What I learned today....

James E Nuckols

June 10, 1924-June 9, 2014

As a little girl I remember Grandpa was always reading or tinkering on the computer.  He was always learning something, reading a technical magazine or sharing a bit of knowledge that he picked up.  He enjoyed the more technical side of life, many things I didn't understand.

It seemed our usual conversation each time we would visit.  Grandpa would ask, "What did you learn in school?"  Since I was in school I always had a legitimate answer.  Grandpa asked me this question regularly and all the way through my nearly 4 years at college.  I can distinctly remember the summer I graduated from UC---visiting Grandpa he asked me the usual question, "what did you learn in school?"  I've always remembered that moment---even where I was sitting in Grandma and Grandpas living room.  For a moment, I didn't know what to say and was a little hurt because I wondered how could he forget that I had graduated college?!?  I said, "Grandpa, I've already graduated college."  He looked at me with a sheepish smile, an ability that all the Nuckols men have, and said, "I know, but we are all students of life.”  He paused for a moment and then said “What did you learn in school today?"  I smiled back and thought of something that I had learned. 

Every visit after that I was prepared and thought about something neat I had learned and added to my bank of knowledge.  I started asking him the same question and he always had something to share.  Now I wish I could have remembered the tidbits we exchanged.

It wasn't until a couple years ago that I realized the life long impact these 2 minute conversations.  I was driving home from work and the question popped into my head, “What did I learn today?”  We've not been able to have those conversations for quite some time now, but rarely a day goes by now that I don't look back at the end of the day and think, "what did I learn today?"  Some days I'm quite happy with how the day went and what I learned.  I learned how to sew a curtain, I learned how to fix a strand of Christmas lights. I learned how to read the bedtime story just right.  I learned sometimes all people need is a smile.  Other days, I look back and think, "Jenna, did you not learn anything?"---and I'm disappointed by the day that got away, a day I merely passed through.  A day that I would have no answer for Grandpa…

Maybe Grandpa didn't intend to but he's taught me a lifelong lesson of learning everyday.  He didn't just teach me one great principle, one great lesson or one great theory....he taught me to keep on learning every single day.  We are never too old, too young, too busy, too tired, too wrapped up in our own world that we can't learn something new.  So I ask you the same question, "what have you learned today?"

4 years ago....

I looked like this....It's so hard to believe that was 4 years ago!  (In my defense, those darn hospital gowns make everyone look HUGE--I was not THAT big!)  So excited and waiting to see how our lives were going to change.  Josh and I did not find out at the 20 week ultrasound if we would be having a boy or girl and we kept all of our name ideas a secret--there was so much excitement and anticipation---maybe a little pain too.

After a long, very long, and eventful day we met Rory for the first time.  Such a sweet little face.  He melted my heart then and he still does today.  

It's just unreal to me how fast, truly blazing fast, time has gone.  "They" said that it would-"they" said it happens in the blink of an eye, "they" said enjoy these times, "they" said these are the best days of your life.  "They" were right--

These times truly are going too fast and as much hard work as it is to train a child up it's also a lot of fun but I need the fun to slow down a little.  Geesh--so we celebrate and enjoy each moment-yes, even the rough ones!

We generally end each night with a song, prayer and then:

"Goodnight, Rory"

"Goodnight, Mommy"

"I love you, Rory"

"I love you, Mommy"

"You are my favorite Rory"

"You are my favorite Mommy"

Be still my heart-- I hope he still says that when he is 14, 24, and 34.  He will always be my favorite Rory.

I can't imagine what life would be like without Rory and I'm so excited and anxious to see what the future holds for our little guy. 

Here is a little peek at our fun filled day:

Rory specifically requested this cake over 6 months ago.  It had to be pink.  Pink.  Not sure how other Moms would take it but I found it hysterical for two different reasons.  First, if you've ever read the book, "The Jolly Barnyard" the farmers wife makes the farmer a big, pink cake at the end of the book.  I'm fairly certain this was the source of his inspiration BUT secondly, my grandfather, who Rory never met, always wanted pink icing on his cake.  I never knew why but he always wanted pink icing so my Mom or Aunts made it for him.  Maybe pink icing is in our genes?

Happy Birthday to my sweet, loving, life of the party, best cuddle buddy, TV loving, soccer playing, bike riding 4 year old!

"The days are long but the years are short"-- a very wise friend.

Being the "Hands and Feet" can be Uncomfortable....

Last November our church challenged us in a big way.  We were offered Challenge Cards--it was our choice to take one or not.  You didn't know what was on the card until you had one in hand--challenge accepted--no going back.  I knew the staff had prayed each person would receive a card for a reason.  So, Josh and I both took a card.

I feel like this one simple card changed my whole outlook--and it was Josh's card.  It required a team effort, which was also no coincidence.  Josh's challenge was to organize our Life Group to serve a meal to the homeless camps downtown.  This would be done through a non-profit that was already involved in the camps.  First, please don't read this and think, "wow--they are awesome for doing that" We are not even on the awesome scale.  Please think-"wow, GOD is awesome."  We wouldn't have gotten through this process without Him, others guiding us, and we have an amazing Life Group.

"How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" Psalm 47:2

The first part was just figuring out what to cook and how to feed 80+ people.  It's cold here, so we settled on bean soup, cornbread, fruit and cookies.   Our kitchen turned into a crock pot extravaganza and nearly 4 full days before going downtown we turned out kitchen into a bean soup factory.  Have you ever wondered what 80 (OK, only 78) corn bread muffins look like?

I used nearly every bowl I had to soak dry beans....and borrowed crock pots to keep them cooking.  For 24 solid hours we had bean soup cooking.  Thanks to our rotating schedules I'd get a batch started and Josh could finish it at night, start a new batch, which I could finish in the morning before work and switch things again over for him. 

I wish I had pictures of the assembly line that packed all the meals together.  So many hands working together--we had everything packaged in no time.  

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work."  Ecclesiastes 3:17

To serve the meals, we met the non-profit and a few other groups that came to help downtown.  From there we caravaned together to the camps.  The non-profit has a great relationship with most of the people who live in the camps so they were expecting us.  In some lots, we would pull up and no one was there---within minutes word was out that we were there--and it was busy.  The emergency shelters are closed now since it's officially spring--whether mother nature knows it or not, so this meant more campers.

At each stop we circled and prayed before distributing food or other necessities.  During one stop a camper wanted to pray--he had such a passionate, heartfelt prayer.  He had so little yet was so thankful.  

There was lots of bread--thank you to the bakery that donated literally laundry baskets full of bread.  

At our second stop, the campers allowed us to take a quick tour of the camp, if we wanted to.  I'm not sure what I expected but it wasn't this.  It was primitive and it reminded me of pictures I had seen in National Geographic of another country.  Yet, this was 50 yards off a road that I've driven many times before.

OK-so here is where it gets real--don't judge me.  I know about homeless camps--I know about human trafficking--I know about people who are hungry.  I've seen the banners, posters, given money and food to the cause many times, BUT this is the first time I had actually been there.  This is the first that I've seen it nearly in my BACKYARD--in MY city.  It was unsettling and uncomfortable.  Let me be clear--the people did not make me uncomfortable.  The fact that this is happening today, here, made me uncomfortable.  I can't think of too many times that I've felt uncomfortable.

I had been so worried about getting the food ready that I didn't take the time to think about what we were actually doing and where we were going.  I was more worried about how Josh would handle things.  Once we arrived, I didn't know what to say or what to do.  I stuck with my good friend from our group like we were attached at the hip.  It dawned on me very quickly that this didn't bother Josh in the way it did me.  There was also a paramedic in our group and when I asked them about it, they said it was because they see this every day.  It wasn't that they weren't bothered by what they saw--it just wasn't breaking news to them.  They easily slipped into professional mode and dealt with it.  

Someone had literally popped the bubble I had been living in.  

Suddenly, I was very much so out of my comfort zone and uncomfortable.  It was like my boots were stuck in the mud and my mouth was full of peanut butter.  I feel like half the time I just watched in shock and amazement.  The comment was made that this is what being the hands and feet of Jesus is--I sure didn't feel like either since I couldn't seem to get either to move.

"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body.  So it is with Christ...In fact, God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  If they were all one part, where would the body be?" 

1 Corinthians 12: 12, 18-20

I'm thankful the veteran volunteers knew exactly what to do and in some way expected shock and amazement from the newcomers.

At one point, the leaders noticed a potentially horrible situation.  For her safety, our group left quickly as she was being watched.  A few people went back to find her but she was gone--the man watching her was not.  It breaks my heart---I guess I come from a different mind set and background.  I didn't understand why she didn't hop in the back of the van, yelling for help.  We would have taken her far away to safety.  Why didn't she scream for help?  Why? Why? Why?  Why is this happening?  What is wrong with people?  How could you hurt another human like that?  

For now, I pray and hope maybe next time we can do more for her.

I am confident I was moved out of my comfort zone because it's where God wanted me on that day.  It's good to be out of our normal zone--there is so much to learn out there.  It was a Father's gentle nudge in an area I needed to see and be active in.

This day made me realize how incredibly cruel and hurtful humans are to each other.  Something I had now seen first hand, where before I merely only heard about.  But it also confirmed what I thought all along--People are still incredibly generous and loving towards others.

"Love your neighbor as yourself.  Love does no harm to its neighbor.  Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."  Romans 13:9b-10

Down on the Farm

We were able to spend a day with Josh's sister and her husband at their farm.  We went to celebrate birthdays since half of us (me, Becca and Steve) have our birthdays within a month.

It's quite a treat to spend the day together--although we all commented on how fast the day goes by.  If we were at work for the day, it wouldn't seem to go that fast!  The boys have fun playing and although they aren't old enough to play together, yet, that day is fast approaching.  I can't wait to see them running around together and having a great time.

This particular day Becca had a few special things lined up for us.  I go to her when I need to get my fill or being "country."  :)  They are dairy farmers and are able to pasteurize their own milk, which leaves her with a lot of cream.  So, we got our arm workout in and made butter--which also left quite a bit of buttermilk left.  As I type this I have a double patch of buttermilk pancakes to go in the freezer for Rory.  He loves pancakes!

Becca has a home pasteurizer so I was able to have a fresh glass of milk--it is whole milk, and it was SO delicious!!  I love milk though-yum!

Once fresh milk sits, cream rises to the top.  We had 4 pints of fresh cream.  You could either use the cream or "shake it down" into butter.  An electric churn took care of 3 of the pints while the rest of us took turns shaking the other pint.  I wanted to full experience!

Once that was done, we had butter and what was left is buttermilk.  Yum and double yum!

After that, this city girl got a lesson in gathering eggs.  It was an experience.  Rory wasn't afraid at all--he marched right in and said, "move chicks!"  I was a little more hesitant--I was pretty sure they were going to peck my hands or my eyeballs.  (Seen Alfred Hitchcook's Birds?)  I may have squealed a time or too but I got the job done.

You know spring is almost here when Becca starts talking baby chicks.  This is the first "flock" that I've seen come in.  Rory hopped right in there with her and was checking things out.  It's funny to me how he isn't afraid of much.

Now this size chicken is more my speed!  

Shortly after cuddling this little gal, she pooped on me so I went inside to play with Carl. :)  Fulfilling my auntly duties.  The boys stayed out longer to visit with Jimmy and Charlie.  Rory even helped clean out the stalls.  He's a good little worker!

It's back to the city for us for now but we always know where to go when we need some fresh air and good company!

Menu Plan thru March 15, 2014

I've been part time nearly a month now (and I love it!).  We've had to make a few changes to our lifestyle and one was not eating out quite as much.  It's tested my cooking abilities and savvy shopping.

I've been purchasing the "managers special" meat at our local market.  Sometimes it's half the price of meat and the sell by date is usually still a few days out.  I throw it in my freezer as soon as I get home and then plan the next week's meals off of that.  It also helps that we purchased 1/4 beef stocked in our freezer.  Even though it's a financial chunk up front overall it's much less expensive and the quality doesn't compare to grocery store beef.  I don't buy the beef at the store even if it is on "managers special"!  In the next month or so we are purchasing 1/2 pork.  I don't cook a whole lot with pork, although I do love bacon!  So, this will be stretching my comfort level even more to find out what I can do with those cuts of meat.

I've also noticed that the past 2 weeks I've had at least 2 carry over meals.  With their being only 3 of us, and one of us only eats half portions, we generally have quite a bit of leftovers.  Some nights I skip cooking (yes!) and we have a leftover buffet.

Ok, so onto the plan!

Monday: B-french toast, blueberries
               L-leftover country fried steak, green beans
               S-yogurt
               D-Shepherd's Pie

Tuesday: B-pancakes from freeze, strawberries
               L-leftover shepherd's pie
               S-apple slices
               D-ham & bean soup (carryover from last week)

Wednesday: B-monkey bread
                    L-Mom & Rory out while Dad is at work
                    S-granola bar
                    D-Skyline!!

Thursday: B-toast and bananas
                 L-leftover soup and grilled cheese sandwiches
                 S-fruit
                 D-Lasagna D'Italia with garlic bread

Friday: B-scrambled eggs and pancakes from freezer
            L-leftover lasagna
            S-graham crackers with peanut butter
            D-Cincinnati Chili

Saturday: B-cereal & milk
                L-out after seeing Sesame Street Live!  (more about that later)
               S-crackers or raisins
               D-pulled BBQ chicken with soda bread (carryover from last week)

Sunday: B-granola bar
              L-leftovers
              S & D-hodge podge

I link up to Organizational Junkie for menu sharing ideas.

Happy Cooking!

Menu Plan thru March 9, 2014

I'm now 4 weeks into being part-time and I feel like I am finally getting the hang of planning for all meals.  I have a much greater respect for women 100+ years ago who did this without the help of the Internet!

Monday: B-bagels with peanut butter
               L-leftover pasta with zucchini and alfredo sauce
               S-yogurt
               D-soft tacos
Tuesday: B-cinnamon toast with yogurt
               L-leftover tacos or Banana Burritos
               S-green peppers with ranch
               D-homemade chicken tenders, home fries and orange slices
Wednesday: B-waffles with fresh blueberries
               L-mac-n-cheese (with pureed carrots hidden inside)
               S-graham crackers with peanut butter
               D-Open Face Lone Star Burgers (carryover)
Thursday: B-Pumpkin Muffins (sub the zucchini for 15 oz can of pumpkin)
               L-leftover burgers
               S-fruit or granola bar
               D-Tater Tot Casserole (I half this recipe)
Friday: B-cereal with milk
               L-leftover casserole
               S-cheddar bunnies
               D-ham & bean soup with corn bread
Saturday: B-scrambled eggs and pumpkin muffins
               L-pulled bbq chicken
               S-fruit or yogurt
               D-Chicken Carbonara Risotto (one of my favs!!)
Sunday: B-granola bars
              L-out
              S & D--snacks or leftovers

What I know 30 years later...

There were many things that have stressed me out about this birthday.  And stressed probably isn't the correct word anyway because it is what it is and I'm OK with that.  I felt like I'd be wearing a banner around that announced my graduation to the next age bracket. Maybe because it's a huge leap from being a young adult to just an adult.  It could have to do with the fact that when I fill out surveys now, I'm no longer in the 20-29 range.  There is something about not being in my 20's anymore that makes me feel less youthful...and if I had any cool factor before I'm pretty sure it might be gone now.

I am by no means old (right?) but there are a few things I've noticed these past 30 years:

1. Some people don't make it to this mile-stone and I am ever so thankful that I have.  In my graduating class alone, sadly, there are too many that have not gotten to celebrate this day, or rather their day.

2.  This feels weird, but it is OK.  Sometimes when I hear people talk about college-agers or early 20-somethings I instantly think, "Oh, so they are about my age."  BUT, there is usually a big difference between someone who is 21 and 29+.  The difference is OK--it's just a difference, not good or bad.  I think so much can happen in those 10 years that can define and change each person.

3.  I am now just an adult.  Plain. Simple.  Adult.  Secretly, I hope and love when people call me a young lady, sweetheart, girl, or honey.  Some are offended by it but I see it as still being youthful.  When people start calling me ma'am--well, that is an entirely different mile-stone that shouldn't come for many, many, many years!

4.  I may be 30 (there I said it) but I will always be my Mom and Dad's little girl.  They text me often, check to see how I am, and after I drive to visit, well, they have my drive home timed...and my cell phone starts ringing the moment I pull off the highway ramp, "Just checking to make sure you made it home OK...."  It's good to be someones little girl.

5.  I've come to terms with the fact that I'll never be allowed to hold the communion tray at church by myself.  I'm not sure how it all started, probably people being helpful but it never fails--no matter who sits next to me, they hold on to it.  If I have a person on each side each one holds onto the tray until the person on my other side has a firm grip.  If I'm sitting by myself, the usher retains his grip.  I wonder if I  have the look that says, "yup, that girl is going to spill the grape juice everywhere."  For the record, I've never spilled any or dropped as much as one cracker.

6.  Drama--I didn't have time for it 10 years ago and I have even less now.  I'm not into drama, pot-stirring, digging things up or getting people going.  I just want everyone to be happy and loved.  Is that too much to ask?  Spending time with each other is just too important--it's important to encourage and lift-up, not tear down.

7.  This decade has brought on more personal confidence than I thought possible.  Some of this could be moving to an entirely different city and finding my way here but I'm doing things I wouldn't have pictured myself doing before, in high school, college or early adult.  A few months back I was on stage at our church talking...it was only 30 seconds but I still did it.  It took lots of prayer but not something I would have done 5 or even 10 years ago.  I've gone out of my way to talk to people I don't know, invite people for lunch to make new friends, and genuinely forge relationships with new people.  I think I've solidified more of who I am and who I want to be than any other time in my life.   I don't want to be scared of other people, meeting new friends or trying new things.   I don't want to have regrets and look back in 20 years and wish I wouldn't have been such a weenie about things.  Mostly, being moved out of my comfort zone was terrifying at first but I've learned once I'm out of "the safe zone"--well, it's kind of nice out here and I like it.

8.    The past couple years has brought on more confidence in mothering.  It's a hard job--and I feel like the first year, all people do is give you advice on what you should or should not do.  The only unsolicited advice I'll give new moms is, "People will give you all sorts of advice on what you should or should not do with your new baby, but God gave you this baby and he will also equip you to be a good mother.  Seek advice from only those you really trust."  I've honed in on my own mothering instinct and I follow that.  I've surrounded myself with Moms that have great advice and show what being a Godly mother looks like.  Whether you have 1 or 19 all mothers get stares and silent judgement but I've learned to ignore that.  I'm doing the job God trusted me to do and I'm doing the best I can.

9.  I'm certainly not where I thought I'd be--and thank God for that!!  If you had asked me as a senior in high school where I would be when I was 30 it would not be where I am at now.  I had big plans to move up the corporate ladder as an accountant, have an assistant, a nice little sports car with personalized tags, and a nice paycheck to go with it.  I envisioned myself traveling for my job and being "really important."  I was going to be that lady in the airport, catching a plane in a black suit and heels, carrying my designer bag and computer.  I'm really not any of that--I did graduate with a Bachelor's in Accounting and worked as an accountant for nearly 7 years but that is where the similarities end.  I push a stroller through the airport, wearing slip on crocs (they are very practical), carrying a book bag full of cheddar bunnies and fruit snacks.  I don't have an assistant, I am the assistant.   I drive a mini-van (which is a long story on its own).  I'm content with the paycheck I have.  I'm not important to hundreds of people at a corporation but I am important to a few people.  I'm important to God--and most importantly, I've learned to see my value and worth through Him.  He loves me no matter what I'm carrying at the airport, if have an assistant or I am the assistant.  He's not ashamed that I drive a mini-van.  He is proud of what I have accomplished, not of what I thought I could accomplish.  He values all 30 of my years and so do I.

So we are His portion and He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss and my heart turns violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way
That he loves us!

-John Mark McMillan

So today I did what any normal 30 year old would do--took my son to Chuck-e-Cheese!  Ha!  Rory could not understand why in the world we would not go there for my birthday.  He had a blast--and I've realized (we will make this #10) as a Mom I have more fun watching my family and others have fun than doing something just for me.  We had a blast and I wouldn't change one minute of it!

Menu Plan thru March 2, 2014

Our first week of menu planning for ALL meals went very well!  I discovered though, by the end of the week our fridge was packed with leftovers--some I'll have to freeze for later.  So, I need to space out some of my larger meals so we have enough time to eat everything up in between.  I hate wasting or throwing food away--I feel like I'm throwing my time and money right into the trash can.  And no one has time for that!

Monday B: Pancakes
              L:  Bagel pizzas
              S:  Grapes
              D: Blueberry waffles with turkey sausage

Tuesday  B: Cinnamon toast & bananas
                L: Grilled cheese sandwiches, apple slices & broccoli
                S: Green peppers & ranch
                D: Jet's Pizza

Wednesday B: Bagels with cream cheese
                    L: TBD
                    S: Graham crackers with peanut butter
                    D: TBD

Thursday B: Cinnamon Toast & bananas
                L: leftovers from Wednesday
                S: yogurt
                D: Lone Star Burgers, green peppers

Friday B: Cereal & Milk
           L: leftover burgers, pretzels
           S: apple slices
           D: Alfredo pasta with marinated chicken breasts and shredded zucchini

Saturday B: Blueberry muffins
               Rest of the day will be with family

Sunday B: Granola bars
             L: Country fried steak, green beans, corn muffins
             S & D: snacks or leftovers


I'm linking up to Organizational Junkie for more menu planning ideas.

Happy Cooking!

He is a bit like his Mama....

Oh my son---his imagination can get him into trouble.  He is always turning a chair, box, kitchen stool or bench into some sort of adventure.  Typically, it's an airplane, train or wagon to drive horses.  This particular time it was a rocket ship.  We were getting ready to walk out the door when I hear, "I'm stuck!"  

I'm flashing back 27 years ago to Sawyer Point in Cincinnati.  Our extended family was looking at the Ohio river and I couldn't see over the railing--so I did what any 3 year old would do.  I forced my head through the rails and voila--I had a great view of the river!  I can still remember the view but I don't remember much after that, other than crying.  I must have blocked out the traumatic event.  Somehow, my parents pushed my head back through the rails.  I lived another day to tell and I'm sure got into more shenanigans.

I have no idea how Rory got his head stuck in this chair.  Logically, it looks like there is no way for his head to fit through.   I didn't really even try pushing it back through.  Above, I'm just cupping his little face trying to get him calmed down because he was going into a full on panic.   I had Josh take a few pictures because 1-I knew he wasn't in grave danger so it was a little but comical and 2-someday when his son or daughter sticks his head through something and gets stuck he will have this little memory to look back on.  I'm a good Mom like that...

In the end, I pulled his body up through the chair--he had to suck his little tummy in and curve his legs but he made it out unscathed.  He will live another day and I'm sure will get into many more shenanigans.

Menu Plan thru February 24, 2014

We've had a bit of life change that is going to alter how I menu plan.  Last week, I started part-time at my job--it is something I've been wanting for awhile now and I'm really excited about it!  This will be Rory and Josh's first week at home together every morning and afternoon so the boys are in charge of breakfast and lunch--which really means I need to plan for it.

I'm hoping to get the hang of it a little better because this first try at it took me a very long time.  The boys will probably change things around as we get the hang of this and that is fine.  Sometimes you just aren't in the mood for what is planned and that is OK.  I'm banking quite a bit on leftovers so this week will be a good test of how many leftovers we will actually have.

So, here is my first week of planning every meal:

Monday: Breakfast-cereal with milk and bananas

               Lunch-out at CFA after music class

               Snack-graham crackers with peanut butter

               Dinner-Spaghetti & garlic bread

Tuesday: Breakfast-cinnamon toast and apple slices

               Lunch-Annie's mac-n-cheese with orange slices

               Snack-yogurt

               Dinner-Mexican Beef and Bean Casserole

Wednesday: Breakfast-Pancakes, turkey sausage and oranges

               Lunch-Homemade chicken nuggets, baked fries and apple slices

               Snack-raisins

               Dinner-Ham, green bean and potato soup with corn muffins

Thursday: Breakfast-French Toast Muffins

               Lunch-leftover ham & green bean soup

               Snack-green peppers with ranch dressing

               Dinner-Lone Star Burgers

Friday: Breakfast-bagels

            Lunch-leftover burgers

            Snack-granola bar

            Dinner-leftover buffet

Saturday: Breakfast-Cinnamon Caramel Monkey Bread (it's a mix)

            Lunch-leftover buffet

            Snack-yogurt

            Dinner-egg & cheese on toasted bagels with turkey sausage

Sunday: Breakfast-granola bar or muffin

            Lunch-out

            Snack & dinner--cereal, crackers, leftovers

I'm linking up to Organizational Junkie for more menu planning ideas!

Happy Cooking!

February: Disney on Ice

It's been one of my goals this year to be more purposeful about doing things as a family.  We so easily get caught up in the day-to-day hum-drum of life and all things that must be accomplished that we forget to have fun!

I hadn't planned this one really and it wasn't on my idea list but....driving home from work Disney on Ice "Princesses and Heroes" was advertised on a Billboard.  My first thought was the tickets were probably outrageously high and Rory might be too young.  BUT....I do love Disney and all of the magicalness so I contact my friend Stephanie to get the scoop.  She is also a lover of Disney and had just taken her son who is a few years older than Rory.  She assured me we would have a blast--and we did!!  

I didn't tell Rory what we were doing until that day--I thought he might ask a million questions but shockingly he seemed very reserved about the entire thing.  Most likely, he just didn't understand what we were doing.

I had prepaid for parking when I ordered our tickets (which weren't that bad for a family of 3)-this was our first time in the Arena District and we had ended up at at 2 other parking garages before we finally found the right one.  Secretly, in that moment, I was aching for Cincinnati--I always know where to park down there.  Nonetheless, now I know a little more about Columbus--and that I need to budget extra time to find the right garage!

Our pics aren't that great--all we had was our cell phones.  After packing all sorts of goodies in my bag I didn't have room for the camera.

Since Josh isn't into Disney and Rory didn't know what was going on, I was easily the most excited in our little group!!  The show started with Mickey and Minnie coming out--I didn't expect them to be there--Rory was so happy!  It was so wonderful to see his face and hear how excited everyone was that I cried.  I couldn't help it--I'm probably the only Mom that cries at Disney on Ice but I was so happy that everyone else was happy!

It was all done up in true Disney magic and was a wonderful evening!   Next year, Broadway's The Lion King is coming to Cincinnati and we will be checking that out.  Now that I know Rory can sit through 90 minutes of ice skating I think he would LOVE to see an onstage production!

DONE with Winter!

I'd like to say that winter has gotten the better of us.  We, along with thousands of others in the Mid-West, are just D.O.N.E with the nonsense of snow upon snow, accompanied by the bitter cold. I cannot remember a more harsh winter.  Typically, we hover in the 30's and occasionally drop as low as the teens but this year we've seen temps hit -30 and have stayed almost constantly in the low teens.  One day last week it warmed up in the mid 30's and it honestly felt warm enough to break out the flip flops!

One the few rare days that is has been "warm" enough to go outside without your eyebrows freezing, we've bundled up and headed out.  My Dad brought up a couple old plastic sleds that I used when I was little, so we carted Rory to the park.

There is one hill on the farthest end of the park and it's just the right size for young kids to sled.  It was the first time Rory has gone sled riding and it was hilarious!  I thought he might be scared or nervous but he would giggle and laugh going down the hill--I couldn't help but laugh myself and at how much fun he was having.

How can you not have fun being pulled back up the hill like this?

We had so much fun that Rory and I took Daddy and Jessie back on Thursday.  I found out at work I had some personal time that was either use it or lose it, and I'm a use it kind of gal.   Hooray for 4 day weekends and having the hill at the park all to ourselves!!  It was a bit harder this time because it had snowed again and there was a layer of ice on the very top of the snow.  It was VERY hard to walk in but excellent for sled riding because the layer of ice made the sled go that much faster.  A couple times, if I ran fast enough pulling Rory and gave him a good fling with the rope he could slide on the flat ground--all because of the ice!  

The dog seemed a little less than impressed but did I mention how hard it was to walk in the snow/ice mixture?  My legs are still a little sore and my arms are sore from pulling the sled!  An hour out meant good naps for EVERYONE that afternoon!  : )

Although we had a blast, spring feels like light years away.  It can't come soon enough for us!