Monday, April 16, 2012

The day in the life of a mom with 3 kids.

Monday Morning
6:00 Alarm goes off for the first time. Hit snooze!
6:09 Alarm goes off for the second time. Hit snooze!
6:18 Alarm goes off for the third time. Reach over and grab cell phone so the bright light will help me wake up. Play on facebook for a few minutes and see if it is my turn to play words with friends or draw something.
6:27 Alarm goes off for the forth time. Roll out of bed to go wake up Lynley. Stumble in the dark so I don't wake up Jason yet and walk in another dark room as quietly as I can so I don't wake up Kendall.
6:30 Fix Lynley breakfast, take my vitamins, and chug my first glass of water.
While Lynley eats breakfast I pick out her clothes, pack her lunch, pack her a snack, make sure all of her school stuff is in her bag, and turn on the straighter so it can be heating up to fix her hair later. In the meantime Jason wakes up and gets in the shower and Kendall wakes up and wants to snuggle. No time for snuggling right now because I have to make sure Lynley stays on time.
6:45 Tell Lynley to stop playing and eat so she is not late.
7:00 Tell Lynley breakfast time is up, go brush your teeth.
7:15 Ask Lynley why it is taking to long to brush her teeth?!?!?!
7:20 She is finally done brushing teeth! Tell Jason goodbye. Get Lynley dressed and fix her hair.
7:30 Wake Dylan up and get all 3 kids in the cold car to take Lynley to school.
7:40 Sit in the car in the driveway for a few minutes so I can drag out going in the house and getting things going for as long as I can!
7:45 Kendall tells me she is tired of sitting in the car and she is hungry. Go inside and sit Dylan down, he starts to scream. Fix breakfast, Dylan still screaming...wait now I smell something and it does not smell like food, GWOSS!!! Stop breakfast to change my smelly man. Sit him back down, he proceeds to start screaming again. Hurry with a milk cup so maybe I can fix a breakfast that would take a normal person 5 minutes and I have been trying to get it done for 20 minutes. Feed my children that act like they are starving.
9:00 Clean up breakfast stuff and try to keep Dylan out of the cat food...crap he found a piece that I missed!
9:30 Sit in the floor and play, sing, read books with the kiddos with SPROUT on the tv. Drink my 2nd glass of water.
10:00 "Mommy I am hungry. Can I have a snack?" What I want to say "Gesh, if you would have finished your breakfast that took me forever to cook we would not be having this conversation." My real response "You can either finish your breakfast or you have to wait until lunch."
10:30 Get Dylan cleaned up, change his diaper, change his clothes, give him paci and blanket, lay him down for a nap. I jump in the shower because this is the ONLY time I have during the day to shower. Turn Kbear on some cartoons and make sure all of the doors are locked.
11:00 After being interrupted a ton of times because Kendall has to go potty and because she wants to get in with me (I tell her no of course) I am finally done. Get out, get dressed, dry my hair, brush my teeth, do my make-up. Man I feel so much better!
11:30 Start figuring out what in the world are we going to do for lunch. Decide to put that off for a bit and sit on the couch and play on facebook, atlantamommas, check on friends blogs, see if it is my go on any games.
12:00 Gesh, have I really wasted 30 minutes on the computer and now it is lunch time and I have no idea what I am going to fix??? Finally decide on a lean cuisine for me, ham and cheese sandwich and some yogurt for Kendall and same for Dylan when he wakes up. Play on the computer some more while I eat my lunch that is not going to fill me up, but I won't eat anything else because that had so many calories and so much sodium...one day I will learn to fix something different.
12:30 Another 30 minutes wasted on the computer! Close the computer so I won't be tempted by it any more!!! Get a load of laundry going, unload the dishwasher, reload it. Think about how in the world we can go through so much laundry, dishes, and trash in one day...didn't I just do all of this yesterday??? Crap I have only had 2 glasses of water and I have to get my 8 in...chug my 3rd glass of water.
1:00 Go check on Dylan...he is standing in his jumping in his bed and gives me the biggest and cutest smile when I walk in! Get him up, change his diaper, and feed him lunch.
2:00 Time to go get Lynley. Make sure both kids have a drink cup and I have a glass of water, both have their blankets, Dylan has his paci, and Kbear has a toy or a book. Finally make it out the door at 2:15.
2:25 Arrive at car line and have a few minutes to just chill. Kbear usually falls asleep in the car and Dylan talks to himself.
2:35 Car line finally starts moving! Pick up Lynley and we talk about her day.
2:45 Arrive home. Check mail, bill, junk, bill, junk, bill...something I don't recognize...oh wait it is just more junk. We stay outside and play for a bit because it is to pretty to sit inside a messy home!
3:30 Girls come in for a snack, I sit Dylan down to play and I realize I have not even thought about dinner. Start looking through cabinets, fridge and freezer, find something that sounds good and that everyone will eat. Start prepping for it.
4:00 "Lynley, turn off the tv. It is homework time." This is not a chore, she does not mind homework! While she does homework I cook and Kendall is usually helping one of us while Dylan is figuring out what he can get in.
5:15 Head out for Soccer on Mondays. No time to eat before hand! Soccer from 5:45 until 6:45. Come home, get kids in pjs, and eat as a family.
7:15 Time to read!
8:00 Lights out!
8:15 BE QUIET AND GO TO SLEEP!!!
8:30 All is quiet in the Towns house and now time to clean up after dinner. Oh wait, I have a load of laundry in the washer...swap it over to the dryer. Crap, I did not have time to sweep or vacuum! Sweep the kitchen, pick up toys from the living room, vacuum the rug. "Oh, Jason that trash really stinks, please take it out!."
9:30 I am BEAT!!! Lets go to bed!

6:00 It starts all over again, but this time Lynley has to have a bath so no phone time and no snooze time!


I love my life!! It is busy, but full of smiles, laughter, hugs, kisses, tears, prayers, gray hairs, friends, family, books, toys, and just pure joyfulness.

I thank God everyday for giving me such a wonderful husband. Someone who is so understanding when I am in pjs some days when he comes home because my day was so hectic. Someone who is so understanding when the same bowl he ate breakfast out of is still sitting on the table because my babies asked me to take them for a walk or read them an extra book. Someone who is willing to cook dinner on days that I did not even have a second to myself because a kid did not feel good. Someone who loves me with or without make-up on. Someone who never judges me and I never have to make excuses to because he totally understands.

(By the way, this blog took me 3 hours to type up. I don't get to just sit in front of the computer and blog all day whenever I want. I have to do a few minutes here and a few minutes there.)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

100 reasons you should work out today...

Because it makes you feel confident
Because it helps you get stronger
Because exercise helps combat depression
Because you'll feel proud of yourself
Because you have goals you want to reach
Because you'll feel bad if you don't
Because you want to move forward, not backward
Because it burns more calories than not working out
Because it improves your heart health
Because you want a great butt
Because it prevents diabetes
Because you want to be a good example to your kids
Because you want to feel good in your clothes
Because it reduces your risk of cancer
Because your body was made to move
Because you want to be an athlete
Because you want to look better
Because it lifts your mood
Because you want to stand taller
Because it reduces back pain
Because it feels good
Because it makes you feel accomplished
Because you spend most of your day on your butt
Because swimsuit season is always coming
Because strong is the new skinny
Because dieting only works so much
Because it strengthens your bones, too
Because it helps you lose weight
Because it allows you to eat more food
Because it's the best way to spend "me" time
Because it helps you de-stress
Because it's cheaper than therapy
Because you want a strong core
Because you want to take care for yourself
Because you take pride in your body
Because it strengthens your legs
Because it helps your clothes fit better
Because you want to push yourself
Because you are capable of more than you ever imagined
Because moving your body feels good
Because it keeps your mind sharp
Because it helps you beat belly bloat
Because it helps you sleep better at night
Because it gives you energy
Because you want to stay healthy as you age
Because you want to look younger
Because you want toned arms
Because it improves your balance
Because it burns off last night's dessert
Because it boosts your immune system
Because sweat is sexy
Because you want to live longer
Because you want to get better at your game
Because you want to catch someone's eye
Because exercisers earn more money
Because you're more likely to eat better when you exercise
Because you want to shave time off your running pace
Because you want to breathe easier
Because you want to see the scale drop
Because exercise improves your sex life
Because you are worth it
Because being fit makes everything in life better
Because you promised yourself that you would
Because you deserve a better life
Because it'll help you drink more water
Because you want to do real push-ups
Because it reduces your health care costs
Because you'll miss fewer days of work
Because you want to create a new future for yourself
Because it'll help you like what you see in the mirror
Because it'll makes clothing shopping more fun
Because you want to look and feel incredible
Because exercising can be fun
Because it'll give your skin a glow
Because it's a good way to spend time with your friends
Because it'll help you prevent the middle-age spread
Because it reduces your blood pressure
Because you don't want to let yourself go
Because you don't want to squeeze into an airplane or rollercoaster seat
Because it strengthens your spirit
Because it's a cheap way to entertain yourself
Because you'll be able to reward yourself
Because you need a reason to wear those new workout clothes
Because you're tired of being tired
Because not working out is not going to get you very far
Because it's a great way to spend time outside
Because you made a commitment to yourself
Because you're tired of starting over
Because there will always be another wedding, vacation or reunion
Because you're not a quitter
Because it improves your cholesterol
Because it boosts your metabolism
Because it prevents age-related muscle loss
Because if you can do this, you can do anything
Because a fit body is a healthy body
Because it beats sitting on the couch
Because everyone has at least 10 minutes to spare
Because you want to be stronger than your excuses
Because not working out isn't working out for you
Because the only workout you ever regret is the one you skip

Monday, March 19, 2012

Colorful Cupcakes

On St. Patricks Day I wanted to do something fun for the kids. I decided to try something I saw on Pintrest, but tweak it to something that would be easier and something my kids would love! I decided to try cupcakes. I can't believe how easy they were to make and they turned out so pretty!




We did each cupcake a little different.

They taste as good as they look!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Karate Demo

The Karate team did a demo for the Awanas group at church last night. Lynley did fantastic!

Lynley did Form 1 with a group.


Uncle Chad was also there.

Picture Day!

Today is picture day for Lynley at school.  Going through her closet this morning was such a challenge!  I found out the hard way that Lynley has 5 short sleeve shirts that are not t-shirts and only 1 was good enough for Spring pictures.  When Kendall heard that it was picture day she got all excited and wanted to take pictures as well.  Looking through her closet to find her something Springy to wear was also a challenge.  She has so many cute Spring clothes I could not decide what to put her in. I finally just got a couple of things out and let her pick what she wanted to wear.




The grass was still wet so the bench is all we got to do. The sun was in her eyes so she could not open her eyes all the way. We only got these 3 pictures before she went in total melt down mode.


After a long and much needed nap and after picking Lynley up from school we were able to go back outside and play for a while.







"I wished for 2 more babies." Well mommy wishes for Kendall's wish to not come true!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Shrimp and Grits

I was asked for my Shrimp and Grits recipe.  I used bits and pieces from different recipes to kind of make it my own.

  
8 slices Regular Bacon, Cut Into 1/2-inch Pieces 
1 whole Yellow Onion, Chopped 
2 cups Grits 
4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth 
2 cups Water 
2 cups Heavy Cream 
1-1/2 cup Grated Cheese (Monterey Jack, Etc.) 
1 dash Cayenne, For Heat 
Salt As Needed 
Black Pepper To Taste

In a heavy pot, cook bacon over medium heat for a couple of minutes to render fat. Add onions and cook with bacon for a few minutes, or until bacon is chewy and onions are golden brown.
Add grits, chicken broth, and water. Stir together and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, cover pot, and cook 30 to 40 minutes, stirring occasionally and making sure the liquid level is okay. If grits begin to get dry, add a little more warm broth.
After 30-40 minutes of cooking time, pour in cream. Cover pot and continue to simmer on very low heat for another 30 minutes, or until grits are done. Taste and add salt, pepper and cayenne to taste. Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese.

1lb raw Shrimp (I get mine already peeled with the tails off)

3 bacon slices
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  1. Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon, and drain on paper towels, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon, and set aside.
  2. Sprinkle shrimp with pepper and salt; dredge in flour.
  3. Sauté mushrooms in hot drippings in skillet 5 minutes or until tender. Add green onions, and sauté 2 minutes. Add shrimp and garlic, and sauté 2 minutes or until shrimp are lightly brown. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce, and cook 2 more minutes, stirring to loosen particles from bottom of skillet.
  4. Serve shrimp mixture over hot cheese grits. Top with crumbled bacon.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Lots going on!

I am so excited about so many things and instead of putting it all on facebook where people really don't care I thought I would blog about it so I could read it later.

First let me start off by saying my house looks like it threw up, yes it is truly that bad!  No, that does not make me excited, it stresses me out!  I always start with the negative and end on a positive, so there is my negative!

Dylan just cut his forth tooth!  He has been a drooling mess and a very fussy baby boy as well! He chews on everything that he can pick up and even tries to chew on the things he can't pick up.   He is trying so hard to walk, I think he could if he would trust himself.  I have caught him many times standing alone, but once he realizes what he is doing he sits down.  I am steaming him some fresh fruits and veggies, mmmmm!!!  He is going to love that!  I have got some squash going right now.  I will also do some green beans, carrots, pears, and if I have time apples. 

We leave on Saturday to go to Clearwater Beach FL to meet Winter the dolphin from the movie A Dolphin's Tale.  We are all VERY excited about that!  Which means I HAVE to get this house clean!  I can't stand to leave on a trip with a messy house!  I have truly got to get my butt in gear.  It is going to be a LONG drive, like 9 hours, for just a weekend.  It is going to be so worth it though!  I am planning on packing lots of things for the kids to do and maybe even take some time to catch up on coupon clipping. 

I have a surprise going for 2 different people.  Neither know to even expect anything so when we finally mail out the packages I will be excited to hear, well probably more like read, their responses. 

I have been trying some new recipes this week.  Tuesday I made Shrimp and Grits, Wednesday I made a White Pork Cheesy Chili, Thursday (tonight), I am going to try a Chinese Casserole, and Friday (tomorrow) I am going to try a crockpot Cilantro and Lime Chicken.  So far everything has been a huge hit with everyone in the house, including little miss picky, Lynley.

Lynley is in the first grade, in her class they are having issues with kids stealing from other kids and stealing things from the teacher.  I have talked with Lynley about this every night, reminding her how wrong it is and reminding her that if she ever sees anything it is ok to tell the teacher.  She assures me every time that she does not know who it is doing it and that she has no part of it.  I am proud of my sweetie for knowing right from wrong, for making good choices, and for keeping God first in her life.  She is an awesome GOD GIRL!!!

Well that is all for today.  Time to go check on the veggies and start working on this sick looking house.