where that plate is) and sitting in the dark with the tree lit up.

17. What tops your tree? This year...nothing. We got a new tree and our old topper doesn't work. I am on the hunt!

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? Giving. I love watching people's faces

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Oh sweet heaven YUM!

20 Favorite Christmas Show? National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, The Christmas Story (even more so this year) and MAJORLY White Christmas

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Hard Candy Christmas by Dolly Parton (from Best Little Whorehouse in Texas....that's going to bring some funny google searches).

22. What is your favorite Christmas Song? Silent Night/Peace Peace when sung by a Choir, otherwise Songs for a Winters Night by Sarah McLachlan (from the remake of Miracle on 34th Street) or Believe by Josh Groban (from Polar Express)

Let me know if you do this, I want to know about your Christmas too!

Chicago - Part 1

I am sitting in the living area of our hotel room, while everyone else is asleep. I don't know how I am not EXHAUSTED, but here I am.

We got in to Chicago late last night, after stopping 7 times on the way down. Once for an upset stomach (Boo), once for some meds and the rest potty breaks for 3 little girls all on different schedules. We didn't even make it out of the cities before we had to stop, Boo's stomach was not happy. Of course she was fine, but better safe than sorry.

I Tweeted the entire drive down, and the entire trip. It was great to document the thoughts I knew I wouldn't remember otherwise.

Today we walked about 4 miles even before we got to Shed, which was not that great. We walked around Millenium Mall (Park?) and looked at the giant bean (that thing is cool!). We walked all the way down Michigan Avenue, crossed the river and hit Ghiradelli and Hershey. That was it...then walked back.

We had lunch at Bennigans (awful service, fabulous food) and then went to Shed.

Now there is a lot of hype surrounding Shed, but it was no better than our local zoo, or the Duluth Aquarium. I was disappointed. But, the kids had some fun and that is what I really care about.

After that we came back to the hotel, relaxed and watched Home Alone. We let the kids play in the bedroom, and they jumped on beds and made a ton of noise. It was good that they recovered from earlier, because they were all so wiped out that we didn't know if we would make it back alive.

We had dinner at Maggiano's, and let me tell you had wonderful their food is. It is pricey, but we had a gift card so that helped. We got to eat what we wanted, and had a cocktail to calm the frazzled nerves.

Now, everyone is asleep and here I am. I can't seem to shut down the brain tonight. It is not what I need, but oh well.

Tomorrow will be a long day, swimming in the morning and then the drive home trying to stay ahead of the tolls!

*I am typing this on a Mac Book and have no idea how to copy and paste, so links will come when I get home.*

I made Meatballs

I made meatballs for the first time on Sunday.

I know Big Sis is shaking her head in disgust.

I also am making enchilada's this week for the first time.

I am not a cook. I get by, but it is not something I overly enjoy. I tend to let things distract me, like Sunday early evening.

I messed up BOXED MAC AND CHEESE.

To the point it was MUCH, not even noodles anymore. A big pile of MUSH. We had grilled cheese instead.

So, I try to cook more. I try to make more things besides me normal...5 dishes. It is getting better, but I need more simple recipes.

I work full time outside the house, so on the nights I get home late (like Monday) I like to be able to prep something the night before, like the meatballs. I cooked them Sunday and all Hubby had to do was reheat them in the sauce and ready! It worked out really well I think.

So, I need some ideas. What can I make ahead, or at least prep a bit, that will sit well in the fridge? We are a huge meat house, always have something, and always have some sort of veggie with each meal, if Hubby had his way it would be covered in cheese every time.

So, help me out Bloggy World!!!

Hunter's at it Again

With his MAD SKILLS!

Once again Hunter has qualified for the local District Bowling Tournament. He will be bowling December 12th for a chance to go to State again, this time in the higher age division.

We are so proud of him! He has been working so hard, and had an amazing series to get to Districts.

We can't wait to see what happens this time around!

Try This! - Holiday Cookies

It is time again for Try This, hosted by Girlymama. I love this carnival, and have found some great recipes.

This months theme, holiday cookies of course!

I am reposting one of my favorites, because the world is not complete unless EVERYONE has tried BUCKEYES. So good, so rich and so perfect in every way!!



Almost Instant Buckeyes

Ingredients:
1 (10 oz.) pkg peanut butter chips
1 (16 oz) can Pillsburgy Creamy Supreme Vanilla Frosting
1 (12 oz) pkg light cocoa candy melts or coating wafers (or chocolate almond
bark)

Directions:

1. Line cookie sheets with waxed paper. Melt peanut putter chips in medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in frosting. Let stand about 30 minutes or until cool enough to handle.

2. Roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.
Refrigerate 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, melt candy melts as directed on package.

4. To coat each ball with candy, pierce ball with toothpick; dip in melted candy leaving small are around toothpick uncoated. Place dipped ball on waxed paper-line cookie sheet, pushing the candy off the toothpick with the tines of a fork. (If desired, smooth toothpick mark with finger.)

If melted candy sets up while dipping, rewarm in microwave on LOW power. Let stand 5 minutes or until set. Putting in the fridge sets quicker.

Makes 6 dozen Buckeyes.

Man, now I want to make some. Must resist for another week!

Head on over to Girlymama for more Try This posts!