Well, here we are again on the Red Carpet at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles. My favorite part is always the beginning when the celebs are arriving. I love to sit and critique people (isn't that terrible!)...the classics are always beautiful, the trendy are always ugly, there are some stars who ALWAYS have their weird celebrity picture stance (eh-hem, Renee Zellweger), and people who come in looking crazy and drugged out (if Joaquin Phoenix shows up this year, I think he'll take the cake for that!). See, I told you...I am terrible! (Tricia, I miss you...I wish we were watching this together with my horrible hummus, haha!) I am looking forward to seeing Hugh Jackman all night (he is very hot!) and listening to his dreamy Australian accent (ahhh-swoon =) I usually fall asleep in the middle, but I watch the beginning and the end...the parts that people who aren't movie freaks care about =) Without further adieu...
Let's move to the red carpet with Ryan Seacrest:
(BEWARE...those of you who know me and read this blog-which I would hope is everybody!- I can be very judgemental, sorry!)
Running thoughts...
I am going to have to learn to arch my back and stick my chest out more...it would make my boobs look bigger and I guess I would look better in pictures...I don't even know who half these people are...does anyone notice that the actors that are more "first time", the ones that nobody really knows who they are, are the ones who look beautiful. They don't wear bold statements, they just wear elegant classics, I love it!...
Awww, Amy Adams looks just as beautiful as ever. We, of course, love her because of Enchanted. Sarah Jessica Parker looks very pretty, floofy as usual though...her skirt takes up 3 times as much space as it needs to. I wonder if the people with the giant skirts have to have an extra seat. Seth Rogen (Knocked Up/The Pineapple Express) just arrived with two chicks on his arm. That guy annoys me a lot, but he looks pretty normal when he isn't talking =) Natalie Portman-one of my faves, she is always gorgeous. Amy Adams' necklace freaks me out...it looks like something swallowed her chest. Diane Lane and another gorgeous person...ok, when are the weird people going to get here so I can get mean =) Well, perfect timing...there's Robert Downy Jr. Melissa George-her dress looks like a corset with saran wrap for a skirt. It's always sad watching the actors trying to make jokes while being interviewed...they are never very good. I guess I don't pay that much attention, I am always surprised to see different actors together. Ooh look, Matthew Broderick has mostly blond hair, he must be getting pretty gray. Marisa Tomei I would like to say something about her skirt, I just don't know what...so. many. pleats... Natalie Portman beautiful face, beautiful pink dress, BLACK nails, wth? Who is the old, bald, hairy-faced guy that Anne Hathaway is with?? I wish that I look as hot and beautiful as Marisa Tomei does at 45. Mickey Rourke White suit, chains, necklace with Loki picture(not sure if it's a dog or a person), and greasy hair, yay. Meryl Streep another one of those beautiful people. Diane Lane another 45 year old beauty. Sorry, I can't say anything about these people, they are beautiful...all the normal people arrive on time. The weirdies wait till the last minute. Queen Latifah she looks beautiful but her dress looks like it's missing a strap...Jessica Biel looking like a rocker rebel chick and talking on her cell phone. She kind of looks like she should be in the black torn t and black eyeliner.
How do these girls wearing strapless dresses not feel naked on top? At least half the time the dress is built to hold itself up, so it just sticks out there. It doesn't seem like it actually touches their chest, it's like you could look down and say "hello, ladies...take a break, you don't have to do any work tonight." Ryan Seacrest just said to some girl "I think I can smell you" I would assume she smells good, but how many times do you walk past somebody with B.O. and want to say that to them?! Ok, to add to Jessica Biel, she looks like she is wearing a bed sheet wrapped around her and tucked in front. Yay, Brangelina just showed up! Always a favorite. Another one of those always stunning couples. The only thing that kills me is all of Angie's tatts all over her arms and back. Brad is so hot, I never liked him when he was young, but he definitely gets better with age! I am a very "smooth look" kind of person. Philip Seymour Hoffman definitely under the "can't stand him" category. Angie looks like she just woke up from a nap. Beyonce looks like a pillow, but dang...if that dress doesn't fit like a glove. I could never wear anything like that. Ok, I think I just saw someone grope Meryl Streep's boob. Cate Blanchett I know people thinks she's great, but I can't stand her. She always plays such snotty, "ooh, I want to slap you" roles. Drives me crazy! Kate Winslett enough said...she is gorgeous.
Well, I guess nobody wants to be criticized badly. There are 5 minutes left and everyone looks beautiful. I guess they are representing the economy...nobody wants to take a chance.
Is nobody going to talk to Brad and Angie??? I want to see those kryptonite earrings up close!! Ok, well, Brad talked to us for about 5 seconds and then ran away. I think I remember hearing they didn't like Ryan Seacrest for some reason.
Ok...time to break to put the kids to bed. I'm not sure what ABC us going to do for the next half hour, it's probably the good stuff, but the kids have to sleep.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Crap...I missed the beginning. Oh well, hello hot Hugh Jackman. Brad and Angie have the best seat in the house or what?! I feel like we are on Broadway with this opening number. Anne Hathaway has changed already. I wonder if most of the actors try to see all the films nominated to compare them. I usually do, but it never happens. I know everyone is saying "Slumdog". I say, "eh". I am going for Benjamin Button! I loved loved loved that movie. All this Slumdog hype makes we want to scream a little. Standing ovation...go Hugh Jackman!
The video excerpts of people excitedly accepting Oscars always gives me chills. Goldie Hawn looks like she is ready to hit the beach after this.
Best Supporting Actress: I am rooting for Taraji P. Henson, but I love Amy Adams too! Taraji is probably my pick for most beautiful tonight too! Penelope Cruz wins. She drags her wedding like dress up on stage and is trying not to cry or faint. Aww, then she addresses all her spanish speaking fans and I am proud to say that I understood all of it, despite being out of AZ for 6 and a half years and out of a spanish class for about 10.
Best Original Screenplay: Yay, Tina Fey and Steve Martin. This should be good. I love Steve Martin, he reminds me of my dad. Daddy, I miss you! I am going to have to go with Wall E, although I am not sure how "orginal" it is. And the winner is...Milk. I love Sean Penn, I don't what to say about the film...there are some things I just avoid critiquing. It is a good story though, full of hope. NEXT...
Steve and Tina get to do two?! I guess they are cutting back this year =)
Adapted Screenplay: I am definitely going with Benjamin Button on this one! They show a clip from Frost/Nixon and a guy answers the phone and says "a cheeseburger". I think this is where Steve Martin needs to inject "amburga". Eh, Slumdog. Well, fine...I guess we can see how this evening is going to go. Is that guy wearing a beaded sash?
Animated Feature Film: Yay Jennifer Aniston...although I would have never paired her with Jack Black, ugh. He is so not funny. My pick: Wall E. Winner: Wall E. YAY! It is great to see Wall E win (maybe because it's the only one I saw. Heath has seen all of them =) The audience already looks a little bored, how sad is that.
Well Jen and Jack are back. Ok, well I am going to skip the ones I don't really care about. Animated short film is one of them =) Although I might go with Lavatory love, it seems funny =) Watching the Oscars is kind of like watching the Super Bowl. You just wait through the main stuff to get to the presenters and the host, watching only a few highlights. (Except this year, I did actually watch the SB for the game).
I need to hang out with my friend Lydia more. I thought this would be fun(ny), but she is much better at it than I am. I think I need a group of people to feed off of =) Sorry if it's boring. I can look back years from now and say "wow, how boring I was to watch the Oscars with."
Art Direction: This must be Sarah Jessica Parker, I see the biggest dress in the building...oh, yep, there she is - with the Bond. This is another one I don't care about, but I am voting just to show my support for Benjamin Button, my vote, of course! YAYAYAYAYAY!!! It won!! Excellent. I would have picked it anyway...they had to represent 9 decades in that movie!
Costume Design: Well, Benjamin Button of course. (It's safe to say that every cat. they have a nod for, I will vote for =) Brad Pitt looked hot in his clothes! Winner is the Duchess...I was actually thinking that in my head. All of those fancy costumes take a lot of hard work. Where are all the major hugs and love this year? Everyone is SO reserved this year. It isn't fun if there is nothing quirky.
Makeup: OMG, SJP and Bond are doing another category! They are really hard up this year. I vote for, you guessed it, BB. Think of how many faces he had to give Brad. YAY!! It won again. So far, it definitely should have won those two. Come on, I want some wild excitement!
Cinematography: is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for the cinema. Natalie Portman looks just as beautiful as ever, and HILARIOUS, Ben Stiller is filling in for Joaquin tonight. HAHAHA!!! Ahahahahahaha!!! Well, this is the first time I have laughed, I hope this new trend continues =) I wanna know what JP is thinking right now! Well I have to stick with my BB. The Dark Knight was awesome too. The Oscar goes to...Ugh...I am not going to say it. I vote no on slum, sorry. As Hailey would say, "that guy has ewok ears" and it looks like he is wearing tennis shoes.
Jessica Biel is lucky that 49% of the population (which probably means 15-20% maybe of audience) is happy that she looks like she just rolled out of bed because she isn't doing so hot with the speech. They really should give all people a podium...
I am digging these video montages of all the movies from the year. The romance one gave me chills. Zohan, funny movie. Pineapple Express was totally a Seth Rogen movie, but what the heck...James Franco is trying to ruin his career why?
Who ever sees these "short films" except for people doing the Oscars?
I am always totally amazed at how fabulous Beyonce looks with such a curvy body.
Actor in a Supporting Role: I actually have a choice on who to vote for on this one =) Awesome. Although, this one is easy...Heath Ledger. His last chance to win an Oscar for a mind blowing performance (I could not picture that it was him the whole time, and I tried darn hard!) I hope he gets it! Anybody would be good though, except Philip Seymour Hoffman, the rude guy from Along Came Polly. I will never forget the word "shart" now thanks to him, yay. (Note the sarcasm =) Robert Downey Jr was hilarious in Tropic Thunder! Heath Ledger...I just got chills....and the Oscar goes to...Heath Ledger!! YAY! That's awesome, how it should be! Aww, his mom, dad and sister are accepting it for him...get ready to cry, people! See, everyone there wants to cry, even hairy Adrian Brody and greasy Mickey Rourke. Oh, not Robert Downey Jr, though, he's mad he didn't win. Like there was ever a contest. Somebody get Angie a tissue!!
Ok, sniff sniff, I need a minute. I am going to get some ice cream =)
Oooh cool, with the documentary film we get a show...magic and balancing! I thought it was sweet how the only people they thanked was their wives and kids.
Visual Effects: Oooh, cool! Will Smith got an awesome lifting platform entry. I am going to have to say, hmmm...could it be...Benjamin Button. (Although Dark Knight should probably win.) Yay!! Benjamin Button. We will outdo slumdog for sure ;) They don't show Brad Pitt enough. Actually, their audience shots have been really absent this year.
Sound Editing: Anyone but Slumdog Millionaire! Yay, The Dark Knight, excellent!
Sound Mixing: Benjamin Button all the way! And the Oscar goes to, =p------- my least fave, the one who shouldn't have gotten it. What was so special about their sound? I can't believe it either. Seriously take a minute to breathe man!
Ok, so far we are 3 and 3.
I know...Will Smith is still there! There used to be new people the whole show, now they have, what 5 different sets of people?
Film Editing: I think you all know my feelings by now =) BB is #1, but anyone other than slumdog. CRAP...I feel like I am watching a sporting event, I am like a crazed fan ;)
Is Will Smith leaving? Yes, now onto...Eddie Murphy and Jerry Lewis. Damn, now I am getting all teary-eyed again. I am such a softy! He is getting up there at 83 years old. What a fabulous man.
Music Score: My vote leans towards the curious...Goldie Hawn is either crying or someone just smacked her awake...their vote is WRONG! Dang blast it...5 to 3. I am not biased, I swear! ;)
Music Song: I am going to have to go with Wall E on this one. For a kids movie, it really did have great music! Alicia Keys' eyes kind of freak me out. She has some whitish blue eyeshadow that goes from the inside corner all the way across, it makes a weird, not natural illusion. Someone should tell her...I swear, you just want to go wipe your finger across her nose. Come on...Wall E...CRAP again! I don't want them to rack up anymore awards! Audience shot: Robert Downey Jr looks cracked out. (Ok, spaced out and uncaring, but is there a difference?)
Time for a five minute snooze...
Ok people, go sit down so we can move on. Queen Latifah is trying to make us cry again...let's see who joins in. Every year we lose a few really good actors. Was I sleeping or was Heath Ledger missing?!
Directing: Reese Witherspoon is looking stunning tonight, although she looks like she is wearing a backpack. Benjamin Button, of course, gets my vote! Ron Howard was so upset he lost he had to turn his head away! They need to show the "losers" faces longer...I can't look at all those screens in the split second after they lose. I need more time. Oh yeah...the people we don't like added another hash mark to their tally.
Actress in a Leading Role: I love Julia Roberts, she is so full of life! (from the video) Let's see, we have the fluffy, the boyish, the floofy, the elegant, and the "hello ladies" dresses(and suit) for the previous nominees. Awww, all the nominated ladies are going to cry! Dang, now I am going to cry! Halle Berry is SO beautiful, although her speech is the only one that sounded read, instead of from the heart like the others. Dang Sofia Loren is old. I like her attitude arm, it cracks me up. Ok, well, Nicole's speech sounded read too. I don't know who to vote for. All of them are great, except Melissa Leo, and that's because I don't know who she is. Kate Winslet works. Let's hear her speech. Man, I forgot to look at the other's faces. Aww, she gives a shout out to her dad! That's so great! I am happy they let her finish. I hate when they start pushing the "main" winners off the stage. Let them thank who they want...speaking of, Adrian Brody. I remember they pushed him off the stage and he did NOT want to go =)
Actor in a Leading Role: Adrian Brody, seriously going mountain man on us (Brad and Angie thinks it's funny too!) I love Michael Douglas, what an awesome actor. (They are 8 minutes past time, I guess this year, time doesn't matter.) Hello hairy...he does not like being googled. Yeah, Brad Pitt! Who of course! I am voting for! Look at that smile, so beautiful, and Angie's so proud. Mickey Rourke, eh...yeah, why do we care? Is he trying to hide emotion (or something else) with those sunglasses? Ok, Michael...make me proud, ok, well...Sean Penn. I like him too. Dang, I forgot to look at the other actors again! What is wrong with me?! I think Sean is having trouble reading his list. Ok...well, I am ready to move on...sorry Sean...I don't like the political stuff in thank you speeches.
Best Picture: Benjamin Button! Benjamin Button! Come on! Steven Spielberg has always reminded me a little of Heath's uncle Brian. Just thought that was kind of funny. Rrrrr....well, I'm done, my movie didn't win.
Thanks for listening...or not =)
The video excerpts of people excitedly accepting Oscars always gives me chills. Goldie Hawn looks like she is ready to hit the beach after this.
Best Supporting Actress: I am rooting for Taraji P. Henson, but I love Amy Adams too! Taraji is probably my pick for most beautiful tonight too! Penelope Cruz wins. She drags her wedding like dress up on stage and is trying not to cry or faint. Aww, then she addresses all her spanish speaking fans and I am proud to say that I understood all of it, despite being out of AZ for 6 and a half years and out of a spanish class for about 10.
Best Original Screenplay: Yay, Tina Fey and Steve Martin. This should be good. I love Steve Martin, he reminds me of my dad. Daddy, I miss you! I am going to have to go with Wall E, although I am not sure how "orginal" it is. And the winner is...Milk. I love Sean Penn, I don't what to say about the film...there are some things I just avoid critiquing. It is a good story though, full of hope. NEXT...
Steve and Tina get to do two?! I guess they are cutting back this year =)
Adapted Screenplay: I am definitely going with Benjamin Button on this one! They show a clip from Frost/Nixon and a guy answers the phone and says "a cheeseburger". I think this is where Steve Martin needs to inject "amburga". Eh, Slumdog. Well, fine...I guess we can see how this evening is going to go. Is that guy wearing a beaded sash?
Animated Feature Film: Yay Jennifer Aniston...although I would have never paired her with Jack Black, ugh. He is so not funny. My pick: Wall E. Winner: Wall E. YAY! It is great to see Wall E win (maybe because it's the only one I saw. Heath has seen all of them =) The audience already looks a little bored, how sad is that.
Well Jen and Jack are back. Ok, well I am going to skip the ones I don't really care about. Animated short film is one of them =) Although I might go with Lavatory love, it seems funny =) Watching the Oscars is kind of like watching the Super Bowl. You just wait through the main stuff to get to the presenters and the host, watching only a few highlights. (Except this year, I did actually watch the SB for the game).
I need to hang out with my friend Lydia more. I thought this would be fun(ny), but she is much better at it than I am. I think I need a group of people to feed off of =) Sorry if it's boring. I can look back years from now and say "wow, how boring I was to watch the Oscars with."
Art Direction: This must be Sarah Jessica Parker, I see the biggest dress in the building...oh, yep, there she is - with the Bond. This is another one I don't care about, but I am voting just to show my support for Benjamin Button, my vote, of course! YAYAYAYAYAY!!! It won!! Excellent. I would have picked it anyway...they had to represent 9 decades in that movie!
Costume Design: Well, Benjamin Button of course. (It's safe to say that every cat. they have a nod for, I will vote for =) Brad Pitt looked hot in his clothes! Winner is the Duchess...I was actually thinking that in my head. All of those fancy costumes take a lot of hard work. Where are all the major hugs and love this year? Everyone is SO reserved this year. It isn't fun if there is nothing quirky.
Makeup: OMG, SJP and Bond are doing another category! They are really hard up this year. I vote for, you guessed it, BB. Think of how many faces he had to give Brad. YAY!! It won again. So far, it definitely should have won those two. Come on, I want some wild excitement!
Cinematography: is the making of lighting and camera choices when recording photographic images for the cinema. Natalie Portman looks just as beautiful as ever, and HILARIOUS, Ben Stiller is filling in for Joaquin tonight. HAHAHA!!! Ahahahahahaha!!! Well, this is the first time I have laughed, I hope this new trend continues =) I wanna know what JP is thinking right now! Well I have to stick with my BB. The Dark Knight was awesome too. The Oscar goes to...Ugh...I am not going to say it. I vote no on slum, sorry. As Hailey would say, "that guy has ewok ears" and it looks like he is wearing tennis shoes.
Jessica Biel is lucky that 49% of the population (which probably means 15-20% maybe of audience) is happy that she looks like she just rolled out of bed because she isn't doing so hot with the speech. They really should give all people a podium...
I am digging these video montages of all the movies from the year. The romance one gave me chills. Zohan, funny movie. Pineapple Express was totally a Seth Rogen movie, but what the heck...James Franco is trying to ruin his career why?
Who ever sees these "short films" except for people doing the Oscars?
I am always totally amazed at how fabulous Beyonce looks with such a curvy body.
Actor in a Supporting Role: I actually have a choice on who to vote for on this one =) Awesome. Although, this one is easy...Heath Ledger. His last chance to win an Oscar for a mind blowing performance (I could not picture that it was him the whole time, and I tried darn hard!) I hope he gets it! Anybody would be good though, except Philip Seymour Hoffman, the rude guy from Along Came Polly. I will never forget the word "shart" now thanks to him, yay. (Note the sarcasm =) Robert Downey Jr was hilarious in Tropic Thunder! Heath Ledger...I just got chills....and the Oscar goes to...Heath Ledger!! YAY! That's awesome, how it should be! Aww, his mom, dad and sister are accepting it for him...get ready to cry, people! See, everyone there wants to cry, even hairy Adrian Brody and greasy Mickey Rourke. Oh, not Robert Downey Jr, though, he's mad he didn't win. Like there was ever a contest. Somebody get Angie a tissue!!
Ok, sniff sniff, I need a minute. I am going to get some ice cream =)
Oooh cool, with the documentary film we get a show...magic and balancing! I thought it was sweet how the only people they thanked was their wives and kids.
Visual Effects: Oooh, cool! Will Smith got an awesome lifting platform entry. I am going to have to say, hmmm...could it be...Benjamin Button. (Although Dark Knight should probably win.) Yay!! Benjamin Button. We will outdo slumdog for sure ;) They don't show Brad Pitt enough. Actually, their audience shots have been really absent this year.
Sound Editing: Anyone but Slumdog Millionaire! Yay, The Dark Knight, excellent!
Sound Mixing: Benjamin Button all the way! And the Oscar goes to, =p------- my least fave, the one who shouldn't have gotten it. What was so special about their sound? I can't believe it either. Seriously take a minute to breathe man!
Ok, so far we are 3 and 3.
I know...Will Smith is still there! There used to be new people the whole show, now they have, what 5 different sets of people?
Film Editing: I think you all know my feelings by now =) BB is #1, but anyone other than slumdog. CRAP...I feel like I am watching a sporting event, I am like a crazed fan ;)
Is Will Smith leaving? Yes, now onto...Eddie Murphy and Jerry Lewis. Damn, now I am getting all teary-eyed again. I am such a softy! He is getting up there at 83 years old. What a fabulous man.
Music Score: My vote leans towards the curious...Goldie Hawn is either crying or someone just smacked her awake...their vote is WRONG! Dang blast it...5 to 3. I am not biased, I swear! ;)
Music Song: I am going to have to go with Wall E on this one. For a kids movie, it really did have great music! Alicia Keys' eyes kind of freak me out. She has some whitish blue eyeshadow that goes from the inside corner all the way across, it makes a weird, not natural illusion. Someone should tell her...I swear, you just want to go wipe your finger across her nose. Come on...Wall E...CRAP again! I don't want them to rack up anymore awards! Audience shot: Robert Downey Jr looks cracked out. (Ok, spaced out and uncaring, but is there a difference?)
Time for a five minute snooze...
Ok people, go sit down so we can move on. Queen Latifah is trying to make us cry again...let's see who joins in. Every year we lose a few really good actors. Was I sleeping or was Heath Ledger missing?!
Directing: Reese Witherspoon is looking stunning tonight, although she looks like she is wearing a backpack. Benjamin Button, of course, gets my vote! Ron Howard was so upset he lost he had to turn his head away! They need to show the "losers" faces longer...I can't look at all those screens in the split second after they lose. I need more time. Oh yeah...the people we don't like added another hash mark to their tally.
Actress in a Leading Role: I love Julia Roberts, she is so full of life! (from the video) Let's see, we have the fluffy, the boyish, the floofy, the elegant, and the "hello ladies" dresses(and suit) for the previous nominees. Awww, all the nominated ladies are going to cry! Dang, now I am going to cry! Halle Berry is SO beautiful, although her speech is the only one that sounded read, instead of from the heart like the others. Dang Sofia Loren is old. I like her attitude arm, it cracks me up. Ok, well, Nicole's speech sounded read too. I don't know who to vote for. All of them are great, except Melissa Leo, and that's because I don't know who she is. Kate Winslet works. Let's hear her speech. Man, I forgot to look at the other's faces. Aww, she gives a shout out to her dad! That's so great! I am happy they let her finish. I hate when they start pushing the "main" winners off the stage. Let them thank who they want...speaking of, Adrian Brody. I remember they pushed him off the stage and he did NOT want to go =)
Actor in a Leading Role: Adrian Brody, seriously going mountain man on us (Brad and Angie thinks it's funny too!) I love Michael Douglas, what an awesome actor. (They are 8 minutes past time, I guess this year, time doesn't matter.) Hello hairy...he does not like being googled. Yeah, Brad Pitt! Who of course! I am voting for! Look at that smile, so beautiful, and Angie's so proud. Mickey Rourke, eh...yeah, why do we care? Is he trying to hide emotion (or something else) with those sunglasses? Ok, Michael...make me proud, ok, well...Sean Penn. I like him too. Dang, I forgot to look at the other actors again! What is wrong with me?! I think Sean is having trouble reading his list. Ok...well, I am ready to move on...sorry Sean...I don't like the political stuff in thank you speeches.
Best Picture: Benjamin Button! Benjamin Button! Come on! Steven Spielberg has always reminded me a little of Heath's uncle Brian. Just thought that was kind of funny. Rrrrr....well, I'm done, my movie didn't win.
Thanks for listening...or not =)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Ok, so I almost forgot to mention that I broke the passenger side mirror off the car last night. Yay! I was too close to the side of the garage and just not paying that much attention, I heard a ka-thunk (and I bet you could guess my reaction right at that moment =) and looked over and saw it hanging off. UGH! How stupid!
Valentine's Day
Ahhh, love day. What makes this day so great, of course, is my love =) He was so wonderful and scheduled me for a massage at the spa. The kids were upset they couldn't go with me when I left and I kept telling them, don't worry, I will be a better mommy when I come home =) The massage didn't do a lot for me physically (it was kind of a skinny little woman, they never get very deep) but having that hour to totally relax mentally was bliss. I really did come back a better wife and mother. I had the cheesy relaxed grin on my face and felt great. Thank you honey!!
I didn't have much time to continue relaxing when I got home, I had to make dinner for the kids and our sitter and go get ready for our date! That's right, our 2nd Valentine's date since we became parents! We went to dinner at the Freemason Abbey. It was the same restaurant we went to last year and I got the same thing...mmm, salmon with crab and hollandaise sauce and asparagus. I am not complaining =) (Oh yeah, she-crab soup to start =)
We were cramming things into this date, so after dinner we went to see a movie. A good girlie Valentine's movie, "He's not that into you". It was entertaining, cute. Then after that...we went out to a bar/club! There is kind of a mall near the water in Norfolk with a few clubs. At night especially, it seems to sport the darker crowd who dress like they are going to an 80s party in the wildest colors and skirts so short I would never want to see them bend over. I was a little worried that we would stand out...when we walked in there were 2 clubs, one on each side of the hall. One had a very long line waiting to get in, the other had no line. I wanted to know why there was no line...I almost asked, but we just decided to go into the easy one. It was not very busy, and as I looked around you could tell we were in the "white" club. Maybe it's because they had a mechanical bull, I don't know, haha. Anyway...this also means no one was dancing (because white people can't dance??) So Heath and I got a drink so we wouldn't look like we were just standing around, and walked over to watch people fall off the bull. I was just kind of dancing in my space when a girl walked over and explained that she was the only girl with a bunch of guys and wondered if I would do a girlie shot with her so she wouldn't feel alone. I said ok (although I didn't actually want to drink that night at all, I don't like being sick). It wound up working perfectly and we hung out with them the rest of the night. She is a 3rd grade teacher and was out with her boyfriend and a couple of his friends who were all mp's in the air force and just got back from Iraq. I, thank goodness, didn't get sick, but wound up drinking at least 4 shots and a jello shot! Wow, way more than the original drink I ordered! Anyway...we wound up dancing when things picked up a little, and the girl I met, Angie, and I wound up dancing on the bar! Haha, it was a lot of fun and worked out for everybody. I will say that I suffered from the ear-ringing syndrome all day yesterday, ugh. I will post some pics as soon as she emails them to me, I didn't have my camera.
Yesterday Amy and I tried to take the kids (and her mom) out for tea, but we ran into some kinks at the tea house...it was closed because they got new owners, although they don't feel the need to tell people this...so we wound up just going to the mall. The kids had a great time, they love playing in the kid areas. We visited daddy at work before heading home for bed. Oh well, I was hoping for a fun tea filled afternoon...maybe sometime this week =)
Today is art day...the kids were doing Presidents Day projects this morning. They made a painting of George Washington's cherry tree and decorated an Abe Lincoln hat with oil pastels. This afternoon Hailey will be painting on canvas...that should be fun!
I didn't have much time to continue relaxing when I got home, I had to make dinner for the kids and our sitter and go get ready for our date! That's right, our 2nd Valentine's date since we became parents! We went to dinner at the Freemason Abbey. It was the same restaurant we went to last year and I got the same thing...mmm, salmon with crab and hollandaise sauce and asparagus. I am not complaining =) (Oh yeah, she-crab soup to start =)
We were cramming things into this date, so after dinner we went to see a movie. A good girlie Valentine's movie, "He's not that into you". It was entertaining, cute. Then after that...we went out to a bar/club! There is kind of a mall near the water in Norfolk with a few clubs. At night especially, it seems to sport the darker crowd who dress like they are going to an 80s party in the wildest colors and skirts so short I would never want to see them bend over. I was a little worried that we would stand out...when we walked in there were 2 clubs, one on each side of the hall. One had a very long line waiting to get in, the other had no line. I wanted to know why there was no line...I almost asked, but we just decided to go into the easy one. It was not very busy, and as I looked around you could tell we were in the "white" club. Maybe it's because they had a mechanical bull, I don't know, haha. Anyway...this also means no one was dancing (because white people can't dance??) So Heath and I got a drink so we wouldn't look like we were just standing around, and walked over to watch people fall off the bull. I was just kind of dancing in my space when a girl walked over and explained that she was the only girl with a bunch of guys and wondered if I would do a girlie shot with her so she wouldn't feel alone. I said ok (although I didn't actually want to drink that night at all, I don't like being sick). It wound up working perfectly and we hung out with them the rest of the night. She is a 3rd grade teacher and was out with her boyfriend and a couple of his friends who were all mp's in the air force and just got back from Iraq. I, thank goodness, didn't get sick, but wound up drinking at least 4 shots and a jello shot! Wow, way more than the original drink I ordered! Anyway...we wound up dancing when things picked up a little, and the girl I met, Angie, and I wound up dancing on the bar! Haha, it was a lot of fun and worked out for everybody. I will say that I suffered from the ear-ringing syndrome all day yesterday, ugh. I will post some pics as soon as she emails them to me, I didn't have my camera.
Yesterday Amy and I tried to take the kids (and her mom) out for tea, but we ran into some kinks at the tea house...it was closed because they got new owners, although they don't feel the need to tell people this...so we wound up just going to the mall. The kids had a great time, they love playing in the kid areas. We visited daddy at work before heading home for bed. Oh well, I was hoping for a fun tea filled afternoon...maybe sometime this week =)
Today is art day...the kids were doing Presidents Day projects this morning. They made a painting of George Washington's cherry tree and decorated an Abe Lincoln hat with oil pastels. This afternoon Hailey will be painting on canvas...that should be fun!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Pictures!!!
Yay, I've finally gone through and added pictures =)
Pictures Will be Added Later...pictures of Drew's 1st music class, Drew cooking for mommy, and Drew's debut rock and roll video
Jumpin Jelly Bean Pictures
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups and Chicken Parmesan
Pictures Will be Added Later...pictures of Drew's 1st music class, Drew cooking for mommy, and Drew's debut rock and roll video
Jumpin Jelly Bean Pictures
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups and Chicken Parmesan
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Testing...
The kids went to the Child Waiting Center again today while I went to my ultrasound appointment. Although it was really early in the morning for us (we were there at 8) and Hailey and Drew were in separate rooms, they had a great time. Hailey made a card in her class and Drew got to play outside on the playground. When I picked them up I still got the "mommeeeeeee" yells and hugs, so that made it great for me too =) Since I hardly ever leave them, I don't usually get those...so it really fills my heart when I do!
My appointment probably wasn't as fun as theirs, but I got the two best people in Radiology, I am sure of it! They lady who did the initial US stuff was just the nicest person ever and so compassionate...just the person you wish for in any appointment. The doctor who came in to do the rest was also very nice and he took the time to explain everything and make sure I was ok with everything. It went surprising well, considering I didn't know about one of the procedures they were doing (it was kind of invasive). I went in for a sonohysterogram (I will spare the gory details, but for anyone in the med field I am sure you know what this is, and those who are not, if you want to know you can look it up =) Long story short, they said everything looks ok and I have no abnormalities that they can see, which is good news and bad news. Good news because, so far, all the labs and tests we have done have come back completely normal, and bad for the same reason because that means there is nothing wrong with me (that they are finding anyway) so no real reason why I keep miscarrying. Oh well, I have left it up to the Big Guy and he will do with it what he will.
Since we were in Portsmouth so early, I promised the kids that I would take them to the Children's Museum. They got to spend 4 hours playing and exploring in an almost completely empty museum. It was fabulous! I have never been there with it so empty. Drew's favorite room is the one that has a bus and a fire truck that he can get in and drive and Hailey's favorite is the bubble room. My favorite is this room that has kind of a psychedelic screen that changes colors. You stand in front of it jumping and moving and it leaves a colorful trail of your movements. A favorite for everybody is the planetarium show. Today we watched the show explaining how to find different constellations in the sky and how to identify the planets. That is great for us...more excuses to use Hailey's telescope =) We finally left when we were so starving we could barely stand it...haha. Not bringing a stroller and diaper bag anymore has its disadvantages.
My appointment probably wasn't as fun as theirs, but I got the two best people in Radiology, I am sure of it! They lady who did the initial US stuff was just the nicest person ever and so compassionate...just the person you wish for in any appointment. The doctor who came in to do the rest was also very nice and he took the time to explain everything and make sure I was ok with everything. It went surprising well, considering I didn't know about one of the procedures they were doing (it was kind of invasive). I went in for a sonohysterogram (I will spare the gory details, but for anyone in the med field I am sure you know what this is, and those who are not, if you want to know you can look it up =) Long story short, they said everything looks ok and I have no abnormalities that they can see, which is good news and bad news. Good news because, so far, all the labs and tests we have done have come back completely normal, and bad for the same reason because that means there is nothing wrong with me (that they are finding anyway) so no real reason why I keep miscarrying. Oh well, I have left it up to the Big Guy and he will do with it what he will.
Since we were in Portsmouth so early, I promised the kids that I would take them to the Children's Museum. They got to spend 4 hours playing and exploring in an almost completely empty museum. It was fabulous! I have never been there with it so empty. Drew's favorite room is the one that has a bus and a fire truck that he can get in and drive and Hailey's favorite is the bubble room. My favorite is this room that has kind of a psychedelic screen that changes colors. You stand in front of it jumping and moving and it leaves a colorful trail of your movements. A favorite for everybody is the planetarium show. Today we watched the show explaining how to find different constellations in the sky and how to identify the planets. That is great for us...more excuses to use Hailey's telescope =) We finally left when we were so starving we could barely stand it...haha. Not bringing a stroller and diaper bag anymore has its disadvantages.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Updates...
Thursday night we had what the kids call "fancy night", which means we put candles on the table and turn down the lights. I have been giving the kids certain duties (read:chores...I am searching for a better word =) and they love it. Soon they are going to become regular, but for now they are just "fun." =) Hailey and Drew switch off setting the table...Drew is really good at remembering his left and right (better than some adults =) so he can do the napkins and the silverware without any instruction really. They also love to help me cook and tonight we were making yet another recipe from my friend Fawn, spinach roll ups. They were really good and fun to make! I laid all the lasagna noodles out and heaped the cheese mixture on top so Hailey and Drew could spread it around and then roll them up. They had SO MUCH FUN! I was impressed at how well Drew could roll them by himself. My little boy is definitely growing up!
On Friday we went to the hospital so I could have 9 tubes of blood drawn...they might as well have hooked me up to a bag! We had a wonderful lab tech though. She was really nice. Drew usually sits on my lap and Hailey stands next to me. This time, the tech put Hailey in a chair on the side and then explained everything she was doing to her...it was awesome! We are up for learning experiences anywhere and every where we can get them! She was extremely detailed, even explaining why they dry off the arm after they wipe it with the alcohol and why they collect the tubes in a certain order, etc. It was almost like a field trip.
Friday night was family movie night. The kids have been looking forward to this all week. Hailey was talking about it non-stop from about Tuesday on. Madagascar 2 came out that day, so we headed to Target to pick it up. I had issues with buying this movie because there are some very suggestive scenes with the hippos that really irritated me when we saw it in the theatre. Definitely not kid appropriate! But they loved the first one so much, so we just bought in anyway. I didn't make it through a whole lot of the movie, I fell asleep on the couch, haha. Afterwards though was our first ever Family Performance Night. I have decided to add this to our traditions list (I should do a blog about this...I am sure they will change through the years and I would like to have a record =) because we all do so many things...Heath is learning to play the guitar, Hailey is learning the piano, Drew is learning new songs in music class, etc. I thought it would be a good way for all of us to keep up with what each other is doing and as the kids get older, it should give them some motivation to work towards a specific goal, or get better at certain things, knowing that they will be performing them for the family at the end of the week. I thought it was a huge hit! Mommy was the host (I had a microphone and everything =). There was lots of yelling and clapping with lots of silliness too. Hailey went first and performed the American Manatee song. Drew went next and sang the Weedy Sea Dragon (he kept saying, "mommy, will you help me?" It was too cute!) Heath performed a couple songs on the guitar...Yankee Doodle and Jingle Bells, I think, and I sang a song about Lion Fish. Then Hailey gave us an encore with the Puffin song. We had a blast! (Mom, dad, Matt and Jon...you are all more than welcome...read:encouraged...to participate when you come to visit =)
Saturday was Heath's day off and another GORGEOUS day out so we spent the whole day outside. The kids and I drew a huge "Big Rock Candy Mountain" obstacle course on the court for Hailey to ride her bike through (why do I never take pictures of these? We have made some pretty elaborate scenes) and they played ball and other outside stuff. For dinner, I grabbed the burgers out of the freezer, it was definitely a bbq day. It felt great to use the grill again! Ahhh, what a great day =)
Sunday was another perfect day! It hit 70 here and we (along with the rest of the city) decided to head to the zoo to enjoy it. Heath was on call so we went with my girlfriend Amy and her mom and Lauren and Lex (that's a lot of 'and's =). The kids always love getting together (and us older girls don't mind it either =). We spent the afternoon soaking up the beautiful sunshine and checking out the animals. Another ahhh, just great.
Today was sunny and 50s...so not quite as warm, but not cold either. We didn't really have the time to spend outside today though...Monday's are art days. Drew has an art class in the late morning (that Hailey also participates in) and then Hailey has a drawing/painting class in the late afternoon. Today was fairly productive...I even finished our school lesson before our first class! Go me! The kids were thrilled to go to class this morning and see Ms. Meredith. We were doing Valentine projects today. They were painting heart collages. Hailey was pretty much free to be on her own and I was helping Drew. He colored in his hearts with the paint (and a brush) all by himself and he totally stayed in the lines! He isn't like that at home at all. I knew art class would be good for him =) They also made little heart "crowns".
In Hailey's drawing class she has her own little sketchbook that she brings back and forth with her (how cute is that!). This month they are working on still life's. I was sitting in the hall listening to the class when I heard they were drawing their shoes so I had to poke my head in and take a couple pictures. Hailey did such a great job on her shoe, she was proud of herself. To kill some time at the end, Meredith had her draw an apple, banana, and orange from "fake" ones. (They were plastic, it was just funny how Hailey said they were fake =) She did very simple drawings...just a couple of colored in circles and a yellow moon. Although, daddy knew what they were right away =) I didn't think I wanted Hailey in the drawing class at first, but as always, I am sure Meredith will teach her a lot. I think I will have to pack her with us when we move.
On Friday we went to the hospital so I could have 9 tubes of blood drawn...they might as well have hooked me up to a bag! We had a wonderful lab tech though. She was really nice. Drew usually sits on my lap and Hailey stands next to me. This time, the tech put Hailey in a chair on the side and then explained everything she was doing to her...it was awesome! We are up for learning experiences anywhere and every where we can get them! She was extremely detailed, even explaining why they dry off the arm after they wipe it with the alcohol and why they collect the tubes in a certain order, etc. It was almost like a field trip.
Friday night was family movie night. The kids have been looking forward to this all week. Hailey was talking about it non-stop from about Tuesday on. Madagascar 2 came out that day, so we headed to Target to pick it up. I had issues with buying this movie because there are some very suggestive scenes with the hippos that really irritated me when we saw it in the theatre. Definitely not kid appropriate! But they loved the first one so much, so we just bought in anyway. I didn't make it through a whole lot of the movie, I fell asleep on the couch, haha. Afterwards though was our first ever Family Performance Night. I have decided to add this to our traditions list (I should do a blog about this...I am sure they will change through the years and I would like to have a record =) because we all do so many things...Heath is learning to play the guitar, Hailey is learning the piano, Drew is learning new songs in music class, etc. I thought it would be a good way for all of us to keep up with what each other is doing and as the kids get older, it should give them some motivation to work towards a specific goal, or get better at certain things, knowing that they will be performing them for the family at the end of the week. I thought it was a huge hit! Mommy was the host (I had a microphone and everything =). There was lots of yelling and clapping with lots of silliness too. Hailey went first and performed the American Manatee song. Drew went next and sang the Weedy Sea Dragon (he kept saying, "mommy, will you help me?" It was too cute!) Heath performed a couple songs on the guitar...Yankee Doodle and Jingle Bells, I think, and I sang a song about Lion Fish. Then Hailey gave us an encore with the Puffin song. We had a blast! (Mom, dad, Matt and Jon...you are all more than welcome...read:encouraged...to participate when you come to visit =)
Saturday was Heath's day off and another GORGEOUS day out so we spent the whole day outside. The kids and I drew a huge "Big Rock Candy Mountain" obstacle course on the court for Hailey to ride her bike through (why do I never take pictures of these? We have made some pretty elaborate scenes) and they played ball and other outside stuff. For dinner, I grabbed the burgers out of the freezer, it was definitely a bbq day. It felt great to use the grill again! Ahhh, what a great day =)
Sunday was another perfect day! It hit 70 here and we (along with the rest of the city) decided to head to the zoo to enjoy it. Heath was on call so we went with my girlfriend Amy and her mom and Lauren and Lex (that's a lot of 'and's =). The kids always love getting together (and us older girls don't mind it either =). We spent the afternoon soaking up the beautiful sunshine and checking out the animals. Another ahhh, just great.
Today was sunny and 50s...so not quite as warm, but not cold either. We didn't really have the time to spend outside today though...Monday's are art days. Drew has an art class in the late morning (that Hailey also participates in) and then Hailey has a drawing/painting class in the late afternoon. Today was fairly productive...I even finished our school lesson before our first class! Go me! The kids were thrilled to go to class this morning and see Ms. Meredith. We were doing Valentine projects today. They were painting heart collages. Hailey was pretty much free to be on her own and I was helping Drew. He colored in his hearts with the paint (and a brush) all by himself and he totally stayed in the lines! He isn't like that at home at all. I knew art class would be good for him =) They also made little heart "crowns".
In Hailey's drawing class she has her own little sketchbook that she brings back and forth with her (how cute is that!). This month they are working on still life's. I was sitting in the hall listening to the class when I heard they were drawing their shoes so I had to poke my head in and take a couple pictures. Hailey did such a great job on her shoe, she was proud of herself. To kill some time at the end, Meredith had her draw an apple, banana, and orange from "fake" ones. (They were plastic, it was just funny how Hailey said they were fake =) She did very simple drawings...just a couple of colored in circles and a yellow moon. Although, daddy knew what they were right away =) I didn't think I wanted Hailey in the drawing class at first, but as always, I am sure Meredith will teach her a lot. I think I will have to pack her with us when we move.
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
Drew helping make dinner
Cheesy smiles to go with our cheesy filling
Hailey rolling up a noodle
Noodles all rolled
Mmmm...the finished product
12 lasagna noodles (boiled)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 c ricotta cheese
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1/2 c mozzarella cheese
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 jar meatless spaghetti sauce (We used Emeril's pasta sauce as my friend suggested)
Mix eggs, cheeses, spinach, salt, pepper....spread 1/3 cup cheese mixture over each noodle & carefully roll up. Pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce onto ungreased 13x9 in baking dish. Place roll up seam side down over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Back, uncovered 375* for 20-25 minutes. 
Chicken Parmesan
Cheesy smiles to go with our cheesy filling
Hailey rolling up a noodle
Noodles all rolled
Mmmm...the finished product
Recipe:
Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups
12 lasagna noodles (boiled)
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 1/2 c ricotta cheese
1/4 c Parmesan cheese
1/2 c mozzarella cheese
1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1 jar meatless spaghetti sauce (We used Emeril's pasta sauce as my friend suggested)
Mix eggs, cheeses, spinach, salt, pepper....spread 1/3 cup cheese mixture over each noodle & carefully roll up. Pour 1 cup spaghetti sauce onto ungreased 13x9 in baking dish. Place roll up seam side down over sauce. Pour remaining sauce over top. Back, uncovered 375* for 20-25 minutes.
***We added cheese on top because we LOVE cheese and it makes everything better =)
The "fancy" dinner
The "fancy" dinner
Chicken Parmesan
Seasoned Bread Crumbs
2 eggs
Parmesan Cheese
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Butter
Marinara Sauce
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Preheat oven to 350 deg.
Cover bottom of a pie plate with bread crumbs, using enough to cover your chicken. Cover the top with a layer of Parmesan (grated or shredded). Mix together bread crumbs and parm. Put the 2 eggs in another pie plate and beat with a fork.
Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick. It's not precise, but I think they taste better when they are thinner since the chicken plumps up while it's cooking. Melt a couple of TB of butter over Medium heat. Dip the chicken in the egg, coating both sides, and then dip in the bread/parm mixture, coating completely. Shake off the excess. (A thin layer is desirable, if it is any thicker than just a coating it will fall off while frying). Place in skillet and cook 2 to 3 minutes each side. You are just trying to crisp the coating.
Place in a greased baking dish and spoon sauce over chicken. Sprinkle with Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and bake about 20 minutes.
This is not exact which makes it so easy. I use anything from jarred pasta sauce to making it from "scratch" with a can of tomato sauce (adding some brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, basil, oregano, garlic, etc). Add as much or as little cheese and sauce as you like. Voila!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
These cookies have been my "secret" since Heath and I lived in Tucson. They are so delicious and often requested. Heath's favorite version is with peanut butter chips, but I came up with the original version using butterscotch chips. I am sure white chocolate would be good too, but they don't pack quite as much flavor as the other two. I have decided to share this recipe, what is really the point of keeping it a secret? The kids and I made these the other night, so I was inspired to add it here. As I make other "secret" recipes that I have, I will add them too. Just don't forget to think of me when you eat them!!!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 c (2 and 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
10 oz pkg peanut butter chips (I think I use Reese's, I'm not sure if anyone else makes them...or any other flavored chips or candy you like...lots of room for variation =)
Heat the oven to 350 deg.
Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl (or KitchenAid) with mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well (be warned, this stuff likes to fly!) Stir in chips.
Drop by rounded tsps onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes (I only put in one cookie sheet at a time to ensure even baking). Do not overbake, you want the cookies to be very soft, they will flatten a bit while they cool. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before putting them on a cooling rack. I usually get about 4 dzn if I make them normal size, but sometimes we make big cookies too =)
Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I use Hershey's)
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/4 c (2 and 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsps vanilla extract
10 oz pkg peanut butter chips (I think I use Reese's, I'm not sure if anyone else makes them...or any other flavored chips or candy you like...lots of room for variation =)
Heat the oven to 350 deg.
Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Beat butter and sugar in a large bowl (or KitchenAid) with mixer until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla, beat well. Gradually add flour mixture, beating well (be warned, this stuff likes to fly!) Stir in chips.
Drop by rounded tsps onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 minutes (I only put in one cookie sheet at a time to ensure even baking). Do not overbake, you want the cookies to be very soft, they will flatten a bit while they cool. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet before putting them on a cooling rack. I usually get about 4 dzn if I make them normal size, but sometimes we make big cookies too =)
Lemon Pasta and Salmon
Another delicious (and extremely healthy!) recipe from Fawn was her Lemon Salmon Pasta. We all really liked this. I gave it to the kids on a plate with everything separated (you know how kids don't like things to mix) and Hailey sat and scarfed her food down! The funniest part is that while she was eating, she kept saying "mmm, mommy, this is so good, mmmm". I have never heard her do that EVER! She did it the whole time she was eating! I left the lemon and basil off the noodles for the kids and I put ranch on the spinach "salad" for them. Which led to the salmon getting dipped into the ranch, which led to our creation of ranch salmon. Both of them asked for ranch to be spread on top of their salmon. When I gave them a couple choices for dinner the next night (not including this one) both kids begged for leftovers of this. Since it was so incredibly easy and the ingredients are few, I agreed and we had it again...with the same reaction.
Lemon Pasta and Salmon
1/2 pound penne pasta (I had to use at least 3/4 lb since it disappeared so fast!)
1 clove garlic, minced (I used more because we love garlic)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (4-ounce) pieces salmon
3 T cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 lemon, zested
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste and then pasta and cook. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. (I have said before, I hate washing lots of pots and pans, so I use the same pot to mix the pasta too). Add the garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss.
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Add fish to the pan and cook at least 10 minutes until the salmon has a thin crust and it cooked through. (I thought ten minutes cooked the salmon too much for us...I only cooked it 8 minutes the 2nd time at a slightly lower heat, and it was a little better. I will probably even cook it less the next time. I also don't like the blackened crust type foods, so I almost never cook meat at MH heat when the directions say. I just need the meat to be cooked through.) Remove the salmon from the heat.
Add the basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta mixture and toss to combine. (You may have to keep the pasta on a low heat setting if you want it to stay warm.) Set out 4 serving plates or shallow bowls. Place 1/2 cup spinach in each bowl. Top with 1/4 of the pasta. Top each mound of pasta with a piece of salmon. Enjoy!
**It was a little hard to control our unruly spinach leaves the 1st time. The 2nd time I warmed them (not cooked) and that made them a bit softer. I also added a little (barely anything, a few drips) balsamic vinaigrette which boosted the flavor of the spinach a lot.
Lemon Pasta and Salmon
1/2 pound penne pasta (I had to use at least 3/4 lb since it disappeared so fast!)
1 clove garlic, minced (I used more because we love garlic)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 (4-ounce) pieces salmon
3 T cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 lemon, zested
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add salt to taste and then pasta and cook. Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. (I have said before, I hate washing lots of pots and pans, so I use the same pot to mix the pasta too). Add the garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss.
Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Add fish to the pan and cook at least 10 minutes until the salmon has a thin crust and it cooked through. (I thought ten minutes cooked the salmon too much for us...I only cooked it 8 minutes the 2nd time at a slightly lower heat, and it was a little better. I will probably even cook it less the next time. I also don't like the blackened crust type foods, so I almost never cook meat at MH heat when the directions say. I just need the meat to be cooked through.) Remove the salmon from the heat.
Add the basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the pasta mixture and toss to combine. (You may have to keep the pasta on a low heat setting if you want it to stay warm.) Set out 4 serving plates or shallow bowls. Place 1/2 cup spinach in each bowl. Top with 1/4 of the pasta. Top each mound of pasta with a piece of salmon. Enjoy!
**It was a little hard to control our unruly spinach leaves the 1st time. The 2nd time I warmed them (not cooked) and that made them a bit softer. I also added a little (barely anything, a few drips) balsamic vinaigrette which boosted the flavor of the spinach a lot.
Camp Sausage Casserole
This week's recipe theme has been courtesy of my friend, Fawn, in Phoenix. She has a recipe blog and the food always looks so yummy (hence the name yummietummies =) so I decided to just take a week and try a bunch of them. She has two children also, so the recipes were very kid friendly. It is unusual for my kids to eat all their dinner, and especially unusual if it is for more than one night in a row. Lucky for me, the kids have loved all the food so far and have eaten their dinner every night! This has made dinner time much less stressful =)
The recipe that I have enjoyed the most so far was the "Girls Camp Sausage". I believe she said the name came from her Girl Scout days when she had to throw together a dinner with certain ingredients. I give it an A+ and so do the kids. It is incredibly simple and very delicious.
Camp Sausage Casserole (I have changed the name a bit since I didn't get it from Girl Scouts =) I can hear my mom saying now, Laura, I used to make this all the time...)
1 Polska Kielbasa, sliced into pieces
4 large red potatoes
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1/2 bag of carrots (the little dipping kind) **
salt & pepper
Add all ingredients in casserole dish and cover....Cook at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until carrots & potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
I cooked this for the said amount of time and the potatoes and carrots esp. were still crunchy. I wound up microwaving it for 7 or 8 minutes afterwards. It could have just been my crappy oven. So test it before you serve it at the table. I may try slicing carrots next time to see if it helps any, although I do love the laziness of dumping the bag of carrots.
Anyway, this is really delicious, I had forgotten how much I loved sausage. The sauce this makes in the bottom of the pan is like liquid heaven =) Maybe not that great, but really delicious!
The recipe that I have enjoyed the most so far was the "Girls Camp Sausage". I believe she said the name came from her Girl Scout days when she had to throw together a dinner with certain ingredients. I give it an A+ and so do the kids. It is incredibly simple and very delicious.
Camp Sausage Casserole (I have changed the name a bit since I didn't get it from Girl Scouts =) I can hear my mom saying now, Laura, I used to make this all the time...)
1 Polska Kielbasa, sliced into pieces
4 large red potatoes
1/2 sweet onion, diced
1/2 bag of carrots (the little dipping kind) **
salt & pepper
Add all ingredients in casserole dish and cover....Cook at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until carrots & potatoes can be easily pierced with a fork.
I cooked this for the said amount of time and the potatoes and carrots esp. were still crunchy. I wound up microwaving it for 7 or 8 minutes afterwards. It could have just been my crappy oven. So test it before you serve it at the table. I may try slicing carrots next time to see if it helps any, although I do love the laziness of dumping the bag of carrots.
Anyway, this is really delicious, I had forgotten how much I loved sausage. The sauce this makes in the bottom of the pan is like liquid heaven =) Maybe not that great, but really delicious!
Jumpin Snowy Jelly Beans
Heath was post call yesterday so after a nap we decided the kids needed to go somewhere and burn off energy. It was cold and cloudy out so we were looking for an indoor activity. We decided on a new place a friend of mine suggested called Jumpin Jelly Beans. It is an inflatable playground. We have been to a couple but the pictures of this one looked awesome. On the way to JJB everyone in the car was screeching excitedly at all the flurries of snowflakes we had in front of us. It is sad that we get so excited for flurries even though we know they will only be that. Haha, what can I say? We love snow! When we walked into the energy filled warehouse I noticed someone waving excitedly at me. It was my girlfriend who had the recommendation! What a great coincidence! We set the kids loose and I caught up with my friend for a bit as they were running around from bouncy thing to bouncy slide. This place is very unique in that the adults can jump too! After my friend left, I joined the kids running around from slide to obstacle course. It was great! They had a few large slides as high as the ceiling. It was fun climbing up with the kids and then squealing on the way down. They had some obstacle course inflatables that I would imagine are a lot easier for the kids to get through than for me. One of our favorites was the "Sports Zone" inflatable. It was a giant jumpy ring (MUCH bigger than our trampoline, probably as big as a small bedroom) that had giant boxing gloves in it. The kids thought it was so much fun being allowed to knock each other over. We ran around in circles and had elaborate falling down sessions, it was awesome! I want one of those...I don't need a living room, right?! It was a fun way to get rid of energy, I think we will definitely be back!
Jumpin Jelly Bean Pics
Playing with the huge gloves in the Sports Zone
Hailey swinging the glove around
I think she knocked herself down =)
This time she got Drew
Climbing to the top of the huge 40 ft slide
The end of the huge slide
Coming down the slide
Going through the obstacle course
Climbing up the slide
That was fun!
You should see the effort required to climb over these! (Drew would just crawl under)
Wheeee!
We broke the rules a little and came down together
Playing soccer
Some of the bouncy things
Hailey swinging the glove around
I think she knocked herself down =)
This time she got Drew
Climbing to the top of the huge 40 ft slide
The end of the huge slide
Coming down the slide
Going through the obstacle course
Climbing up the slide
That was fun!
You should see the effort required to climb over these! (Drew would just crawl under)
Wheeee!
We broke the rules a little and came down together
Playing soccer
Some of the bouncy things
Confusion
I guess there was some confusion about my appointment. I thought I had written about it before, but I guess not. We are not pregnant. We have been trying since this past May with a lot of ups and downs. We had three miscarriages last year while we were trying and one the year before when we were not. So that is four total since Drew was born. This, of course, is very unusual for someone who has had two healthy full term pregnancies and babies. Our last MC in November was at 8 weeks. We went to the ER that day and they saw a baby and a heartbeat on the ultrasound. Two days later we had a follow up and I had lost the baby just before I went in for the appointment. Once they see the baby on US, there is only a 15% chance you will MC, and I did.
So, now that the pregnancy hormones and everything are out of my system, we have started all kinds of testing. I am on antibiotics at the moment for the possibility of a low grade infection that is difficult to detect, tomorrow I go into the lab for them to drain half my blood, and next week I go in for some radiology studies to check for shape and size of things and to see if there is anything unusual. There is only a 50% chance that they will find anything, and I am not really hoping they will, but I am hoping that if there is something wrong with me they will find it.
That's about it. Hopefully all tests and results will be done quickly so we can get back to trying. I had a really hard time with it for a while, but I have come to terms with it. I have decided that since worrying and constantly thinking about it and being upset doesn't get me anywhere (at least anywhere good) that I just wasn't going to do it anymore. I have learned to put my trust in the Lord and know that He has a plan for us (above any plans I may have). Whether it be a physical reason or a timing thing, I am sure that if I do figure out the reason later, I will be glad how things worked out. So while my other two girlfriends who I was pregnant with are growing closer to their due dates with their 3rd babies, I am at peace knowing that my life is in good hands.
So, now that the pregnancy hormones and everything are out of my system, we have started all kinds of testing. I am on antibiotics at the moment for the possibility of a low grade infection that is difficult to detect, tomorrow I go into the lab for them to drain half my blood, and next week I go in for some radiology studies to check for shape and size of things and to see if there is anything unusual. There is only a 50% chance that they will find anything, and I am not really hoping they will, but I am hoping that if there is something wrong with me they will find it.
That's about it. Hopefully all tests and results will be done quickly so we can get back to trying. I had a really hard time with it for a while, but I have come to terms with it. I have decided that since worrying and constantly thinking about it and being upset doesn't get me anywhere (at least anywhere good) that I just wasn't going to do it anymore. I have learned to put my trust in the Lord and know that He has a plan for us (above any plans I may have). Whether it be a physical reason or a timing thing, I am sure that if I do figure out the reason later, I will be glad how things worked out. So while my other two girlfriends who I was pregnant with are growing closer to their due dates with their 3rd babies, I am at peace knowing that my life is in good hands.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Pictures will be added later...
Today was Drew’s 1st music class! He is about 5 months younger than Hailey was when she started, but he needs some outside learning and social interaction as well, so we figured it was time. He is in the same class with the same teacher that Hailey had when she was 3, Ms Virginia. She is such a fabulous teacher! She is very exciting and loving and really does catch and keep the kids’ attention. When class started at first, Drew was very wary of going and sitting with the other kids (all the moms sit along the wall), but Virginia asked Hailey to come and sit with them, so Drew quickly followed. Today they learned about quarter notes and then drew their own and played them on the keyboard, played scales (do re mi etc) on the keyboard, and played the instrument game (Ms V sits behind a board and plays the instruments and the kids guess what she is playing). They also danced using rhythm sticks to Beethoven’s 5th. They sang their presidents and states and capitals and also songs that we knew about the manatee, weedy sea dragon, and puffin. We also learned a new one about the lion fish.
Drew did pretty well considering it was his first class. He was no where near as outgoing as Hailey was…she left me for her first class and never looked back, I never had to coax her once! Drew will take a little more work, but he should get a lot of practice this “semester”. He is just a little more shy and wary, but on the good side…it doesn’t take much to get him to do something if he sees Hailey doing it. She runs around saying hi and talking to people, playing with other kids, and joining in on activities. He wouldn’t do these on his own, but if he sees Hailey doing it, he is right there with her. What a great influence she is!
The last few days haven’t been that exciting, other than the fact that it has been in the 60s! Today it is 30 degrees and we are expecting snow! I am very thankful for the nice weather. It gave us a chance to get outside and play comfortably for 3 days in a row. We are expecting similar weather this weekend, yay! It took a little time to warm up on Saturday, so we took the kids out mid afternoon. They got to play in the backyard for about an hour and a half. It was great for them! I think Heath and I spent most of the time cleaning up the yard and the toys, respectively. Sunday warmed up early, so we were out right after lunch (which is early for us =) Heath worked on the car a bit while the kids played out front and then we rode our bikes to the park and let them play on the playground until the sun went down. It was nice spending the whole afternoon outside minus the freezing fingers and toes and bulky jackets! I think everyone in this house is ready for spring! Since we don’t really get snow here, the cold weather just isn’t worth it. The only benefit is that it kills off the bugs! Yesterday Heath was at work, but I let the kids have two “recesses” to enjoy the last day of nice weather. Drew even got on his little trike for a while and was riding it back and forth across the street. He is a little slower with the bike thing than Hailey was, but I hope since she rides hers so much, he will catch on soon!
If you have noticed that we do a lot of things in the afternoon, it is because I decided (yes, I did it voluntarily) to stop putting Drew down for naps. I know, sounds crazy that I chose to stop his naps! We have been minus naps for about two weeks now. With the cold weather, there just wasn’t enough activity between the time Drew woke up from his nap (around 4) and the time he went to bed (about 8-8:30). So if he did nap, he wasn’t falling asleep till 9:30 or 10. I figured it would be more beneficial for him to get the sleep that he needed at night in one block instead of being selfish and taking nap time. It has worked out for the better, I don’t worry about doing things in the afternoon now and I am not constantly thinking about how we are missing naptime! He gets pretty cranky around 6, but at least he goes to bed on time. It doesn’t really make as much difference as it did when Hailey was little. Around this time I was at the end of my pg with Drew and wanted to nap too and then I had an infant so I wanted her to still nap. Now, I already have Hailey awake with me, what’s one more…that time isn’t used for “me time” anymore, so no big deal =) Ok, this is getting long and rambling. (This paragraph was mostly for me =)
My Tricia (yep, my Tricia =) and I talked yesterday and she gave me some news that I suppose put me in a reality check. We aren’t sure if this is completely accurate or not and are trying to find out, but apparently the Air Force has a new policy that states all graduating residents will be deployed within the first 7 months at their first duty station. I had tears in my eyes and my lip was quivering as she told me this and the anxiety only got worse through the evening as I realized all the things that would mean. Yes, I know we are military and deployment is always a possibility, but I never really thought it would happen. So, that means that he would be deployed some time this year! He would miss Christmas, birthdays, and numerous other holidays with us, he would miss at least 6 months of his kids growing up, he would either leave me behind with a brand new infant and miss the early months of that one or he would miss the birth experience entirely. I would be alone on a new base with most likely no support whatsoever (since all the places we applied for are nowhere near anyone we know) because we wouldn’t have been there long enough for me to form a close group of friends, and on and on.
I am not wallowing in self pity, I realize how many people deal with all of these issues every day, I am just very surprised. Sigh… It would be better for him to be deployed when the kids were older, it doesn’t seem like he would miss as much, maybe they don’t change quite as fast. Anyway, that’s what we’re thinking about. We are also, of course, very anxious to find out where we are moving (as is everyone else we know). Heath got an email saying that they can contact the board if they have not heard their new assignment by the end of April. UGH! I hope we don’t have to wait that long! What if we have to get passports or something?! I am hoping and praying for early March!!! I want to know!!! Well, I should end this, I can feel my blood pressure rising again (and it is hard to type this one handed while Drew is “doctoring” my arm =)
I should have more about classes and stuff later. Hailey and Drew both start gymnastics classes twice a week and art classes next week along with Drew’s music class and Hailey’s piano lesson (taught by yours truly =)
Oh yeah, one of Drew’s new favorite things to do is to rock out on the air guitar! It is hilarious!! He makes a weird face and this morning he even had a scary noise to go with it (it was more like yelling-kind of a hard rock noise, haha). He doesn’t just bust out either, he takes the time to pick up the "guitar" and put the strap around his neck before the jam begins, and then at the end, he takes the “guitar” off and puts it away! He sure knows how to crack me up! That is definitely some imagination there!
Drew also loves to cook in their little kitchen and he is ALWAYS making me tea and cake =) I am a spoiled mommy!
Drew did pretty well considering it was his first class. He was no where near as outgoing as Hailey was…she left me for her first class and never looked back, I never had to coax her once! Drew will take a little more work, but he should get a lot of practice this “semester”. He is just a little more shy and wary, but on the good side…it doesn’t take much to get him to do something if he sees Hailey doing it. She runs around saying hi and talking to people, playing with other kids, and joining in on activities. He wouldn’t do these on his own, but if he sees Hailey doing it, he is right there with her. What a great influence she is!
The last few days haven’t been that exciting, other than the fact that it has been in the 60s! Today it is 30 degrees and we are expecting snow! I am very thankful for the nice weather. It gave us a chance to get outside and play comfortably for 3 days in a row. We are expecting similar weather this weekend, yay! It took a little time to warm up on Saturday, so we took the kids out mid afternoon. They got to play in the backyard for about an hour and a half. It was great for them! I think Heath and I spent most of the time cleaning up the yard and the toys, respectively. Sunday warmed up early, so we were out right after lunch (which is early for us =) Heath worked on the car a bit while the kids played out front and then we rode our bikes to the park and let them play on the playground until the sun went down. It was nice spending the whole afternoon outside minus the freezing fingers and toes and bulky jackets! I think everyone in this house is ready for spring! Since we don’t really get snow here, the cold weather just isn’t worth it. The only benefit is that it kills off the bugs! Yesterday Heath was at work, but I let the kids have two “recesses” to enjoy the last day of nice weather. Drew even got on his little trike for a while and was riding it back and forth across the street. He is a little slower with the bike thing than Hailey was, but I hope since she rides hers so much, he will catch on soon!
If you have noticed that we do a lot of things in the afternoon, it is because I decided (yes, I did it voluntarily) to stop putting Drew down for naps. I know, sounds crazy that I chose to stop his naps! We have been minus naps for about two weeks now. With the cold weather, there just wasn’t enough activity between the time Drew woke up from his nap (around 4) and the time he went to bed (about 8-8:30). So if he did nap, he wasn’t falling asleep till 9:30 or 10. I figured it would be more beneficial for him to get the sleep that he needed at night in one block instead of being selfish and taking nap time. It has worked out for the better, I don’t worry about doing things in the afternoon now and I am not constantly thinking about how we are missing naptime! He gets pretty cranky around 6, but at least he goes to bed on time. It doesn’t really make as much difference as it did when Hailey was little. Around this time I was at the end of my pg with Drew and wanted to nap too and then I had an infant so I wanted her to still nap. Now, I already have Hailey awake with me, what’s one more…that time isn’t used for “me time” anymore, so no big deal =) Ok, this is getting long and rambling. (This paragraph was mostly for me =)
My Tricia (yep, my Tricia =) and I talked yesterday and she gave me some news that I suppose put me in a reality check. We aren’t sure if this is completely accurate or not and are trying to find out, but apparently the Air Force has a new policy that states all graduating residents will be deployed within the first 7 months at their first duty station. I had tears in my eyes and my lip was quivering as she told me this and the anxiety only got worse through the evening as I realized all the things that would mean. Yes, I know we are military and deployment is always a possibility, but I never really thought it would happen. So, that means that he would be deployed some time this year! He would miss Christmas, birthdays, and numerous other holidays with us, he would miss at least 6 months of his kids growing up, he would either leave me behind with a brand new infant and miss the early months of that one or he would miss the birth experience entirely. I would be alone on a new base with most likely no support whatsoever (since all the places we applied for are nowhere near anyone we know) because we wouldn’t have been there long enough for me to form a close group of friends, and on and on.
I am not wallowing in self pity, I realize how many people deal with all of these issues every day, I am just very surprised. Sigh… It would be better for him to be deployed when the kids were older, it doesn’t seem like he would miss as much, maybe they don’t change quite as fast. Anyway, that’s what we’re thinking about. We are also, of course, very anxious to find out where we are moving (as is everyone else we know). Heath got an email saying that they can contact the board if they have not heard their new assignment by the end of April. UGH! I hope we don’t have to wait that long! What if we have to get passports or something?! I am hoping and praying for early March!!! I want to know!!! Well, I should end this, I can feel my blood pressure rising again (and it is hard to type this one handed while Drew is “doctoring” my arm =)
I should have more about classes and stuff later. Hailey and Drew both start gymnastics classes twice a week and art classes next week along with Drew’s music class and Hailey’s piano lesson (taught by yours truly =)
Oh yeah, one of Drew’s new favorite things to do is to rock out on the air guitar! It is hilarious!! He makes a weird face and this morning he even had a scary noise to go with it (it was more like yelling-kind of a hard rock noise, haha). He doesn’t just bust out either, he takes the time to pick up the "guitar" and put the strap around his neck before the jam begins, and then at the end, he takes the “guitar” off and puts it away! He sure knows how to crack me up! That is definitely some imagination there!
Drew also loves to cook in their little kitchen and he is ALWAYS making me tea and cake =) I am a spoiled mommy!
Pictures Added Later
Drew watching Ms Virginia in music class
Drew sitting with Hailey and learning the word "vivace"
Drew cooking mommy some food
Heating up the microwave (I always think it's so cute when they press the buttons =)
Pouring mommy some tea
Now providing the entertainment...Drew rockin' out on his air guitar
Here's Drew rockin' out...
Random picture...Hailey decorating the #4 with paper clips
Drew sitting with Hailey and learning the word "vivace"
Drew cooking mommy some food
Heating up the microwave (I always think it's so cute when they press the buttons =)
Pouring mommy some tea
Now providing the entertainment...Drew rockin' out on his air guitar
Here's Drew rockin' out...
Random picture...Hailey decorating the #4 with paper clips
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)