Project 52: Week 17

The "Big" Girl Bed

On Wednesday (4/25) morning, I walked into E's room to find her out of the crib and sitting in the rocking chair. She innocently looked at me and said "Hi mommy" and got off the chair, grabbed her blanket and Mic Mau and walked to me. I was shocked....How did she get out of the bed? Why didn't I hear here? Will she do this again before I can transition her to a toddler bed? Jon was at the firehouse, so I was facing one more night of her in the crib at the very least. She went to bed on Wednesday and stayed in her crib...thankfully. 

This afternoon, Jon got out the tools and changed the bed. I was so apprehensive. One, it was a sign she isn't really a "baby" anymore...tear. Two, how hard would it be to keep her in the bed? Jack always got out of his and both Jon and I spent many nights lying on the floor next to his bed until he fell asleep AND I did not want to go through that again. At 8:30 I took her to her room, let her crawl into bed and she was out for the night and hasn't budged....fingers crossed this will be easier. I trained her earlier than Jack to self-soothe and fall asleep on her own. We shall see if it makes a difference.  

Ella Grace, 22 Months

22 months! You are such a big girl! You are talking so well and trying so hard to repeat eveything we say. Your sassyness is a bit bolder this month. When you are unhappy you are not shy about voicing your displeasure. You are running everywhere these days. Your favorite foods are pasta, grapes, yogurt and fruit snacks. You love playing picnic with Daddy and taking care of your baby dolls.

Happy Birthday Grammie!

Happy Birthday Grammie! J and E always have the best time with Grammie; not to mention all the wonderful things she does for the whole family!  We are so grateful for her love and generosity!

Spicy Sausage Rigatoni

Ingredients:
6 Spicy Italian Sausages, remove casing and slice into bite-size pieces
1 Shallot, diced
1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. rigatoni, cooked al dente
1 jar tomato basil pasta sauce
Parmesan cheese
Italian parsley for garnish
Salt and Pepper to taste

This is a go to meal for us when work has me running late and life is busier than normal. I am all about making homemade sauce, but every once and awhile I use a jar. It's quick and easy!

Saute shallot in olive oil until translucent. Add sausage and cook through. Add a dash of salt and pepper to the pan. While sausage is cooking, start pasta. Salt the water, bring to a boil and cook the pasta for about 10 minutes. Drain pasta. Add sauce to sausage and shallots and heat. Toss in pasta and serve. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Project 52, Week 16

Presenting: The Great White Sharks, 2012

So proud of these little dudes! They were a great team!

(L to R: Coleman, Jaden, Carter, Cooper, Samuel, Jack and Henry)

Post Season Round Up

The Great White Sharks season has come to an end. Jack Ryan had a great time playing on his first team. He's already to play baseball, basketball  and football. His team had a little party at the park after the game on Saturday and each player got a trophy. We are so proud of him!

American Idol

Loving Elise and Phillip this season on American Idol......this was one of my favorites!

Project 52, Week 15

From Denver, with Love

Tomorrow is the last day of our peaceful vacation. We took the kids to the zoo and to the museum over the past few days. The zoo never gets old.... I really do love taking the kids there because its like a new adventure every time we go. I am sad to bid farewell to our family. The best thing about Jon's family is that they are "go with the flow" people. Their home is one of the warmest places I know and everyone is happy to just spend time together without going, going, going. I can't wait to come back for a little r & r.

One last thing....E fell in love with Uncle Josh. She was just adorable with him. She would play so coy with him in the morning and by lunchtime no one was more important to her than him. I hope they are always close...reminds me of my relationship with my UB (Uncle Dave).

I am woman, hear me "roar"

I don't particularly classify myself as a feminist. I am all for equal rights and work hard for my place in the world, but I'm not out there protesting or anything. I found this editorial by Ashley Judd particularly poignant and wanted to share. She's been scrutinized by the media recently for having a "puffy face" and people have been downright cruel to her. I am proud of her for standing up for herself and all women/men out there. Our culture places so much emphasis on outward appearances and it's becoming more and more detrimental to society. It's hard enough getting through life without be constantly judged by your physical appearance. I never want either one of my kids to feel that they are less than perfect because someone chooses to attack the way they look.

The Conversation about women’s bodies exists largely outside of us, while it is also directed at (and marketed to) us, and used to define and control us.

Happy Easter

What a wonderful Easter celebration we had. The kids had so much fun at Grammie and Poppy's house hunting for eggs this morning. Sue and I cooked a fabulous dinner that included pork tenderloin, poblano corn pudding, scalloped potatoes, green beans almondine and fresh rosemary bread. I enjoyed a nice afternoon as well. Special thanks to Sue and cousin Holly for letting this mama rest. The day was just perfect!

Project 52, Week 14

Relaxing, Rocky Mountain Style

We made it to Denver with little issue. The kids were perfect little angels on the plane on our way here. We went and saw the Easter bunny....E is not a fan. She wouldn't go near him, so this year I have a picture of Jack by himself with EB. Tomorrow our big plans involve dying eggs and going to park.