Monday - leftovers (last week I made a lot of food but we were all sick with the flu so we didn't eat very much.)
Tuesday - Chicken Parmesan (I made the Marinara sauce last week), noodles and salad
Wednesday - Sausages on the BBQ, salad
Thursday - buttermilk pancakes and fruit (the hubby won't be joining us for dinner)
Friday - Italian Baked Chicken and Pastina
Saturday - Going out
Sunday - TBD
Monday, March 31, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
The House of Puke
That is what our house has been this week! It all started with the Missus waking up at 4am on Monday morning crying. I went in to her room, thought I smelled something, sniffed her bum, all seemed ok so I just rocked her until she calmed down. About 45 minutes later she was crying again. This time I turned on the light and noticed large wet puddles in her crib. It didn't look like barf, but it sure smelled like it!
The rest of Monday consisted of me holding the Missus while she dry-heaved or puked everywhere, then changing both her and I into new fresh outfits. She ended up having a nap over 3 hours long in the afternoon. My hubby cam home and I went to get her to find her fast asleep in a puddle of vomit in her crib. It broke my heart and disgusted me at the same time. I called my hubby to change her while I cleaned out the crib.
On Tuesday night around 9pm we heard a weird sound coming from the Love Bug's room. I went in to find him half asleep puking. I picked him up so he wasn't lying down in his own vomit. He looked at me and said "mommy, I'm sicky. I barfed all over." Yes, he did. I changed his bed and threw everything in the laundry while my husband cleaned him up. About an hour later I was running to the bathroom myself. The rest of the night was a blur. I think I spent half of it on the floor of our bathroom. I think I may have actually passed out a couple of times. When I came downstairs my husband looked at me and said "you look ghastly!"
I found out that while I was in the bathroom that night, the hubby had been making numerous trip to the Love Bug's room cleaning up barf. Good times all round! Wednesday was a complete write-off.
Then at 2;45am on Thursday morning, my husband came down with it and spent all of yesterday lying on the couch with a fever and shaking.
I think we are all on the mend now, thank goodness. Now I need to put away all of the laundry that needed to be done as a result of the illness and finish disinfecting the entire house with our industrial sized container of Lysol wipes!
The rest of Monday consisted of me holding the Missus while she dry-heaved or puked everywhere, then changing both her and I into new fresh outfits. She ended up having a nap over 3 hours long in the afternoon. My hubby cam home and I went to get her to find her fast asleep in a puddle of vomit in her crib. It broke my heart and disgusted me at the same time. I called my hubby to change her while I cleaned out the crib.
On Tuesday night around 9pm we heard a weird sound coming from the Love Bug's room. I went in to find him half asleep puking. I picked him up so he wasn't lying down in his own vomit. He looked at me and said "mommy, I'm sicky. I barfed all over." Yes, he did. I changed his bed and threw everything in the laundry while my husband cleaned him up. About an hour later I was running to the bathroom myself. The rest of the night was a blur. I think I spent half of it on the floor of our bathroom. I think I may have actually passed out a couple of times. When I came downstairs my husband looked at me and said "you look ghastly!"
I found out that while I was in the bathroom that night, the hubby had been making numerous trip to the Love Bug's room cleaning up barf. Good times all round! Wednesday was a complete write-off.
Then at 2;45am on Thursday morning, my husband came down with it and spent all of yesterday lying on the couch with a fever and shaking.
I think we are all on the mend now, thank goodness. Now I need to put away all of the laundry that needed to be done as a result of the illness and finish disinfecting the entire house with our industrial sized container of Lysol wipes!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Menu plan - week of March 24th
Monday - I have NO idea. My little one is sick and barfy and I don't have time or energy to make anything.
Tuesday - Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce
Wednesday - Swedish Meatballs (from Emeril's "There is a chef in my world"), potatoes, green beans
Thursday - Chicken Spezzatino (from Everyday Italian Cookbook - recipe to follow at end of this post) and some rice
Friday - Beef and cheese manicotti (from Everyday Italian), probably some salad too
Saturday - Hamburgers and salad
Sunday - Leftovers!
*********************************************************************************
From Giada De Laurentiis: Everyday Italian
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 celery stalks, cut into bite-size pieces
1 carrot, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 14.5oz can chopped tomatoes with their juices
1 14oz can reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 C fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 chicken breasts with ribs (about 1.5 pounds)
1 15oz can organic kidney beans, drained (rinsed if not organic)
In a heavy 5.5 quart saucepan, heat the oil over a medium flame. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, and saute until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, basil, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the chicken and press to submerge. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, turning the breasts over and stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add the beans and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has reduced to a stew consistency, about 10 minutes.Discard the bay leaf. Let the chicken cool about 5 minutes. Discard the skin and bones and cut the meat into bite size pieces. Return it to the stew and bring to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Tuesday - Chicken Enchiladas with Creamy Green Sauce
Wednesday - Swedish Meatballs (from Emeril's "There is a chef in my world"), potatoes, green beans
Thursday - Chicken Spezzatino (from Everyday Italian Cookbook - recipe to follow at end of this post) and some rice
Friday - Beef and cheese manicotti (from Everyday Italian), probably some salad too
Saturday - Hamburgers and salad
Sunday - Leftovers!
*********************************************************************************
From Giada De Laurentiis: Everyday Italian
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 celery stalks, cut into bite-size pieces
1 carrot, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces
1 small onion, chopped
1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
1 tsp fresh ground black pepper, plus more to taste
1 14.5oz can chopped tomatoes with their juices
1 14oz can reduced sodium chicken broth
1/2 C fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces
1 Tbsp tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp dried thyme
2 chicken breasts with ribs (about 1.5 pounds)
1 15oz can organic kidney beans, drained (rinsed if not organic)
In a heavy 5.5 quart saucepan, heat the oil over a medium flame. Add the celery, carrot, and onion, and saute until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the salt and pepper. Stir in the tomatoes, broth, basil, tomato paste, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the chicken and press to submerge. Bring the liquid to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, turning the breasts over and stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost cooked through, about 20 minutes. Add the beans and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has reduced to a stew consistency, about 10 minutes.Discard the bay leaf. Let the chicken cool about 5 minutes. Discard the skin and bones and cut the meat into bite size pieces. Return it to the stew and bring to a simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Here, there and everywhere
That is how our weekend went. It was a BUSY Easter weekend! On Friday we travelled to Oakville to have dinner with my FIL and step-mother-in-law. My hubby's grandparents were there too, so that was nice. MY FIL and step-MIL were suppose to come to our house today on there way home from the cottage, however, plans changed (unfortunately) and we ended up going there on Friday.
On Saturday we had some running around to do in the morning and then we went to Burlington to my BIL and SIL's house for dinner. When we made these plans about 6 weeks ago we hadn't realized that it was Easter weekend. It is nice for the kids to get together with their cousins though and we really didn't want to change plans. We had a nice time and the kids really enjoyed themselves!
Yesterday we went to my brother and sister-in-law's house in Oshawa. The Love Bug had a great time with his cousin (who is 5 months younger than him). The Missus, on the other hand, not so much. She was pretty tired and cranky and I ended up carrying her around almost the whole time.
We had a nice weekend and it was nice seeing everyone, but 3 days in a row of travelling with the kids, bringing all of their PJs etc, the Missus missing her afternoon nap ('cause she refused to sleep in the car) and the kids staying up past their bedtime...is way too much!
The Missus has had a cold for about a week now and is also teething. Today she woke up barfing. I have had to change her outfits 3 times today (and myself once). I think she needs to just take it easy, so we are stying in today for sure!
On Saturday we had some running around to do in the morning and then we went to Burlington to my BIL and SIL's house for dinner. When we made these plans about 6 weeks ago we hadn't realized that it was Easter weekend. It is nice for the kids to get together with their cousins though and we really didn't want to change plans. We had a nice time and the kids really enjoyed themselves!
Yesterday we went to my brother and sister-in-law's house in Oshawa. The Love Bug had a great time with his cousin (who is 5 months younger than him). The Missus, on the other hand, not so much. She was pretty tired and cranky and I ended up carrying her around almost the whole time.
We had a nice weekend and it was nice seeing everyone, but 3 days in a row of travelling with the kids, bringing all of their PJs etc, the Missus missing her afternoon nap ('cause she refused to sleep in the car) and the kids staying up past their bedtime...is way too much!
The Missus has had a cold for about a week now and is also teething. Today she woke up barfing. I have had to change her outfits 3 times today (and myself once). I think she needs to just take it easy, so we are stying in today for sure!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Please hold me?
My kids are pretty affectionate generally, I think. We get lots of cuddles and kisses from both of them. It has been interesting lately though. The Love Bug is in this phase where he will come up to us and say "Mommy/Daddy, please hold me!" It sounds kind of funny hearing this come from an (almost) 3 year old. But, I will take hugs however they come!
The Missus has been a HUGE smoocher lately. She must kiss me about 200 times a day. I will be making dinner and she will walk up and kiss my leg. If I am holding her she will reach over and kiss my lips, face, hair...whatever she can get her lips on. I have been calling her the Kissing Bandit or Smoocherella.
I don't want either of them to stop! This is a good phase!
The Missus has been a HUGE smoocher lately. She must kiss me about 200 times a day. I will be making dinner and she will walk up and kiss my leg. If I am holding her she will reach over and kiss my lips, face, hair...whatever she can get her lips on. I have been calling her the Kissing Bandit or Smoocherella.
I don't want either of them to stop! This is a good phase!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Menu plan - week of March 17th
It looks like a pretty easy week for me!
Monday - homemade perogies & salad
Tuesday - One Pot Chicken Dish over Cheesy Rice
Wednesday - Pot Roast with Vegetables, herbed parsnips & roasted sweet potatoes
Thursday - leftovers!
Friday - homemade pizza
Saturday - having dinner at my BIL and SIL's house
Sunday (Easter) - dinner at my brother & SIL's house
How exciting - I don't have to cook for 2 whole days!
Monday - homemade perogies & salad
Tuesday - One Pot Chicken Dish over Cheesy Rice
Wednesday - Pot Roast with Vegetables, herbed parsnips & roasted sweet potatoes
Thursday - leftovers!
Friday - homemade pizza
Saturday - having dinner at my BIL and SIL's house
Sunday (Easter) - dinner at my brother & SIL's house
How exciting - I don't have to cook for 2 whole days!
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Recipe Review - we had some yummy meals last week!
My menu plan last week was a really good one!! I have some great recipes to add to my repertoire.
The beef ragout with pasta was really yummy! The whole family enjoyed it and it was a bit different than just regular spaghetti sauce that you might make.
The chicken with apple gravy, cheesy rice pilaf and steamed green beans was a hit with the family too. And, it was really a well-balanced meal.
Spanish style beef with rice. I liked it and so did both of the kids. My hubby thought it could use a little more spice. The great thing about this recipe is that it makes double the amount you need for one meal so I used it for another recipe this week (stuffed peppers). My family really liked the peppers. You just add a few ingredients (spinach, cheese, tomato sauce) and stuff the peppers. Even the Love bug, who never eats spinach, really enjoyed them. I think I just might make the rice & beef in advance to use for stuffed peppers next time.
Chicken tetrazzini was really good and the kids enjoyed it for sure. It looks nice coming out of the oven with the Parmesan cheese nicely browned on top. And, it makes a double batch too...so we are having it later this week.
Lighter chicken pot pie - I really liked it and it was super easy to make. The hubby thought there were too many veggies in it, but I thought it was perfect (but I love my veggies). Next time I will put more chicken in it for him!
The beef ragout with pasta was really yummy! The whole family enjoyed it and it was a bit different than just regular spaghetti sauce that you might make.
The chicken with apple gravy, cheesy rice pilaf and steamed green beans was a hit with the family too. And, it was really a well-balanced meal.
Spanish style beef with rice. I liked it and so did both of the kids. My hubby thought it could use a little more spice. The great thing about this recipe is that it makes double the amount you need for one meal so I used it for another recipe this week (stuffed peppers). My family really liked the peppers. You just add a few ingredients (spinach, cheese, tomato sauce) and stuff the peppers. Even the Love bug, who never eats spinach, really enjoyed them. I think I just might make the rice & beef in advance to use for stuffed peppers next time.
Chicken tetrazzini was really good and the kids enjoyed it for sure. It looks nice coming out of the oven with the Parmesan cheese nicely browned on top. And, it makes a double batch too...so we are having it later this week.
Lighter chicken pot pie - I really liked it and it was super easy to make. The hubby thought there were too many veggies in it, but I thought it was perfect (but I love my veggies). Next time I will put more chicken in it for him!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Soother Fairy
So, my Love Bug has been a BIG fan of his pacifier since he was born. We kept wanting to get rid of it but found numerous reasons (and excuses) not to. The big one had to do with Missus being up every 2-3 hours in the night until she was nine months old. We were TIRED and didn't feel like compounding our exhaustion.
Then we didn't want to do it because we moved out of our house and in with my mom for 5 weeks. Then we moved in to our new house and needed to get settled. So, last week I decided that it was time to get rid of the soother! My hubby was working night shifts so I did it on my own. We were originally planning on doing it this week when my hubby was off. I figured...why should we both suffer and did it a week earlier.
The first couple of nights were HELLACIOUS! The Love Bug was up constantly wanting his soother. Then the third night he slept through the night (which is a rare occurrence - soother or not). Since then he has been up maybe once a night, which is fairly typical. We are having problems with naps though and he has only had 2 in the last week. I'm not sure if he is just going through a phase or if he is outgrowing his nap already (since he is almost 3).
Anyways, the way we (I) got rid of the soother is to say the "Soother Fairy" came to take it away since he is getting too big now. He keeps saying that he wants her to bring it back, but sort of understands the concept. Since he actually slept through the night after having his soother taken away, the Soother Fairy brought him a new fire truck one morning. He was pretty excited about that and I don't think he is as angry with the Soother Fairy anymore...thank goodness.
Then we didn't want to do it because we moved out of our house and in with my mom for 5 weeks. Then we moved in to our new house and needed to get settled. So, last week I decided that it was time to get rid of the soother! My hubby was working night shifts so I did it on my own. We were originally planning on doing it this week when my hubby was off. I figured...why should we both suffer and did it a week earlier.
The first couple of nights were HELLACIOUS! The Love Bug was up constantly wanting his soother. Then the third night he slept through the night (which is a rare occurrence - soother or not). Since then he has been up maybe once a night, which is fairly typical. We are having problems with naps though and he has only had 2 in the last week. I'm not sure if he is just going through a phase or if he is outgrowing his nap already (since he is almost 3).
Anyways, the way we (I) got rid of the soother is to say the "Soother Fairy" came to take it away since he is getting too big now. He keeps saying that he wants her to bring it back, but sort of understands the concept. Since he actually slept through the night after having his soother taken away, the Soother Fairy brought him a new fire truck one morning. He was pretty excited about that and I don't think he is as angry with the Soother Fairy anymore...thank goodness.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Menu Plan - week of March 10th
Last week's menu was really good and I will write some reviews later this week. The good news is that 2 of my menu selections last week made enough for meals this week. Yeh!
Monday - Hot turkey/chicken sandwiches with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans (from this month's Canadian Living magazine). **I am going to make extra potatoes so I can make some perogies for next week.
Tuesday - Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, Spinach and Cheese & a salad - from Rachel Ray (the stuffing for the peppers starts with some of the Spanish rice & beef that I made last week. It makes a double batch so I froze one portion for this week).
Wednesday - Rotini with sausage and eggplant sauce (from Canadian Living magazine this month).
Thursday - chili & buttermilk biscuits
Friday - Marinated flank steak on the BBQ, Rosti potatoes and asparagus
Saturday - Chicken Tetrazzini (This Martha recipe I made last week also made a double batch, so I froze some for this week).
Sunday - TBD
Monday - Hot turkey/chicken sandwiches with mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes and green beans (from this month's Canadian Living magazine). **I am going to make extra potatoes so I can make some perogies for next week.
Tuesday - Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, Spinach and Cheese & a salad - from Rachel Ray (the stuffing for the peppers starts with some of the Spanish rice & beef that I made last week. It makes a double batch so I froze one portion for this week).
Wednesday - Rotini with sausage and eggplant sauce (from Canadian Living magazine this month).
Thursday - chili & buttermilk biscuits
Friday - Marinated flank steak on the BBQ, Rosti potatoes and asparagus
Saturday - Chicken Tetrazzini (This Martha recipe I made last week also made a double batch, so I froze some for this week).
Sunday - TBD
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
14 Month old Missus
I am a little bit tired today since I was up a lot with the Love Bug last night. We are trying to get rid of his pacifier...something that is LONG overdue but we just didn't have the energy to tackle (with the Missus being such a horrible sleeper as an infant).Anyways, I am going to muster up some energy here to talk about how my baby girl is progressing at life as a toddler.
What comes to mind first is that she seems to be suffering from some separation anxiety when we are not together. I know this is something that most kids go through, and although somewhat flattering, it really isn't a phase I enjoy. For instance, I joined a new gym - one that has babysitting. I went to Curves for a while but the no babysitting thing didn't allow me to go very often. Anyway...I was in my orientation session and the kids were down the hall in the playroom. The babysitters had to come get me because the Missus was having the meltdown of the century. Not cool.
She is walking more and more now. In the last couple of weeks she has really started taking the initiative to walk on her own. Prior to that it was all about us encouraging her to walk. I'm still not sure if you would call her walking (she doesn't walk far distances or anything) but she is definitely getting there.
She loves, loves, loves her big brother. She wants to do anything he is doing and follows him around like crazy. If the hubby and I make a face or noise, she finds it mildly amusing. If the Love Bug does it she finds it rolling-on-the-floor hilarious.
I have taken her off all baby food (since she has been weaned from the breastfeeding for a month now). I am trying to make more child-friendly meals and she is doing fairly well. For a while she was eating anything and everything, but is now getting a bit more fussy. She is doing amazingly well eating with a spoon already though.
I think she may be teething right now because she has been fussing a bit in the night and has been a bit cranky. It is about time for some more teeth though 'cause she got 6 all at once about 5 months ago and we haven't seen any since.
I must admit that it is fun having a little girl to shop for! She is at an age now where I can by her little clips for her hair and cute little shoes. I LOVE it!
Monday, March 3, 2008
Menu Plan - week of March 3
Hmmm...it looks like lots of chicken this week AND a lot of new recipes! Wish me luck!
Monday - beef ragout with pasta and a salad (I didn't make it last week because I couldn't find them at the Superstore. Sobeys carries them).
Tuesday - Chicken with Apple Gravy, Cheesy Rice Pilaf with Peas, Green Beans
Wednesday - Spanish-Style Beef and Rice with a salad (Rachel Ray) ***she says that this recipe was designed so that you could freeze half of the beef and rice to make Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, Spinach and Cheese at a later date. So, I guess I know something on the menu plan for next week!
Thursday - Chicken Tetrazzini (from Martha Stewart)
Friday - Burgers and salad
Saturday - Lighter chicken pot pie (from Martha)
Sunday - TBD
Monday - beef ragout with pasta and a salad (I didn't make it last week because I couldn't find them at the Superstore. Sobeys carries them).
Tuesday - Chicken with Apple Gravy, Cheesy Rice Pilaf with Peas, Green Beans
Wednesday - Spanish-Style Beef and Rice with a salad (Rachel Ray) ***she says that this recipe was designed so that you could freeze half of the beef and rice to make Stuffed Peppers with Beef, Rice, Spinach and Cheese at a later date. So, I guess I know something on the menu plan for next week!
Thursday - Chicken Tetrazzini (from Martha Stewart)
Friday - Burgers and salad
Saturday - Lighter chicken pot pie (from Martha)
Sunday - TBD
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Recipe reviews for the last 2 weeks
I didn't have a chance to do this last week, so I am catching up today.
Singapore Noodles - from Canadian Living Cookbook
This was really good. It had rice noodles with pork and shrimps. The sauce had curry, ginger, garlic and rice wine vinegar to name a few ingredients. Tasted very similar to Pad Thai. We will be making this one again. Not so sure it is one for the kids though.
Homemade pizza - I made the pizza dough myself from Canadian Living (of course). It turned out great. We all had our own pizza that we put toppings on. I think the Love Bug really enjoyed it. Probably something we will do once a month.
Home made perogies - these were really yummy. Just traditional cheese and potato perogies. Even my hubby (who grew up with a polish grandmother making them) thought they were really good. They are a bit time consuming, so next time I think I will make them in advance and freeze them for future use.
Italian baked chicken and patina - from Everyday Italian. So easy to make with ingredients you probably have at home. I'll be making this again. A good one for kids.
Roasted chicken with balsamic vinaigrette - from Everyday Italian. SO yummy and impressive looking! A good recipe for when company is coming over.
Apple pork chops (Canadian Living) with Butternut Squash & vanilla risotto (Everyday Italian) - the pork chops were just so-so. I think I may try a similar recipe for chicken this week to see if it is any better. The risotto was really good. The Love Bug thought it tasted like marshmallows. The hubby liked it but would have preferred the squash in smaller pieces. I will definitely make this again. Making risotto from scratch is time-consuming, but we really like it.
Singapore Noodles - from Canadian Living Cookbook
This was really good. It had rice noodles with pork and shrimps. The sauce had curry, ginger, garlic and rice wine vinegar to name a few ingredients. Tasted very similar to Pad Thai. We will be making this one again. Not so sure it is one for the kids though.
Homemade pizza - I made the pizza dough myself from Canadian Living (of course). It turned out great. We all had our own pizza that we put toppings on. I think the Love Bug really enjoyed it. Probably something we will do once a month.
Home made perogies - these were really yummy. Just traditional cheese and potato perogies. Even my hubby (who grew up with a polish grandmother making them) thought they were really good. They are a bit time consuming, so next time I think I will make them in advance and freeze them for future use.
Italian baked chicken and patina - from Everyday Italian. So easy to make with ingredients you probably have at home. I'll be making this again. A good one for kids.
Roasted chicken with balsamic vinaigrette - from Everyday Italian. SO yummy and impressive looking! A good recipe for when company is coming over.
Apple pork chops (Canadian Living) with Butternut Squash & vanilla risotto (Everyday Italian) - the pork chops were just so-so. I think I may try a similar recipe for chicken this week to see if it is any better. The risotto was really good. The Love Bug thought it tasted like marshmallows. The hubby liked it but would have preferred the squash in smaller pieces. I will definitely make this again. Making risotto from scratch is time-consuming, but we really like it.
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