Thankfulness Day 12: My Running Buddy

My father was a runner for many years until his knees just couldn't take it anymore.  He used to tell me 3 important things about running:

1) running is easy because the only equipment you need is shoes and you can do it anywhere
2) you need a buddy to keep you motivated
3) "Most people don't like to run.  I hate to run, but I like to drink beer, so I run to balance it out"

Now, I am sure there are plenty of people out there that would argue with the third point, but maybe just as many that would agree.  :-)  We all have our own reasons and motivations for exercising.  I actually do like to run, a lot!!  I like the way it makes me feel and the fact of the matter is that I am a bit of a lazy person.  By running in the mornings I feel much more accomplished for the day and I, in turn, usually accomplish more on the days I run.

I will admit, though, that I am a sporadic runner.  I started running in college, have trained for and run a half marathon, & done numerous 5 & 10Ks.  However, it's taken to this point in my life to discover that even though I can run long distances, I have no desire to do so.  I am 2-4 miles, 3-4 days a week and I'm happy kind of runner.

Recently, I was on one of my 3 to 4 month hiatuses when a good friend pushed me to start up again.  So, we did and now I'm back on again.  And my dad was definitely right about that second point, it's best to have someone else to help keep you motivated.  So, be it a virtual buddy or someone you actually run with, if you want to get out and get started, that is the way to do it!!!

Thanks to my running buddies (you know who you are), today I am thankful for you!!!

Thankfulness Day 11: Veterans

Today I am thankful for all those who serve valiantly to secure and protect our freedoms.  It is a thankless & difficult job, but America would not be what it is today without your service.  I don't have uniform photos of all of them, but these are some very special men in my life who have served and or still do.  Thanks and I love you!!

 Papa, we miss you!!

Grampa, we miss you!!

My older brother in the Navy & my younger brother in the Army!f

Love both you guys!!

Thankfulness Day 9: Time Away

So I know this is out of order, but that's okay.  Isn't life supposed to be full of little surprises and quirks??  So this is mine for the day.  And this is based on something I did on the 9th, so still valid.

Today I am thankful for time away.  I do love my children more than life itself, but sometimes Mommies & Daddies just need adult time away.  I'm not talking about a couple of hours at dinner.  I'm talking someone else is in charge for at least 12 hours and a small amount of the weight of responsibility  can be lifted from your shoulders.  I hear some people say "Oh I don't need that, I love being with my kids"  Well so do I!!  And I don't NEED it, but it is GOOD for my soul.  It actually makes me a better mommy, because guess what I do when I'm gone??  I miss them and I think about what they are doing. And that's okay.  The point is not to forget your kids, but to remember just how much you appreciate them.

Sometimes that is hard to do when you are in the trenches 24/7.

So I am thankful that my hubby took me away for the night, and that my sister and a some very dear friends took care of my angels for me.  And it . . . was . . . WONDERFUL . . .

Just to be a married couple like we used to be when we focused all our attention on each other.  I do believe everyone should have that, occasionally.  And you know what???  I wasn't sad when it was time to come home.  I couldn't wait to see my babies again, renewed & refreshed!!!

Headed to Dinner

This was waiting in our hotel room when we came back from dinner.

Room Service for Breakfast

Just had to add this one cause my breakfast was SO yummy!!!

Thankfulness Day 10: Aggies Win

Okay, this is a no brainer today.  WHOOP WHOOP!!!!!  My Aggies beat number 1 Alabama!!!!

This is for all my Aggie buddies out there.

"Some may boast of prowess bold, of the school they think so grand
But there's a spirit can ne'r be told, it's the Spirit of Aggieland.
We are the Aggies, the Aggies are we!!!!
True to each other, as Aggies can be
We've got to fight boys, we've got to fight
We've got to fight for maroon and white

After they've boosted all the rest, they will come and join the best
Cause we are the Aggies, the Aggies are we
We're from Texas AMC!!"

Thankfulness Day 8: Coffee

Yes, that is correct I am thankful for coffee.  I know it's a vice, but I give into this one happily.  Yes, it gets me going in the morning, but I truly love the stuff.  I like to drink it out of a tall mug, not a big fat one because the opening is too large and it cools down too quickly.  And for me it has to be HOT HOT HOT!  I also like a fun or inspirational mug.  It increases the joy and satisfaction.  These are currently my favorite mugs and (selfishly, I know) I don't share them well.

So, thanks to whomever that was that took that little bean they had dropped into the fire (I'm sure this is not how it happened, but let's just imagine), ground it up and steeped it in water.

If you are really interested you can read the whole story here:
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee/ax/frame.html

So, for all of you coffee lovers out there, have another cup today and Happy Drinking . . . coffee that is!!

Thankfulness Day 7: Variety of People

I am struggling with today's thankfulness post because I have not been having lots of happy thoughts today.  Through this process though, I am finding that is all the more reason to keep writing about thankfulness.  It's forcing me to look at everything from a positive angle.

So, today I am thankful for the variety of people that are in my life.  How boring would life be if I was constantly surrounded by people who did nothing but agree with me and tell me that I am always right.  I think for sure I would have a severe, false sense of self & reality.

The truth is that I may not always agree with everyone in my life.  However, having a variety of opinions on differing subjects helps me to see situations from different vantage points.  It also helps me to really try and look into people's hearts, because that is who they really are.  Fact of the matter is that just because I disagree with someone doesn't mean I don't like them.  We may have to agree to disagree but something we all owe each other is respect.

Thankfulness Day 6: The Right to Vote

Okay, I am going to be obvious today and say that I am thankful for the right to vote.  I may not always just love the candidates or the winner.  However, having the ability to have a say in choosing who runs this country is so important.  For after all, I am choosing the person who will be spending my money & watching out for my family's welfare.

On a side note, I just want to say how impressed I am with my children's school.  They have been focusing on the election and voting process for about a week now.  Julia is very interested and even asked at dinner last night if she could watch for the results tonight.

Thankfulness Day 5: Pictures

Today I am thankful for pictures.  I sat down an hour ago to look for one picture and now here I am with a stiff back from sitting in a desk chair and squinty eyes from staring at the computer screen.  I was pulled in by all the memories.  I guess it's not the pictures that I am thankful for, but the memories they capture.  It's a bit like time travel.  You are transported back in time and reminded of past joys, triumphs, sorrows, tears, holidays, etc.  As a parent I find it to be a little bittersweet to see my babies as babies.  I miss those stages and who they were at each certain point in time.  This weekend my father was holding my 6-year-old and told her what he wouldn't give to have me back at that age for just a moment.  As I was just looking at some holiday pictures from just 3 years ago, I had the same thought; oh what I wouldn't give to have them each back as an infant and hold them once more.

So, I will try harder each day to hold onto the little moments like pictures in my mind, and take plenty of photographs for when I will inevitably forget.

Thankfulness Day 4: My House

Today I am thankful for the house that I have.  It's not the biggest, in fact oftentimes it feels woefully small.  However, it's big enough.  It provides all of the things that a house should.  And at times I am extra thankful that it is so small.  Here is a list of the things that are annoying about living in a small house with 3 small children:
-it's loud
-it's crowded, so we run into each other a lot
-we can't have lots of toys, clothes, etc because we don't have room
-my girls can't have their own room
-my kids fight over the one sink & toilet in their bathroom
-my husband and I bump into each other in our tiny bathroom
-I can't put on my makeup in the bathroom when my hubby is taking a shower
-our garage is full of stuff so my car can't be parked in it
-I don't have a place where I feel like I can get away from the hustle & bustle of the house
-kids can't be watching whatever they want whenever they want
-we don't have room to entertain our big family

Now for the positives of living in a small house:
-my children are learning to really enjoy each other's company
-my children are learning to appreciate what they have
-my children are learning patience & the art of taking turns
-my children are learning that life is not about how much you have, but who you spend it with
-my girls are learning to share a room which will serve them well once they are grown & married
-my husband and & I are never far from one another and are reminded daily of how much we do love each other's company
-my husband & I have become better time managers
-daily I am reminded that my life isn't all about me and if I focus too much on myself I become selfish, unsatisfied & unhappy
-I always know what my kids are watching on TV & my husband and I don't watch all the crap that TV has to offer these days because it's not suitable for our children
-instead of having huge parties (where you spend more time preparing & cleaning up after) we have smaller family/friend get togethers and actually get more quality time with our family & friends

I could go on with this list, but I do have other things to do today.  The bottom line is that for every complaint I have about my house, there is a positive way of looking at it.  This house is where my husband carried me across the threshold, where I brought all 3 of my newborn babies, where we celebrated our first Christmas & Easter, where my 3 babies took their first steps, etc.  My house is not just a place where we reside.  It's a place where my husband & I have built our family.  It's my home and for that I am thankful. 

Thankfulness Day 3: Legs

Today I am thankful for 2 legs that take me where I need to go.  I know it seems so simple, but certainly something I think I take for granted.  As I was running yesterday I was sort of mentally complaining because I was getting tired.  As I was trying to remotivate myself, I began to think of people who would love to be able to run.  I have many friends whose knees won't allow them to run. I, however, can take an old pair of shoes and workout clothes anywhere I go and be able to workout. 

These were the thoughts that motivated me and made me feel thankful.

Thankfulness Day 2: The Little Things

I am going to steal from a song today, just cause I can!!  Today I am thankful for the little things; and, yes, I DO sweat 'em!  I know I shouldn't, but I do.  I can blame genetics on this one, honestly.  I am a worrier and I come from some very awesome worriers!!

Worrying is all caused by how we look at things.  Are you a glass half empty or a glass half full person?  If you are a glass half empty person take a day and try looking on the positive side of everything.  I promise you will begin to see that there is a reason for all those little things, even though we may not know what that is.  It's those little things that make us know we are alive and blessed.

God won't give us anything we can't handle because he alone truly knows how strong we are.  So, if you are sweating the small stuff, don't beat yourself up just take a minute to enjoy them.  If you need some inspiration to get you started here you go . . .




Blessings to all you Moms & Dads out there who are now running for a tissue!!

Thankfulness Day 1: Wonderful Friends

Today I am thankful for wonderful friends that:
1) just randomly pick up my kids for a playdate
2) invite us over for Halloween
3) come over at a moment's notice to watch the A&M games
4) listen to my venting when I need it
5) give me advice when I ask & even sometimes when I don't
6) love & protect my children like they would their own
7) offer help when I am overloaded & regularly pray for us
8) love me & my family unconditionally
9) get me out of my funk & make me start running again
10) help me to be a better person

Diaper Free!!?!!

So it's been too long since I have posted anything, but I thought if there were ever a reason to start back up again this is IT.  Although it has not come easily or quickly, I believe that we are finished with diapers in this house.  I am not counting nighttime pull-ups, cause those are just a precaution to keep me from having to change the bed.

Potty training has been an enigma in the Siek house.  Everything says that girls tend to train earlier and easier than boys.  Well, I would just like to say that there will be NO trend following here.  Julia took over a year & Laura's stubbornness has really reared its ugly head where using the potty is concerned.  Sean was done in like 3 days, never any accidents.  

For the last 2 days I have sat in the bathroom with Laura while she screamed and cried, basically threw a temper tantrum while on the potty.  "No I am NOT going poo poo on the potty.  I went tee tee but I'm NOT going poo poo."  I would just laugh and she would tell me "don't laugh, it's not funny".  The funny part is that I did take a couple of short videos, which I will be happy to show her at some very opportune time when she is older.  I am happy to report though that mine and Scott's persistence has won out (for now at least).  I am not ignorant enough to say that the PTTs (potty temper tantrums) are far from over, but we have been in panties for the past 4 days and we are NOT going back.

Now I have waxed poetic over certain stages in my children's lives that are difficult to see go, but you will read none of that today.

Today is a day only for rejoicing!!

After 6 years & 2 months we are officially diaper-free!!!!

Here's her little stubborn pose in her plastic panties.  

Caprese Salad Sandwich

I threw these together last week for my kids' teachers and they were a hit, so I thought I would share!!  Start with some good sourdough bread, homemade or purchased for a bakery.  I also used whole grain, which worked fine, so really I think you can choose your favorite bread here.  Liberally spread both slices of toasted bread with EVOO.

Now, layer thick slices of tomato and top with fresh cracked pepper.  Resist the temptation to add the salt now because it will draw out the moisture in the tomatoes.  

Next, layer thick slices of mozzarella.  I would make them long slices.  Don't slice them into little circles as in the following picture.  I didn't realize until I got home that I bought pre sliced mozzarella, but they kept falling out.  Top the cheese layer with large leaves of basil (do not substitute dried here).

Now is the time for salt and a very slight sprinkling of balsamic vinegar.  I stress the word slight because the vinegar packs a lot of flavor, plus you don't want it dripping out.

Now you could stop there for a vegetarian sandwich, which I did on one.  However, to the others I added pancetta that I fried so it was nice and crispy.  A little note here, I had to add olive oil when frying the pancetta because there was not a lot of fat in the slices I had.  

Top with another slice of EVOO slathered bread and viola!!  There you have it.  Super easy!!  Super tasty!!  

Here is the version with wheat bread.  The slices were much smaller so I added an extra slice of bread and separated the pancetta in the top layer.  

For the teachers I served it with potato chips, fresh fruit (not pictured) and thick slices of chocolate chunk banana bread.  

  

My Little Man

I know this is 4 days late, but better late than never.  On Saturday my little Sean turned 4 and this was a big deal for him.  He has always resisted change and new things.  When potty training him (which was very easy BTW) he was doing okay until I mentioned big boy underwear.  While I assume most kids are excited to get to wear undies, he had a huge fit.  He told me he didn't want to wear big boy underwear because he wanted to still be my baby.

He is my sensitive little man who has to be led to new things & he is very dependent on his sisters.  With this super sensitivity comes this pure sweetness and genuine caring for others that is beautiful. 

He is also full of life and energy.  Some people have commented that he personifies constant motion and I would wholeheartedly agree.  

 My husband calls him a computer genius already!  He knows his way around electronics better than most, and none if it was taught to him.  He just figures it out on his own.  

So when he got his bike (which was a total surprise) he actually cried and told us it was too scary.  After Scott talked to him about it, he was fine and duly excited!  

And ready to ride!!  Happy Birthday to my little man.  I love you lots!!

A Child's Interpretation of Lenten Discipline

So the other day Julia was sitting in her room.  She was there because she had done something not very nice to a friend at school.  She has been acting out lately in a very out-of-character way for her.  Her teacher and I agree that it's that oh-so-patient person finally losing patience with everyone.  I sent her to her room to think about what she had done and told her to do nothing but sit.

A few minutes later I walked past her room and she was sitting on the floor with her entire shell collection spread out around her.  I asked her what she was doing and was ready to scold her for not doing what she was told.  This was her response, "No Mom, I'm not playing.  I am deciding what I am going to give away for Lent."  I didn't really go into a detailed explanation at the time.

Then yesterday morning we were discussing Lent and the idea of giving something up in order to remind ourselves of the sacrifices Jesus made for us.  I shared with them that I usually give up sweets because it is difficult for me.  Julia replied, "Yes Mom, and you can give them away to us (meaning her & her siblings)."  So then I attempted to explain the difference between giving away, and giving up.  It's really a semantics thing.  However, I think she gets the general idea since she was willing to give "away" one of her treasured shells.

Mexican Stuffed Shells

Many of you asked so here it is.  My disclaimer is that I am going from memory and I wasn't measuring anything.

Mexican Stuffed Shells
18-20 large pasta shells, cooked & cooled
*Enchilada sauce http://www.recipegirl.com/2006/05/01/enchilada-sauce/
1 lb. ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 Tbsp. chile powder
1 1/2 Tbsp. cumin
2 tsp. Mexican oregano
2 tsp. coriander
1 cn. black beans, drained
1/2 cup ricotta
2 cups grated Mexican blend cheese

Prepare enchilada sauce.  Brown ground beef & drain.  Put a little more fat (oil of your choice) in pan and sauté onion until beginning to soften.  Add garlic and cook for another minute or so.  Then add chile powder, cumin, oregano, coriander (all my measurements are guesstimates because I didn't measure) & ground beef.  Cook for 1 minute then add in 1/2 a cup (or so) of enchilada sauce.  Add black beans & more enchilada sauce if too dry.  Cook just until mixture is warm through.  Remove from heat and stir in ricotta (again no measurement-just add enough to make the mixture hold together), 1/2 cup grated cheese & a couple handfuls of cilantro (to taste).  Preheat oven to 375.  Ladle some enchilada sauce in the bottom of an 11x7 baking dish.  Stuff shells with meat mixture, don't skimp here.  Be careful not to split shells, it helps to cook them very al dente.  Nestle stuffed shells into pan tightly and ladle the remainder of the enchilada sauce over the top.  You can use less if you prefer.  Bake for 20-30 minutes until mixture becomes bubbly.  Remove and add the remainder of the grated cheese over the top (we like lots of cheese).  Put back in oven until cheese is melted.  Sprinkle more cilantro over the top and serve!

* Her (easy and very yummy) recipe called for onion salt & garlic powder.  I used onion powder & garlic salt because that is what I had.  I also added more cumin and Mexican oregano.  Again, I tasted and added what I wanted.

So cute!

These days my cute little "Lala" is indeed cute, but also driving me nuts!  The two's have definitely taken hold of her and made her plumb crazy.  The kicker is that she is still so adorable, so I thought it a good time to make another child list.  This is my warning for anyone out there who doesn't want to read about my kids.

Things little Lala is doing these days:
1. When she hears something she cups her hand to hear ear and says "I hear sumsing"
2. When her daddy gets upset with her, through whining (fake) sobs she says "yes ma'am daddy"
3. She still refuses to use the potty for #2.  However, she really wants to be a big girl and always says "I go potty like Ewic (her cousin Eric)"  I don't know why she identifies with him on the potty thing, but she does.
4. She loves to put her hand on her hip or hips and be really sassy. Can't imagine where she gets that from (ahem).
5. She adores her big brother "Seany boo".  She loves to wake him up in the morning or after nap by getting in his bed, snuggling with him and tickling him.
6. Most of the time she completely ignores what I say and does exactly what she wants to do.
7. Then again, she can't stay in her gymnastics class.  She runs out screaming & crying for me.  I also can't leave her in the nursery at the gym.  She cries the whole time.
8. She has moved to a big girl bed (which she refers to as a "girl big bed"), only because she was starting to crawl out of the crib & pack 'n play.  She loves it and is pretty good about staying put.  In the morning she hollers "O Mommy?"  when she is ready to get up.
9. She loves to tell me "I can do it myself!", of course with her hands on her hips.
10. She likes to order me to "div me tisses" or "div me hugs"
11. The whining has begun, just as Sean's is starting to taper off (hear the background scream from me?).
11. Sadly (and happily) she is starting to ask real questions and communicate more like a big kid.

See the hand on the hip?

Last slumber in her crib.

This past weekend Scott took down our last crib (heavy sigh).  Our days of babyhood, which at times I have been so ready to be over, are coming to an end.  As happy as I am to move on to the next stage in our lives, I am a little heart sick over the loss of my babies.  I think now I know what motherhood is, for me anyway: mourning the loss of each stage of your child's life while also feeling excitement and joyful anticipation of who they will become and where God will take them as they grow.  

Proud Mama

So I know I spend most of my time whining and wailing about my kiddos cause that is what a mama is supposed to do . . . right?!?!?

Well I am going to take just a minute to praise them highly.  I took them out to dinner tonight with my family, without Scott.  So it was just one against three.  Not good odds right?  I must say though that they were just angels.  I managed to get them all to take naps this afternoon and then they all (non-complaining) took quick baths before we had to leave.  We were out the door on time and I was even fully dressed, in nice clothes, complete with makeup!  Shocker, I know.

All 3 of them sat through dinner, were well behaved, used inside voices, had impeccable manners, ordered their own meals & ate almost every bite.

My proudest moment of the evening came at the end though.  A lady who had been sitting at the table right next to ours came by on her way out to tell us how wonderful our kids were.  She said she couldn't believe that they sat there that long and were so quiet and well behaved.  I am so glad that she did that.  Sometimes the only people to speak up are the ones that are complaining.  So, thank you nice lady at the restaurant and thanks to my sweet angels!!  I love you!

Now for the funny part.  Sean, my super picky eater, has decided that he loves salad.  Praise Jesus!!!  We had Scott's brother, his wife & my nephew over for dinner a couple of weeks ago and I made caesar salad.  Sean couldn't get enough of it, forget the noodles I had made because they had tomato sauce on them.  He hates tomatoes in any form: sauce, fresh, ketchup, etc.  So at this particular restaurant my in-laws always order salad for the table (no, it's not Olive Garden, which I detest).  The salad comes with tomatoes, onion, blue cheese and just a plain vinaigrette.  So I ask Sean if he wants salad and he emphatically says "YES!"  I pick out only the lettuce, he did find some minute crumb size pieces of purple cabbage.  He picked them out, handed them to me and stated, "Mom, I said I didn't want any of THAT".  Once the 2 terrible minute crumb sizes pieces of purple cabbage were removed he proceeds to eat two helpings of basically lettuce.  He loved every bite, but the funniest thing was he insisted on eating it with 2 forks.  I have no idea where that came from.  I was just thankful because he was eating something green!!

Blog Title

Okay so I often look at my blog title and name "CrazyMommy" and try to determine if this really fits me. Sometimes I feel as if it gives readers the wrong impression of me . . .

And then I have an incident such as this mornings' and I know that I have named my blog perfectly!!

So, I am having a good morning considering that I am the only adult in the house and Sean got up super early today.  I am dressed, having coffee, kids are eating and everyone is happy.  Julia asks if I can whip up some boiled eggs.  While trying to explain to her that I can't just whip them up at the moment I peer into the frig and wonder why there is an 18 pack of eggs missing.  I know I went to the grocery store on Wed and I know that I bought eggs while there.  So I start mumbling to myself trying to retrace my 2 day old steps and start feeling downright crazy.

Then it dawns on me that I may have never even brought them in from the car, but I push that thought out of my head.  I mean, really, who leaves eggs in the car for 2 days, during an unseasonably warm winter.  Finally, I run to the car and . . . there they are . . . just sitting there.

Luckily, it's trash day today so they went straight to the trash and I am oddly comforted by the fact that I really am just a Crazy Mommy!

Happy Friday :-)