I'm back! I really did not intend to take such a break.  But, guess what? I've been busy!  I know, the story of all our lives.  Between visitors{my mom, and then my dad and Ellen, next my sister and her husband} I've been able to do a little work on the kitchen.  My mother has requested updated pictures:

 Handyman Pat was back to trim the back splash.  It was looking all a wreck, but with lots of white paint{and a considerable amount of caulk} I do believe it has come together nicely. Is this picture blury?

Now some work on the problem areas.  I love having a lamp in here, but what to with the cord?? I really can't stand seeing cords

The bottom shelf is driving me crazy.  I'm struggling with how to make this space family friendly{ie:  school work, to do lists, misc garbage that should go directly into the recycling} without looking messy.  This is not my idea of working, so back to the drawing bored. Open shelves seemed like such a great idea, and I don't regret having them, but it is taking some major tweaking to make them look like anything.  Something to consider.

I WILL be back this week{I'm really trying to convince myself more than you}, so we'll chat then...

faux is fun

Not much progress has been made in the kitchen.  We still need trim, still need to paint, still have plenty to do.  But, when my mom was here we got busy on a faux roman shade for the window.  It would not have turned out so well without her help-thanks mom!  I love the fabric, and although the window still looks all weird without the trim pieces and stuff, I love the shade.  I thought this was a pretty brilliant way to spend very little money on a window covering.  I think the Nester would be proud.  This is certainly a window mis-treatment.  Here is the blog I stole the directions from.

 I used four spring poles and about enough fabric to cover half the length of the window. I would say the whole thing cost about 50 dollars.  I think that's awesome considering a roman shade in fabric that I would have been settling for would be at least 150.00! Hoot Hoot for no-sew faux! 

{the next two pictures fall into the "wreck me up" category}

Speaking of my mom and her amazing ability to get the job done for me. We miss her! We had so much fun with her, not to mention she helped me decorate and she cleaned my windows!  Love you Gabby! We are all thinking about you! 

This little guy is especially feeling her absence.  She has been gone a week and he is still talking about snuggling with her. What a little lover he is{after you chase him down and demand he take the time to kiss you}.  This is his school picture for the year.  I'm in love.  I was actually considering a haircut for him today until I say this photo.  Some dork called him a girl at church and I was thinking it just might be time to get rid of that precious messy hair, but now I think he can wait a little longer. 

Hope you are all having a fabulous week.  I'll be back soon...

things that wreck me up part 2 {the cute, the sad, and the just plain frustrating} and Halloween 2011

 Every year the classrooms at Rocky Hill make a t-shirt for the kids to wear on outings and special days.  Look at Asher's self portrait.  He's so darn happy that his smile has run into to his eyeballs.  Loving that boy like crazy.  Too cute!

 This came home the other day in Holden's folder.  It took me by surprise and made me sad{Drake is Holden's BFF in Iowa}.  I miss our friends in our old neighborhood at least once day.  Still.  I was just hoping that it wasn't so fresh for the boys.  I guess it is.

 Can we talk Christmas cards.  Every single year I struggle with these darn things but love them all at the same time.  When my mom visits in the Fall she tries to get our family picture so I have it for cards in December.  OUR PLAN NEVER WORKS! This picture is pretty darn cute don't you think. Kids are all smiling.  The house in the back isn't ideal although I could have made it work. BUT, what the heck is my husband doing??  There best be a naked person walking down the street.  That would be the ONLY good excuse for taking your eyes off the task at hand!!

 Happy Halloween!  Look, the same naked person has caught Asher's eye.

This raggedy group was excited to be out on the town last night.  We were the only group out trick or treating.  To say we have an un-lively street is an understatement, but I will say that there were a lot of porch lights on.  Three times as many as last year.  I think it safe to say that the boys at 1504 have woken this sleepy neighborhood up!

things that wreck me all up {part 1}

Holden turned 8 last week and it has taken me several days to understand how that's happened. Todd and I find ourselves laying in bed often recounting silly things that these boys have said through the years.  Lucky for me, Todd has a great memory for all the precious funny moments.  I can't remember any of them unless I write them down, but he recalls ones that I wouldn't have even noted.  Like when Holden called his grandparents on his third birthday and thanked them for the tappy feet map{a "Happy Feet" poster}, or the time he called Todd a little poopie diaper as he was walking out the garage door to go to work. If only I had  recordings of everything they ever said, of every year of life, then maybe I wouldn't feel like my head was spinning trying to recapture it all.

 Oh how I adore the space between this child's eyebrows.  I know, only a mother could love the bridge of their baby's nose.

 That little worried look has never left his face.  It's just like the first child to always wonder if their mom is doing everything right.  No I am not, but he seems to love me regardless .

 The rolls are long gone, but the need to understand every inch of this person remains.

 I must be trying to kill myself this morning. Why would I read this and think that I can go on with my normal day.

 My all time favorite picture of Holden.  Taken right before he turned one, and right when I began to understand he is just mine on loan.  Entrusted to us by God, on an adventure all his own to discover. 

 Holden on his birthday with his two favorite people.  He is a wonderful, energetic{code word for loud...sometimes obnoxious}, enthusiastic, conscientious, reliable, funny and caring son, brother and friend.  At 8 years old I haven't even lost him yet to video games.  He still loves to play and draw.  He is just learning what he is truly capable of and he should be proud because he keeps us on our toes and at the top of our parenting game at all times.  He is our "Guinea Pig" and Todd and I are just  two people honored to be standing next him. We love you Holden Matthew {every step of the way}.

really...I'm still here...

My wonderful friend Becca worries about my early demise when she doesn't here from me in awhile.  She has left me many a message on my phone, "Hello?? Are you dead and I don't know it??" So, I wanted to make sure to let all of you know that I am indeed still alive and just busy.  I really don't like being this busy, although it is all self inflicted busy-ness, like painting and sifting and carting around, so I really can't complain.  My mom has arrived for a visit as well, so we are consumed with drinking coffee, shopping, eating lunch out, and watching movies. It's tough let me tell you ;)  There is progress in the kitchen that I wanted to share with you as well as a yummy recipe.  

 Sticky-Bun Pumpkin Muffins{recipe here}

 The counter tops are in!! The beadboard back splash is in as well, but there is still trim, caulk, corner pieces, paint and all sorts of finish work to do.  It still looks very unfinished, but this kitchen sure has come a long way.

Because things have been so gradual, I need to remind myself what it used to look like.

I still looks pretty haphazard, but I am so pleased with how it looks and even happier with how it feels.

Have a great weekend.  Be back soon.

making that again monday{and food friday}

Several years ago I bought the cookbook Deceptively Delicious.  Like all cookbooks I have ever purchased, it had a few recipes that I go back to time and again.  While the concept of hiding veggies in your children's food is awesome, I have found that just forcing them to eat their {obvious}vegetables on their plate is easier than slaving away on purees every week ;) With that said, this is a good soup, that you will feel good about feeding them, even if it has a few extra steps.

Meatball Soup{Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld}

3 ounces whole-wheat pasta shapes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, with their juice

1/4 cup carrot puree (or 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots)

1/2 cup sweet potato or squash puree (or 1 cup finely chopped)

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

3 cups beef or chicken broth

MEATBALLS

3 slices whole-wheat bread, cubed

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/4 cup sweet potato puree

1/4 cup nonfat milk

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for serving

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 pound lean ground turkey

 

Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Add one tablespoon olive oil to a large pot and saute onion and garlic. Cook, stirring often until the onion is softened but not browned.

When everything is softened, put in a blender or food processor and add tomatoes and carrot puree. Puree until smooth. Return to pot. Add salt and broth. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 - 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, begin the meatballs. Put the bread in a large bowl. Add the egg, sweet potato puree, milk, Parmesan, 1 teaspoon salt and paprika, and let soak until the bread is very soft. Stir to break up the bread, add the ground turkey and mix until smooth. Form into mini-meatballs about 1/2-inch in diameter.

Add the meatballs to the pot. Simmer, covered, until the meatballs are no longer pink in the center, 12 - 15 minutes. Stir in the pasta. Serve with Parmesan.

On our menu this week:

Monday: Some sort of version of Frito Chili {pioneer woman}

Tuesday: Thyme Coated Pork Tenderloin{cooking light} + roasted potatoes + green veggie

Wednesday: Chicken Marsala{real simple}+ sauteed spinach + angel hair pasta

Thursday: Spicy Ranch Chicken Wraps{my recipes}+ fruit salad

Friday: Chicken Parmigiana{martha stewart}+salad

what if...