I didn't have a horrible day or anything, but I was so glad when the kids went to bed tonight. There are some days when I am really looking forward to it (by dinner time) and today was one of those days. I started my day at 6:20 and didn't have ANY time to myself all day. The kids didn't nap at the same time at all. Plus I am so busy trying to get things done for our upcoming move.
The funny thing is, whenever I am glad to see them go to bed, I am equally happy to see them again in the morning. It is just that I need (and deserve) a little me time/down time before I go to bed!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Menu Plan - week 5
Sunday
My hubby is making me dinner...steaks, I think.
Monday
fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Tuesday
Leftover steak and chicken
Roasted sweet potatoes
corn
Wednesday
East Indian curry-in-a-hurry
basmati rice
Naan bread
Thursday
Pecan chicken
asparagus
Rice pilaf
Friday
Italian sausages on a bun
corn on the cob
spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Saturday
TBD - we might be going out
Sunday
Pork Loin Roast
Sweet Potatoes (not sure how yet)
Peas
Monday
Pasta with artichoke walnut pesto and grilled chicken breasts
My hubby is making me dinner...steaks, I think.
Monday
fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Tuesday
Leftover steak and chicken
Roasted sweet potatoes
corn
Wednesday
East Indian curry-in-a-hurry
basmati rice
Naan bread
Thursday
Pecan chicken
asparagus
Rice pilaf
Friday
Italian sausages on a bun
corn on the cob
spinach salad with raspberry vinaigrette
Saturday
TBD - we might be going out
Sunday
Pork Loin Roast
Sweet Potatoes (not sure how yet)
Peas
Monday
Pasta with artichoke walnut pesto and grilled chicken breasts
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Clothes
Here is an excerpt from her email as some background. This is the end of her email. It was actually almost 3 pages long...filled with nastiness and lies.
I have often bought what I thought were lovely clothes for both your son and daughter , never had a chance to see them on them, never heard if you liked them and certainly never was sent pictures of them wearing what I bought for them. That is negligent and rude and thoughtless. Have either of you ever thought how your behaviour must make me feel, even more importantly do you even care? I'm sure you both pride yourselves on how civilly and graciously you treat even perfect strangers, yet you give no thought to how you treat me. Your behaviour should make you both feel very ashamed.
I would like to clear up what she says about the clothes. She has bought my son a few outfits. She has seen him in them and I have sent her pictures of him a couple of the outfits through email (and I actually still have a copy of the email!!!!) I think she has maybe bought him one pair of pants in the last year. She has only ever bought my daughter 3 sleepers and a picture frame since the day she was born...almost 8 months ago. So, I'm not sure what "outfits" she is talking about!
Here is what I would like to say back to her (from my what I would like to send but won't document)...
I loved how you talked about how "generous" you are in the email. You did help us out financially with the wedding, for which I am grateful. However, you really do not even remotely understand the concept of gift giving. Let me explain it to you. When you choose to give someone a gift, it is because you want to do something nice for someone and you generally do not expect anything in return, expect a simple thank you. You, on the other hand, only give gifts to obtain recognition or to force your taste/opinion on someone. I have never seem someone make such a big production out of giving the smallest of items. My mother probably buys outfits for the kids on a weekly basis and I always thank her. She never makes me feel bad or demands "pictures" of the kids in the outfits. She is truly a generous and giving person though, unlike yourself.
I have often bought what I thought were lovely clothes for both your son and daughter , never had a chance to see them on them, never heard if you liked them and certainly never was sent pictures of them wearing what I bought for them. That is negligent and rude and thoughtless. Have either of you ever thought how your behaviour must make me feel, even more importantly do you even care? I'm sure you both pride yourselves on how civilly and graciously you treat even perfect strangers, yet you give no thought to how you treat me. Your behaviour should make you both feel very ashamed.
I would like to clear up what she says about the clothes. She has bought my son a few outfits. She has seen him in them and I have sent her pictures of him a couple of the outfits through email (and I actually still have a copy of the email!!!!) I think she has maybe bought him one pair of pants in the last year. She has only ever bought my daughter 3 sleepers and a picture frame since the day she was born...almost 8 months ago. So, I'm not sure what "outfits" she is talking about!
Here is what I would like to say back to her (from my what I would like to send but won't document)...
I loved how you talked about how "generous" you are in the email. You did help us out financially with the wedding, for which I am grateful. However, you really do not even remotely understand the concept of gift giving. Let me explain it to you. When you choose to give someone a gift, it is because you want to do something nice for someone and you generally do not expect anything in return, expect a simple thank you. You, on the other hand, only give gifts to obtain recognition or to force your taste/opinion on someone. I have never seem someone make such a big production out of giving the smallest of items. My mother probably buys outfits for the kids on a weekly basis and I always thank her. She never makes me feel bad or demands "pictures" of the kids in the outfits. She is truly a generous and giving person though, unlike yourself.
No update
Since we received the lovely email from my MIL we have had no contact with her...thank goodness. In order to relieve some of the anger I was feeling, I wrote a response. It has everything that I have been feeling contained in it. I decided not to send it to her though. I think it will be more irritating to her if we just don't respond to her at all. Even though I didn't send the email, I feel vindicated.
I have entitled the document "What I would like to send, but won't………"
I have entitled the document "What I would like to send, but won't………"
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
re-usable bags
I just have to say how much I love the new reusable grocery bags that most of the grocery stores are selling now. We have bought 5 of them from the Superstore and I love them. Usually when I go grocery shopping I have about 12 plastic bags to cart in. Today we only had the 5 reusable ones and one plastic bag that was only half full. It makes loading and unloading them from the car so much better. And, it is better for the environment, of course!
Monday, August 20, 2007
The Fallout
My MIL has really outdone herself this time! After the incident a week ago she phoned us on Friday and asked why she hadn't heard from us and wondered when we were going to visit her. My husband said that she acted like an insane, crazy person on Monday. She hung up on him.
This morning I checked my email and there was one from her to my husband and I. It was one of the most mean-spirited, hurtful emails I have ever read. She is usually this way with my husband but is more passive-aggressive with me. This time she wrote so many mean and hurtful lies that I was stunned. I am usually a pretty calm person, however, I was FURIOUS! I could not believe all of the twisted versions of events she came up with. She dragged me through the mud and back. My husband said he has never seen me this mad. Later on, after I calmed down, I started to cry.
Last year when my husband and his mom had a falling out, I was the one who kept up the relationship and talked with her, emailed her and had her over to see our son when my hubby was at work. This went on for 4 months until my daughter was born. I didn't want her to not have a relationship with our children, her grandchildren because I felt bad that she already has never met her other grandchildren who are 3 and 5. As I mentioned in my last post, my hubby's brother hasn't talked to her in over 10 years.
I feel bad saying this, but I have decided that I no longer want her around my family. She is emotionally abusive and toxic. I don't want her negative, mean-spirited attitude around my children.
This morning I checked my email and there was one from her to my husband and I. It was one of the most mean-spirited, hurtful emails I have ever read. She is usually this way with my husband but is more passive-aggressive with me. This time she wrote so many mean and hurtful lies that I was stunned. I am usually a pretty calm person, however, I was FURIOUS! I could not believe all of the twisted versions of events she came up with. She dragged me through the mud and back. My husband said he has never seen me this mad. Later on, after I calmed down, I started to cry.
Last year when my husband and his mom had a falling out, I was the one who kept up the relationship and talked with her, emailed her and had her over to see our son when my hubby was at work. This went on for 4 months until my daughter was born. I didn't want her to not have a relationship with our children, her grandchildren because I felt bad that she already has never met her other grandchildren who are 3 and 5. As I mentioned in my last post, my hubby's brother hasn't talked to her in over 10 years.
I feel bad saying this, but I have decided that I no longer want her around my family. She is emotionally abusive and toxic. I don't want her negative, mean-spirited attitude around my children.
When I originally started this blog, it was because I needed a place where I could just blog freely about whatever was going on in my life. I know that she reads my other blog, where I talk mostly about the kids, although she has never admitted to it. I have decided to make that blog permission-only too. I will still keep it light-hearted, as it was intended. Especially in the off-chance that we reconcile.
I have also decided to gradually add some background material to this story on this blog as I get a chance. It will help me vent and make it easier for others to understand the complete picture.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Menu Plan - week 4
Sunday
fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Monday
Sheppard's Pie
Tuesday
shrimp curry-in-a-hurry
steamed basmati rice
Wednesday
Tilapia with Lemon Vinaigrette
Israeli couscous
Green salad
Thursday
Pecan Chicken
Roasted sweet potatoes
asparagus
Friday
Pork Loin Roast with Rice and Peas
Saturday
Going to my Mom's for dinner....yeh!
fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Monday
Sheppard's Pie
Tuesday
shrimp curry-in-a-hurry
steamed basmati rice
Wednesday
Tilapia with Lemon Vinaigrette
Israeli couscous
Green salad
Thursday
Pecan Chicken
Roasted sweet potatoes
asparagus
Friday
Pork Loin Roast with Rice and Peas
Saturday
Going to my Mom's for dinner....yeh!
Dog Bite
Yesterday, my FIL came over and brought his dog. She is a good dog, however, she is getting old and hasn't been herself for about a year now. I was in the kitchen getting ready to go out and my hubby was upstairs getting changed. So, my FIL, son and the dog were in the family room together. All of a sudden my son started crying. It was a hurt cry, not a terrible 2 cry. Both my husband and I went running to him. We asked what happened and my FIL wasn't sure. We picked him up and noticed that he had marks on his face. The dog bit him on the forehead! He was bruised and it broke the skin, although nothing serious.
I think we handled it quite well and didn't get overly-upset. It was just so sudden. There was no bark or growl, just a bite. We think my son might have put his face up to hers and the dog felt that it was an aggressive gesture.
We might have to keep the dog away from the kids now. My son will hopefully know better next time, but it will be hard once my daughter starts crawling (at 7 months), which could be any day now.
I think we handled it quite well and didn't get overly-upset. It was just so sudden. There was no bark or growl, just a bite. We think my son might have put his face up to hers and the dog felt that it was an aggressive gesture.
We might have to keep the dog away from the kids now. My son will hopefully know better next time, but it will be hard once my daughter starts crawling (at 7 months), which could be any day now.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
MIL
Mine is crazy. I know everyone has their stories, but seriously, I really think mine takes the cake. My MIL and hubby have a volatile relationship. His brother hasn't talked to their mom for over 10 years and she is now divorced from her husband. It sort of speaks volumes, right? She thinks it is always everyone else and doesn't see that she is the common denominator in the scenarios.
We haven't seen much of her this summer because she is very particular on when she wants to come over because she has a paranoia about being caught in traffic (even though she doesn't work, volunteer, or anything). So she generally only wants to come on Tuesday to Thursday between the hours of 10am-2pm. It makes it a little difficult to schedule sometimes because of other commitments and my hubby's shift work.
Back to the story...
My hubby talked to her last week and said we would get back to her with some dates. We decided afterwards that we would give her a call and go over there this week (she lives about 50 min away). We also thought we would bring dinner and cook for her since her knee has been hurting lately.
On Monday I just put the kids down for a nap when I heard the doorbell ring. I never answer the door unless I am expecting someone, so I ignored it. A few minutes later it rang again. I went to see who it was because I didn't want them to wake the kids up. I looked out the peephole and saw a bunch of stuff on the front step. It looked like toys. I opened the door and said "hello?" Then I saw my MIL carrying a box up to the front step. She said "hi" and proceeded back to her car. I was shocked. I said "hi, would you like to come in for a while?" She said "no, I wasn't invited." Then she got in her car and drove away!
I shut the door stunned. Finally, I regained composure and took the toys inside. They were from my hubby's aunt. My MIL called a few minutes later from her cell. I didn't answer. She basically just said that the toys were from the aunt and she dropped them off because her house cleaner was coming on Wednesday.
Seriously, she is the most passive aggressive person I have ever met! My husband would have stopped talking to her long ago if I didn't push for him to retain the relationship.
We haven't seen much of her this summer because she is very particular on when she wants to come over because she has a paranoia about being caught in traffic (even though she doesn't work, volunteer, or anything). So she generally only wants to come on Tuesday to Thursday between the hours of 10am-2pm. It makes it a little difficult to schedule sometimes because of other commitments and my hubby's shift work.
Back to the story...
My hubby talked to her last week and said we would get back to her with some dates. We decided afterwards that we would give her a call and go over there this week (she lives about 50 min away). We also thought we would bring dinner and cook for her since her knee has been hurting lately.
On Monday I just put the kids down for a nap when I heard the doorbell ring. I never answer the door unless I am expecting someone, so I ignored it. A few minutes later it rang again. I went to see who it was because I didn't want them to wake the kids up. I looked out the peephole and saw a bunch of stuff on the front step. It looked like toys. I opened the door and said "hello?" Then I saw my MIL carrying a box up to the front step. She said "hi" and proceeded back to her car. I was shocked. I said "hi, would you like to come in for a while?" She said "no, I wasn't invited." Then she got in her car and drove away!
I shut the door stunned. Finally, I regained composure and took the toys inside. They were from my hubby's aunt. My MIL called a few minutes later from her cell. I didn't answer. She basically just said that the toys were from the aunt and she dropped them off because her house cleaner was coming on Wednesday.
Seriously, she is the most passive aggressive person I have ever met! My husband would have stopped talking to her long ago if I didn't push for him to retain the relationship.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
When I am done breastfeeding
I have given up milk products for the last 5 1/2 months due to my baby girl's intolerance to cow's milk protein. I try a little bit of milk every once in a while, but we find that it still affects her. I love breastfeeding and feel like it is important to do, so I don't mind giving up things for the benefit of my child/children...just like you do when you are pregnant. The last 3 years I have been either pregnant or breastfeeding and I dream of the days when I am done and can eat and drink whatever I like. For now I am just thinking about being able to drink milk again and eat cheese again!
1) grilled cheese sandwich
2) brie with a baguette
1) grilled cheese sandwich
2) brie with a baguette
Monday, August 13, 2007
Menu Plan - week 3
Sunday
dinner at my mom's house
Monday
Chicken with Wild Mushroom and Balsamic Cream Sauce **new recipe I'm trying**
salad
Tuesday
Buttermilk pancakes
fruit
peameal bacon
Wednesday
Chicken stew
Cornmeal buttermilk biscuits
Thursday
Penne with artichoke pesto and grilled chicken **new recipe I am trying**
Friday
Turkey burgers (homemade)
salad
corn on the cob
Saturday
dinner with my brother-in-law and his family
dinner at my mom's house
Monday
Chicken with Wild Mushroom and Balsamic Cream Sauce **new recipe I'm trying**
salad
Tuesday
Buttermilk pancakes
fruit
peameal bacon
Wednesday
Chicken stew
Cornmeal buttermilk biscuits
Thursday
Penne with artichoke pesto and grilled chicken **new recipe I am trying**
Friday
Turkey burgers (homemade)
salad
corn on the cob
Saturday
dinner with my brother-in-law and his family
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Menu Plan - week 2
Since my last menu plan ended on Wednesday and it is now Saturday, here is a run-down of how we handled dinner:
Thursday - fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Friday - lasagna and salad at my Mom's house
MENU PLAN:
Saturday
green salad with tomatoes, avocado, toasted almonds & white balsamic vinaigrette
marinated pork tenderloin on the BBQ
rice with carrots & celery
sesame asparagus with mushrooms
Sunday
Steak on the BBQ
baked potato with onions
corn-on-the-cob
Monday
chili
homemade cornmeal buttermilk biscuits
spinach salad
Tuesday
linguine with pesto and grilled chicken breast
Wednesday
Greek chicken
roasted potatoes
green beans
Thursday
Pecan crusted chicken
roasted sweet potato
asparagus or corn
Friday & Saturday
TBD
Thursday - fresh gnocchi and meat sauce (bought from a place that makes yummy pasta)
Friday - lasagna and salad at my Mom's house
MENU PLAN:
Saturday
green salad with tomatoes, avocado, toasted almonds & white balsamic vinaigrette
marinated pork tenderloin on the BBQ
rice with carrots & celery
sesame asparagus with mushrooms
Sunday
Steak on the BBQ
baked potato with onions
corn-on-the-cob
Monday
chili
homemade cornmeal buttermilk biscuits
spinach salad
Tuesday
linguine with pesto and grilled chicken breast
Wednesday
Greek chicken
roasted potatoes
green beans
Thursday
Pecan crusted chicken
roasted sweet potato
asparagus or corn
Friday & Saturday
TBD
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