Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Looney Tunes Final Chapter ~ Recipe Swap
I don't restrict my kids from junk foods. We usually have cookies, brownies, or cupcakes on hand and we are all BIG fans of Ice Cream. I have given my kids hot dogs, mac n' cheese, and even spaghetti for breakfast when requested, and even the occasional treat of cake for breakfast. We're all still here. I know that child hood obesity is a huge problem in our country and think the problem lies with a combination of lack of activity as well as diet. My kids have ALWAYS (since birth) fallen into the 50th percentile for weight in their age categories. I did a lot of reading about healthy nutrition while pregnant the first time around and just couldn't buy into giving my children wheat germ as a sweet substitute for sugar. We don't take vitamins. We get our D the old fashioned way...Milk and Sun. I'm sure if weight was an issue in our house (with the kids) we would look at things differently, but for now we're letting the kids be kids and enjoy the treats we enjoyed as kids...in moderation.
Sometimes I feel intimidated by the Mom's who go out of their way to provide ONLY healthy snacks for their families, but then I realize that it's not the way Hubster or I eat so it would be quite hypocritical for us to impose these standards on the kids. We're just not ready to give up the "good stuff".
Okay, enough rambling. I was in the mood for a new casserole dish a couple months back and my friend Megan shared one of her favs with me. The whole family enjoyed it.
Aloha Chicken and Rice
2 cups instant brown rice, uncooked
2 cans (8 oz. each) pineapple tidbits in juice, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 oz.) chicken broth
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup SHAKE 'N BAKE Original Chicken Seasoned Coating Mix
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into pieces
PREHEAT oven to 400°F. Mix rice, pineapple with juice, broth and green peppers in 13x9-inch baking dish.
MEASURE 1/2 cup coating mix and place in plastic bag; coat chicken strips as directed on package. Place chicken on rice mixture.
BAKE 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
What's your family's favorite recipe? Please share!
Monday, September 28, 2009
I've Been Inspired

Worst Fears
Anyway. At some point I got tired of staying up and convinced myself that if someone WAS going to break in...then they would. It hadn't happened yet and the only one suffering was me. I decided that staying up would not prevent it from happening and decided I was better off just sleeping and taking my chances. The problem was solved! For a long time, anyway.
So now I'm back to my old childhood fear. It's heightened by the fact that I not only have to save myself from these imaginary intruders, I have to save two children as well. It's at it's worst when Hubster is gone, as he was last night. It's not exactly that I feel safer when he's home (although apparently it is), he sleeps like a ROCK and I'm pretty sure I would notify any intruder that I was awake by trying to wake him. Maybe it's that I feel safer knowing there would be two of us to protect the kids? Maybe I think he will stall them long enough for me to put my "escape plan" (yes, I have it all planned out. I've even alerted the neighbors that I will need their help getting the kids off the roof) into motion? I'm not sure. I just know that he went to work at 11:00 pm last night and from the time I tried to lay down, my mind started racing. How can I get both kids out? I put my cell under my pillow because I was sure the home phone would go beep-beep-beep as I dialed 911. Then I thought, "Will they be able to trace the cell number as easily as the home phone should I be unable to speak?" Then I thought of giving the phone to Boog, he'd know what to do. All this played out in my mind as I laid there. It's excruciating what the mind can do.
I had a friend who had her house broken into over the weekend. She was home with her daughter while her Husband and son were out of town. This probably made my fear worse, but in the end was my saving grace. As I ran it through my head, I convinced myself that my worst fear came true for her and it would be way to coincidental for it to happen to me as well. I finally fell asleep around 3am. I awoke to the sound of the front door opening at 5:30am. I jumped up and slowly walked to the window...where I saw Hubster's car in the driveway. Whew! I went back to bed and got another hour of sleep.
What's your worst fear?
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Another Girls Night In
The theme was Italian and we Rocked it! The food was fabulous, the wine was plentiful, though some got dumped, and the overall experience was like curling up under a heated blanket on a cold Winter night...COZY!
We served that with a delicious antipasto salad with romaine, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, Genoa salami, prosciutto and chunks of mozzarella. He it is being prepared by Kathy .
As always, we drank, cooked, drank, ate, and talked. We never left the table once we sat to eat and the evening ended at 10:30. I so look forward to this event each month and enjoy sharing our recipes and wine with you.
Next Month...Mexican.
Stay Tuned!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
400th Post ~ Do I talk too much?
Yay!
Celebrate!
Now let's move on.
Do I talk too much? Kind of an ironic topic since it's my 400th post to ask that but...do I? The reason I ask is that at work last night I was given a project to track down 6 of these discontinued water-proof bottles. I had a list of stores that were showing in the system as having 1 and I was to get 6 transferred in from other stores. One manager gave me the project as he was walking out the door. Another manager stressed the importance of getting it done before I left, and yet another manager kinda laughed claiming that there were only 16 left in the company and there was no way I would get 6. Was that a challenge? To me it was.
I found a store with 2, called them and got them to transfer them. Found another store with 2 and got those transferred. I then looked for one more store with 2 thinking I could be done. I found the store and called. They actually had one but it had an expiration on it of 2/07. It's a waterproof bottle. Nothing in it. We're not sure why it would have an expiration but I told him to just hold on to it and I would call back if we wanted it (besides he only had one and I wanted to get 2). As I looked through the rest of the stores, no one had more than one so I started to call. I found my fifth but then ran into a road block. ALL the other stores were closed for the night. Not wanting to leave this project for someone else, but having no choice, I made a detailed list of the stores that showed having one and tracked down their phone numbers so the morning person could just make phone calls and not have to track down the info from the computer. So when the store manager (who thankfully is also a friend) called to say "How hard was it to track those down?", I told him.
"I've got 5 being shipped and found a sixth that for some reason was expired but that they are willing to ship if he wants it. The rest of the stores were closed for the day so I also made a list of all stores that show having them and have written down their phone numbers so whoever wants to find the sixth in the morning will just have to make the calls."
To which he replied, "Wow. That's not even why I called." I said, "Didn't you just ask me how hard was it track those down?" He said "Yes, but I wasn't expecting such a long answer." "Okay" I said "I found 5." He laughed and said "Do you like tomatoes?" I said "yes". He said, "We got a ton from our neighbor so swing by on your way home and pick some up." I told him I'd come by today.
I thought I was being thorough. What do you think? Besides, I was at work. Who expects their boss to call about tomatoes?
On another subject...
Tomorrow is Girl's night Out. Skip the diet supplement because you won't want to miss this Italian Feast. I won't spill all the beans, you'll have to wait for Saturday for that. I can tell you that my grocery list is for Sundried Tomato Crostini. Yum. I'm also going to see if I can track down a Norton from Horton. You won't want to miss it.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Funny Video of Kids Flossing/Blogging
This is funny.
At least to me.
One of the things I like to do least for the kids is to floss their teeth. Trying to get them to sit still so as not to rip the floss through their gums proves to be quite challenging at times. When we received a free package of kids floss to try out (and review for compensation), I was very excited. In order to show you what a difference this makes in my life, I shot a little video (or rather, let the kids use the camera on my laptop for their mirror). The kids are actually begging me to let them floss. Any parent who is still flossing their pre-school or elementary aged kids should check this out.
Note: For some reason, whenever Puddin Pop gets in front of my laptop she thinks she's blogging. Just listen to her at the end.
The Dog's Getting Spoiled in Her Old Age
Last week Puddin Pop was in the pantry and found Ashley's (the dog) collar. She pretty much stays in the house or the back yard so she doesn't regularly wear it. I would have sworn she didn't have one anymore but...there it was. Of course the thought of taking Ashley for a walk was all PP could think about. Hmmm. I know we have a retractable leash somewhere, but Boog used to set traps with it so I'm pretty sure it's been confiscated. When I put something up so the kids can't mess with it, I usually forget where it is. We searched around and finally found a leash that used to be Blu's (a dog we had before the kids came)and decided it would work.
Now, every morning, and every afternoon, Ashley accompanies us to the bus stop. Boog takes her in the morning and PP gets to walk her home and the opposite happens in the afternoon. The kids think this is the coolest thing. Seeing the joy in the faces of the other bus riders and hearing them chatter about the "cute doggie" from the bus, made it even more special for the kids. We've now designated a spot for our dog supplies to be able to find them each morning in the hectic before school rush.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
You Want to Get Rid of What?
Sorry Hon. You'll have to cut costs somewhere else
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Lose Your Ugly
Guiding Light~ The End

I haven't watched soaps since I was on maternity leave with Boog, so it's been 6 years, but when I heard that the show was going off the air, I HAD to see the final episodes. I still don't have time during the day, but thanks to our trusty DVR, I was able to record this final week. Each night after everyone went to bed, I would watch all my old favorites come back to town. With a wedding (that turned into 2) and a death, several old characters came back to say their final good byes.
As I watched the very last episode last night, I not only remembered all the old story lines but also thought about all the people I used to enjoy this show with...that are no longer with us. My mother and grandmother were die-hard fans and would have been very sad to see this show end. It, however, outlasted both of them.
It's been a very reflective couple of months for me. We (my husband and I) have had several family deaths and just Wednesday one of our neighbors passed away. It makes me want to hold my kids close and cherish all of my relationships. I'm reaching out to family and friends to let them know how much they mean to me. Life is short and I think it is important to not lose sight of how we got to where we are and all the relationships that have helped mold us into the people we are today.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Eating Right Kids, Part 4
How do you navigate the grocery store with your kids?
Don't forget: Momlogic’s nutrition expert, Haylie Pomroy is answering questions about nutrition. Send her your questions to eatingright@wb.com. She will post answers starting this week.
I'll admit that I've had my challenges taking 2 kids to the grocery store. No one wants to get in the cart (unless I'm at the store with the car on the front of the cart, which I am very poor at maneuvering). They either want to walk or stand on the side. I've occasionally had one (or both) run completely to different aisles forcing me to run after them and then have a serious discussion about proper behavior, courtesy to others, and consequences of bad behavior. It took some brainstorming, and research to see what other Mom were doing. I know it should be easy in comparison with Parents of 5 or 6 children.
I always have a list (written) and give each child 3-5 items to remember. They are under the belief that there are too many things for mommy to remember so I REALLY need their help. Before we leave I will rattle off this list and ask them what they can remember. One might say, "bread,milk, ketchup and bananas" and the other will chime in with "rice, grapes, and cereal." I'll call off a few items and we'll practice memorizing our items all the way to the store. When we get there each child is responsible to get their items when we get to each aisle. I've found by making them think of specific items, they are less likely to ask for other stuff because they are afraid of forgetting their important items. It keeps them close by and thinking of something other than running around and causing havoc.
How do YOU navigate the store with the kids?
Don't forget, each comment on any of the Eating Right Kids Posts gets you a chance in the drawing for a Looney Tunes Eating Right Gift Basket. The basket is filled with healthy options and valued at $100.
Other posts to comment on:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Lunch with a Friend

Saturday, September 12, 2009
Bridge and Beyond Project ~ Getting Involved
Easy Sausage Square Recipe
(golden brown, just out of the oven)
Friday, September 11, 2009
Eating Right Kids, Part 3 and a Great Giveaway
How do you ensure your kids are eating healthy at school. What are some of your kids favorite snacks?
My oldest is in first grade so we aren't currently having any issues with food choices. I pack his lunch so I know exactly what he is eating. It blows my mind that schools now have vending machines filled with sugary snacks and sodas. I don't think these have any place in our schools. I'm not opposed to my kids having anything that they offer, I just don't think they belong in our schools.
I'm pretty fortunate that my kids like healthy snacks. Don't get me wrong, they love the "junk" we occasionally purchase too, but that's why it's occasionally that we buy it. We have a snack box. A 3 drawer, free standing unit that I put snacks in for the kids to grab whenever they want. It always has fruit, pretzels, popcorn, crackers and pudding cups and then whatever other snacks we may pick up. We also always have celery, carrots, grapes and cheese in the fridge that the kids can help themselves to. My son's favorite snacks include cheese and crackers with grapes, and carrots and pretzels dipped in ranch.
What are your kids favorites?
Warner Brothers is giving one lucky reader this Gift basket fillet with Looney Tunes Goodies. All you have to do is engage in a little conversation right here. I will take all comments on the Eating Right Kids posts and use Random.org to pick a winner after week 5. So tell my how you get your kids to eat right and give me some ideas on more healthy options (and make sure to leave a way to contact you).

Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Safeway, Inc. have teamed up to create a better-for-you line of food products for children, uniting flavor and nutrition with the iconic Looney Tunes characters. The Eating Right Kids food line featuring Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Daffy Duck and others offers more than 60 items across 18 categories including breakfast foods, produce, portable meals, dairy, snacks, beverages and frozen entrees - making it easy for moms to spot healthier food and beverage items for their kids that taste great.
Items in the basket include:
Looney Tunes Golden Collection Volume 1
Tweety T-shirt from Junk Food
Looney Tunes plush item
Looney Tunes stationary or home good
Eating Right Kids “green” shopping bag from Safeway
Eating Right Kids post card
Eating Right Kids Products (non perishable) in a branded lunch box
Canned Ravioli with Daffy or Microbowl with Tweety
Tri-color Wheat Rotini with Sylvester and Tweety
Apple juice with Taz
Chewy Bar with Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner
Please note: If an item listed in the giveaway prize is not available, it will be replaced it with a similar item of equal value.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Ellen on Idol
This is flippin' exciting.
Like a sale on women shoes are to a shopaholic, or fine wine is to a sommelier, American Idol is my guilty pleasure...with wine. While I was sorry to hear of Paula's departure I am thrilled to hear that Ellen DeGeneres will be filling her spot. Ellen will bring the same compassion, better stated, will dance just as much, and will be a hoot dealing with Simon. She's been a fan since the beginning and had several of the contestants on her show so she knows how it works. I haven't heard yet if she will be in the early judging but think those episodes will be even more entertaining with her in the mix.
"We're all delighted to have Ellen join our ninth season of American Idol," said executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz. "Beyond her incredible sense of humor and love of music, she brings with her an immense warmth and compassion that is almost palpable. She is one of America's foremost entertainers, and we cannot wait to have her join our team."
What are your thoughts...if you're a fan?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Who's the Boss?
(January 2009)
Dear Puddin Pop,
Yes. I am the boss of you.
I know you were super tired tonight at bed time, and didn’t really mean what you said but, yes, I am the boss of you.
When you spoke those words, “You not the boss of me”, part of me wanted to laugh, part of me wanted to cry. I knew immediately that you had heard those words from your brother, who was probably saying them all day to his older, bossy friend, but I was still surprised. Part of me was sad that, at two, you would be so upset with me and want to push me away. Part of me was so proud that you were standing up for yourself, even if it was against me.
I love you more than anything and only want the best for you. It is my job to make sure you get everything you need…including sleep. My heart aches that you had to go to sleep so upset with me. I’m sorry for telling you that you would need to make your own breakfast in the morning since you think you are the boss of you (even though this didn’t seem to phase you at all). I will, of course, make your breakfast in the morning. I will also do my best to make sure that you are provided with the skills and knowledge to someday actually be the boss of you.
For now it will be my job. Not one I take lightly.
Sweet dreams,
Mommy
Back to the Grind
I'm back!
Currently looking for more charities to spotlight and learn more about. If you have one that you think needs more recognition, e-mail me or comment here.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Outraged!
Have you heard about the man (stranger) who repeatedly slapped a 2 year old at Wal-Mart? The toddler was crying and the man told the mother to shut her up or he would. The mother didn't get her child to stop crying so the man approached and slapped the child, at least 4 times. He is now in jail. No one knows at this point how he got close enough to the child to do this and some are blaming the mother.
My headache is being caused by posters in different forums about this incident. Some think the mother is to blame for allowing her 2 year old to cry at a store. This is ridiculous. Others are going off on tangents about Columbine, gang shootings and other tragic events claiming it's all lack of discipline in today's youth. While I agree that some parents could do a better job in controlling their children (and I don't think that should be the debate here) We're talking about a 2 year old who was crying. Kids cry. Sure the mother could have taken her child and left the store, but I don't think she should have to. And it's Wal-mart. Aren't those stores pretty big? Was the man following them? Did he happen to need the same things in the same aisles? Could he not have been a little more understanding and shopped a different section?
I made a personal decision 6 years ago to NOT shop at Wal-mart (no offense to those that do). My first born was a couple months old and Hubster had to return something. He loves Wal-mart. While he was standing in the long return line at 9 o'clock on a Friday evening, Boogie and I were just strolling through the store. I witnessed so many parents physically "disciplining" their own children in a manner that made me ill that I had to leave before I slapped one (parent...not child). It was then that I decided that Wal-mart was not the place for me. While I'm out outraged that this event took place, the fact that it happened at Wal-mart does not shock me at all and just reinforces my decision not to shop there.
So, anyone got a big tub they want to share?
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Eating Right Kids, Part 2

Looney Tunes Eating Right Kids
Overview of Looney Tunes Eating Right Kids Program:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Safeway, Inc. have teamed up to create a better-for-you line of food products for children, uniting flavor and nutrition with the iconic Looney Tunes characters. The line includes categories such as breakfast foods, portable meals, dairy, snacks and beverages. Each product will feature such world-renowned Looney Tunes characters as Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Taz, Sylvester, Wile E. Coyote, Roadrunner, Marvin the Martian and Daffy Duck, who serve as ‘Mother’s Helper,’ making it easy for moms to spot better-for-you food and beverage items for their kids that taste great.
Statistics on Childhood Obesity:
Obesity is a growing problem among our children nationwide, which, if not addressed, can lead to severe health issues in adulthood. As parents, teaching healthy eating habits and educating our children on how to choose to eat healthy is one of the best habits you can instill in your kids.
o According to a 2009 study, almost 1 in 5 American 4-year-olds is obese – that’s more than half a million 4-year-olds.
o The number of overweight and obese children (10 to 17 years old) is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
o Research has also shown that overweight and obese children generally go on to become obese adults, with all the chronic, weight-related health issues that involves, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
About Warner Bros. / Safeway program:
Warner Bros. Consumer Products has partnered exclusively with Safeway to offer better eating choices for kids: the Eating Right Kids food and beverage line that features the beloved Looney Tunes characters.
o The line is an offshoot of Safeway’s Eating Right line for adults. Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ and Safeway’s Eating Right Kids initiative was highlighted by the Federal Trade Commission for its ability to have a positive impact on childhood obesity.
o The Eating Right Kids Food Line featuring the Looney Tunes Characters offer more than 60 items across 18 categories including breakfast foods, produce, portable meals, dairy, snacks, beverages and frozen entrees. The line is available at more than 1700 Safeway locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.
o The Eating Right Kids line featuring the Looney Tunes Characters available at Safeway stores has been formulated to standards based on the most recent dietary recommendations and regulations from several federal and state agencies.
Momlogic.com:
Looney Tunes Eat Right Kids Program is featured on Momlogic.com starting August 24th and will feature an Eating Right blog from Haylie Pomroy to showcase healthy recipes, expert tips and the Looney Tunes Eating Right product recommendation to help moms save prep time when creating healthy menus and school lunches.