I simultaneously love and hate home improvement projects.
Or maybe I should clarify.
I love the idea of them but then somewhere in the middle of the grunt work I wonder what in the hell possessed me to take on such feats.
And that's exactly where I am right now.
Kev and I are tackling our biggest project yet which includes several phases:
Phase 1: Re-paint the whole living room, foyer and both stairway walls (including the death-defying hard to get to corner of the the vaulted ceiling wall that is over the stairs) . Did I mention we are painting all the trim white??
Phase 2: Install hardwood floors in living room and kitchen-they are attached- and stairs.
Phase 3: New counter tops in the kitchen
We are not even ankle deep in Phase 1 and I am already freaking out. Mostly because I hate the middle part of a redo. You know when tools and other random things are strewn about. Add to this my VERY active almost 9 month old and you have a recipe for disaster.
Did I mention that it's a miracle if Kevin and I have a day off together to get any of this done??
And that I am having a huge party on the 14th and need at least phase 1 and 2 to be done??
The good news: Kev and I have 2 good days off together to get a chunk of it done and as a bonus my mom is taking Jack so we wont have to worry about him getting in to anything.
The bad news: No blogging til the paint is dry!
Hope to see you soon with some great before and after pictures!!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I'm gonna need new shoes
Running shoes. Because ladies and gentleman...we have a walker!!
Ok-maybe "walker" is a bit of a stretch, but nonetheless yesterday my little boy took his first steps. Unassisted.
And the event sent me on an emotional roller coaster that I was not prepared for.
Of course I was beaming with pride and shouted it from the rooftops. Once the Hubs came home and we could catch it on video I sent it to everyone I knew. Via text and Facebook post. In fact it took all the self restraint I had today not to post it here. Because instead I'd like to share with you all the actual moment.
The one not caught on video. The one that made my eyes swell up with tears of joy and even a twinge of sadness.
It caught me off guard. We were playing with toys on the floor when Jack crawled over to the stairs. We have yet to get a gate for the stairs going up to our bedroom, but he generally stays away from them unless Kev or I are upstairs and he wants to get to us. As crawled over I told him "No" and was perched to grab him if he started climbing.
But he didn't.
He pulled himself up and turned himself around. Once he steadied himself he looked up at me. And then he did it. He started walking towards me. 3 good steady steps. And then he realized what he was doing, got excited and lost his balance in my arms. As he lurched at me in those final steps he was grinning from ear to ear as if to say, "Look what I just did !!"
And as I caught him, wrapped my arms around him, and laughed and cheered for him, I found tears rolling down my cheeks. Warm, salty, bittersweet tears.
Even though I cried tears of joy at that moment it wasn't until I put Jack down for his afternoon nap that the real emotion of the moment hit me. That even though this moment was a joyous, exciting moment in my little boys life, I couldn't help but feel a little melancholy. Because these tiny little steps were a symbol of so much more. Like Independence. And growth. Don't get me wrong...I want all these things for my son. I want him to grow into a strong, independent man and make a wonderful life for himself but I can't help but feel a little sadness because time is passing so quickly. And before I even know it his strong little legs are going to be taking him places. Farther and farther away from me.
Ok-maybe "walker" is a bit of a stretch, but nonetheless yesterday my little boy took his first steps. Unassisted.
And the event sent me on an emotional roller coaster that I was not prepared for.
Of course I was beaming with pride and shouted it from the rooftops. Once the Hubs came home and we could catch it on video I sent it to everyone I knew. Via text and Facebook post. In fact it took all the self restraint I had today not to post it here. Because instead I'd like to share with you all the actual moment.
The one not caught on video. The one that made my eyes swell up with tears of joy and even a twinge of sadness.
It caught me off guard. We were playing with toys on the floor when Jack crawled over to the stairs. We have yet to get a gate for the stairs going up to our bedroom, but he generally stays away from them unless Kev or I are upstairs and he wants to get to us. As crawled over I told him "No" and was perched to grab him if he started climbing.
But he didn't.
He pulled himself up and turned himself around. Once he steadied himself he looked up at me. And then he did it. He started walking towards me. 3 good steady steps. And then he realized what he was doing, got excited and lost his balance in my arms. As he lurched at me in those final steps he was grinning from ear to ear as if to say, "Look what I just did !!"
And as I caught him, wrapped my arms around him, and laughed and cheered for him, I found tears rolling down my cheeks. Warm, salty, bittersweet tears.
Even though I cried tears of joy at that moment it wasn't until I put Jack down for his afternoon nap that the real emotion of the moment hit me. That even though this moment was a joyous, exciting moment in my little boys life, I couldn't help but feel a little melancholy. Because these tiny little steps were a symbol of so much more. Like Independence. And growth. Don't get me wrong...I want all these things for my son. I want him to grow into a strong, independent man and make a wonderful life for himself but I can't help but feel a little sadness because time is passing so quickly. And before I even know it his strong little legs are going to be taking him places. Farther and farther away from me.
First Steps
These are the tiny feet, that carried you that day.
First steps free from my hands, I watched my baby step away.
During the coming years, I'll guide these little feet,
As they toddle 'cross the lawn, and safely cross the street.
They'll soon grow strong and steady, find puddles to kick and splash,
They'll soon grow strong and steady, find puddles to kick and splash,
Pedal a two-wheel bike, and win a schoolyard dash.
Kick a ball, learn to dance, race a friend home from school.
Skip a rope, jump in bed, dive feet-first at the pool.
Your small feet may often stumble, scrap a knee, or take a fall.
Misstep or need direction, or a model to stand tall.
Know I'll always be behind you, my love will give you wings.
To proudly fill the shoes, a grownup life will bring.
The years will quickly pass, and these feet will learn to drive.
Walk the stage to a diploma, as graduation day arrives.
I'll watch through misty eyes, as you walk down wedding's aisle,
A family of your own, you'll start your journey with a smile.
These tiny prints will hold my heart, for each tomorrow you will grow.
Today I'll hold you closer, for too soon these feet will go.
~Teri Harrison.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Stop this train, I need to get off
In case you haven't noticed I've become a bit of a food hound lately. I mean for goodness sakes I just posted about Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies.
Clearly an intervention is needed.
And fast- because on my last trip to Sam's Club,
I purchased this:
Clearly an intervention is needed.
And fast- because on my last trip to Sam's Club,
I purchased this:
I am now the proud owner of 35 oz's of Cheese Balls.
What was I thinking??
I've become WAY less vigilant about the way I eat in the past few weeks for a number of reasons:
1.) We plan on adding to our brood so I don't see the need to slim down a ton and then gain it all back I never claimed my logic was right...
2.) Now that Jack is crawling and cruising all over the place I grab what I can. And lets face it...cheese balls and other assorted crap foods are much easier to grab in a pinch.
3.) The Hubs and I have seemingly opposite schedules and I HATE cooking just for myself. And even when it is the 2 of us, it seems so hard lately to find the time or motivation to make any meal-much less a healthy one.
I know. Waha. Waha. Maybe it's just the yucky feeling in my tummy right now from eating cheese balls and a coke at 1 am or maybe it was catching a glance at my bloated tummy in the mirror, but I feel like I need to get back on track, at least a little bit, and soon.
I need to come up with some sort of plan.
Step 1: Find someone willing to give Cheese Balls a good home. (Besides my tummy)
Any Takers??
Monday, July 12, 2010
if you post it, they will come
Nothing brings people together like food, so today I am offering you a recipe that changed the way I looked at cookies...
Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
Yep you read that right.
Bacon + Peanut butter = perfection in your mouth
Trust me on this one because a.) my love of bacon has been somewhat lackluser lately and b.) before this recipe I HATED peanut butter cookies.
But now I have a new found love for both. Especially Bacon.
Bacon is really quite an amazing food. It's acceptable fare at all meals of the day and has the ability to make make seemingly dull foods better (bacon bits in salad!) and already yummy food even yummier (bacon cheeseburger anyone?). Want to hear more about fabulous bacon? Nobody says it better than one of my favorite commedians, Jim Gaffigan.
So now that the shows over lets get on with what you came here for.
Try these cookies, even if you are somwhat doubtful becuase I promise you they will not disapoint. Make them for your friends and family or bring them to your next party. I promise you, people will be talking about them for days. (She did what with bacon??)
Peanut Butter Bacon Cookies
recipe found on joythebaker.com
adapted from The Gourmet Cookbook
makes 15 cookies about the size of your palm
1 cup all-natural chunky or smooth peanut butter
1 cup sugar (1/2 cup brown sugar and 1/2 cup granulated sugar)
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking soda
about 6 slices of bacon, cooked, cooled and dices
In a skillet over medium high heat, fry up bacon until cooked through and let cool on paper towels until cool enough to dice. Dice up and set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease a baking sheet with butter and set aside. In a mixer combine peanut butter and sugars until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add egg and baking soda and mix for another 2 minutes. Fold in cooked bacon. Roll into large walnut sized balls and create a cris-cross pattern with a fork. If you'd like, roll the dough balls in granulated sugar before making thecris-cross pattern. Bake for 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool on a baking sheet for five minutes, then transfer to... your mouth.
Can you believe I used to use Mondays for diet posts??
I've gone over to the other side. Join me...it's a lot more fun over here!!
Friday, July 9, 2010
8 months and mommy jealousy
This is when the mommy blogger in me comes out. When my little boy is fast asleep for a midday nap and I have a free minute to pause and think about how quickly this time is rushing by.
It is sometimes hard to believe how fast my little boy is growing. He is quickly transforming from a helpless baby to a big boy with his own unique personality. It is so amazing to watch him explore the world around him.
The last few months seem to bring changes and new things daily. Jack is now crawling all over the place, pulling himself up like he's been doing it for years, and cruising (attached to some piece of furniture of course!!). He's even mastered the stairs:
That's right he can't walk yet, but he figured out how to get himself onto that 1st stair! (Don't worry, I was spotting him the whole time I took took this picture!)
Just when Kev and I think we've baby proofed enough, Jack let's us know we have not.
He is an inquisitive little thing and likes to get into stuff. I also fear he's going to be a climber due to his love of climbing the stairs and the bumper in his crib. The good news is that since I now spend most of my time chasing after him, I have been able to drop a few pounds. At this rate by the time he is walking, I will have my high school body back! (A girl can dream right?)
Besides the crawling and moving around Jack is also talking. I swear some days he seems to say "Yea", and "Hey" when we are talking to him. He also says, "Dadda, Daddy, Daddy". I'll admit that even though I was proud of my little guy for muttering his first words, I did feel a twinge of disappointment that it was not "Mama". I take comfort in knowing that:
a.) He has no clue what he is actually saying
and
b.) All the books say "dada" usually comes first because it is easier to say
I think my disappointment also is stemming from the fact that Jack seems to be a bit of a daddy's boy lately. All Jack seems to want lately is daddy. When Kevin leaves for work he cries for him, when I leave...nothing. He crawls to Kev and wants to held by him all the time-sometimes even when I am holding him.
I know this isn't a bad thing, after all Kevin is a wonderful father. I understand why Jack is so enthralled with him. But its hard not to feel a little hurt, sad, and jealous of this sometimes. I know not to take it personally though because he is a baby and he's going to go thru these phases.
I'm just hoping that a "mommy phase" is somewhere in the near future!!
It is sometimes hard to believe how fast my little boy is growing. He is quickly transforming from a helpless baby to a big boy with his own unique personality. It is so amazing to watch him explore the world around him.
The last few months seem to bring changes and new things daily. Jack is now crawling all over the place, pulling himself up like he's been doing it for years, and cruising (attached to some piece of furniture of course!!). He's even mastered the stairs:
That's right he can't walk yet, but he figured out how to get himself onto that 1st stair! (Don't worry, I was spotting him the whole time I took took this picture!)
Just when Kev and I think we've baby proofed enough, Jack let's us know we have not.
He is an inquisitive little thing and likes to get into stuff. I also fear he's going to be a climber due to his love of climbing the stairs and the bumper in his crib. The good news is that since I now spend most of my time chasing after him, I have been able to drop a few pounds. At this rate by the time he is walking, I will have my high school body back! (A girl can dream right?)
Besides the crawling and moving around Jack is also talking. I swear some days he seems to say "Yea", and "Hey" when we are talking to him. He also says, "Dadda, Daddy, Daddy". I'll admit that even though I was proud of my little guy for muttering his first words, I did feel a twinge of disappointment that it was not "Mama". I take comfort in knowing that:
a.) He has no clue what he is actually saying
and
b.) All the books say "dada" usually comes first because it is easier to say
I think my disappointment also is stemming from the fact that Jack seems to be a bit of a daddy's boy lately. All Jack seems to want lately is daddy. When Kevin leaves for work he cries for him, when I leave...nothing. He crawls to Kev and wants to held by him all the time-sometimes even when I am holding him.
I know this isn't a bad thing, after all Kevin is a wonderful father. I understand why Jack is so enthralled with him. But its hard not to feel a little hurt, sad, and jealous of this sometimes. I know not to take it personally though because he is a baby and he's going to go thru these phases.
I'm just hoping that a "mommy phase" is somewhere in the near future!!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Who Knew??
I was a little sheepish about going into work tonight for 2 reasons:
1.) Tusedays are commonly known as "no tip Tuesday".
2.) I am coming off a long fun filled weekend and didn't feel like dealing with the type of guests who frequent Tuesday nights.
But alas! Sometimes life suprises you.
95% of my tables we actually pleasant people and not horrible tippers. And....
I got a phone number.
From a man that wasn't repulsive or weird looking.
Now, I am a happily married woman and I have no desire to look elsewhere. I actually laughed when I saw it because I thought it was a joke.
But there is a small part of me that also felt giddy like a little girl.
Since settleing into motherhood, the way you think of yourself changes. I haven't let myself go by any stretch of the imagination. But I also am not putting myself out there like I did in my 20's.
I feel fortunate to have a husband that still makes me feel good about myself when I know I look like a used piece of toliet paper, but there is something to be said about still attracting men that arent obligated by law to boost your ego.
1.) Tusedays are commonly known as "no tip Tuesday".
2.) I am coming off a long fun filled weekend and didn't feel like dealing with the type of guests who frequent Tuesday nights.
But alas! Sometimes life suprises you.
95% of my tables we actually pleasant people and not horrible tippers. And....
I got a phone number.
From a man that wasn't repulsive or weird looking.
Now, I am a happily married woman and I have no desire to look elsewhere. I actually laughed when I saw it because I thought it was a joke.
But there is a small part of me that also felt giddy like a little girl.
Since settleing into motherhood, the way you think of yourself changes. I haven't let myself go by any stretch of the imagination. But I also am not putting myself out there like I did in my 20's.
I feel fortunate to have a husband that still makes me feel good about myself when I know I look like a used piece of toliet paper, but there is something to be said about still attracting men that arent obligated by law to boost your ego.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Great Expectations
I suppose I never made a formal introduction to the blogging world and in an attempt to gain readers and get to know the one's I already have I thought I'd post a little user's guide for your reading enjoyment!
In the beginning:
My first blog Mama Insomnia was created 2 months into motherhood. At this point Jack slept most of the time and I was still not working so I had a lot of time to kill. And think. So I started a blog to process some of the things going thru my head. This blog only has 4 posts but they are more the deep thoughts of a sleep deprived woman, hence the title. Then one night I saw the movie Julie and Julia and was re inspired to start blogging again. I wanted my new blog to be less like a diary and more for an actual audience of people so I started this blog. IMO: In My Opinion. If I am being honest here, I hate the title of this blog. But it was the only thing I could come up with at the time...its hard to be clever on 3 hours of sleep.
What this is all about:
Well everything and anything. I wish I could just focus on one thing but that's not me. I am inherently known for juggling too many balls at one time (get your mind out of the gutter) and this blog is reflective of that. Here are some things you may find here:
posts about boobs and other body parts, posts about my family and relationships, an occasional recipe or home improvement tip, reviews about things I like (and don't like), an occasional rant about the general public and their stupidity,and sarcasm-lots of it.
This list is not all inclusive-This blog is like the weather in Chicago. If your sick of it give it a day or two and you'll get something completely different.
Some other things to note: Thank god for spell check because I suck at spelling. I am also horrible about punctuation. So put away your red pens.-I type fast and I could really care less if I am missing a comma or 2. (or 4) If you are real stickler for grammar and punctuation this is probably not the blog for you.
Also I highly overuse the dot dot dot (...) It's a sickness...don't judge.
My favorite time to post:
Late at night when everyone is asleep. This is when my mind is clearest and I am most inspired. This is also the time I feel the least guilty for blogging. During the day I feel like I need to soak up as much time with Jackson and my husband as possible. When Jack naps I feel guilty for blogging because there are so many other things to do like clean, do work, relax, etc. So usually at night after everyone has fallen asleep I creep downstairs and write my posts. Occasionally over a glass of wine.
Me in real life:
My real name is Angie and I live in a suburb of Chicago. I've been married to the most wonderful man for the past 5 years and in November we just had our first son, Jackson. I quit my full time retail management job after the baby was born and now I work part time as a server at a local wing joint and part time selling Stella and Dot jewelry. I am constantly trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. All I know is I would like a well paying job that allows me time with my family and friends.
I'm very creative and sometimes wish I had more time for artsy things. I am hopelessly addicted to HGTV and The Food Network and when I watch them I get an itch to bake or redo the house. I am also a borderline compulsive shopper. It's genetic so its not my fault.
My husband is the love of my life and I genuinely think we were meant to be together. I would never have had the confidence or self esteem I have now without him.
I'm a judgemental person, especially after a few drinks, BUT I own up to it and I am not afraid to admit I was wrong if I judge someone unfairly.
So I think that covers most of it for now. Anything I'm forgetting?? I love comments, so if you have a question about me or this blog ask away!
In the beginning:
My first blog Mama Insomnia was created 2 months into motherhood. At this point Jack slept most of the time and I was still not working so I had a lot of time to kill. And think. So I started a blog to process some of the things going thru my head. This blog only has 4 posts but they are more the deep thoughts of a sleep deprived woman, hence the title. Then one night I saw the movie Julie and Julia and was re inspired to start blogging again. I wanted my new blog to be less like a diary and more for an actual audience of people so I started this blog. IMO: In My Opinion. If I am being honest here, I hate the title of this blog. But it was the only thing I could come up with at the time...its hard to be clever on 3 hours of sleep.
What this is all about:
Well everything and anything. I wish I could just focus on one thing but that's not me. I am inherently known for juggling too many balls at one time (get your mind out of the gutter) and this blog is reflective of that. Here are some things you may find here:
posts about boobs and other body parts, posts about my family and relationships, an occasional recipe or home improvement tip, reviews about things I like (and don't like), an occasional rant about the general public and their stupidity,and sarcasm-lots of it.
This list is not all inclusive-This blog is like the weather in Chicago. If your sick of it give it a day or two and you'll get something completely different.
Some other things to note: Thank god for spell check because I suck at spelling. I am also horrible about punctuation. So put away your red pens.-I type fast and I could really care less if I am missing a comma or 2. (or 4) If you are real stickler for grammar and punctuation this is probably not the blog for you.
Also I highly overuse the dot dot dot (...) It's a sickness...don't judge.
My favorite time to post:
Late at night when everyone is asleep. This is when my mind is clearest and I am most inspired. This is also the time I feel the least guilty for blogging. During the day I feel like I need to soak up as much time with Jackson and my husband as possible. When Jack naps I feel guilty for blogging because there are so many other things to do like clean, do work, relax, etc. So usually at night after everyone has fallen asleep I creep downstairs and write my posts. Occasionally over a glass of wine.
Me in real life:
My real name is Angie and I live in a suburb of Chicago. I've been married to the most wonderful man for the past 5 years and in November we just had our first son, Jackson. I quit my full time retail management job after the baby was born and now I work part time as a server at a local wing joint and part time selling Stella and Dot jewelry. I am constantly trying to figure out what I want to do with my life. All I know is I would like a well paying job that allows me time with my family and friends.
I'm very creative and sometimes wish I had more time for artsy things. I am hopelessly addicted to HGTV and The Food Network and when I watch them I get an itch to bake or redo the house. I am also a borderline compulsive shopper. It's genetic so its not my fault.
My husband is the love of my life and I genuinely think we were meant to be together. I would never have had the confidence or self esteem I have now without him.
I'm a judgemental person, especially after a few drinks, BUT I own up to it and I am not afraid to admit I was wrong if I judge someone unfairly.
So I think that covers most of it for now. Anything I'm forgetting?? I love comments, so if you have a question about me or this blog ask away!
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