The Life

Wanna know what I’m thinking…

Posted on August 15, 2013

I’m thinking that summer needs to end.  This 90 degree daily weather with an afternoon sauna rainstorm is totally getting to me.  Doing your hair is a complete waste of time.  It will be frizzy or sweaty in 10 minutes.  Stuffing Mini into and pulling her out of a carseat in the heat is enough to make me not want to leave the house.  And seriously, how many months of swamp ass do we have to deal with until it finally cools off around here.

I’m thinking about how Mini is such a big girl lately.  With her hair getting long and her attitude getting…fierce.  She is quite the character.  She sings at the top of her lungs.  In Chinese.  (or so it sounds).  Decides what she is going to eat, wear, drink, and do.  On a daily basis.  I draw the line at cookies for breakfast in her underwear while she is watching tv.  The kid can only get away with so much.   Her growing up makes me wonder where the hell the last 2 years went.

I’m thinking I would like to go on vacation.  I would love to take Mini, but selfishly that doesn’t seem like a vacation.  Eek.  Not that chasing my kid on the beach and playing sandcastles with my belly fat hanging over my bikini bottoms (because I wear a 2 piece even if I shouldn’t 😉 doesn’t sound like a blast.  Maybe I need 2 vacations.  One adults only.  One with Mini.  (I’ll invite my mom to come on the 2nd one).  Now that would be a vacation.

I’m thinking my baby sister may finally be getting her life together.  This is the girl who wanted to be in the medical field, forgetting that blood makes her want to pass out.  Way to waste those college years kid.  She doesn’t want to take my advice and get married and have a baby.  (Worked for me…)   But, she is finally getting into something that she loves and will make her happy.  And if going around promoting and encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle is her thing, I am all for it.  Not for the healthy lifestyle part, but for supporting her.  From the couch.  With potato chips.   I’ll be her biggest fan 🙂

I’m thinking about how excited I am that I just signed up to adopt another soldier.  I adopted a soldier in 2010 and really loved the program.  I got placed with a young man who was stationed in Afghanistan.   It was a great experience to know that I was making a difference in his life.  That he looked forward to getting mail and emails from me and my family.  The care packages and snacks I sent him could never add up to what he was doing for me.   I cannot wait to see who I get to adopt this time!  If you are interested in adopting a soldier go here.

So…I spilled.  Now what’s on your mind?

 

Popular Posts The Life

I am the mother of a 2 year old.

Posted on August 6, 2013

I spend my days having tea parties.  I never get a scone.  Usually a paper carton of milk and a plastic pickle.

I can fix anything.  At the sound of “oh no mommy” I am on the job.  Spilled milk?  Ripped a toys leg off?  I’ve got this.

I am constantly thinking about what she eats.  What she’s eaten.  What she will eat.  Did she eat?  Was it enough?  Is she hungry?

I throw tantrums too.

The words, “if it is poop DO NOT put it in your mouth” have actually been spoken.

I bribe her with M&Ms, toys, ice pops, bubbles and anything else within my power.

I lose my patience.  A lot.  I am working on it.

I take a rocking horse’s blood pressure.  After he eats his morning carrots.  Every morning.

Sofia the first is my favorite show.  It beats the rest.

Boo-Boo’s don’t stand a chance against these kisses.

I try to explain to her that grabbing mommy’s boobies in public and laughing hysterically is inappropriate.  I have no success.

I go in her room every night.  I don’t leave until I focus on the rise and fall of her little chest, and I know she is safe.

Sometimes I need a time-out.

I sing silly songs and make funny faces.

I sneak spinach into everything I cook.

I am always thinking of ways to entertain her.  To teach her.  To inspire her.

Sometimes I feel like I run a summer camp.  Population of 1.

I am a short order cook.

I scrub crayon off tiles on a daily basis.

I know all the songs on sprout.  The dances too.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.  All the spilled juice, skinned knees, kisses and tears.   I am the mother of a 2 year old and I am proud.  Proud of our ups, and proud of our downs.  It is impossible to be perfect.  Accept imperfection in motherhood.  Learn from it.  Grow from it.  You will be a better mother because of it.

 

Recipes The Life

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Posted on August 2, 2013

I’ve had a craving for chicken lettuce wraps for about a week now.   I also have not been in the mood to cook for about a week now.  So I made this super easy dinner.  This dish literally took 15 minutes from start to bite.  It was perfect.

Here’s whatcha need:

1lb ground chicken

Small container mushrooms

1/2 a white onion

Garlic

1 can water chestnuts (do yourself a favor and get sliced or diced, save time on chopping those bad boys)

Iceberg lettuce

Yoshida’s marinade (Amazing.  See photo below.  I get this big one at Costco for under $7.  It will last forever)

chicken lettuce wraps 1

First dice up your onions, mushrooms and water chestnuts.   Chop your garlic really small, or use a garlic press like I do.  While you are chopping and dicing, brown the chicken in a pan.  Break it apart with a wooden spoon and make sure all of the meat cooks through.  In a separate pan, drizzle some olive oil and saute the onions, mushrooms and garlic.  After a few minutes of sauteing add the water chestnuts.  Then, add the ground chicken to the mixture.  Stir it all up to get your ingredients combined.  Add 1/2 cup Yoshida’s marinade.  (I always add more after I mix it all in.  Just start with 1/2 cup and add more to your liking, you can also use it as a dipping sauce)

Once everything is all mixed together you are ready to start wrapping and eating!   Enjoy!  Best part about this dish?  Besides the fact that it is delicious…it is NO-CARB!  Guilt-free dinner.   You’re welcome.

chicken lettuce wraps 2

{ Please note: There are many variations to this dish.  Feel free to use ground turkey instead of chicken.  Top them with scallions.  Add ginger.  Add zucchini.  Make them your own.  Use what you have.  You will not be disappointed. }

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