Thursday, August 4
First Harvest
This photo was actually taken earlier in the week, but I've joined ranks with the rest of them (and just barely!)....
Monday, August 1
And Somehow I Lived to Tell About It: The Final Chapter
Read Part I here.
Read Part II here.
As I said previously, I took every opportunity on our trip to take family pictures. You see, this was the most recent family picture that we had:
This was from Christmas 2004. We have had a few more additions since then!
My in-laws have a really cool old barn on their property so we took advantage of it and the natural light outside for an impromptu photo shoot of the entire family. Aside from my glowing shirt (note to self: don't wear white next time) and two littles that didn't look at the camera, I'd say we have a keeper!
We had a family picnic at the park on our last night there and Peanut's Grandma bought all the girls matching outfits so we snuck in a few more [posed] photos....but good thing, because I didn't seem to get any of all four of them together prior to that!
Daddy also played a game of catch with his brother and then Peanut decided to join in the fun as well. Notice the tongue biting once again. Some things never change.
One last pic with the Grandma and Grandpa and the trip was nearly over.
However, we had the final day of air plane rides to conquer first. And it was the biggest feat too, because between our two flights we had nearly a FOUR hour layover. With a two and half year old. The first leg of the trip went fine (well, except for going through security again, which was traumatic once again. Plus, a careless Mommy left some of the luggage stacked very poorly [read: top heavy], which fell on top of one little Peanut. Peanut escaped with two small minor bruises, but I still felt absolutely terrible!).
We got to the airport in which we had our layover and took potty breaks, found a table that was big enough for us and all our belongings, paid a ridiculous price for lunch, ate said lunch and then we still had about three hours and 15 minutes to kill before our final flight. So Hubs took the first trip taking Peanut, who was taking Dolly for a walk with the stroller.
They were gone for about 10 minutes.
I was up next to entertain the Peanut while Hubs camped out with the luggage. I took Peanut for a walk around the opposite wing of the airport and Peanut and I came across the most wonderful site to see.
A play land for children just Peanut's size.
Peanut was so excited and asked immediately if we could go in there. I said sure, but immediately thought to go round up Hubs and all our stuff, otherwise I knew I wouldn't be able to tear her away.
Bless the airportdesigners architects who thought to include this.
And really, this shows how much I have learned to let go. This is coming from a self proclaimed germophobic mom. The children were required to take their shoes off in the play land, people.
And I still let her play. Yes, I still wiped her down fully with wipes and disinfectant when we were done, but 18 months ago, I would have never even let her set foot in there.
Baby steps.
So she played to her little heart's content and Hubs snuck off to get us some coffee. We proceeded to sip on coffee while watching Peanut play and before we knew it, it was time for our final flight.
I got off easy with the three prior flights, as Hubs sat next to Peanut each time. However with the final flight, it was my turn. But he had already broke her in and the excitement of the past six days was catching up quickly with our little girl.
And she was out before our flight even left the ground.
Read Part II here.
As I said previously, I took every opportunity on our trip to take family pictures. You see, this was the most recent family picture that we had:
This was from Christmas 2004. We have had a few more additions since then!
My in-laws have a really cool old barn on their property so we took advantage of it and the natural light outside for an impromptu photo shoot of the entire family. Aside from my glowing shirt (note to self: don't wear white next time) and two littles that didn't look at the camera, I'd say we have a keeper!
We had a family picnic at the park on our last night there and Peanut's Grandma bought all the girls matching outfits so we snuck in a few more [posed] photos....but good thing, because I didn't seem to get any of all four of them together prior to that!
Daddy also played a game of catch with his brother and then Peanut decided to join in the fun as well. Notice the tongue biting once again. Some things never change.
One last pic with the Grandma and Grandpa and the trip was nearly over.
However, we had the final day of air plane rides to conquer first. And it was the biggest feat too, because between our two flights we had nearly a FOUR hour layover. With a two and half year old. The first leg of the trip went fine (well, except for going through security again, which was traumatic once again. Plus, a careless Mommy left some of the luggage stacked very poorly [read: top heavy], which fell on top of one little Peanut. Peanut escaped with two small minor bruises, but I still felt absolutely terrible!).
We got to the airport in which we had our layover and took potty breaks, found a table that was big enough for us and all our belongings, paid a ridiculous price for lunch, ate said lunch and then we still had about three hours and 15 minutes to kill before our final flight. So Hubs took the first trip taking Peanut, who was taking Dolly for a walk with the stroller.
They were gone for about 10 minutes.
I was up next to entertain the Peanut while Hubs camped out with the luggage. I took Peanut for a walk around the opposite wing of the airport and Peanut and I came across the most wonderful site to see.
A play land for children just Peanut's size.
Peanut was so excited and asked immediately if we could go in there. I said sure, but immediately thought to go round up Hubs and all our stuff, otherwise I knew I wouldn't be able to tear her away.
Bless the airport
And really, this shows how much I have learned to let go. This is coming from a self proclaimed germophobic mom. The children were required to take their shoes off in the play land, people.
And I still let her play. Yes, I still wiped her down fully with wipes and disinfectant when we were done, but 18 months ago, I would have never even let her set foot in there.
Baby steps.
So she played to her little heart's content and Hubs snuck off to get us some coffee. We proceeded to sip on coffee while watching Peanut play and before we knew it, it was time for our final flight.
I got off easy with the three prior flights, as Hubs sat next to Peanut each time. However with the final flight, it was my turn. But he had already broke her in and the excitement of the past six days was catching up quickly with our little girl.
And she was out before our flight even left the ground.
A very special thank you to Hubs' Mom & Dad, along with his brother, for a wonderful family vacation.
We love you guys!
Italian Sausage Pizza
If you have been reading this blog for awhile, you may already know that I always make our pizza at home. From scratch--for the most part. I don't cure my own pepperoni nor do I slaughter a hog out back for the Canadian Bacon, BUT I do make the crust and sauce from scratch. No Boboli or jarred pizza sauce for us! This merely started as a financial need, but now that I am more food conscious, it helps in that department as well.
While I try to avoid processed foods, pizza night always got the best of me. It's pretty hard to find meat toppings for pizza (pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, sausage, etc.) that don't have a bunch of additives or chemicals in them, not to mention finding ones that fit our budget. And while knowing how the animal was raised is very important, my main concern (at this stage) was finding toppings that don't have HFCS or nitrates/nitrites. I am all about organic and minimally processed, but it also has to be within reason--we don't have a limitless budget! Can I hear an amen?
In addition, I've looked for organic meat toppings and come up empty handed each time. I can't find any here to even try to price compare. But then I had an epiphany one day. Jackie, think outside the prepared meats section at the grocery store.
What about sausages from the meat department? More and more sausage manufacturers are no longer using nitrates/nitrites in making their sausages. I have found several that make a good Italian style sausage that list only recognizable ingredients. No HFCS. No MSG. No nitrates/nitrites. For us, those are all definitely steps in the right direction.
And Hubs? Well, he has found his new favorite pizza! He's quite smitten with big ol' sausage hunks on his pizza. And so is the Peanut. She rolls her eyes, smiles and says, "Sausage.....mmmmmmmm!"
My thoughts exactly.
Italian Sausage Pizza
Pizza crust
Pizza sauce (this makes enough for more than one pizza--I just freeze the leftovers for next time)
1 pound Italian sausages (casings removed and sliced into bite sized chunks)
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Olives, sliced
Mushrooms, sliced
Green peppers, diced
Green onions, diced
Additional toppings, if desired
In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown sausage pieces then turn heat down to medium low to allow the pieces to cook through without burning. This will take 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of sausage pieces.
While sausage is cooking, press pizza dough onto a pizza pan or stone. Spread sauce on evenly and cover with cheeses. Layer additional toppings as desired and top with cooked sausage and final dusting of cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until pizza is cooked in middle.
This recipe is linked to:
Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen (Friday Potluck will be hosted at girlichef for the month of July)
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at A Moderate Life
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday
While I try to avoid processed foods, pizza night always got the best of me. It's pretty hard to find meat toppings for pizza (pepperoni, Canadian Bacon, sausage, etc.) that don't have a bunch of additives or chemicals in them, not to mention finding ones that fit our budget. And while knowing how the animal was raised is very important, my main concern (at this stage) was finding toppings that don't have HFCS or nitrates/nitrites. I am all about organic and minimally processed, but it also has to be within reason--we don't have a limitless budget! Can I hear an amen?
In addition, I've looked for organic meat toppings and come up empty handed each time. I can't find any here to even try to price compare. But then I had an epiphany one day. Jackie, think outside the prepared meats section at the grocery store.
What about sausages from the meat department? More and more sausage manufacturers are no longer using nitrates/nitrites in making their sausages. I have found several that make a good Italian style sausage that list only recognizable ingredients. No HFCS. No MSG. No nitrates/nitrites. For us, those are all definitely steps in the right direction.
And Hubs? Well, he has found his new favorite pizza! He's quite smitten with big ol' sausage hunks on his pizza. And so is the Peanut. She rolls her eyes, smiles and says, "Sausage.....mmmmmmmm!"
My thoughts exactly.
Italian Sausage Pizza
Pizza crust
Pizza sauce (this makes enough for more than one pizza--I just freeze the leftovers for next time)
1 pound Italian sausages (casings removed and sliced into bite sized chunks)
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Olives, sliced
Mushrooms, sliced
Green peppers, diced
Green onions, diced
Additional toppings, if desired
In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown sausage pieces then turn heat down to medium low to allow the pieces to cook through without burning. This will take 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of sausage pieces.
While sausage is cooking, press pizza dough onto a pizza pan or stone. Spread sauce on evenly and cover with cheeses. Layer additional toppings as desired and top with cooked sausage and final dusting of cheese. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes or until pizza is cooked in middle.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Beauty and Bedlam's Tasty Tuesday
Blessed With Grace Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Designs By Gollum Foodie Friday
Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap
Friday Potluck at EKat's Kitchen (Friday Potluck will be hosted at girlichef for the month of July)
Hearth 'n Soul Recipe Swap at A Moderate Life
La Bella Vita's Fresh Clean and Pure Friday
Miz Helen's Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday
Sunday, July 31
And Somehow I Lived to Tell About It: Part II
Read Part I here.
Before we went and visited my brother-in-law's station that first day, I also took the opportunity to snap some more family shots and guided my mother-in-law in snapping a photo with me in it. Remember, it's all about being down at the level of the person/people you are shooting. Don't take the photo from your level, take it from the subject's level. ;) And they turned out very well--thanks, D!
During the first few days we were down there, we packed in the fire station visits and we were also able to see Hubs' brother play in both of his baseball leagues. At one of his games, the announcer would play sound effects and small bits of music between the pitches and plays. Peanut's response to the music? "I must dance." Literally--she said that each time as she bounded off the bleachers to shake her little tail feather.
We arrived several days before Hub's sister and her family arrived. We were so happy to see them when they got there and we got to see this little guy for the first time in over six months. Last time we saw him he was just a sleepy little love and now he is mobile and trying to keep up with his sisters.
Speaking of sisters, our oldest niece celebrated a birthday while we were there.....it's hard to believe she is seven years old. She was in our wedding you know....by way of mommy. Hub's sister was preggers with her as a bridesmaid in our wedding.
Peanut's uncle also surprised his nieces and nephew with special treats from Disneyland from his visit a few months back. Peanut was quite excited as she is quite the fan of Minnie.
We (Hubs and I) even squeezed in a couple of date nights with his sister and brother-in-law.....one being at In-N-Out after a shopping excursion to Target. What can I say? I'm a cheap date!
We also were able to take the Peanut on her first adventure to the coast. Although we live just hours away from the beach in HomeTown, SmallTown is a bit further and we just haven't taken the time to show her the beach, so this was a perfect opportunity. It was a little cold that day because of the wind, but all in all a beautiful day at the beach.
Peanut LOVED the ocean. If she had had her choice, Peanut would have been waste high in the water like one of her cousins! Although a nice day, it was still a little to cold for that and Daddy kept her at close range. She had a great time and although she was so very clearly exhausted when we left, she still managed to stay awake until we were about three miles from home.
Yes, our girl is still the avid toe walker. Sand isn't easy to walk in, but she insists on pushing herself and she ups the calorie burning by walking on her toes. Her little calves are like rocks. I guess it's all about the opportunities.
But she didn't get that from me.
I detest perspiring.
I seriously didn't intend to make this a three part post, but alas it will be. I have quite a few pictures left and dinner to cook and laundry to do and the house to clean, so hopefully the rest will be up later tomorrow.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!
*****
Read Part III: The Final Chapter here.
Before we went and visited my brother-in-law's station that first day, I also took the opportunity to snap some more family shots and guided my mother-in-law in snapping a photo with me in it. Remember, it's all about being down at the level of the person/people you are shooting. Don't take the photo from your level, take it from the subject's level. ;) And they turned out very well--thanks, D!
During the first few days we were down there, we packed in the fire station visits and we were also able to see Hubs' brother play in both of his baseball leagues. At one of his games, the announcer would play sound effects and small bits of music between the pitches and plays. Peanut's response to the music? "I must dance." Literally--she said that each time as she bounded off the bleachers to shake her little tail feather.
We arrived several days before Hub's sister and her family arrived. We were so happy to see them when they got there and we got to see this little guy for the first time in over six months. Last time we saw him he was just a sleepy little love and now he is mobile and trying to keep up with his sisters.
Speaking of sisters, our oldest niece celebrated a birthday while we were there.....it's hard to believe she is seven years old. She was in our wedding you know....by way of mommy. Hub's sister was preggers with her as a bridesmaid in our wedding.
Peanut's uncle also surprised his nieces and nephew with special treats from Disneyland from his visit a few months back. Peanut was quite excited as she is quite the fan of Minnie.
We (Hubs and I) even squeezed in a couple of date nights with his sister and brother-in-law.....one being at In-N-Out after a shopping excursion to Target. What can I say? I'm a cheap date!
We also were able to take the Peanut on her first adventure to the coast. Although we live just hours away from the beach in HomeTown, SmallTown is a bit further and we just haven't taken the time to show her the beach, so this was a perfect opportunity. It was a little cold that day because of the wind, but all in all a beautiful day at the beach.
Peanut LOVED the ocean. If she had had her choice, Peanut would have been waste high in the water like one of her cousins! Although a nice day, it was still a little to cold for that and Daddy kept her at close range. She had a great time and although she was so very clearly exhausted when we left, she still managed to stay awake until we were about three miles from home.
Yes, our girl is still the avid toe walker. Sand isn't easy to walk in, but she insists on pushing herself and she ups the calorie burning by walking on her toes. Her little calves are like rocks. I guess it's all about the opportunities.
But she didn't get that from me.
I detest perspiring.
I seriously didn't intend to make this a three part post, but alas it will be. I have quite a few pictures left and dinner to cook and laundry to do and the house to clean, so hopefully the rest will be up later tomorrow.
Hope you all enjoy the rest of your weekend!
*****
Read Part III: The Final Chapter here.
Menu Plan Monday
Settling back in again after getting home from our trip. And now that we are home, this means I have one month to get everything done for Peanut's birthday celebration so I better cracking! It's also going to be hot all week, so I am avoiding the oven as much as possible. So my not so original week of dinners will include:
Sunday-Taco salad with taco meat, black beans, cheese, sour cream, salsa, green onions
Monday-BLT sandwiches and green salad with ranch dressing
Tuesday-Steak with Aqua Negra Marinade, baked potatoes, green salad
Wednesday-Grilled hamburgers, oven fries, green salad
Thursday-Quesadillas and Spanish rice
Friday-Spanakopizza
Saturday-Leftovers
For other great menu ideas, visit the Organizing Junkie.
Saturday, July 30
And Somehow I Lived to Tell About It: Part I
I was pretty anxious about our trip to visit the Hubs' family. Not the visiting his family part, but the traveling with the Peanut on her first plane ride part. I was all kinds of anxious for that. First, I am not that comfortable of a flyer as it is. And the older I get, the more nervous it makes me. Strange, I know. But I think I've figured out why......it's because I am a control freak.....and I don't have any control when flying. It stresses me out to no end and I can't stand that about myself. Combine that with the fact that I don't want my Peanut to be that way and not knowing how she was going to react to flying in general, well, you get the idea. I was anxious, anxious, anxious...
We don't have a portable DVD player (as was a suggested distraction by many different people) but we did go to the dollar store and I picked out a few new little things for her for the plane ride. They were brand new for her on the flight, as she didn't get to play with them until we were traveling. And you know what? She's quite the little traveler, our little Peanut. She did absolutely fine. Between the excitement of flying, air plane snacks, the seat belt/air mask instruction manuals stashed in the seat in front of her--flying was an absolute breeze.
Peanut thought Dolly should be able to listen to the music too.
Thehardest most traumatic part? Going through security. Who knew? When I had to take off her shoes and put them in the bin to go through the metal detector, she was so concerned. She wanted to have her shoes back on and having to follow me through the metal detector without her shoes on? Well, that was just about her undoing. Thankfully the TSA agents were all very understanding and patient with our little Peanut.
We also met some of the nicest people during our flights. To avoid the extra luggage fees, we chose not to check any luggage. Ahem. So having three small suitcases, three carry-on pieces and a car seat and a stroller makes for quite a challenge in trying to wrangle all of our belongings and keep a very close eye on a very busy two and half year old. A gentleman we met in the airport was so kind and helped us carry our things on and off the plane. And both of the ladies I sat next to on the flights were so sweet and understanding about all my knee jerk reactions in grabbing the armrest each and every time we encountered the smallest amount of turbulence. We also met a nice mom and daughter during our layover en-route and they were friendly and kind to us and our Peanut as well. I was so thankful for each of every one of them.
The layover we had on the way there had Hubs guiding Peanut as she insisted on driving her doll, Dolly, around in the stroller while I camped out with all of our things. Fun times. The layover was only about an hour, so after potty breaks and more snacks, it wasn't unbearable at all. And you know what? I survived. I didn't think I would, but I did!
When we arrived, Hubs' parents first order of business was to take us to In -N-Out Burger. YUM! It was absolutely amazing as it always is. You folks who have In-N-Out Burger's near you? You have no idea how blessed your life truly is. ;)
Peanut's Grandpa has been a volunteer firefighter for years and her uncle is a firefighter by trade. We have been telling Peanut for several months that we were going to visit them and that she would be able to see their fire stations where they work. In fact, every time she hears a siren she says, "Somebody's helping somebody! Like Uncle K and Grandpa need help!" Not quite...but she "gets it" for all practical purposes. So, when we were able to visit both of their firehouses, it was one of the biggest highlights of the trip.
We visited Hubs' brother's station first and she got her first up close and personal with the fi-yer {fire} trucks. She fell asleep on the way there, but once the sleepiness wore off, she raring to go, taking in everything that her uncle had to show her.
At her Grandpa's fire station, she was even able to ride in a fire truck and try out the fire hose with her daddy. She wasn't so sure of the hose at first, but she was quickly all smiles. Hubs even got try on one of the breathing apparatuses the fire fighters use....Peanut was a little concerned as to why Daddy had all that gear on, but she was quickly on to the next thing.
I know candid shots are often times much better, but I took every opportunity for family shots as I could. I have yet to master the candid shot thing (or even the posed shot for that matter....) and I wanted to have lots of good pictures, posed or not. This was the first time Hubs' entire immediate family had been together in nearly seven years and we have had lots of new additions since Christmas of 2004. Stay tuned for the rest of trip which includes a trip to the beach, a birthday celebration, lots of cousins, and the first Hubs' family photo in nearly seven years!
*****
Read Part II here.
Read Part III: The Final Chapter here.
We don't have a portable DVD player (as was a suggested distraction by many different people) but we did go to the dollar store and I picked out a few new little things for her for the plane ride. They were brand new for her on the flight, as she didn't get to play with them until we were traveling. And you know what? She's quite the little traveler, our little Peanut. She did absolutely fine. Between the excitement of flying, air plane snacks, the seat belt/air mask instruction manuals stashed in the seat in front of her--flying was an absolute breeze.
Peanut thought Dolly should be able to listen to the music too.
The
We also met some of the nicest people during our flights. To avoid the extra luggage fees, we chose not to check any luggage. Ahem. So having three small suitcases, three carry-on pieces and a car seat and a stroller makes for quite a challenge in trying to wrangle all of our belongings and keep a very close eye on a very busy two and half year old. A gentleman we met in the airport was so kind and helped us carry our things on and off the plane. And both of the ladies I sat next to on the flights were so sweet and understanding about all my knee jerk reactions in grabbing the armrest each and every time we encountered the smallest amount of turbulence. We also met a nice mom and daughter during our layover en-route and they were friendly and kind to us and our Peanut as well. I was so thankful for each of every one of them.
The layover we had on the way there had Hubs guiding Peanut as she insisted on driving her doll, Dolly, around in the stroller while I camped out with all of our things. Fun times. The layover was only about an hour, so after potty breaks and more snacks, it wasn't unbearable at all. And you know what? I survived. I didn't think I would, but I did!
When we arrived, Hubs' parents first order of business was to take us to In -N-Out Burger. YUM! It was absolutely amazing as it always is. You folks who have In-N-Out Burger's near you? You have no idea how blessed your life truly is. ;)
Peanut's Grandpa has been a volunteer firefighter for years and her uncle is a firefighter by trade. We have been telling Peanut for several months that we were going to visit them and that she would be able to see their fire stations where they work. In fact, every time she hears a siren she says, "Somebody's helping somebody! Like Uncle K and Grandpa need help!" Not quite...but she "gets it" for all practical purposes. So, when we were able to visit both of their firehouses, it was one of the biggest highlights of the trip.
We visited Hubs' brother's station first and she got her first up close and personal with the fi-yer {fire} trucks. She fell asleep on the way there, but once the sleepiness wore off, she raring to go, taking in everything that her uncle had to show her.
At her Grandpa's fire station, she was even able to ride in a fire truck and try out the fire hose with her daddy. She wasn't so sure of the hose at first, but she was quickly all smiles. Hubs even got try on one of the breathing apparatuses the fire fighters use....Peanut was a little concerned as to why Daddy had all that gear on, but she was quickly on to the next thing.
I know candid shots are often times much better, but I took every opportunity for family shots as I could. I have yet to master the candid shot thing (or even the posed shot for that matter....) and I wanted to have lots of good pictures, posed or not. This was the first time Hubs' entire immediate family had been together in nearly seven years and we have had lots of new additions since Christmas of 2004. Stay tuned for the rest of trip which includes a trip to the beach, a birthday celebration, lots of cousins, and the first Hubs' family photo in nearly seven years!
*****
Read Part II here.
Read Part III: The Final Chapter here.
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