*Since I was a day late on my Sunday post, I'm posting this today so as not to bombard people.
Not all aspects of parenthood are butterflies and unicorns, one such downer item would be bodily fluids. These nasty buggers are just part of your life while your child is young and cannot quite control their own functions.
For example, my 5 month old was sitting in her high chair yesterday, when she began to cry and scream. For my normally pretty docile child, that meant something was wrong. I went to pick her up and noticed a deep yellow-brown color on the front of her onesie. I automatically know what that color means; it means that there is poop coming out of her diaper.....again! It also means a bath and scrubbing out the outfit she was wearing because God forbid she only get it on the onesie. 40 minutes later, all was well with the world until she did the exact same thing 20 minutes later but to a lesser extent (no bathing necessary).
Bodily fluids you must endure as a parent:
-Fecal matter (Did I mention I had to scrub out the outfit by hand? Who doesn't love that? *insert gagging sound*)
-Urine (This is nowhere near as bad, but during potty training, there can be large amounts of it all over your house and you get to play the "how do I get this cleaned up?" game.)
-Drool
-Snot
-Spit up (You've gotta love that hot liquid running down any unexposed skin!)
-Vomit (I like to live in a dream world where my children never do this act, but then reality sets in and I have a mess to clean up.)
-Blood
-Any variation of the aforementioned fluids.
-Anything else you can think of that comes out of your child that you'd rather pull your fingernails out than touch or be near for any length of time.
Not only do you have to see such nastiness in person, but you also have to have the ability and materials to clean up the atrocity.
Bleach wipes/Lysol wipes will be your best friend. A bucket always comes in handy as well as soap, bleach, and rubber gloves. Paper towels will become your new best friend in the potty training stage. A tub. Nothing cleans your child up better then just putting them in the tub and hosing them off. If you have a detachable shower head, you are golden. If you freak out at smells, make sure you have a fan, an air freshener spray, and a face mask. If you have a weak stomach, make sure you have a garbage can or another bucket handy for yourself or you'll have a vicious cycle of cleaning and vomiting on your hands. (maybe literally)
Unfortunately in real life, you can't just do what Adam Sandler does in "Big Daddy" and just throw some newspaper on it, so put on your big girl panties and get the job done!
Last but not least, have a good sense of humor. The ridiculousness of a situation and overwhelming feeling of what do I do now can be overcome with a good laugh. While pregnant and working in a center, I had a child with a fountain of diarrhea. I'll leave it at that, your imagination can fill you in I'm sure. All I could do to handle the situation at first was laugh because of how absurd it all was. Don't be afraid to do the same, you have to make it through the mass of bodily fluids somehow!
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sunday Confessional: 7/28/13
I of course forgot to do Sunday Confessional until about 11 o'clock last night when my computer was already shut down for the night.
I have to confess that I may or may not have said something awful to my child in the last week. He was throwing a royal fit while walking home from the library (in front of everyone driving home for lunch). I got down near his ear and may or may not have told him that if he didn't stop throwing a fit and crying, I was going to leave him right there on the side walk for someone else to take.
I know I shouldn't empty-threaten my child or say those things to him in the first place, but he stopped crying. ;)
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Fish Food
Today I was reading The Pout Pout Fish In the Big Big Dark by Deborah Diesen to my kids. At then end of the book they've accomplished the task at hand by supporting and helping each other. It says,"The ocean is wide and the ocean is deep, but friends help friends, that's a promise we keep." Then finishes by saying they (the group of sea creatures) are bigger than the dark. As dumb as this may sound, it occurred to me that that is how we should be as a military family. We should work together to overcome our fears and support one another in our tasks. Together we can be bigger than the dark. We can support each other instead of drag each other down. We can battle the loneliness of the darkness. There are so many people in this world, but we can choose to help each other. No one knows what we go through as a military family except another member of the military.
Food for thought!
Food for thought!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
This is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe, but I decided I didn't want the tedious task of making all the cookies. Bars are way quicker of a process! We always used this recipe growing up and make I think a quadruple batch. I don't make quite that many, but normally make at least a double batch.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix shortening, sugars, egg, and vanilla thoroughly. Stir dry ingredients together, blend in. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2" apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until delicately browned. (Cookies should still be soft.) Cool slightly before removing from baking sheet. (Makes 4 to 5 dozen 2" cookies)
 |
| Creamed "wet" ingredients |
Ingredients:
2/3 cup shortening (part butter or margarine)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, I never use nuts)
 |
| Cookie dough right before going into the pan |
1 pkg. (6 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Mix shortening, sugars, egg, and vanilla thoroughly. Stir dry ingredients together, blend in. Mix in nuts and chocolate chips. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls of dough about 2" apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until delicately browned. (Cookies should still be soft.) Cool slightly before removing from baking sheet. (Makes 4 to 5 dozen 2" cookies)
To make the bars I just greased a 9 x 13 -ish pan and patted the dough into it, then watched it until it became golden brown. It did get a little more brown that I wanted due to outside interruptions, but it still tasted good, and that's all that matters.
Monday, July 22, 2013
Mom Code Monday: Doctors
There is nothing worse than a sick child, except maybe having to take them to the doctor and dealing with a bad seed.
Doctors are necessary often with children, especially young children and the last thing you want to hear when you end up having to take a sick child to the doctor is that it's just a virus and you should let it run it's course. (as your child is screaming bloody murder in your ear, but that's normal so don't worry)
Sometimes I think that their PhD actually stands for, "probably high or drunk." Oh my child has a hundred and eight temperature because it's a virus, perfect! That ring rash on their skin is just an allergy, why didn't I think of that?! Their bone is sticking out of their arm? It's probably just a scratch.
You've got to love doctors that not only tell you there is nothing wrong with your child, but then make it seem like you're the worst mom ever. I've been told before, "sometimes babies cough," after my son had had a cough for 2 weeks. She was more concerned about checking out his anatomy and playing with him. "Is that your p****? Is that your p****? Yes it is, oh yes it is!" Who in their right mind does that? Of all the body parts you could pick, you pick his boy parts? Sicko!
I finally changed doctors from one I didn't approve of (he told me he wasn't going to check my sick child's ears because he was crying and didn't want to upset him more, even though I asked him to) and received a pretty darn good doctor in return. Then I had my daughter and he deployed, go figure.
Here's what I think makes a good doctor:
-They listen to you and I mean really listen and consider what you are saying.
-They don't take any little symptom lightly.
-Even if they think you're crazy, they reassure you nicely and don't make you feel like a fool.
-They're good with your child but not at all creepy.
-They have obvious knowledge of medicine.
-They show they care. (Our doctor who deployed even followed up with a personal phone call after I called the nurse's line.)
Don't be afraid to set some standards for the care of your child(ren) and not take "no" for an answer. We are our child's best advocate. Mom Code!
Doctors are necessary often with children, especially young children and the last thing you want to hear when you end up having to take a sick child to the doctor is that it's just a virus and you should let it run it's course. (as your child is screaming bloody murder in your ear, but that's normal so don't worry)
Sometimes I think that their PhD actually stands for, "probably high or drunk." Oh my child has a hundred and eight temperature because it's a virus, perfect! That ring rash on their skin is just an allergy, why didn't I think of that?! Their bone is sticking out of their arm? It's probably just a scratch.
You've got to love doctors that not only tell you there is nothing wrong with your child, but then make it seem like you're the worst mom ever. I've been told before, "sometimes babies cough," after my son had had a cough for 2 weeks. She was more concerned about checking out his anatomy and playing with him. "Is that your p****? Is that your p****? Yes it is, oh yes it is!" Who in their right mind does that? Of all the body parts you could pick, you pick his boy parts? Sicko!
I finally changed doctors from one I didn't approve of (he told me he wasn't going to check my sick child's ears because he was crying and didn't want to upset him more, even though I asked him to) and received a pretty darn good doctor in return. Then I had my daughter and he deployed, go figure.
Here's what I think makes a good doctor:
-They listen to you and I mean really listen and consider what you are saying.
-They don't take any little symptom lightly.
-Even if they think you're crazy, they reassure you nicely and don't make you feel like a fool.
-They're good with your child but not at all creepy.
-They have obvious knowledge of medicine.
-They show they care. (Our doctor who deployed even followed up with a personal phone call after I called the nurse's line.)
Don't be afraid to set some standards for the care of your child(ren) and not take "no" for an answer. We are our child's best advocate. Mom Code!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Sunday Confessional: 7/21/13
I have to confess that I'm going to eat my way into diabetes, I'm pretty sure of it. I cannot go a day without eating something sweet at least once, but lately it has to be twice a day. Call it a craving to help keep me awake or an addiction, but I need something to survive, preferably chocolate or even better ice cream.
I fail my daughter on a daily basis due to this addiction. Her tummy has a hard time tolerating dairy, like ice cream and apparently chocolate too. I try to limit myself for her sake, but it takes a lot of self control. I tried to give it all up for her to see what makes her spit up so much. I lasted a day and a half. I fail!
They say admitting it is the first step right??
I fail my daughter on a daily basis due to this addiction. Her tummy has a hard time tolerating dairy, like ice cream and apparently chocolate too. I try to limit myself for her sake, but it takes a lot of self control. I tried to give it all up for her to see what makes her spit up so much. I lasted a day and a half. I fail!
They say admitting it is the first step right??
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken and Rice
This recipe is pretty easy, but tasty at the same time so you can't go wrong!
Ingredients:
-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
-1 large onion, chopped (the original recipe says they used a Vidalia onion, I personally detest onions so I just dusted my chicken breasts with onion powder instead)
-1-8 ounce box Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix, cooked according to the directions
-1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
-1-10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (regular or fat free)
-1-15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
Directions:
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter chopped onion over top.
Spoon cream soup over top of that.
Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. A few minutes before serving, add in rice, corn, and cheese. Stir to combine, serve hot.
When I made this recipe, I of course messed it up. I swear I mess something up every time I make a meal, especially if it's new to me. I couldn't find the right rice, so my husband found a bag of the same type of rice. I didn't even think about the size of it when I cooked it and then added it to the mixture. Well it was more than 8 ounces, I can tell you that much! I added it to the chicken and it was super dry. I ended up adding another can of soup and about 3 cups of water to make it a creamy consistency. I guess that's the beauty of cooking. Thank goodness it still tasted good! Learn from my mistake and make sure you check your ingredients and recipe before you start.
Recipe originally from: http://www.southernplate.com/2010/09/slow-cooker-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-the-downside-of-being-a-swan-princess.html
Ingredients:
-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
-1 large onion, chopped (the original recipe says they used a Vidalia onion, I personally detest onions so I just dusted my chicken breasts with onion powder instead)
-1-8 ounce box Zatarain's Yellow Rice Mix, cooked according to the directions
-1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
-1-10.5 ounce can cream of chicken soup (regular or fat free)
-1-15 ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
Directions:
Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Scatter chopped onion over top.
Spoon cream soup over top of that.
 |
| Apparently I salted and peppered my chicken as well! |
Cover and cook on low 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. A few minutes before serving, add in rice, corn, and cheese. Stir to combine, serve hot.
When I made this recipe, I of course messed it up. I swear I mess something up every time I make a meal, especially if it's new to me. I couldn't find the right rice, so my husband found a bag of the same type of rice. I didn't even think about the size of it when I cooked it and then added it to the mixture. Well it was more than 8 ounces, I can tell you that much! I added it to the chicken and it was super dry. I ended up adding another can of soup and about 3 cups of water to make it a creamy consistency. I guess that's the beauty of cooking. Thank goodness it still tasted good! Learn from my mistake and make sure you check your ingredients and recipe before you start.
Recipe originally from: http://www.southernplate.com/2010/09/slow-cooker-cheesy-chicken-and-rice-the-downside-of-being-a-swan-princess.html
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Mom Code Monday: The Bathroom
I missed Mom Code Monday last week for lack of content and then missed it yesterday because I was too busy to think it fully through. Today, it just fell into my lap.
Mom Code for the bathroom states that you go into the bathroom to do your business and get a few minutes of peace and quiet. The reality of being a mom in the bathroom is:
-Screaming
-Crying
-The presence of a child in the bathroom as you do your business.
-Banging on the door.
-The infamous fingers under the door or if you're my child, whatever he can find that fits under the door. i.e. a book, a toy, etc.
-Talking under the door. Apparently my son thinks that he needs to talk to me under the door to be heard.
-Mischief outside the bathroom. (I have to expand on this one. My child is infamous for doing something he shouldn't be doing, while I'm in the bathroom. Even if it is for 2 minutes, something always goes on. Today I went to the bathroom because I was at the point that I couldn't wait anymore. I came back out to my husband who came home for lunch, and son talking about something and "no." I asked what the "no" was about and my husband didn't know what my son was telling him or didn't want to hear it, whatever. I asked my son what was "no." He says, "well I'm sorry." "Sorry for what?" I notice the corn dog box in the garbage. We'd been talking about supper before I went to the bathroom and how my son wanted corn dogs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob. He took it upon himself while I was in the bathroom to take the two corn dogs out of the box, stick them in the microwave to make them warm (his theory), and throw the box away. Thank goodness he hasn't quite figured out what buttons to press to actually turn it on. I couldn't help but just laugh and I said something along the lines of I swear I can't go to the bathroom without something happening and that is the honest to goodness truth!)
Not only do children feel the need to create havoc while you use the restroom, but also while you are getting ready for the day and showering. Expect the same type of behaviors as above as well as more mischief and them getting into everything in the bathroom while you get ready. Here is a prime example of what happens when I'm in the shower:
Upon questioning, I was told that he was having a marshmallow party. Sigh....
My favorite times of the week come on the weekend when I can take a shower without this kind of nonsense going on. So moms, when you get that time, revel in it because it is not every day that you can get peace and quiet in the bathroom without expecting something to be wrong when you get out. Live it up!
Mom Code for the bathroom states that you go into the bathroom to do your business and get a few minutes of peace and quiet. The reality of being a mom in the bathroom is:
-Screaming
-Crying
-The presence of a child in the bathroom as you do your business.
-Banging on the door.
-The infamous fingers under the door or if you're my child, whatever he can find that fits under the door. i.e. a book, a toy, etc.
-Talking under the door. Apparently my son thinks that he needs to talk to me under the door to be heard.
-Mischief outside the bathroom. (I have to expand on this one. My child is infamous for doing something he shouldn't be doing, while I'm in the bathroom. Even if it is for 2 minutes, something always goes on. Today I went to the bathroom because I was at the point that I couldn't wait anymore. I came back out to my husband who came home for lunch, and son talking about something and "no." I asked what the "no" was about and my husband didn't know what my son was telling him or didn't want to hear it, whatever. I asked my son what was "no." He says, "well I'm sorry." "Sorry for what?" I notice the corn dog box in the garbage. We'd been talking about supper before I went to the bathroom and how my son wanted corn dogs, mashed potatoes and gravy, and corn on the cob. He took it upon himself while I was in the bathroom to take the two corn dogs out of the box, stick them in the microwave to make them warm (his theory), and throw the box away. Thank goodness he hasn't quite figured out what buttons to press to actually turn it on. I couldn't help but just laugh and I said something along the lines of I swear I can't go to the bathroom without something happening and that is the honest to goodness truth!)
Not only do children feel the need to create havoc while you use the restroom, but also while you are getting ready for the day and showering. Expect the same type of behaviors as above as well as more mischief and them getting into everything in the bathroom while you get ready. Here is a prime example of what happens when I'm in the shower:
My favorite times of the week come on the weekend when I can take a shower without this kind of nonsense going on. So moms, when you get that time, revel in it because it is not every day that you can get peace and quiet in the bathroom without expecting something to be wrong when you get out. Live it up!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Confessional Sunday: 7/14/13
I have to admit something to the world, I love watching drama filled reality tv. I can't get enough of it and I don't know why. I don't enjoy that type of behavior in real life, but I can't look away when it's on tv.
Bravo is the perfect channel for such drama, but don't let other channel names trick you. TLC has some good shows on too!
Here's a list of some that I like:
All of the Real Housewives of...(but Miami or New York)
Breaking Amish
Sister Wives
(one of my new favorites) Pregnant & Dating
My Teen Is Pregnant and So Am I
Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2
16 & Pregnant
Interior Design with Jeff Lewis
The Little Couple
19 Kids and Counting
I will however not partake in watching Honey Boo Boo and some other completely crazy, dumb shows.
These shows and their drama help keep me grounded I think and realize that I never want my life to be like that! I sure do love watching them though!
Bravo is the perfect channel for such drama, but don't let other channel names trick you. TLC has some good shows on too!
Here's a list of some that I like:
All of the Real Housewives of...(but Miami or New York)
Breaking Amish
Sister Wives
(one of my new favorites) Pregnant & Dating
My Teen Is Pregnant and So Am I
Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2
16 & Pregnant
Interior Design with Jeff Lewis
The Little Couple
19 Kids and Counting
I will however not partake in watching Honey Boo Boo and some other completely crazy, dumb shows.
These shows and their drama help keep me grounded I think and realize that I never want my life to be like that! I sure do love watching them though!
Friday, July 12, 2013
A Special Kind of Person...
I saw this on a Facebook page and definitely needed to share it.
The Military Spouse
When the good Lord was creating military spouses, He was into His sixth day of overtime.
An Angel appeared and said, "You're having a lot of trouble on this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"
The Lord replied, "Have you ever seen the regulations? It has to be completely independent, must be sponsored to get on base, have the qualities of both mother and father during deployments; Be a perfect hostess to four or 40, handle emergencies without military orders, cope with the flu and move around the world, have a kiss that cures anything from a child's torn valentine to a soldier's weary day, have the patience of a saint when waiting for the unit to return stateside, and have six pairs of soft hands."
The Angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pair of hands? No way!"
And the Lord answered, "Don't worry. We'll make other military spouses to help. Besides, it's not the hands that are causing the problem - it's the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the ache of separation, beat soundly when it's too tired to do so, be large enough to say 'I understand' when it doesn't, and say 'I love you,' regardless."
"Lord," said the Angel, touching his sleeve gently, "go to bed. You can finish that tomorrow."
"I can't," said the Lord. "I'm too close to creating something unique. Already I have one who can heal itself when sick, feed unexpected guests who are stuck in the area due to bad weather, and wave goodbye to its spouse from a pier or runway and understand it's important to the country that the spouse leave."
The Angel circled the model of the military spouse very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
"But tough," the Lord said excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this being can do or endure!"
"Can it think?" the Angel asked.
"Can it think? It can convert 1400 to 2 p.m.!" the Lord said.
Finally, the Angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."
"What's it for?" asked the Angel.
"It's for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride," the Lord said.
"You're a genius," said the Angel.
The Lord looked somber and said, "I didn't put it there."
~Author Unknown
When the good Lord was creating military spouses, He was into His sixth day of overtime.
An Angel appeared and said, "You're having a lot of trouble on this one. What's wrong with the standard model?"
The Lord replied, "Have you ever seen the regulations? It has to be completely independent, must be sponsored to get on base, have the qualities of both mother and father during deployments; Be a perfect hostess to four or 40, handle emergencies without military orders, cope with the flu and move around the world, have a kiss that cures anything from a child's torn valentine to a soldier's weary day, have the patience of a saint when waiting for the unit to return stateside, and have six pairs of soft hands."
The Angel shook her head slowly and said, "Six pair of hands? No way!"
And the Lord answered, "Don't worry. We'll make other military spouses to help. Besides, it's not the hands that are causing the problem - it's the heart. It must swell with pride, sustain the ache of separation, beat soundly when it's too tired to do so, be large enough to say 'I understand' when it doesn't, and say 'I love you,' regardless."
"Lord," said the Angel, touching his sleeve gently, "go to bed. You can finish that tomorrow."
"I can't," said the Lord. "I'm too close to creating something unique. Already I have one who can heal itself when sick, feed unexpected guests who are stuck in the area due to bad weather, and wave goodbye to its spouse from a pier or runway and understand it's important to the country that the spouse leave."
The Angel circled the model of the military spouse very slowly. "It's too soft," she sighed.
"But tough," the Lord said excitedly. "You cannot imagine what this being can do or endure!"
"Can it think?" the Angel asked.
"Can it think? It can convert 1400 to 2 p.m.!" the Lord said.
Finally, the Angel bent over and ran her finger across the cheek. "There's a leak," she pronounced. "I told you that you were trying to put too much into this model."
"It's not a leak," said the Lord. "It's a tear."
"What's it for?" asked the Angel.
"It's for joy, sadness, pain, loneliness and pride," the Lord said.
"You're a genius," said the Angel.
The Lord looked somber and said, "I didn't put it there."
~Author Unknown
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
No Cook Ice Cream: Strawberry
Can you tell what I've been doing a lot of lately? :) This is a recipe that my parents actually told me about and I'm so glad they did. It is smoother than the recipe that I make that came with my ice cream machine and just so yummy! (and easy)
No Cook Ice Cream:
*Recipe courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com Emeril Lagasse, 2000
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (I don't use vanilla beans, I find they are normally hard to find and expensive. I just used a splash of vanilla instead and it worked just as well.)
1/2 teaspoon salt (My mom told me when they made this recipe that it was a little salty so I used 1/4 teaspoon instead.)
6 to 8 strawberries, quartered
2 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, salt, strawberries, and strawberry jam. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Add to an ice cream machine and process according to the manufacturer's directions.
Yields 4 servings. Unless you eat a bowl like my family and then maybe one or one and a half. Enjoy!
No Cook Ice Cream:
*Recipe courtesy of www.foodnetwork.com Emeril Lagasse, 2000Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 vanilla bean, split and scraped (I don't use vanilla beans, I find they are normally hard to find and expensive. I just used a splash of vanilla instead and it worked just as well.)
1/2 teaspoon salt (My mom told me when they made this recipe that it was a little salty so I used 1/4 teaspoon instead.)
6 to 8 strawberries, quartered
2 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jamDirections:
In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, sugar, vanilla bean seeds, salt, strawberries, and strawberry jam. Mix well with a wooden spoon. Add to an ice cream machine and process according to the manufacturer's directions.
Yields 4 servings. Unless you eat a bowl like my family and then maybe one or one and a half. Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Man-Pleasing Chicken
Sounds enticing doesn't it? This is another recipe I found on Pinterest that I thought I'd try out. My husband doesn't like chicken by itself so I thought I'd convert him by making him this special recipe. (I failed horribly by the way, he didn't even try it.)
This photo is from the Pin as mine didn't look this delectable.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
Mix together 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of rice/rice wine vinegar.
Put 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs in a foil-lined, oven-proof baking dish. (I used bone in chicken thighs, the original used boneless skinless. The package had 4 thighs in it and was meant to feed 2 adults and one child, so the recipe made maybe 2.5 servings worth.) Salt and pepper the thighs. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs, turning the thighs in the mixture to fully coat them.
Bake the chicken in the oven for about 40 minutes until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Baste the chicken with more sauce halfway through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Plate the chicken, making sure to spoon some extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.
The original poster said: "I adapted this recipe from “The I <3 Trader Joe’s Cookbook” by Cherie Mercer Twohy."
Although the recipe didn't turn out to be "man pleasing" for me, it was still delicious. I think next time I will try it with the boneless skinless thighs to see if the flavor really gets into the chicken. Plus eating a glob of the mixture on top of the skin (yes I eat the skin) was not that appealing, too much zip for me. The best part about when I made this was that there was so much leftover, that I was able to make a tasty second meal of chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
This photo is from the Pin as mine didn't look this delectable.
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
Mix together 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of rice/rice wine vinegar.
Put 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs in a foil-lined, oven-proof baking dish. (I used bone in chicken thighs, the original used boneless skinless. The package had 4 thighs in it and was meant to feed 2 adults and one child, so the recipe made maybe 2.5 servings worth.) Salt and pepper the thighs. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs, turning the thighs in the mixture to fully coat them.
Bake the chicken in the oven for about 40 minutes until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. Baste the chicken with more sauce halfway through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Plate the chicken, making sure to spoon some extra sauce over the top, and sprinkle with fresh rosemary.
The original poster said: "I adapted this recipe from “The I <3 Trader Joe’s Cookbook” by Cherie Mercer Twohy."
Although the recipe didn't turn out to be "man pleasing" for me, it was still delicious. I think next time I will try it with the boneless skinless thighs to see if the flavor really gets into the chicken. Plus eating a glob of the mixture on top of the skin (yes I eat the skin) was not that appealing, too much zip for me. The best part about when I made this was that there was so much leftover, that I was able to make a tasty second meal of chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday Confessional: 7/7/13
This may come as a surprise to some people, but being a military spouse is not easy. Marrying someone all ready in the military helps a little, but marrying them before leaves you totally oblivious to what being in the military means for you.
For how hard this lifestyle is, there are so many rewards to it as well. Seeing many states or countries, reinventing yourself each move (if you so choose), meeting many different people from very different walks of life, the ability to teach your child adaptability and respect, being around the most patriotic people you'll ever meet, a sense of community you can't fathom (your new neighbor can turn into your military family over the length of a meal), knowing your spouse would give their life for your freedom, having the chance to help others,and so much more.
Confession: This is a rough lifestyle to say the least but I wouldn't have it any other way, it was specifically designed for me through a very creative man.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Gooey S'mores Cookies
I found this recipe on Pinterest and thought it sounded like it would be a good treat. I finally got around to writing the ingredients on my shopping list and actually making them.
1/2 cup butter (1 full stick) softened
1/2 cup sugar (I use raw sugar)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/3 cups flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7 full sheets)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Mini Hershey's Kisses (or chocolate chips/chunks, I personally only found mini semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1 cup Jet Puffed Mallow Bits (I found these in the hot chocolate area of Walmart, NOT the marshmallow aisle, fyi)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, use a food processor or blender to crush 7 graham cracker sheets into 3/4 cup fine crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Add the chocolate and marshmallows and stir to combine.
Place 1.5 tablespoon sized scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 2 dozen cookies.
1/2 cup butter (1 full stick) softened
1/2 cup sugar (I use raw sugar)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/3 cups flour
3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 7 full sheets)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup Mini Hershey's Kisses (or chocolate chips/chunks, I personally only found mini semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1 cup Jet Puffed Mallow Bits (I found these in the hot chocolate area of Walmart, NOT the marshmallow aisle, fyi)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray. Using a mixer, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and vanilla and beat for an additional 2 minutes.
Meanwhile, use a food processor or blender to crush 7 graham cracker sheets into 3/4 cup fine crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs, flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, and mix on low speed until the dough just comes together. Add the chocolate and marshmallows and stir to combine.
Place 1.5 tablespoon sized scoops of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.
Makes 2 dozen cookies.
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| I made a double batch, so your's may not look like this much in the bowl. |
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| Finished product! |
Monday, July 1, 2013
Mom Code Monday: The Playground
Summer is upon us and for people who stay at home with their children, that means lots of outside time. Our yard is fairly small with only one small piece of play equipment and a small sandbox, so sometimes you just have to shake things up and take your kids to a playground.
Finding the right playground is very important. You need one that has all the amenities you and your child could ever dream of:
-Slides
-Swings
-Monkey bars or some sort of hanging apparatus (for the older children)
-Water fountain
-Bathrooms that aren't pot-a-potties (Please don't traumatize your child and bring them to one of those. Can you imagine being little and possibly falling into that?! It gives me anxiety just thinking about it.)
-Picnic tables
-Trees that provide shading
-Trash cans
-Padding if your child falls
-Fences
-Snack bar (a mom can dream)
-Security guard
After finding the perfect park, take a mental picture or even a real one of what your child is wearing, just in case. Then let them run free and chat it up with your girlfriend! If no one is there, feel free to actually play with your child.
Ideally that is how the whole park scenario goes, but that is not realistic because someone always has to ruin the fun.
Things to watch out for:
-Someone trying to take your child or coax them away to create a better chance for them to take your child.
-Someone else's child doing something to your child. Break out the, "oh no you di-n't!" if necessary.
-Your child doing something to another child. This one is actually one you could ignore if nobody at the park knows you. Just look around with a disgusted look on your face as if to say, "Whose kid is that anyway? Get him under control!" Nobody will know that that is in fact your child mistreating another child.
-Another parent touching or telling your child what to do or what not to do. One time at a busy park, my son was standing next to a little girl who fell. Her "supervisor" (maybe her grandma, but hard to know) came raging over, put her hands on my son's shoulders and moved him to the side so she could proceed to spank the little girl. I was up and ready to fight in two seconds flat. Who does that! She didn't even need to move him!
-Your child touching something germy like garbage left by someone else or some animal fecal matter.
The park can be an amazing place if you're able to find the right one and keep the cons at bay. Enjoy the long nap or rest time that follows the trip to the park!
Finding the right playground is very important. You need one that has all the amenities you and your child could ever dream of:
-Slides
-Swings
-Monkey bars or some sort of hanging apparatus (for the older children)
-Water fountain
-Bathrooms that aren't pot-a-potties (Please don't traumatize your child and bring them to one of those. Can you imagine being little and possibly falling into that?! It gives me anxiety just thinking about it.)
-Picnic tables
-Trees that provide shading
-Trash cans
-Padding if your child falls
-Fences
-Snack bar (a mom can dream)
-Security guard
After finding the perfect park, take a mental picture or even a real one of what your child is wearing, just in case. Then let them run free and chat it up with your girlfriend! If no one is there, feel free to actually play with your child.
Ideally that is how the whole park scenario goes, but that is not realistic because someone always has to ruin the fun.
Things to watch out for:
-Someone trying to take your child or coax them away to create a better chance for them to take your child.
-Someone else's child doing something to your child. Break out the, "oh no you di-n't!" if necessary.
-Your child doing something to another child. This one is actually one you could ignore if nobody at the park knows you. Just look around with a disgusted look on your face as if to say, "Whose kid is that anyway? Get him under control!" Nobody will know that that is in fact your child mistreating another child.
-Another parent touching or telling your child what to do or what not to do. One time at a busy park, my son was standing next to a little girl who fell. Her "supervisor" (maybe her grandma, but hard to know) came raging over, put her hands on my son's shoulders and moved him to the side so she could proceed to spank the little girl. I was up and ready to fight in two seconds flat. Who does that! She didn't even need to move him!
-Your child touching something germy like garbage left by someone else or some animal fecal matter.
The park can be an amazing place if you're able to find the right one and keep the cons at bay. Enjoy the long nap or rest time that follows the trip to the park!
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