Poor little Amy didn't leave the house on Monday. In fact, the only time she got out of her pajamas was when we took a bath Monday night.
So, by Tuesday mid-morning, while I was baking cookies for Diana's tea party on Wednesday, she was destroying the house. She broke the salt and pepper shakers because she was taking the napkins from the napkin holder. She was taking the DVDs and CDs off the shelf, books were off the shelf...she was crazy. By 10:30 I said OK, we are outta here!
Diana was out with Matt hitting golf balls and having a fun time so I had to get Amy outta the house. I took the cookies out of the oven before they were finished and we packed up the car. I took her the jump house place for an hour because they have an open gym type set up. WHOA! I have never been there except for a party. Amy is not the only one with pent up energy. Kids were running all over the place! There were 8-year-olds in the toddler area (I had to regulate on them) and kids taking Amy's basketball from her...dang, can a baby just get her hoop on, please? Amy lasted an hour and then we left. That was five bucks well spent!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Spring Break - Day 6
Adult conversation is definitely what I miss the most about working. There are days when I don't get out of the house because there's too much to do around here. I talk to a five-year-old and a 1-year-old all day and that drives me nuts. I love my kids, but the conversations I have with them are not keeping my brain fresh at all.
I got a call two weeks ago about a job in San Francisco. I was a little off my game of talking to adults so I am guessing that I sounded like an idiot or they would've called me back for an interview by now. I have to be more prepared for these random calls in the middle of the day from potential employers or I may never be employed again.
(Sidebar: I don't count weekends as Spring Break so Monday was considered Day 6 of Diana's Spring Break.)
I talked to a Mom last week about having our girls get together for a playdate. She's off from work on Mondays and I really like this mom so I wanted to be able to visit with her and not just drop my kid off.
So, I took Diana over to their house on Monday. They live right around the corner from us and the girl that's in Diana's class has a younger sister and an older sister. The older sister had a friend over as well so it was all girls all the time.
I had the chance to have adult Mom conversation for almost three hours! I know I shouldn't type that with an exclamation point, but I did. That's how excited I was. The other little girl's mom was there with her 11-week-old son so it was nice to sit, drink the Starbucks they bought :) and not have to worry about kids for a couple hours.
I could've stayed there all day and night, but you can't just sit at someone's house for hours on end and I could tell Diana was getting a little restless. Hopefully there will be more playdates. I love those things!
I got a call two weeks ago about a job in San Francisco. I was a little off my game of talking to adults so I am guessing that I sounded like an idiot or they would've called me back for an interview by now. I have to be more prepared for these random calls in the middle of the day from potential employers or I may never be employed again.
(Sidebar: I don't count weekends as Spring Break so Monday was considered Day 6 of Diana's Spring Break.)
I talked to a Mom last week about having our girls get together for a playdate. She's off from work on Mondays and I really like this mom so I wanted to be able to visit with her and not just drop my kid off.
So, I took Diana over to their house on Monday. They live right around the corner from us and the girl that's in Diana's class has a younger sister and an older sister. The older sister had a friend over as well so it was all girls all the time.
I had the chance to have adult Mom conversation for almost three hours! I know I shouldn't type that with an exclamation point, but I did. That's how excited I was. The other little girl's mom was there with her 11-week-old son so it was nice to sit, drink the Starbucks they bought :) and not have to worry about kids for a couple hours.
I could've stayed there all day and night, but you can't just sit at someone's house for hours on end and I could tell Diana was getting a little restless. Hopefully there will be more playdates. I love those things!
Festivals, rehearsal and eggs
There was a lot going on around these parts this weekend so I took advantage of the sunshine and got the girls out of the house. On Saturday, our adventures started at the Home and Garden Show. It cost $6 to get in, but there was some great stuff there. At the Home Depot booth, I learned that during the first Saturday of every month, they have a kids craft class. It starts at 9 a.m. and they create projects and teach them how to use tools. The women at the booth gave the girls these adorable orange aprons like the ones the employees wear. Diana wasn't loving it, but she will. The best part about the craft class is that it's free and when the kids complete the craft, they get a pin to put on their apron. Pretty cool.
Later that day, Diana had rehearsal for her upcoming show, Camp Rock. While she was there, I strolled to the downtown area where the Medieval Fantasy Festival was taking place. It was nice to walk around downtown, listen to music, check out the vendors and smell the great food. I talked to a couple of women at one booth who make kids clothes. They were giving me a pep talk about how easy the sewing machine is and that I shouldn't be intimidated by it. (Future post: Angela takes on the sewing machine). They suggested that I check out their website for ideas on creating my own kids clothes. I haven't done it yet, but I will because I would love to make Fourth of July dresses for the girls.
On Sunday, we got word of an Easter Egg Hunt up the road in Dixon. We picked up Au Bob in the morning and checked it out. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves.
Matt was giving Amy instructions prior to her event:
When the horn sounded, Amy just stood there:
Then she got going, but still didn't understand the concept of picking up the little plastic eggs:
So another little girl shared hers (and then quickly took them back):
And then Amy was escorted back to her family:
Diana though...
knows exactly how it works. There were five Fiffer-Feffer-Feff plushes placed on the grass. We instructed Diana to run as fast as she could when the horn went off to the plush. Don't let the shiny eggs distract you, we said. Go straight for the plush!
She got one. I was very proud.
But then she was lost in the crowd.
But very excited about her loot!
Can you believe I actually got them in the same picture together?
Later that day, Diana had rehearsal for her upcoming show, Camp Rock. While she was there, I strolled to the downtown area where the Medieval Fantasy Festival was taking place. It was nice to walk around downtown, listen to music, check out the vendors and smell the great food. I talked to a couple of women at one booth who make kids clothes. They were giving me a pep talk about how easy the sewing machine is and that I shouldn't be intimidated by it. (Future post: Angela takes on the sewing machine). They suggested that I check out their website for ideas on creating my own kids clothes. I haven't done it yet, but I will because I would love to make Fourth of July dresses for the girls.
On Sunday, we got word of an Easter Egg Hunt up the road in Dixon. We picked up Au Bob in the morning and checked it out. The pictures pretty much speak for themselves.
Matt was giving Amy instructions prior to her event:
When the horn sounded, Amy just stood there:
Then she got going, but still didn't understand the concept of picking up the little plastic eggs:
So another little girl shared hers (and then quickly took them back):
And then Amy was escorted back to her family:
Diana though...
knows exactly how it works. There were five Fiffer-Feffer-Feff plushes placed on the grass. We instructed Diana to run as fast as she could when the horn went off to the plush. Don't let the shiny eggs distract you, we said. Go straight for the plush!
She got one. I was very proud.
But then she was lost in the crowd.
But very excited about her loot!
Can you believe I actually got them in the same picture together?
Spring Break - Day 5
Having grown up in Fairfield, I have been to the Jelly Belly Factory a time or two. I went on the factory tour when I was a little kid when they actually took you down on the factory floor and you could practically touch the chocolate while it was being made.
I never took part in the activities they had out there until the last few years though. They do a great job providing activities for little kids and their families. I took the girls out there on Friday to see the Easter Bunny. There was no line to see him and we walked right in. Diana wore her Easter Bunny ears, which the Bunny thought was hilarious. Amy, however, was not so keen on the idea of the Easter Bunny. She took one look at that guy and said 'No thanks, sister, you go right ahead, I will wait right here.'
So, Diana got her picture taken with him and we were on our way. We checked out the store on the way out and saw some of the women prepping caramel apples, chocolate Easter Bunnies and cell phones in the workshop. It was pretty fun.
After that, it was lunchtime. We called Grandma V and stopped by her work to have lunch and go for a spin on her playground. The girls had a great time visiting V and having a picnic!
That night, I took Diana to the Club Live Countywide Lip Sync Competition in Sacramento. It's an event hosted by my sister's work. Diana was fascinated and it was a very fun event. It went a little late so Diana was very tired by the end of the night!
I never took part in the activities they had out there until the last few years though. They do a great job providing activities for little kids and their families. I took the girls out there on Friday to see the Easter Bunny. There was no line to see him and we walked right in. Diana wore her Easter Bunny ears, which the Bunny thought was hilarious. Amy, however, was not so keen on the idea of the Easter Bunny. She took one look at that guy and said 'No thanks, sister, you go right ahead, I will wait right here.'
So, Diana got her picture taken with him and we were on our way. We checked out the store on the way out and saw some of the women prepping caramel apples, chocolate Easter Bunnies and cell phones in the workshop. It was pretty fun.
After that, it was lunchtime. We called Grandma V and stopped by her work to have lunch and go for a spin on her playground. The girls had a great time visiting V and having a picnic!
That night, I took Diana to the Club Live Countywide Lip Sync Competition in Sacramento. It's an event hosted by my sister's work. Diana was fascinated and it was a very fun event. It went a little late so Diana was very tired by the end of the night!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The kitchen is being kind to me
There's been a lot of cooking and baking happening in my life in the last six months. I'm pretty willing to try anything because I truly believe that cooking and baking is just a test of how well someone can follow directions. It's also a test of my patience. When I don't have kids hanging on me, I am much better in the kitchen. So when the girls are down for naps, that's when I attempt to be a master chef.
The last couple meals I have attempted for dinner were a huge success. Friday night I made chicken apple pizza. I knew the girls wouldn't eat it so half the pizza was reserved for cheese only.
Here's the recipe, which I got from "Something Extra" the Raley's magazine.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Melt 1 tbsp. butter in large non-stick skillet. Add 1 peeled and thinly sliced apple and 1 halved and sliced onion (I used a white onion); cook and stir for 10 minutes. Place thin crust pizza on a large baking sheet or pizza pan and top with 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese and apple mixture. top with thinly sliced chicken apple sausage (I used two for half the pizza) and bake 10-12 minutes or lightly browned on edges.
Makes 4 servings.
On Saturday, I made zucchini cakes. The part that took longest was the prep of the zucchini and other veggies. This was a huge hit with Matt who today called it "the best thing" I've ever made. WOW! This recipe, I believe also taken from Something Extra, made about 10 cakes. I don't know what else to serve them with. I will do some research. It was all I had for dinner because I saved room for an ice cream sandwich for dessert.
Here's the recipe:
3 c. coarsley grated zucchini
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. fresh breadcrumbs (from a baguette)
1 egg
2 green onions, thinly sliced (I used three)
1/4 c. diced red bell pepper (I used a little more than this)
1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbl. mayo or plain yogurt
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tbl. vegetable oil, for frying
1 tsp. butter
1. Place grated zucchini in a colander; sprinkle lightly with salt and let stand 30 minutes. Press with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Zucchini should be fairly dry; and you should have about 2 cups. Place zucchini and remaining ingredients (except oil and butter) in a bowl. Mix well. Form into 8 pattied the size of crab cakes. Chill.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet.
3. Add patties to skillet and cook on both sides until browned. Drain on paper towel.
Serves 4.
**Place day old baguette in food processor and pulse until fine crumbs are formed.
**For a quick sauce, mix some chopped fresh herbs (chives, dill) and lemon juice into mayo. I used 2 tbl. mayo, 1 tsp. dill weed, 1 tsp. lemon juice and it was fantastic for the two of us.
Enjoy!!
P.S. I am not like those cooking bloggers who can take pictures while they cook. Someday, I might be able to. Until now, you'll have to use your imagination!
The last couple meals I have attempted for dinner were a huge success. Friday night I made chicken apple pizza. I knew the girls wouldn't eat it so half the pizza was reserved for cheese only.
Here's the recipe, which I got from "Something Extra" the Raley's magazine.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Melt 1 tbsp. butter in large non-stick skillet. Add 1 peeled and thinly sliced apple and 1 halved and sliced onion (I used a white onion); cook and stir for 10 minutes. Place thin crust pizza on a large baking sheet or pizza pan and top with 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian blend cheese and apple mixture. top with thinly sliced chicken apple sausage (I used two for half the pizza) and bake 10-12 minutes or lightly browned on edges.
Makes 4 servings.
On Saturday, I made zucchini cakes. The part that took longest was the prep of the zucchini and other veggies. This was a huge hit with Matt who today called it "the best thing" I've ever made. WOW! This recipe, I believe also taken from Something Extra, made about 10 cakes. I don't know what else to serve them with. I will do some research. It was all I had for dinner because I saved room for an ice cream sandwich for dessert.
Here's the recipe:
3 c. coarsley grated zucchini
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. fresh breadcrumbs (from a baguette)
1 egg
2 green onions, thinly sliced (I used three)
1/4 c. diced red bell pepper (I used a little more than this)
1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tbl. mayo or plain yogurt
1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes
2 tbl. vegetable oil, for frying
1 tsp. butter
1. Place grated zucchini in a colander; sprinkle lightly with salt and let stand 30 minutes. Press with paper towels to remove as much liquid as possible. Zucchini should be fairly dry; and you should have about 2 cups. Place zucchini and remaining ingredients (except oil and butter) in a bowl. Mix well. Form into 8 pattied the size of crab cakes. Chill.
2. Heat oil and butter in a skillet.
3. Add patties to skillet and cook on both sides until browned. Drain on paper towel.
Serves 4.
**Place day old baguette in food processor and pulse until fine crumbs are formed.
**For a quick sauce, mix some chopped fresh herbs (chives, dill) and lemon juice into mayo. I used 2 tbl. mayo, 1 tsp. dill weed, 1 tsp. lemon juice and it was fantastic for the two of us.
Enjoy!!
P.S. I am not like those cooking bloggers who can take pictures while they cook. Someday, I might be able to. Until now, you'll have to use your imagination!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Spring Break - Day 3
Most of Day 3 was spent indoors as Comcast decided to spend more than 2 hours at our house trying to fix our internet/cable/phone. There was no resolution. I was exhausted when it was over (too much technical jargon) so the girls took a nap, I did some chores and then shut my eyes for an hour.
After that, we made a trip out to my favorite baking supply store in Dixon and then to the library. I was more than pleased to find out that the library was having a preview to the Solano Youth Theatre production of "The Wizard of Oz" in the children's section. Diana loved watching the young actors and Amy loved to hear them sing. I was only a little disappointed because it was closing in on dinner time and the audience was sitting in the section where the books are that I check out for Diana. It was OK. I took Amy over to the picture book area and she had some fun.
After dinner, Diana and I made ice cream sandwiches. I bought sugar cookies the other day from Nugget and vanilla bean ice cream. A few years back, I purchased an ice cream sandwich maker from Pampered Chef. Matt and I used it all the time that summer (before we had kids) but haven't put it to use much since the kids have arrived.
It was a messy project, and Amy didn't really participate, but Diana loved it and I tried one of the sandwiches after the girls went to bed. Though the cookie part was a little hard, it was delicious!
Here's Diana cutting the cookie to the appropriate size for the sandwich maker:
Diana was very happy with our evening project:
I wrapped the sandwiches in saran wrap and put them in the freezer, for friends or for us later!
After that, we made a trip out to my favorite baking supply store in Dixon and then to the library. I was more than pleased to find out that the library was having a preview to the Solano Youth Theatre production of "The Wizard of Oz" in the children's section. Diana loved watching the young actors and Amy loved to hear them sing. I was only a little disappointed because it was closing in on dinner time and the audience was sitting in the section where the books are that I check out for Diana. It was OK. I took Amy over to the picture book area and she had some fun.
After dinner, Diana and I made ice cream sandwiches. I bought sugar cookies the other day from Nugget and vanilla bean ice cream. A few years back, I purchased an ice cream sandwich maker from Pampered Chef. Matt and I used it all the time that summer (before we had kids) but haven't put it to use much since the kids have arrived.
It was a messy project, and Amy didn't really participate, but Diana loved it and I tried one of the sandwiches after the girls went to bed. Though the cookie part was a little hard, it was delicious!
Here's Diana cutting the cookie to the appropriate size for the sandwich maker:
Diana was very happy with our evening project:
I wrapped the sandwiches in saran wrap and put them in the freezer, for friends or for us later!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Spring Break - Day 2
Diana has three weeks off for spring break...yes, three weeks. I have a lot planned, but Day One didn't go so great so there is no photographic evidence that the day even occurred.
Day 2 was better so I took the girls on a picnic at their favorite park and they played after. Amy was not so happy about the leaving part. She loves parks. I am glad the weather has improved so we can go more often.
Diana actually saw a friend from her class at the park and she played with him and his siblings while I followed Amy around and went down the slides with her.
On the way home, Diana saw another one of her friends walking with her mom. Turns out the girl lives right around the corner from us. Because Amy was tired and throwing a tantrum while I was getting her out of the car, I couldn't get the lady's phone number so the girls could get together. Hopefully we see them again. Otherwise, I will go knocking on every door on her street until I find them and force my kid on her. Just kidding.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Six months and counting
I have been unemployed for six months now.
In that short (er, long) time I have taken up several hobbies to keep me busy. I am not the type to sit around the house and wait until Oprah comes on at 4 p.m. I developed a love for baking and cooking. Cupcakes fascinate me and I have tried several recipes. If you want to be my taste-tester, I would love to bake some for your event or just because. Please...keep me busy! The only thing I ask when being my taste-tester is that you are completely honest. If you don't like it, tell me. I won't take it personal.
I have pulled out the Crock Pot a lot in the last six months and though it's convenient, helpful and easy, there are not too many things that kids will eat out of a crock pot. The one thing that I have made, and made my own alterations to, is a lasagne. It's really good and very easy.
Since I am stuck inside most of the day, I have to look at these boring off-white walls all day. I took it upon myself to paint our bathroom Summer Sky and love it. I need to apply another coat because the more I inspect it every morning in the shower, the more I realize what a poor job I did.
The next project was giving Amy her own room. The poor girl has been sharing her room with the office for almost two years now and it was about time for her to have her own space. I am in the middle of turning the playroom downstairs into our office/playroom. It's quite an undertaking, has involved a couple trips to IKEA and various discount stores in the area but I can't wait to share pics when it's done. That project also involved painting one wall white. I had to put three coats on the wall to finally get it even. That was frustrating and I will never paint anything white again.
Once the playroom project is done (hopefully soon) I am going to paint the girls' bathroom Cosmic Blue. They have a ducks theme in their bathroom and I think a blue would really put some life in the room and give it some personality.
I have other projects on my list, most of which involve painting, so keep checking back to hear all about them. I will add pictures as well soon.
In that short (er, long) time I have taken up several hobbies to keep me busy. I am not the type to sit around the house and wait until Oprah comes on at 4 p.m. I developed a love for baking and cooking. Cupcakes fascinate me and I have tried several recipes. If you want to be my taste-tester, I would love to bake some for your event or just because. Please...keep me busy! The only thing I ask when being my taste-tester is that you are completely honest. If you don't like it, tell me. I won't take it personal.
I have pulled out the Crock Pot a lot in the last six months and though it's convenient, helpful and easy, there are not too many things that kids will eat out of a crock pot. The one thing that I have made, and made my own alterations to, is a lasagne. It's really good and very easy.
Since I am stuck inside most of the day, I have to look at these boring off-white walls all day. I took it upon myself to paint our bathroom Summer Sky and love it. I need to apply another coat because the more I inspect it every morning in the shower, the more I realize what a poor job I did.
The next project was giving Amy her own room. The poor girl has been sharing her room with the office for almost two years now and it was about time for her to have her own space. I am in the middle of turning the playroom downstairs into our office/playroom. It's quite an undertaking, has involved a couple trips to IKEA and various discount stores in the area but I can't wait to share pics when it's done. That project also involved painting one wall white. I had to put three coats on the wall to finally get it even. That was frustrating and I will never paint anything white again.
Once the playroom project is done (hopefully soon) I am going to paint the girls' bathroom Cosmic Blue. They have a ducks theme in their bathroom and I think a blue would really put some life in the room and give it some personality.
I have other projects on my list, most of which involve painting, so keep checking back to hear all about them. I will add pictures as well soon.
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