Grocery Games

I don't know how grocery shopping goes for you. As for me, it's hit and miss as far as behavior goes. I ALWAYS remind the boys of how they are expected to act while in the store. It doesn't always sink in. Anyway, I decided to try something new during out last trip.

 I cut out pictures from the adds and glued them on a piece of paper. They were supposed to find those items on their list and check them off. They loved it. SCORE! Cameron did get bored after awhile but Porter ate it up. There were no fights and peace reigned in the aisles.

I'm going to try this different ways. Finding prices for items, colors..etc.

Gettin' Crafty With It

I did not inherit my Mom's craft bone. She is so good. I don't know if I could hone that gene. I do know I need a hobby.

I saw this idea from a friend on Facebook. I saw the picture she posted and thought, "Hey, that looks easy. I can do that!" I was fun, making something. I guess I should try it more often.

Here are my XO blocks I made for Valentines. Like I said, easy. Sand, paint, glue and done!

Rollin' and Snifflin'

I feel crappy. I've had a head cold since Thursday. I can feel it getting better but that last little bit  doesn't want to let go. Needless to say, no church today.

I made Cinnamon Rolls the other day. For the most part, they turned out good. I had one pan (thank goodness it was only one and I didn't give that pan away) that just didn't bake. Seriously, they were sooo doughy and just gross. I don't know how that happened. The rest baked up beautifully!

Ready to go in the oven.

Done!

Anyway, I'm going to rest, have a cinnamon roll and try to kick the last of this cold. I used Pioneer Woman's cinnamon roll recipe.  Make them. The end.

Four is Fabulous!

Mr. Cameron turned four yesterday. He was pretty excited but I think Porter was even more so.

We opened presents before we went to dinner at one of Cameron's favorite places, Texas Roadhouse. We had our friends, The Mikkelsens, join us. Cam even got up on the birthday saddle. He looked so dang cute!

After dinner, we had his cake. He was more interested in the Mystery Machine on top than actually eating cake.

 I say it every year, "How on earth are you already___ years old ?!" Please, let me rewind the tape. Turn back the clock.

I love this kid so much. I love his goofy, cheesy smiles. The way he cuddles up with me, gives me a big hug and lingers there, so I can take in the last smell of baby that's left.

Ramblings

1. Based on my last post, I may have lead some of you to believe that I'm always sad and depressed. I assure you I'm not. I don't hate life.  I have my days like anyone else.

2. It really stinks sitting down on an ice cold toilet seat.

3. A miracle happened. I actually enjoyed myself at Activity Days last week. :)

4. I never get sick of watching  How To Train Your Dragon. Love it! I wanted to be Astrid for Halloween but I can never convince myself to spend the time and money on a costume.

5. I recently had chicken and wild rice soup from Great Harvest and I can't stop thinking about it. Who wants to go to lunch?

6. Lately, I can't seem to get enough pita chips and hummus. MMMMMM.

7. I need to get all the baby clothes out and find out what I need. I'm so glad I didn't get rid of them! I came close, last winter, when we were going through closets and throwing things out.

8. I do not understand sibling rivalry.  I'm constantly asking John, "Did you and your brothers act like this? Is this what it's like having a sibling close to you?" Being an only child for nine years, yeah, didn't have that.

9. You can read this post, if you don't know the reason for the huge space between my siblings and I.

I Just Don't Know.....

So, I knew this whole word of the year thing was not going to be easy. I knew this was going to be a challenge. But I like a challenge. I think?

I find it the hardest to love myself. I knew this would be the case. I just don't know how to do it. I don't know how to give myself a break.  Can I truly love others when I see myself as worthless? How will my sons learn to be confident and strong when I am not? I don't want them to end up like me!! I'm not fishing for compliments. I'm being completely honest. I don't know how to go about this. Where to start? How does one overcome years of destructive/negative thinking about ones self?

I know I don't want to be this way any longer. I want to be able to make mistakes and forgive myself. I want to be comfortable in my own skin.

 Please, don't feel sorry for me. I'm not looking for that. I don't want that. This is just one of the many struggles I have to go through. This is going to be a journey and, I expect, a long one.

Black Bean Soup

Don't judge this soup by it's appearance. It is delicious. At least we think so at our house. Cameron even gobbles it up. And that is a big deal!

Black Bean Soup

1 Tbs olive oil
3/4 cup diced carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
3/4 cup diced celery (about 1 rib)
1 cup diced onion
4 large cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 15oz cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 3.5 oz can diced green chilies
2 15 oz cans low sodium beef broth
1 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp dry oregano leaves
1 bay leaf
1 lime, juiced

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, onion and garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes

2. Add the black beans, chilies and beef broth. Stir to combine and then add the salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, oregano and bay leaf. Simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until carrots are tender. Remove from heat. Remove bay leaf from soup.

3. Transfer the soup to a blender. Place lid on blender but remove the stopper in the lid to let heat escape. Cover the hole with a cloth or paper towel to avoid splatters.

4. Puree' soup until desired consistency is reached. Add the lime juice and pulse to combine.

Note: If you want less kick, leave out the chili powder. It's a little too much for my boys, so I leave it out. I grate fresh parmesan cheese on top. Yummo!