A Tasty New Treat

I made something new for dinner tonight. Pizza Crostinis!

For this made up recipe I sliced a baguette and put the slices on a cookie sheet. Then I put a little pizza sauce, too much cheese, and a slice of pepperoni on each piece of bread. And finally I baked them all in the oven.

Can you say Mmm Mmm? They were really good, and really easy, and Logan really loved them! Bergen wasn't feeling well so didn't have any.

 

So yay for me! I have another fast, tasty, kid- (and probably) husband-friendly meal to add to my repertoire. I can't wait to make them for lunch!

A Little Ditty

We make up songs daily at our house. It's something that comes naturally to us. Okay, it comes naturally to Craig! I have to think about it. Whatever the case, it makes us think we're pretty funny. And its nice that we can make ourselves laugh. Isn't it?

Here's a little ditty from today. I sing it often, but this rendition came to me while I was changing yet another of Bergen's diapers...

Oompa Loompa doompety doo
You've got a poopy diaper you do.
Oompa Loompa doompety dee
Next time please save it for Daddy!

Of course when I was finished (with the song not the diaper change), Bergen yelled "Again! Again!" while laughing her head off.

Nothing like a little potty humor for the blog.

Lincoln Logs!

It all started on Monday when I left the door to my sewing room unlocked. Logan let himself in and found the Lincoln Logs. Needless to say, the living room floor has been covered with them ever since. And besides the usual, the pieces have been used as swords, darts, musical instruments, and cattle prods, to name a few.

I enjoyed watching Craig and Bergen play together this morning while Logan was at school. They kept a pretty good beat going and had lots of fun with the drum.

 

 

The dynamic changed when Logan got home. He always wants to join in with what everyone else is doing so he, Craig and Bergen all sat down and started playing together. Well, Logan and Craig started playing. Bergen became the wrecking crew!

Just as soon as the guys would get something built she would knock it down. Full force. And then smile as if she was the most innocent bystander on earth.

 

 

 

 

I didn't get any pictures of the tears that ensued each time a beautifully constructed building was demolished, but I did get some shots of the tower that was finally built on the table -- supposedly out of the wrecking crews' reach. It was built over and over and over again on the floor, but after the third time the guys decided to give up. (I actually helped Logan build the tall one on the table after Craig left for work.)

 

 

I was amazed at the amount of time the kids played with the Lincoln Logs this week. And in case you're wondering, we're getting some more -- soon. Craig and I both loved our Lincoln Logs when we were kids and we've decided you can never have enough of them!

Random Sampler

I'm trying to play catch up, so here's a random sampling of some of what's been happening in our lives lately. Maybe this way I won't forget.

A sweet picture of Aunt Nicole with Bergen on her birthday. What a great day!

 

Logan has been having a blast with his trains and train table. He recently got some new track and has been busy for days! This is just one of the cool routes he's come up with.

 

I'm a little sad, but Craig cleaned up the Outback so we can sell it. I'll miss it, but am glad to be up high in the Durango again. It will also be nice not to have so many cars hanging around...

 

Logan steals my camera every chance he gets and has become quite the little photographer. This Buzz, Woody and Bullseye "still life" is one of his most recent works.
ha ha

 

I've been sewing some baby quilts and am happy with the way they're turning out!

 

In addition: Bergen is learning to count. Logan is beginning to read. Craig is looking forward to the time he'll have off in April, May, June, and July since CAT has introduced a little mandatory shutdown (which is way better than a layoff at this point). And in the midst of my decluttering, I'm just happy that my family is feeling better. *sigh*

Something New

We enjoyed something new today... having Craig home from work on a Saturday!

Okay, he doesn't work every Saturday so we've had him home before, but today was different. He normally picks up a Saturday shift if its offered. However, with the economy the way it is right now, that may not be an option much longer.

Our days are usually busy trying to fit in all we have to do before Craig leaves for work in the afternoon. And of course we're in church on Sunday. So that's seven days a week. Filled. Today there was nothing that absolutely had to be done. We had ideas of things we could do, but didn't have anything planned. So we all just relaxed. And it was great!

There wasn't the stress of hurrying to get the kids ready to go anywhere. I didn't have to prepare a big lunch a couple of hours after breakfast. And the washer and dryer weren't going so Craig would have clean shorts to wear when he headed out the door. Yes, he wears shorts to work on cold days in February. He wears shorts to work every day.

I think the kids liked having their dad home today. They talked him into playing Hide-and-Seek, there was tickling, and the laughter was abundant. I was happy to have Craig at home; to see him have a day to really relax.

Christy's Craft Challenge - February

Note: You can click on the first line of this post, 'Christy's Craft Challenge' to vote for a winner.


Christy's Craft Challenge. Doesn't it just sound like fun? I thought about signing up in January, but had a lot going on already, so was happy to get to be one of the participants for February.

I anxiously awaited the arrival of my supplies. But when I received my manila envelope, lets just say I wasn't delighted with its contents. It included red and white paisley wrapping paper, red tulle, a red pipe cleaner, red pom pom trim, and white cotton make-up removal pads.

Now let me explain... I knew I had entered a craft challenge, but this was going to be a challenge! I took about a week to brainstorm and psych myself up for it. Then I made this:

 

It's a decorated mat. Big deal you say, but I think its bright and cheery and will be nice to have in my craft/sewing room. It has a pocket on the back so I can change out the words or sayings that will be put in it. The inspiring words that will keep me motivated to do "my thing" in there. I'm in the process of launching my own little business and will be spending a lot of time in that room. I'm going to need all the help I can get.

Thanks Christy.

Indoor Fun

For those of you who wonder what we do when it's too darn cold to go outside in Indiana...

 

"Pay It Forward"

I signed up to participate in The Pay It Forward Exchange and received my gift in the mail today.

Here's how it works:
The Pay It Forward Exchange is based on the concept of the movie "Pay It Forward". I will send a hand made gift to the first three people who comment on this blog post requesting to join the PIF Exchange. All gifts will be made and sent out 'sometime within the next year'. (Part of the fun really is not knowing when your surprise package will arrive!) What you need to do in return, is Pay It Forward by following the directions below. This exchange is only open to those with active blogs or websites.

YOU MUST POST THIS SAME 'PAY IT FORWARD' PROMISE ON YOUR BLOG (which must be active in order to play). YOU WILL THEN PAY IT FORWARD TO THREE PEOPLE WHO COMMENT ON YOUR BLOG POST. Other comments are welcome, but only the first three will be Pay It Forward recipients.

It really was fun receiving a PIF package in the mail; not to mention seeing the great gifts inside. I had no idea what to expect and I liked the fact that the person I signed up under thought about me and my kids! Thanks Ginger! I know Logan and Bergen will have way too much fun saving the day while wearing their reversible Super Hero capes. Logan has already informed me that he wants to keep his for at least 100 years!

 

So are you ready to join me in this great exchange? Comment. And lets do our part to Pay It Forward!

Forty Six

Today was quite a day.

I woke up to hugs from my family. Then I got up to fix the kids breakfast. I received a funny card that made all of us laugh before Craig took Logan to school. Craig surprised me with flowers upon his arrival home from taking Logan to school; as well as a cake mix, which he promptly prepared. I took a long, hot, relaxing shower while the cake was baking and Craig was giving Bergen a bath. I snuggled and read with Bergen when Craig went to pick Logan up from school, and was delighted to be presented with a birthday balloon (Logan's idea) when they returned home again. I listened to my kids giggle as they decorated the frosted cake with sprinkles galore. I was taken to lunch at the restaurant of my choosing and enjoyed a delicious meal and great company. I ate yummy chocolate cake and my favorite chocolate chip ice cream. I took a short nap with Bergen this afternoon. I got greetings in the mail. The phone rang off the hook with wishes for a happy day. I received tons of thoughtful e-mail messages. My kids sang to me and hugged and kissed me off and on all day. A friend came to visit this evening and brought an unexpected treat. I watched a little TV in a calm, quiet house tonight. And now I'm going to snuggle up with my handsome hoosband...
who by the way is already asleep.

 

If today provided even a glimpse of what being 46 has in store... I'm happy to be here.

Valentine's Day

 

I know some people think Valentine's day is just another day for spending too much money and for saying things you could say any day of the year, but I like it. It's one of my favorite holidays. And not because I might get a gift.

I like Valentine's Day because it is yet another day for me to shower my family with love. I like coming up with ideas that are out of the ordinary and making things fun for other people. I like having a special day set aside that allows me to do something I might think about but not take the time to do on another day. I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though I don't need a reason,
I like to have one.

Always and Forever

 

My sweetheart.

Repeat Performance

Another holiday. Another batch of holiday pancakes. Another couple of happy kids.

 

 

I sure love you guys!

Preschool

I attended my first day of preschool today. I delivered Logan and was visiting with his teachers for a few minutes before leaving when he walked up and asked them if I could stay. I was a little caught off guard. I had errands to run. But I waited.

After one of Logan's teachers gave him an answer, he came up close to me and said in his happiest voice, "Mom would you like to stay at my preschool today?" And then repeating the exact words of his teacher, "You're welcome to stay if you'd like to!"

Of course I stayed.

I hung back for the first few minutes. Observing. Not wanting to get in the way. I quickly became useful however, and after running an errand for the teachers, was back at school and in the middle of enjoying the exchanging of Valentine's. After that I got to be a helper by filling the kids backpacks with all they were taking home. I got to sit on the floor with Logan in my lap during circle time. And I was offered a snack.

I enjoyed watching Logan in his own environment. After finishing something they were asked to do the kids had a few minutes of free time and he wandered off to find a book. Then he sat down on the floor and invited me to look at it with him. We were about to dive in when it was time to do something else, so I didn't get to see much, but apparently its a book he looks at all the time. It made me happy that he wanted to show it to me.

I never imagined what my saying yes and staying at preschool for a couple of hours could mean to that little boy. My little boy.

I see him changing every day -- getting bigger, becoming more independent. I know there will be times when he doesn't want me around. I went through that with my mom. So thank you Logan, for wanting me to be there. I'm glad you're still little enough to need and want to share things with your mom.

Mom of the Year?

I've only been the mom of a preschooler for one full year plus the school year in session now. And I'm still getting the hang of it.

I dreamed of being a "room mother" when I was little because my mom was such a great one. Then when I didn't grow up and have babies right away I wondered if it would happen. Now that I have those babies (two and almost five years old) I often find myself thinking up ways to make school fun for them. Even if they're too young to care right now, I'm going to be ready.

Logan has his Valentine's Day party at school tomorrow. Okay by now its today.

I gladly paid for a dozen Krispy Kreme donuts a couple of weeks ago (Thanks for the idea Tiff!) so I could get some "a free donut for you with this card" Valentine's for Logan to take to school. He's been excited about them. I've been excited about them. This afternoon after he finished writing his name on them a few a day for the last week, I stapled some candy to them. (Nice, I know. I stapled it. No fancy-schmancy ribbon for me!) Then I put them in a bag for him to take with him tomorrow.

Craig helped him make a decorated box for his Valentine's earlier in the week. It's a Jeep. Logan and I looked online for some ideas and he saw a train he liked, but after the box was colored, cut and put back together he didn't think it looked like a train. Oh no. It was definitely a Jeep. What does it have to do with Valentine's Day? Nothing. But he thinks its cool.

 

I like to get my kids involved when I'm doing something that has to do with them doing for or giving something to someone else. So I asked Logan what sort of treats he wanted to take to his party. First he wanted heart shaped sugar cookies, then he decided on chocolate chip cookies, and finally changed his mind to brownies.

Of course my mind set to working. I had to think of something great to do with brownies! I thought about cutting them into heart shapes, but couldn't find my small cookie cutter; which was just as well because there would have been a lot of brownie scraps for me to eat. (Side Note: Since I stopped drinking mass quantities of pop last week, sweets don't taste as good as they used to. Not that I don't eat them anymore. Just not as many. Yippee!) I also thought it would be fun to make them in little muffin tins.

Since we were busy today I got to work after the kids were asleep. And after I took a nap. (We're still not feeling 100% around here. What else could I do?) I made those little brownies! And they were not very good. Little, like that. They were undercooked, looked funny, and stuck to the tins. So I got out another package of brownie mix (What you thought I'd made them from scratch?) and prepared to start over. No big deal.

Craig was home from work by this time so enjoyed my first efforts, then suggested I just make the new batch in a pan -- and cut them into squares. (Something Logan had mentioned earlier.) What a concept! Then he went to take a shower. But first... and this is BIG, he told me I'm a good mom for staying up late and making things for the kids. Taking the compliment I thought to myself, I'd be a better mom if I did it during the day and went to bed at night. Anyway, it was nice to hear from him. Thanks hoosband.

Also, as my brownies were baking, I made a couple of quick and easy teacher gifts. I read recently that Valentine's Day is a new day for giving gifts to teachers, so I had to do it. Hand sanitizer anyone? I know the final products didn't turn out as cute as the ones I saw on another blog, but they'll do. I didn't buy anything but the sanitizer, and was proud of myself for that. Logan will sign his name on a little note I'll attach before school in the morning.

 

So there you have it. Could I be Mom of the Year or What?!

Sick Sick Sick

I am SICKOFIT! Yes, you read that right. Sick of it.
One word.

I am tired of my family being sick. I swear someone has been sick at least every other week since November! And now I'm sick as well.


I took Bergen to the doctor with 103* temperature last week. She'd been coughing and hadn't felt well for a few days, but when she woke up HOT and SHAKING one morning I had to take her in. We left the office with a nebulizer and picked up some antibiotics on the way home. Poor Berg, she has ear and respiratory infections. And a tube came out of one of her ears! Good thing she already had another follow-up appointment scheduled with the ENT next week.

Logan recently woke up with an earache in the middle of the night. It went away. Then he didn't move off of the couch all day Saturday, and I didn't notice that he had a terrible fever until I was ready to go somewhere that afternoon. I felt bad. How could I have been so preoccupied? He hadn't eaten anything and had literally only gotten up to go to the bathroom. So since Craig had to go to work, I stayed home rather than take him to the sitter I had lined up. The Motrin worked for a while, but he was on the couch again all day Sunday too. Needless to say we didn't go to church.

Which brings me to me. I've been feeling tired and run down, but just thought it was because I'm still not getting enough sleep. (My own fault.) Well after a rough Saturday night with the kids, I woke up not well Sunday morning. I had to use my (asthma) inhaler every four hours, on the hour. Something I have never had to do before. I also slept all day. Really. I'd wake and be up for a few minutes, then would go back to bed. (Thanks Craig for taking care of the kids and everything else on Sunday.) I felt bad about not going to church since I was in charge of Sharing Time in Primary, but Leila pulled through for me there. (Thanks Leila! You are the woman!)

When Monday morning rolled around I decided to go to Urgent Care. I don't like to wait it out when I'm sick and don't have a family practitioner for a PCP. And, besides the trouble breathing, my ears really hurt even though I'd used some of Logan's numbing ear drops. After a long wait I saw a doctor who was quick and thorough and diagnosed me with ear, sinus and bronchial infections. Again prescriptions were picked up on the way home.

Craig also took Logan to the doctor on Monday. They were in one side of the building while I was in the other. Fortunately Logan's strep test came back negative and the only things prescribed were lots of popsicles, juice, and ice cream! He's still coughing, but is definitely on the mend. On a side note, I was happy to go to the store for his and "medicine".

Before I move on I have to say that it is like pulling teeth to get Craig to go to the doctor. I've been working on him since we got married and nothing I've done has worked.

Yesterday I broke down and begged. Today he went.

$50. more to Urgent Care and nothing. The doctor didn't seem to think he needed anything more than Allegra, so he came home frustrated as usual. I was also frustrated so called the clinic. I spoke to a nurse and explained Craig's on and off illnesses (with all the details), told her that the rest of us are sick and have received medication, and asked if she would please talk to the doctor (with the additional information I had given her) and ask if anything more could be done for him?

That nurse was really great to listen to my concerns. I can't tell you how happy I was to find a prescription waiting for Craig at the pharmacy when I went to pick up more ear drops for Bergen this afternoon.

I certainly hope this is the end of 'The Saga of the Sick' at the Ream house.

The Challenge

 

I L-O-V-E Diet Coke. It is my beverage of choice 99.8% of the time. (There are times when only a Diet Mountain Dew will hit the spot.) However, I drink way too much of the stuff.

So...

I'm giving it up. Or at least I'm going to try really hard to give it up. Okay to be more specific I'm giving up the caffeine.

My new "go to" drink is water. And so far it's not too bad. We'll see if I still feel that way in a week.

The Super Bowl

We had some friends over to watch the Super Bowl this year. I've wanted to have a Super Bowl party for years, but just haven't done it. Lucky for me this year I was selected to host the game through Houseparty.


We had a buffet with all kinds of food and drinks, and homemade pizza, and everyone pitched in which made it great! Then the guys watched the game, the kids ran around, and the ladies visited. It was perfect.

Here's a rare moment with a bunch of the group in the same room. Watching the 3-D commercials! Imagine that!

 

Thanks to everyone who came to enjoy the game. It was fun having you here!