As part of my plan to have a Bradley Birth... I need to eat more protein, and a good portion of this is dairy servings. I have been trying everything to add more milk to my diet... but frankly, I am not a milk fan. Never really have been. But, like I said.. I am trying!
At the same time, my sister has been giving me flack for not using a stupid little appliance in my cabinet... my Magic Bullet. Dustin and I picked this thing up from Costco (surprised??) back when I wanted to make Ryan's baby food... and I *really* wanted a food processor... but Dustin had seen an infomercial for the Magic Bullet on tv where they made chocolate mousse. Yeah, that's how our household buying decisions are made. If something can make chocolate mousse in 20 seconds, then it gets on the express lane!
In any event, the last time we used the Magic Bullet, it was used to make chocolate mousse (again, did I surprise you??) and Ryan was still enjoying puree'd foods. My sister told me that she just bought a Magic Bullet, and that I needed one, to which I told her about how mine was collecting dust. She told me to give it away... or to just use it. And then I got an idea! I had frozen a bunch of bananas (literally... my kiddo is a monkey). So, I put a scoop of Carnation Instant Breakfast (chocolate flavor), 1 sliced up frozen banana, and 1 tablespoon of creamy peanut butter into the Magic Bullet. Then I poured milk over the top... popped on the blender top... and 1 minute later... I had the most delicious Chocolate Banana Peanut Butter shake!! Not only was it absolutely yummy... it had 20 grams of protein!!
I think I'm gonna keep up on these... and keep the Magic Bullet around a little longer.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Be a Fantastic Parent #5
5. Get Kids Moving. The latest research shows that brain development in young children may be linked to their activity level. Place your baby on her tummy several times a day, let your toddler walk instead of ride in her stroller, and create opportunities for your older child to get plenty of exercise.
Being super pregnant, this one gets tough for me! Buggy loves to run... L.O.V.E.S. And I think that may even be an understatement. So going places and allowing him to walk really means that I will be ditching my cart/stroller/friends to chase him. Because he thinks he's a big kid and doesn't need to hold hands or ask permission to go to the petstore.
But, what I do think is ultimately the important thing is that he gets that energy out in a very productive manner... and right now, as the weather heats up, that means lots of Splash Pads, Play Zones, and Park Playdates! The first two keep his attention so he doesn't go running off... but is able to be active and not stimulated by technology... and the last one helps to build his coordination, and normally is open enough that even my waddling self doesn't feel like I need to run after him before a mall patrol man on a Segway runs him over.
I know it's getting a little toasty here already (April, and we already are in the 90s and 100s every day) but finding places that are shady, wet, and free are always on my list of Things To Do! Hopefully, I'll see you out there with your kiddos, too!
Being super pregnant, this one gets tough for me! Buggy loves to run... L.O.V.E.S. And I think that may even be an understatement. So going places and allowing him to walk really means that I will be ditching my cart/stroller/friends to chase him. Because he thinks he's a big kid and doesn't need to hold hands or ask permission to go to the petstore.
But, what I do think is ultimately the important thing is that he gets that energy out in a very productive manner... and right now, as the weather heats up, that means lots of Splash Pads, Play Zones, and Park Playdates! The first two keep his attention so he doesn't go running off... but is able to be active and not stimulated by technology... and the last one helps to build his coordination, and normally is open enough that even my waddling self doesn't feel like I need to run after him before a mall patrol man on a Segway runs him over.
I know it's getting a little toasty here already (April, and we already are in the 90s and 100s every day) but finding places that are shady, wet, and free are always on my list of Things To Do! Hopefully, I'll see you out there with your kiddos, too!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Lehman Family Stroganoff
I was going to just reply to another blog about how she needed to try my Lehman Family Stroganoff... but then I realized it never made it onto my blog! If you've tried it before... you know what I am talking about when I say this is yummy yummy yummy... and it's an adaptation of one of Dustin's childhood favorites! Don't tell my Mother-in-Law... he likes mine better!!
I don't really measure... so I am gonna guestimate... :o)
*1-2lbs Sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1/2" strips, then into 1" pieces.
*1 can cream of mushroom soup
*1/2 cup sour cream
*1/2 cup cooking sherry
*1 tsp Better than Boullion (or 1 cube boullion.. I use beef).
*6oz baby bella mushrooms.
*1 tsp garlic (minced)
*Egg Noodles
Sear meat in a pan on stove. Meat should be seared on outside, rare on the inside. You can season it if you want... I used a little salt/pepper. Remove meat from pan and drain excess drippings. Put mushrooms and garlic in same pan over medium heat. As the mushrooms start to soften, add the sherry and boullion. Once mushrooms are tender, add cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. If it seems too thick, you can add a bit more sherry. Add beef back into sauce mix. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. I mix my noodles into the sauce mix, then serve.
Hope you like it!
I don't really measure... so I am gonna guestimate... :o)
*1-2lbs Sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1/2" strips, then into 1" pieces.
*1 can cream of mushroom soup
*1/2 cup sour cream
*1/2 cup cooking sherry
*1 tsp Better than Boullion (or 1 cube boullion.. I use beef).
*6oz baby bella mushrooms.
*1 tsp garlic (minced)
*Egg Noodles
Sear meat in a pan on stove. Meat should be seared on outside, rare on the inside. You can season it if you want... I used a little salt/pepper. Remove meat from pan and drain excess drippings. Put mushrooms and garlic in same pan over medium heat. As the mushrooms start to soften, add the sherry and boullion. Once mushrooms are tender, add cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. If it seems too thick, you can add a bit more sherry. Add beef back into sauce mix. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes. I mix my noodles into the sauce mix, then serve.
Hope you like it!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Learning to be a Housewife
I know I have said it before, and I'll say it again... and probably again in a few months (but hopefully not). I kind of suck at being a Housewife. Being pregnant and chasing a toddler hasn't helped that one bit... I enjoy sleeping in, staying in pj's all day, and barely making dinner. But I am determined to change...
Here are the notes that I wrote for myself... if you need some help being a better StayAtHome... borrow some! If you are better than me at this... lend me some tips!! In any event, I wrote them down in my pretty journal... and keep it by my bed and then carry it with me all day long as my Guide for the Day.
1. Get Dressed. Brush your hair and your teeth. Take care of yourself!
2. Look at yourself in the mirror, and ask if you like what you see. If you don't, fix it!
3. Make yourself a cup of tea (or coffee).
4. Feed Ryan and myself. Get him dressed as well. Even if you aren't going anywhere, you want him dressed.
5. Play with Ryan.
6. Once he is playing independently, you can start on lists, grocery lists, etc.
7. Pick up the mess Ryan has made by now.
8. Make lunch, and when lunch is over, clean it up. You don't want to start dinner in a dirty kitchen. Now is a good time to pul out anything frozen for dinner.
9. During Ryan's nap, relax, read emails, and plan meals. Also try to have the house picked up a little before Dustin gets home.
10. When Dustin gets home, greet him. Show him that I appreciate him.
11. Always clean the kitchen after a meal. Make your goal to keep the sink clean and empty. When the dishwasher is done, empty it!
12. Set (and Keep) a schedule for yourself!
I am hoping this helps me be better at this thing I call my job. :o)
Here are the notes that I wrote for myself... if you need some help being a better StayAtHome... borrow some! If you are better than me at this... lend me some tips!! In any event, I wrote them down in my pretty journal... and keep it by my bed and then carry it with me all day long as my Guide for the Day.
1. Get Dressed. Brush your hair and your teeth. Take care of yourself!
2. Look at yourself in the mirror, and ask if you like what you see. If you don't, fix it!
3. Make yourself a cup of tea (or coffee).
4. Feed Ryan and myself. Get him dressed as well. Even if you aren't going anywhere, you want him dressed.
5. Play with Ryan.
6. Once he is playing independently, you can start on lists, grocery lists, etc.
7. Pick up the mess Ryan has made by now.
8. Make lunch, and when lunch is over, clean it up. You don't want to start dinner in a dirty kitchen. Now is a good time to pul out anything frozen for dinner.
9. During Ryan's nap, relax, read emails, and plan meals. Also try to have the house picked up a little before Dustin gets home.
10. When Dustin gets home, greet him. Show him that I appreciate him.
11. Always clean the kitchen after a meal. Make your goal to keep the sink clean and empty. When the dishwasher is done, empty it!
12. Set (and Keep) a schedule for yourself!
I am hoping this helps me be better at this thing I call my job. :o)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
An Ingenious Idea to Get Out of Debt!
Ok... so it's just a funny... but the idea is oh so true!
Take the pledge to say "I can't afford it" and be ok with it!
Take the pledge to say "I can't afford it" and be ok with it!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Be a Fantastic Parent #4
4. Give yourself a Break. Hitting the drive-through when you're too tired to cook doesn't make you a bad parent.
I may take this one to extremes sometimes... but sometimes a pregnant gal has cravings. And soemtimes those cravings include McD's cheeseburgers and a chocolate milkshake. And most of those times, there is a little voice behind my head saying "Baba?" as we pull up to the drive through. Ryan loves burgers and fries... and although I know that some of my mommy friends are cringing as they read this... I know that I am not a bad parent by occassionally giving in to MY needs, so long as his are met, too.
I won't even say that kids shouldn't know what a Happy Meal is... nor will I say that you should choose healthy options... that's not what this is about. The point is that sometimes as a parent, we need to trust ourselves that we won't screw over our children by allowing them to experience life the way that everyone else does. Yeah... Ryan should eat more veggies. He knows that dessert comes at the end of a meal. He doesn't get soda in a sippy cup. And he watches TV. ::gasp:: But sometimes, it's not about being the Stepford Mom. Sometimes it's about being happy that I get to see him get excited about something, having a good time... while I was able to take a break from my neverending job of being a Mom.
I may take this one to extremes sometimes... but sometimes a pregnant gal has cravings. And soemtimes those cravings include McD's cheeseburgers and a chocolate milkshake. And most of those times, there is a little voice behind my head saying "Baba?" as we pull up to the drive through. Ryan loves burgers and fries... and although I know that some of my mommy friends are cringing as they read this... I know that I am not a bad parent by occassionally giving in to MY needs, so long as his are met, too.
I won't even say that kids shouldn't know what a Happy Meal is... nor will I say that you should choose healthy options... that's not what this is about. The point is that sometimes as a parent, we need to trust ourselves that we won't screw over our children by allowing them to experience life the way that everyone else does. Yeah... Ryan should eat more veggies. He knows that dessert comes at the end of a meal. He doesn't get soda in a sippy cup. And he watches TV. ::gasp:: But sometimes, it's not about being the Stepford Mom. Sometimes it's about being happy that I get to see him get excited about something, having a good time... while I was able to take a break from my neverending job of being a Mom.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter!
Morning! Our house has moved from the grown up sickies to the baby sickies... and I am totally feeling Courtney's laundry blues from a couple weeks back! Ryan went through 5 pairs of PJ's and sheets just for 1 night! And he took 4 showers... nice.
But... since he's still sleeping for a few more minutes... here are some Easter pics! Ryan got 3 Hotwheels and a baseball bat for Easter... and carried those cars everywhere... but he was a pro at this egg finding thing!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Being a Fantastic Parent #3
The AZLehman's are down for the count with all kinds of germy goodness... but I spaced this last week, so I wanted to get in here to tell you what makes you a great parent!
#3: Kiss and Hug Your Spouse In Front of the Kids. Your marriage is the only example your child has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it's your job to set a great standard.
This one isn't that hard... but I think there is another side to this one called "Don't argue in front of the kids, too." Dustin and I make sure that Ryan sees us being in love, and we try to keep our disagreements from the dinner table. I don't mean making out on the couch during playtime... but we hold hands when we go out, we kiss hello and goodbye no matter what... and our favorite thing to do is Family Hugs... aka "The Ryan Sammich". Ryan loves these big group hugs and he will purposely pull both of our heads in for a big hug if one of us is holding him.
I really hope that one day Ryan meets a great girl and knows exactly how to treat her and how to be a great husband because of the examples that we show him now!
*************************
I also wanted to let you know... I only saved 60% at Fry's last night... but I had to buy things like toilet paper... booo... :oP
#3: Kiss and Hug Your Spouse In Front of the Kids. Your marriage is the only example your child has of what an intimate relationship looks, feels, and sounds like. So it's your job to set a great standard.
This one isn't that hard... but I think there is another side to this one called "Don't argue in front of the kids, too." Dustin and I make sure that Ryan sees us being in love, and we try to keep our disagreements from the dinner table. I don't mean making out on the couch during playtime... but we hold hands when we go out, we kiss hello and goodbye no matter what... and our favorite thing to do is Family Hugs... aka "The Ryan Sammich". Ryan loves these big group hugs and he will purposely pull both of our heads in for a big hug if one of us is holding him.
I really hope that one day Ryan meets a great girl and knows exactly how to treat her and how to be a great husband because of the examples that we show him now!
*************************
I also wanted to let you know... I only saved 60% at Fry's last night... but I had to buy things like toilet paper... booo... :oP
Monday, April 6, 2009
Grocery Shopping... times have changed!
A few short months ago, if I came home saving 40-50% on a grocery shopping trip, I'd be over the moon! Today... I saved 65% and was annoyed with myself... and I am still grumbling about it... :oP
I decided to run to Basha's for a few things that they had great prices on... and then grabbed a few things for dinner... Here is the damage... but I promise I will do better tonight when I run to Fry's for the "real" grocery shopping.
Barilla Pasta Sauce Reg. $3.59 Sale $2.00 + Coupon= $1 each (bought 3)
Eggs Reg. $1.79 Sale $.99 each (bought 2)
Big Red 2 Liter Reg. $1.79 + Coupon= FREE (bought 1)
Coke 12pk Reg. $5.39 Sale $3.00 + Coupon= $2.33 each (bought 3)
Daisy Sour Cream Reg. $1.99 Sale $1.25 + Coupon= $.25 each (bought 1)
Chorizo Reg. $1.79 bought 1
Halls Cough Drops Reg. 2.49 Sale $2.09 + Coupon= FREE (bought 1)
Miracle Whip Reg. $4.59 Sale $2.99 + Coupon= $2.49 each (bought 2)
Pace Picante Reg. $2.99 Sale $2.29 each (bought 1)
Tree Top Apple Juice Reg. $3.59 Sale $1.50 + Coupon= $1 each (bought 6)
Vitamin Water Reg. $1.49 Sale $1.19+ Coupon= $.19 each (bought 3)
Total: $27.73... saved $48.63.
Ok... it wasn't that bad... I can be happy about it.
I decided to run to Basha's for a few things that they had great prices on... and then grabbed a few things for dinner... Here is the damage... but I promise I will do better tonight when I run to Fry's for the "real" grocery shopping.
Barilla Pasta Sauce Reg. $3.59 Sale $2.00 + Coupon= $1 each (bought 3)
Eggs Reg. $1.79 Sale $.99 each (bought 2)
Big Red 2 Liter Reg. $1.79 + Coupon= FREE (bought 1)
Coke 12pk Reg. $5.39 Sale $3.00 + Coupon= $2.33 each (bought 3)
Daisy Sour Cream Reg. $1.99 Sale $1.25 + Coupon= $.25 each (bought 1)
Chorizo Reg. $1.79 bought 1
Halls Cough Drops Reg. 2.49 Sale $2.09 + Coupon= FREE (bought 1)
Miracle Whip Reg. $4.59 Sale $2.99 + Coupon= $2.49 each (bought 2)
Pace Picante Reg. $2.99 Sale $2.29 each (bought 1)
Tree Top Apple Juice Reg. $3.59 Sale $1.50 + Coupon= $1 each (bought 6)
Vitamin Water Reg. $1.49 Sale $1.19+ Coupon= $.19 each (bought 3)
Total: $27.73... saved $48.63.
Ok... it wasn't that bad... I can be happy about it.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Where did my week go?!?
I can't believe that I missed blogging this whole week. I forgot my Fantastic Parent post. I forgot to update on my life happenings... geez... I must have been busy! :oP
Oh wait, that's right. I was! This week has been super super busy. Monday, we had several members of our church show up to assemble Easter baskets. We are having a huge Easter Eggstravaganza next weeke
nd... LOTS of FUN for the kiddos!! And it's all free! Check out the details at http://www.fun4easter.com/. But, take a look at all these little baskets that are going to be dropped off at all the houses in the neighborhood! We had 1000 baskets ready to go!
Tuesday evening, Dustin and I went to our first Bradley Birth class. We did the hospital birth classes when we were pregnant with Ryan, but we decided that with all of the drama around Ryan's birth, we'd love to avoid all of that and do this one as med/intervention free as possible. We met with our instructor, Amy Sites, and she was awesome! I was very worried about having a birth instructor that was very Earth Mother-ish, but she was totally down to earth and easy to relate to. We learned some exercises, some relaxation techniques, and some nutrition stuff... but it was all pretty basic for now. Next week, we are going to start getting down to the nitty-gritty... it's a 12 week long course, which takes us right up to a week before our due date. Eeek!
Since then, Ryan and I have been doing a lot of fun stuff around the house... and we try to walk to the park daily. He is getting more independant by the second... but that's why I love him so much... because he is him!
Oh! I can't forget! We had a 3-d ultrasound on Saturday... got a little peek at our newest munchkin! Take a look for yourself!
Oh wait, that's right. I was! This week has been super super busy. Monday, we had several members of our church show up to assemble Easter baskets. We are having a huge Easter Eggstravaganza next weeke
nd... LOTS of FUN for the kiddos!! And it's all free! Check out the details at http://www.fun4easter.com/. But, take a look at all these little baskets that are going to be dropped off at all the houses in the neighborhood! We had 1000 baskets ready to go!Tuesday evening, Dustin and I went to our first Bradley Birth class. We did the hospital birth classes when we were pregnant with Ryan, but we decided that with all of the drama around Ryan's birth, we'd love to avoid all of that and do this one as med/intervention free as possible. We met with our instructor, Amy Sites, and she was awesome! I was very worried about having a birth instructor that was very Earth Mother-ish, but she was totally down to earth and easy to relate to. We learned some exercises, some relaxation techniques, and some nutrition stuff... but it was all pretty basic for now. Next week, we are going to start getting down to the nitty-gritty... it's a 12 week long course, which takes us right up to a week before our due date. Eeek!
Since then, Ryan and I have been doing a lot of fun stuff around the house... and we try to walk to the park daily. He is getting more independant by the second... but that's why I love him so much... because he is him!
Oh! I can't forget! We had a 3-d ultrasound on Saturday... got a little peek at our newest munchkin! Take a look for yourself!
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