It started out as your every day normal sort of a Tuesday.
Took people to the bus (we made it!) and preschool, went on a few errands, and had quiet time.
During quiet time, I made a few phone calls to different repairmen on the other side of the country. Because the house that we still own in Arizona needs a new fence. There's about 38 feet of a dilapidated wooden fence on one side, and it's time to replace it.
Then I sent an email to my renter, Joe, telling him that a few guys would be coming by to look at the fence, so that they could give us a quote. I also asked if there was anything else that needed to be fixed.
He asked me for my phone number.
I gave it to him, again, and wondered if tile had cracked, or if the shower door needed replacing as well. I mentally went through my list, crossing out possible problems because they just didn't make any sense.
We had dinner, and baths.
DadGuy left for cub scouts, and I put the kids in bed.
When he came home, I left to go walking with a friend.
When I got home, the office light was on. "That's weird," I thought, because DadGuy would usually be sprawled on the couch, in the dark, watching the evening news on its lowest volume, hiding from any creepy crawly shortlings that had decided to wander the halls.
I unlocked the door, and DadGuy was talking on the phone... LOUDLY.
I came into the office and he said, "I gotta go. My wife is here," and he hung up.
Then he looked at me.
"Joe called. He won't be there for the fence guys because he moved out."
I didn't say anything.
"Yeah, he's gone and the house is 'all cleaned up'... I already canceled one payment, but he's gone so we don't have enough money to pay the mortgage payment on that house."
So, to recap. No renter = no rent money = can't pay that mortgage = crapcrapcrapcrap.
And now, as I'm sitting here, brainstorming ways for us to NOT have to go into foreclosure on that stupid house in this horrible economy, I'm coming up empty. I mean, do you know what homes are renting for there? You can get a brand new 5 bedroom house for $1000 a month. And, AND! there's about 5 million to choose from.
Seriously.
I just love how one phone call can change your life.
No really, it's awesome.
September 30, 2009
September 28, 2009
I'm Over It: School Edition
Breakfast
Particularly, HOT breakfasts. Particularly on days when people have decided to not sleep peacefully through the night, thereby disrupting mine and their roommates precious sleep pattern, thereby causing no less than 4 people to wake up in particularly foul moods. Yes, on those kinds of mornings, which seem to happen approximately 4 times a week, a breakfast that requires me to do anything beyond pouring milk is NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.Papers
For the love of all that is good and holy, MY SON IS IN KINDERGARTEN. I don't need that much paperwork. Sure, send me home the occasional school newsletter and lunch menu. I feel especially wasteful when I get notices that say things like "For Grades 3 - 6" mostly because we're in grade K.Also, I realize that I didn't sign the volunteer form for the field trip. Or for the track day thing. Or for helping the cafeteria. I'm not going to come in if it will require me getting a babysitter for my other kids. Find someone else, okay? I'm not a defunct parent who doesn't care about education, so watch your tone.
The Bus
I thought I would love the bus. And I'm about 50% there. That 50%, of course, is reserved for the afternoon bus which comes at the same SCHEDULED time every day. But since I missed the bus 4 times last week, not that I was late, but because you were exceedingly early, I have decided that it's just not worth it. It's not worth me getting everyone dressed with shoes and sock on just to walk up the street, around the corner, and see you drive off 15minutes early. You are supposed to be at our stop at 8:29. Not 8:20, not 8:17, and most especially not the 8:12 that you graced us with today. I wonder, do you ever think to yourself, "Huh, there sure are a lot of missing kids today?" Or do you really think that you only pick up one kid at each stop?At any rate, morning bus driver, screw you. We'll drive ourselves, thankyouverymuch.
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Sadly, this is only my first year of school.
September 26, 2009
Red Alert, Red Alert, Danger, Danger
Taylor has officially become dangerous.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, so I opened the windows.
The second story windows.
She decided she wanted to sit in the windowsill.
You know, because she's a kitty.
So there she was, climbing into the window.
And then she knocked out the screen.
And swung one of her chunky little legs out of the window.
The second story window.
So we closed the windows.
And locked them.
And will try that again in a year or so.
She is going to kill me dead of a heart attack.
Seriously.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, so I opened the windows.
The second story windows.
She decided she wanted to sit in the windowsill.
You know, because she's a kitty.
So there she was, climbing into the window.
And then she knocked out the screen.
And swung one of her chunky little legs out of the window.
The second story window.
So we closed the windows.
And locked them.
And will try that again in a year or so.
She is going to kill me dead of a heart attack.
Seriously.
September 24, 2009
The Engagement, part two
Our relationship was moving fast. We had met the middle of September, kissed by mid-October, and now it was November.
We were at his house, watching a movie. He was cracking jokes, but my stomach was in knots. I wanted so badly to tell him "I love you" but I didn't want to say it first. Every word he spoke, I bit my tongue.
When the movie was over, I started getting ready to leave.
DadGuy stared at me.
"I know you have something to say."
"No. I'm fine," I answered. I was NOT going to screw this up by professing my undying love to a man that I'd know less than two months. Nope, not gonna happen.
"C'mon, I know you have something to say... I can tell." He was enjoying this. "What is it? Does my breath stink?" he teased.
"No. I'm good," was all I answered.
Next thing I knew, he was inches from my face, "What is it?" he breathed. He leaned forward again and whispered in my ear, "What do you want to say?"
True to my awkward form, I finally answered.
"I just.... ugh.... I wanted to tell you.... I mean...it's nothing...." my face was red, my heart was going to jump out of my chest. "It's just...I think I'm in love with you." The words came rushing out of my mouth.
I was embarrassed. I couldn't stand to look at him so I hid my face. Stupid, stupid girl, I silently seethed as tears welled in my eyes.
"Hey," he quietly spoke.
He pulled my hands down, I looked away. He cupped my face in both his hands and turned it towards him, locking his eyes chocolate eyes on mine. He smiled softly, "It's okay. I love you too, alright? I love you too."
September 23, 2009
Updates/announcements/general stuff that doesn't like to be defined by things like "titles"
{1}
I am a finalist for Ms. Lauren's header design contest. You need to vote for me because A) it's the best one and B) I told you to. And if I don't win, you will all feel my wrath. It will come zapping out of the computer screen and flick you in the forehead and that's a chance you don't really want to take now, is it?
VOTE NOW
(all you have to do is leave a comment... I'm number 2.)
{2}
My beloved shortlings killed my camera. It was slightly maimed before, but the latest injury involved bending the lens and stomping and now it won't even turn ON. Luckily, I'm a pro with the Paint application and I can use my mad skills to show you very realistic interpretations of such events. (see above illustration){3}
The next part of the Engagement story will be posted tomorrow. I'm not sure how many parts it will end up being because I'm just not sure. But I put a link at the top of the page now so if you've missed anything, you can click on "love story" and it will take you to a page with links to all the parts.
{4}
That's pretty much it actually. Lame? I know. Care? I do not.
September 22, 2009
On Being in Control
I've been toying with this post for awhile. How much information is too much? Where is my line? Do they really need to know this much about me? And then I think on it some more, and I feel like I just need to spit it out. To tell you what's been going on in my head because maybe, just maybe, one of you has been having these same kind of issues....
I've talked a little bit about my experience with anxiety and depression before.
It's a tough subject. One that can't easily be explained, especially to those who haven't had the pleasure of dealing with it. The thing about depression is that you don't have a choice. It doesn't hit you overnight; it creeps up on you, slowly and surely, and little by little, it breaks you down. And it's been happening so gradually, that you don't see it. You don't see the monster you're becoming, the slight changes in your appearance and demeanor.
You're consumed by a fog of darkness. Sure, you have "good days" but those are few and far between. Your life is a waking nightmare. The sun may be shining, but not for you. For weeks at a time, everything is gray. Your eyes deceive you. Your mind betrays you. You can't remember how to scramble eggs, or how to change a diaper. You can't remember the last time you ate. It goes beyond the mental and emotional controls, and starts infringing upon your physical self.
You lose weight, and then gain it right back. You can't sit still. You're exhausted, but you can't sleep. The cycle is vicious and never ending.
And then when you finally hit the limit, and you get the help you so desperately need, it doesn't work... not right away.
You break down, again and again, while the medicines and therapies struggle to help you, to lift you up when you need it most.
Ever so slowly, the fog is lifted. You remember to eat breakfast. You remember to shower. Gradually, you wake up. A few months go by, and you think you're cured. In fact, you feel so much better, that you don't remember why you even needed the help in the first place.
And that monster starts gnawing at your heels again.
You recognize that feeling. You are determined to beat it this time. To not let it win. You fight... Valiantly, you fight with every fiber of your being. You collapse into bed at night because you're so tired from the onslaught.
You go about your day, having conversations, and reactions, just trying to have a normal existence....
Every decision is clouded.
It gets to the point that you can't have a any type of routine in your day, because you're not in control. You don't know if you're overreacting. You don't know if you're being fair, or extreme.
It taunts you.
It's not fair.
It's not fair because you didn't ask for this.
It's not fair because you are a grown up, and you should be able to make a decision.
You should be able to make a decision without second guessing yourself... without having an internal debate... without asking yourself, is this a justified reaction?
And it gets to that point, that fork in the road. The one you stand at and you look as far as you can down both roads, and you can't make up your mind.
So you stand there.
And your life passes you by.
And the people that matter most, turn around and call to you.
But you can't move.
You can't even breathe.
So you fold.
And you turn around.
And you go back to the doctors.
You go back to the pills.
You feel like a failure, because it shouldn't be this hard.
But for the first time in a long time, the sun is shining.
And you're laughing.
And you don't have to ask yourself, am I being fair?
You don't have to worry about scarring your children for life.
You don't have to worry about ruining their childhood.
You don't have to worry about YOU.
Because there aren't any monsters hiding in the closet.
They're gone.
And even though a small part of you feels like you lost,
You still won.
Because you're here.
You're PRESENT.
And it hasn't been like that in a long time.
So you smile,
And you get your glass of water,
And you swallow that little blue pill.
Because the alternative is just not acceptable.
And you're okay with that.
I've talked a little bit about my experience with anxiety and depression before.
It's a tough subject. One that can't easily be explained, especially to those who haven't had the pleasure of dealing with it. The thing about depression is that you don't have a choice. It doesn't hit you overnight; it creeps up on you, slowly and surely, and little by little, it breaks you down. And it's been happening so gradually, that you don't see it. You don't see the monster you're becoming, the slight changes in your appearance and demeanor.
You're consumed by a fog of darkness. Sure, you have "good days" but those are few and far between. Your life is a waking nightmare. The sun may be shining, but not for you. For weeks at a time, everything is gray. Your eyes deceive you. Your mind betrays you. You can't remember how to scramble eggs, or how to change a diaper. You can't remember the last time you ate. It goes beyond the mental and emotional controls, and starts infringing upon your physical self.
You lose weight, and then gain it right back. You can't sit still. You're exhausted, but you can't sleep. The cycle is vicious and never ending.
And then when you finally hit the limit, and you get the help you so desperately need, it doesn't work... not right away.
You break down, again and again, while the medicines and therapies struggle to help you, to lift you up when you need it most.
Ever so slowly, the fog is lifted. You remember to eat breakfast. You remember to shower. Gradually, you wake up. A few months go by, and you think you're cured. In fact, you feel so much better, that you don't remember why you even needed the help in the first place.
And that monster starts gnawing at your heels again.
You recognize that feeling. You are determined to beat it this time. To not let it win. You fight... Valiantly, you fight with every fiber of your being. You collapse into bed at night because you're so tired from the onslaught.
You go about your day, having conversations, and reactions, just trying to have a normal existence....
Every decision is clouded.
Are your children really acting that badly? Or are you overreacting?
How would a normal person react in this situation?
Did I really just do that? No, that wasn't me. I would never....
How would a normal person react in this situation?
Did I really just do that? No, that wasn't me. I would never....
It gets to the point that you can't have a any type of routine in your day, because you're not in control. You don't know if you're overreacting. You don't know if you're being fair, or extreme.
It taunts you.
It's not fair.
It's not fair because you didn't ask for this.
It's not fair because you are a grown up, and you should be able to make a decision.
You should be able to make a decision without second guessing yourself... without having an internal debate... without asking yourself, is this a justified reaction?
And it gets to that point, that fork in the road. The one you stand at and you look as far as you can down both roads, and you can't make up your mind.
So you stand there.
And your life passes you by.
And the people that matter most, turn around and call to you.
But you can't move.
You can't even breathe.
So you fold.
And you turn around.
And you go back to the doctors.
You go back to the pills.
You feel like a failure, because it shouldn't be this hard.
But for the first time in a long time, the sun is shining.
And you're laughing.
And you don't have to ask yourself, am I being fair?
You don't have to worry about scarring your children for life.
You don't have to worry about ruining their childhood.
You don't have to worry about YOU.
Because there aren't any monsters hiding in the closet.
They're gone.
And even though a small part of you feels like you lost,
You still won.
Because you're here.
You're PRESENT.
And it hasn't been like that in a long time.
So you smile,
And you get your glass of water,
And you swallow that little blue pill.
Because the alternative is just not acceptable.
And you're okay with that.
September 21, 2009
The Engagement, part one
When we finally parted ways later that night, I knew that this guy was different, that he was going to change my life.
When I woke the next morning, I hashed out the evenings events, and I was scared. I had never felt this intensely about someone before, and it was happening so fast. I knew that last nights kiss had changed EVERYTHING for me.... but what about him? Was I going to be the girl that captured his heart?
I went to work and forced myself to focus on my clients. I tried to not think of him, of us. Not that I could even think of "us" because I didn't even know if there was an "us." It was maddening.
I watched the clock tick by, waiting for his classes to be out. Would he call? I hoped so.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
My phone rang.
It was him.
I didn't answer.
I couldn't answer because my voice would go weird. He'd say "hello" and I'd say make a noise like a wounded animal and it would be awkward and uncomfortable and then he really wouldn't want to talk to me... So I let it go to voice mail.
"Hey honey, this is DadGuy. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you and that I can't wait to see you tonight... Can I see you tonight?"
I swooned. Things were different, I could hear it in his voice.
We met up that night, and the next one, and the one after that.
Our conversations graduated from what we like to eat, to how many kids we wanted to have. We wanted to know what each other liked so I took him to a hair show and to the river.
He invited me to go snowboarding....
When I woke the next morning, I hashed out the evenings events, and I was scared. I had never felt this intensely about someone before, and it was happening so fast. I knew that last nights kiss had changed EVERYTHING for me.... but what about him? Was I going to be the girl that captured his heart?
I went to work and forced myself to focus on my clients. I tried to not think of him, of us. Not that I could even think of "us" because I didn't even know if there was an "us." It was maddening.
I watched the clock tick by, waiting for his classes to be out. Would he call? I hoped so.
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
My phone rang.
It was him.
I didn't answer.
I couldn't answer because my voice would go weird. He'd say "hello" and I'd say make a noise like a wounded animal and it would be awkward and uncomfortable and then he really wouldn't want to talk to me... So I let it go to voice mail.
"Hey honey, this is DadGuy. I just wanted to tell you that I miss you and that I can't wait to see you tonight... Can I see you tonight?"
I swooned. Things were different, I could hear it in his voice.
We met up that night, and the next one, and the one after that.
Our conversations graduated from what we like to eat, to how many kids we wanted to have. We wanted to know what each other liked so I took him to a hair show and to the river.
He invited me to go snowboarding....
September 18, 2009
Romance + Logic =
I was talking to one of my oldest friends the other day, and we somehow got on the subject of husbands and affection and love languages and stuff, when I revealed that the DadGuy is a complete and total hopeless romantic.
She couldn't believe it.
The thing is, DadGuy is very much the dreamy romatical type, whereas I'm the "don't spend $50 on flowers that are going to DIE" type.
Then I realized that I should tell you my engagement story.
But before I do that, (and in case you're new here...) you should read a few things. You know, so you get the whole story.
She couldn't believe it.
The thing is, DadGuy is very much the dreamy romatical type, whereas I'm the "don't spend $50 on flowers that are going to DIE" type.
Then I realized that I should tell you my engagement story.
But before I do that, (and in case you're new here...) you should read a few things. You know, so you get the whole story.
How we met
My Last First Kiss, part one
My Last First Kiss, part two
My Last First Kiss, part three
My Last First Kiss, part four
My Last First Kiss, part one
My Last First Kiss, part two
My Last First Kiss, part three
My Last First Kiss, part four
Read up on that, and come Monday, I'll have another installment waiting for you....
DVD Winners
Thanks to everyone who entered the DVD Giveaway. In no particular order, I present the winners:
Lauren in GA - Mad Monster Party
Tenille - Diego
Melonie - TMNT
Kim - Ben 10
So, if that happens to be you, email me with your shipping information so we can get those sent out!
Tenille - Diego
Melonie - TMNT
Kim - Ben 10
So, if that happens to be you, email me with your shipping information so we can get those sent out!
September 17, 2009
What's Making Me Smile?
{3}
being caught up
(for now)
being caught up
(for now)
{4}
and these guys.
and these guys.
What's making you smile today?
September 16, 2009
Chore Charts - version 2.0
For me, the worst part about moving is figuring out the best way to divide household chores. Take, for example, the laundry. Our bedrooms are on the third floor, but the washing machine and dryer are on the first floor. Do I fold it downstairs? Upstairs? What about sorting? And ironing? And what should I carry all of it in? (Things like this stress me out, can you tell?)
The past four weeks have been a big lesson in learning the best way to manage multiple levels. (Cleaning supplies on each floor is a MUST) (Can you believe I've only been here a month? It feels like so much longer...)
The way the rooms are laid out makes a difference in my cleaning system as well. I don't have a toy room anymore, and the eating area and main living space are now separated. Pretty much, I had to figure out how *I* would clean the entire house before I could show other people how to do it.
But now.....
The past four weeks have been a big lesson in learning the best way to manage multiple levels. (Cleaning supplies on each floor is a MUST) (Can you believe I've only been here a month? It feels like so much longer...)
The way the rooms are laid out makes a difference in my cleaning system as well. I don't have a toy room anymore, and the eating area and main living space are now separated. Pretty much, I had to figure out how *I* would clean the entire house before I could show other people how to do it.
But now.....
Since we can't read, I used graphics, and ghetto-lamintated them (contact paper!) onto 3x5 index cards.
And the pockets are a combination of glue stick/packing taped onto the posterboard because I cannot for the life of me find my GOOD glue.
Each child is assigned a color, and a day. Thaddeus is Monday, Blayne is Tuesday, Daniel is Wednesday, and Taylor is Thursday. On "your day" you get to be my special helper. This means you are the dinner helper, you get to give the blessings on the food, and various other perks that come up every now and then. (Fighting over what show to watch? Oh, it's Wednesday, Danny gets to pick...)
And the pockets are a combination of glue stick/packing taped onto the posterboard because I cannot for the life of me find my GOOD glue.
Each child is assigned a color, and a day. Thaddeus is Monday, Blayne is Tuesday, Daniel is Wednesday, and Taylor is Thursday. On "your day" you get to be my special helper. This means you are the dinner helper, you get to give the blessings on the food, and various other perks that come up every now and then. (Fighting over what show to watch? Oh, it's Wednesday, Danny gets to pick...)
I've also posted this guy near my front door because we now have backpacks, and since it's getting colder, the jackets and scarves will be coming out soon. And I just don't want anyone having the mistaken idea that it's okay to tromp your dirty shoes up my carpeted stairs.
It's working brilliantly, by the way.
September 14, 2009
First Day of Preschool
Today? Blayne AND Daniel started preschool.
I am alone with Taylor.
Taylor, my lazy baby that is laying on the couch watching Spongebob Squarepants, and me, who is in the other room, typing on the computer.
We're ignoring each other.
And no one is screaming.
It's very weird.
I think I'm going to enjoy this...
September 13, 2009
Lies I Tell my Shortlings
I totally forgot what I was going to write about today. In the middle of the night, I had this AMAZING IDEA that needed to be shared with the whole world, but instead of writing it down, or saying it 50 times to myself, I turned over and went back to sleep. So now I'm sitting here racking my brains trying to figure out at least a little SOMETHING to put on the ole' blog and I got NOTHING.
Of course, I realize that I could just NOT post, but that's a slippery slope.
Or I could tell you about the most awesome of lies I told my kids this summer and will continue to use until they know that I'm lying...
Okay, I'll tell you, but only if you promise to go along with it because so help me, if you guys actually clue them in on the real deal, you'll pay. Literally.
Genius, right?
Now remember, you are hereby required to indulge me in this fantasy. Otherwise, you get the fabulous chore of paying $4 for a popsicle.
*And did you enter my DVD Giveaway yet? Four movies to win (TMNT, Ben 10 Alien Force, Go Diego Go!,Mad Monster Party) Five chances to enter. Go on, get.
Of course, I realize that I could just NOT post, but that's a slippery slope.
Or I could tell you about the most awesome of lies I told my kids this summer and will continue to use until they know that I'm lying...
Okay, I'll tell you, but only if you promise to go along with it because so help me, if you guys actually clue them in on the real deal, you'll pay. Literally.
{Best Lie of the Summer}
When the ice cream truck plays music, it means they're out of ice cream.
Genius, right?
Now remember, you are hereby required to indulge me in this fantasy. Otherwise, you get the fabulous chore of paying $4 for a popsicle.
*And did you enter my DVD Giveaway yet? Four movies to win (TMNT, Ben 10 Alien Force, Go Diego Go!,Mad Monster Party) Five chances to enter. Go on, get.
September 12, 2009
Giveaway Time: Children DVD's Edition
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First of all, do you realize that it's the 25th Anniversary of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? Because it is. And I can't decide if that makes me old, or if it just makes TMNT all the more impressive.
Having two boys in the house, it's hard to find a show that is specifially geared towards them without being overly violent or suggestive. I think TMNT fits the bill nicely, and it's something I can let my boys just sit and watch. It also helps that I grew up with Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo and have a particular soft spot for them. I mean, who wouldn't? Human sized mutated turtles fighting bad guys? That is the stuff of LEGENDS people.
On this DVD, you get the complete season eight. That's eight episodes of total bodaciousness.
The start of fall always brings one thing to the front of my mind. Halloween. I love Halloween, it's my very favorite holiday, and I especially love all the classic childrens movies that go along with it.I was really excited to introduce Mad Monster Party to my kids because I fond memories of watching this show with my family. The basic story is simple to follow. Baron von Frankenstein wants to retire as the head of the World Wide Organization of Monsters, but he needs to appoint a successor, and what better way to do it then by having a Mad Monster Party?
Mad Monster Party, the beloved animated Halloween classic, comes to Special Edition DVD this September from Lionsgate. Mad Monster Party: Special Edition is a hilariously spooky classic that includes a brand-new retrospective featurette and two fun sing-a-longs... making it the perfect treat for Halloween this year!
ALL of my kids are fans of Diego and in this new hour long episode, Diego has to save the baby polar bear. Go, Diego, Go: Diego's Artic Rescue also features two bonus episodes as well as a "Diego's Animal Adventures" featurette. This DVD is debuting on September 15, before it premieres on Nickelodeon.Go, Diego, Go: Diego's Artic Rescue is a great interactive show geared towards preschool aged children. He teaches your kids to use logic to solve problems, to count and match, and introduces them to the Spanish language.
If you have a boy between the ages of 6 and 11, you've probably seen at least one episode of the Ben 10 series. Now that Ben is older, he doesn't have his watch that makes him shape-shift, and he's fighting aliens on his own.Ben 10 Alien Force Volume 4 will be available on DVD September 1st. This latest release will be stacked full of alien heroes, nasty villains, and a whole lot of action that fans have come to expect from the Ben 10 franchise. In Ben 10 Alien Force Volume 4, not only will viewers see the intrepid trio battle Ben’s evil twin, they will see Ben tackle an even greater challenge…trying to give Kevin dating advice. But armed with his heroic bravery and powerful Omnitrix, Ben can handle just about anything.
The DVD includes five episodes from season two, with a running time of 113 minutes.
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Readers, I have a copy of each of these DVD's for you. How do you enter? Leave a comment. And it would be helpful if you'd mention which DVD you'd prefer to win.
Want to get some extra entries?
extra entry 1 - Tweet this giveaway and leave the url of the tweet in the comment
extra entry 2 - Facebook this giveaway and leave the url of the post in the comment
extra entry 3 - Submit this to your favorite social bookmarking site, like Digg or Stumbleupon, and leave your username in the comment section
extra entry 4 - Subscribe to The Bingham Diaries by RSS Feed or Email.
* * * * *
Contest will close Friday, September 18 at Noon, EST.
Winners will be chosen by Random.org so make sure you post your extra entries separately.
Good luck!
Winners will be chosen by Random.org so make sure you post your extra entries separately.
Good luck!
September 10, 2009
HFPE and a Fruit Stuffed Pork Loin
First off, it was the quarterly HFPE meeting last night.
The theme of the night was "Behold the Bountiful Fruit of the Harvest" focusing on a scripture found in 2 Corinthians 9:6 - "And [s]he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
Decor was simple. We recycled the roses the from the March HFPE meeting, placing them in bud vases that we found in the Relief Society closet. We found the fabric leaves at Michael's for $0.69 a pack. We used battery operated tealights in glass votives (also found in the relief society closet) and the tablecloths were from none other than Party City.
Since there was going to be a class in the back half of the gym, we utilized my favorite volleyball net (it comes in handy) and used it to hang quilts, therby providing a noise buffer, and a visual separation from the class area and the dining area.
Now, for the food. The menu for the night, to go along with our bounteous harvest theme, was a fruit-stuffed pork loin, baked sweet potatoes, a salad, rolls, and water. (Do I have to include water? I never know. But that's what we drank. WATER. We even had ICE.)
At any rate, the pork, oh my goodness THE PORK! It was delicious and easy to make. Two points that go over really really well when one is feeding the masses. So here's how it goes:
And in case you wanted a handy dandy recipe all in one place (original portions. feel free to double or triple per the size of your loins.... snigger)
Fruit Stuffed Pork Loin
1 boneless pork loin
1 c. nuts, chopped
2 c. dried fruit, chopped
1 10 oz jar fruit preserves
3-6 Tbsp. fruit juice
Turn over to 325. Chop nuts and fruits. Mix. Set aside. Trim pork of fat and silverskin. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the loin by cutting through the middle (NOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH.) Stop about 1/2 an inch from the bottom. Then turn your knife to the right and cut the loin again, stopping about 1/2 an inch from the bottom. Do the same on the left side. You should have a relatively flat piece of meat. Pound the loin to get the meat as even as possible to allow for uniform cooking.
Once pounded, sprinkle fruit and nuts over meat, leaving a small border all around. Roll pork jellyroll style and tie with string every inch. Place on pan and set in preheated oven. Roast about 45 minutes, or until internal temperature is 135. While pork is roasting, mix preserves and fruit juice. At the 45 minute point, open the oven and apply the glaze to the loin, reserving about half for presentation. Continue baking roast about 30 minutes, depending on size, or until internal temperature reaches 140. Remove from oven and let sit 15 minutes.
Remove string and with a sharp knife, cut 1/4 inch slices. Place on platter and top with remaining glaze.
The theme of the night was "Behold the Bountiful Fruit of the Harvest" focusing on a scripture found in 2 Corinthians 9:6 - "And [s]he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully."
Decor was simple. We recycled the roses the from the March HFPE meeting, placing them in bud vases that we found in the Relief Society closet. We found the fabric leaves at Michael's for $0.69 a pack. We used battery operated tealights in glass votives (also found in the relief society closet) and the tablecloths were from none other than Party City.
Since there was going to be a class in the back half of the gym, we utilized my favorite volleyball net (it comes in handy) and used it to hang quilts, therby providing a noise buffer, and a visual separation from the class area and the dining area.
Now, for the food. The menu for the night, to go along with our bounteous harvest theme, was a fruit-stuffed pork loin, baked sweet potatoes, a salad, rolls, and water. (Do I have to include water? I never know. But that's what we drank. WATER. We even had ICE.)
At any rate, the pork, oh my goodness THE PORK! It was delicious and easy to make. Two points that go over really really well when one is feeding the masses. So here's how it goes:
{Fruit Stuffed Pork Loin}
And in case you wanted a handy dandy recipe all in one place (original portions. feel free to double or triple per the size of your loins.... snigger)
Fruit Stuffed Pork Loin
1 boneless pork loin
1 c. nuts, chopped
2 c. dried fruit, chopped
1 10 oz jar fruit preserves
3-6 Tbsp. fruit juice
Turn over to 325. Chop nuts and fruits. Mix. Set aside. Trim pork of fat and silverskin. Using a sharp knife, butterfly the loin by cutting through the middle (NOT ALL THE WAY THROUGH.) Stop about 1/2 an inch from the bottom. Then turn your knife to the right and cut the loin again, stopping about 1/2 an inch from the bottom. Do the same on the left side. You should have a relatively flat piece of meat. Pound the loin to get the meat as even as possible to allow for uniform cooking.
Once pounded, sprinkle fruit and nuts over meat, leaving a small border all around. Roll pork jellyroll style and tie with string every inch. Place on pan and set in preheated oven. Roast about 45 minutes, or until internal temperature is 135. While pork is roasting, mix preserves and fruit juice. At the 45 minute point, open the oven and apply the glaze to the loin, reserving about half for presentation. Continue baking roast about 30 minutes, depending on size, or until internal temperature reaches 140. Remove from oven and let sit 15 minutes.
Remove string and with a sharp knife, cut 1/4 inch slices. Place on platter and top with remaining glaze.
September 9, 2009
September 8, 2009
Let the Celebrations begin!
As my kids get older, we get to start new traditions. It's hard, deciding what I'm willing to do every year for the rest of my life. I don't want to go too big, because there will inevitably be a year when I'm short on time or funds or both. So I needed something simple...
Last night we held our first ever Annual "Back to School" dinner.
We set the table beautifully. We had a white lace tablecloth, and we got to eat on REAL GLASS dishes. When I got married, I received beautiful goblets that we used those for the first time last night. And because Thaddeus was the star of the evening, he got to eat dinner on the much coveted RED PLATE.
(See how happy he is?)Last night we held our first ever Annual "Back to School" dinner.
We set the table beautifully. We had a white lace tablecloth, and we got to eat on REAL GLASS dishes. When I got married, I received beautiful goblets that we used those for the first time last night. And because Thaddeus was the star of the evening, he got to eat dinner on the much coveted RED PLATE.
I had given Tad two dinner options. One involved lots of prep and cook time, and the other did not. He chose the latter which goes to show how awesome he really is.
At 6 o'clock, I rang the dinner bell. We had "fancy" music playing in the background, and the lights were dimmed. DadGuy and I came around to each person and served them their gourmet dinner of spaghetti and green beans; we even let them sprinkle parmesan cheese on the top all by themselves. (Which left some of us with mountains of cheese.)
For dessert, we had homemade rocky road ice cream.
Then Thaddeus ran upstairs to change so he could debut his first day of school outfit. We oohed and aahed and told him how handsome he looked.
And then it was time for bed...
At 6 o'clock, I rang the dinner bell. We had "fancy" music playing in the background, and the lights were dimmed. DadGuy and I came around to each person and served them their gourmet dinner of spaghetti and green beans; we even let them sprinkle parmesan cheese on the top all by themselves. (Which left some of us with mountains of cheese.)
For dessert, we had homemade rocky road ice cream.
Then Thaddeus ran upstairs to change so he could debut his first day of school outfit. We oohed and aahed and told him how handsome he looked.
And then it was time for bed...
September 6, 2009
Changing of the Seasons
Today I've been thinking about how different my day to day life is, when I compare it to my daily life two years ago. Just reading through that list makes my feet hurt and yet.... I miss it. Gone are the midnight snuggles between mother and child. Now, we lay our heads to rest at eight, and I don't see anyone again until morning. They can wash themselves. They can dress themselves. I put food on the table and they gobble it up, no more "choo-choo" noises, no more bibs.
On the other hand, I no longer have to crawl into the back seat of my car to buckle the kids in. I don't have to lift anyone in or out of the car, because they can do it themselves. That alone has cut my errand time in half.
My season of motherhood is changing. The trees have budded, the roots have taken hold, and I go from nurturing a seed, to shaping the life. Now I have to make sure they grow straight and tall. I'll have to trim the branches that hang too low, support them during the storms.... Yes, the seasons have changed.
And I, for one, cannot wait.
On the other hand, I no longer have to crawl into the back seat of my car to buckle the kids in. I don't have to lift anyone in or out of the car, because they can do it themselves. That alone has cut my errand time in half.
My season of motherhood is changing. The trees have budded, the roots have taken hold, and I go from nurturing a seed, to shaping the life. Now I have to make sure they grow straight and tall. I'll have to trim the branches that hang too low, support them during the storms.... Yes, the seasons have changed.
And I, for one, cannot wait.
September 5, 2009
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