A Break

A Break

It has been a little longer than I wanted since I wrote anything. I went from writing all the time to NONE! I have been having issues for the last few weeks. Well, I guess you can say it is the whole family. I am taking a semester off for various reasons. I am questioning many different aspects of my life and my family.
Part of my break and soul searching has included a lot of talking with God. A lot!!!! I also have read an amazing book, The Sweet By and By by Sara Evans. I think it was a great book. It did touch a little closer to home than I anticipated. I needed it though. It made me address some things I had been pushing down. Good, but I don't know this is the best time.
I am so thankful to God for all that He has given me. I just wish I was better at using all that he has taught me and understanding why sometimes things are this hard. I know God does not give us more than we can handle, but right now I just want to scream and cry.

Read More

Assistant Plumber - Butt Crack and all!!

Assistant Plumber - Butt Crack and all!!

Today has been one of those days where I am a mixed mess of emotions. Conner woke up in a mood. He felt everyone should join him. Found that the water was ooey gooey brown. It is bad when you wish for the water to be brown- just not so slimey.
Both kids perked up. Told them we were gonna go to town to pick up some things we needed to finish Nash's room. They were excited to go out. Plus I needed to get a few groceries,
While I was getting dressed I had the best thing happen - diet wise- I FIT in my pants- not my maternity pants, but my FAT pants. Not Great but great because that means the diet and working out are making a difference.
Had to go to more places than I wanted to get the stuff for the room, but he wanted HIS space. Conner wanted him and Nash to have their own places ASAP!!!!
Phillip called to tell me that the water pipe to the house broke. I know that most people would think it was because it was COLD, but that was NOT the reason. Oh no. It was a stupid dog. Don't get me wrong, I love dogs. I have been known to care for all the dogs in the neighborhood. We live in the boonies, so all of my neighbors let there dogs run free. We DO NOT!!! LEASH LAW and COMMON SENSE!!!! This is the second time in 6 months this happened. The differences were: last time, we knew exactly who the dog belonged to, it was warm, so no ice and Phillip could do it on his own. He did not have to rush. The dog problem (at least that one dog with help of owner) was remedied. this time, no clue who the owner is, saw the dog leave before knew there was damage(can't call pound or owner), below freezing, ice everywhere, Phillip needed an assistant to get done before he froze to the ice water he was in.
This is where ASSISTANT PLUMBER - BUTT CRACK AND ALL comes in. I had to help. I got yelled at a lot from underneath the house, but don't worry I yelled back. I was also out in the front yard playing in a hole with frozen mud turning the water on and off. Many neighbors drove by and stared. I guess they thought I was outside standing in the near dark freezing weather for fun. I did have the butt crack thing going on. Not because I was AP (assistant plumber) but because of the weight I lost. My fat pants fit, but they are a little loose :) Since it was freezing, none of the neighbors got to see it under the long sweaters and coat, but I KNOW it was there.
I came in and we moved Nash's bed. I started painting the designs on his wall. It has been so long since I have done any art (and it used to be clothes not deco) in years. I am a little rough at it, but it felt good. Nash likes the start. I hope he really likes it when I am finished. he told me it was his room, all his. I thought that was toooo cute. Conner was so glad to have Nash's bed out of his room, he did a little dance where Nash's bed used to be. That was funny. He was excited to see the special play zone that I set up in his room, just for him. We named it Conner's Pit Stop. He loves Cars.
After my two cutie tooties went to bed, I picked up a little and made some brownies. I used the Hungry Girl recipe, with a Mindy twist. I did not make them in the muffin cups and I added coffee. Everyone loves my coffee brownies, so I was trying to make something close. They were not the same, but they were good. Hey I am not complaining - loosing weight and getting a few little treats :)
Now I am sitting here happy to have had a good day and to have tried some new and old things. I am blessed to have the sweetest boys who know exactly what to say when mommy needs it(and know EXACTLY what to do to make me want to pull my hair out and run naked through the streets.) God really knew what he was doing when he put us all together.

Read More

DIET ME THIS!

DIET ME THIS!

I felt like today was such a good day as far as my diet. (well atleast until 8 when I had some candy) Shhhh!!!! I won't tell if you don't. I am very happy to say I only had one 10oz Dr. Pepper today. I am so addicted to my Dr. Pepper.
I did work out today. I thought the more I worked out the less I hurt (When does that start?)

Read More

Mommy, I am proud of you!

Mommy, I am proud of you!

Today was good. I got next to no sleep last night, but that really has not made much of a difference. Conner felt good, so he went to school. They said he was great and talked up a storm. (There is a little issue of not understanding him, but speech is a work in progress!!) God has given me one of the most amazing little boys. Nash was a little run down and not as "spunky." But he is feeling much better now. I can tell because the definition of no has changed back to - do it before mommy sees. He has become one with the corner in my living room.

Started the morning off reading Nash's favorite book. I got a lot of organizing done. There was some cleaning and the never ending laundry. Nash and I started his lessons. I have decided to teach him since we are home this semester. He is SCARY smart. He picks up just about everything. (Except the definition of NO!)

After a few lessons, we decided to put a few puzzles together. The first was only 24 pieces. Nash can look at a piece and know exactly where it goes. Ha!!! I can't even do that with the 24 piece. After the five minutes he took to put it together, we worked on his. Yes the small one was mine. I am going to glue it and use it in my future classroom. Nash's Transformer puzzle was 100 pieces that all look the freakin same!!! He helped put the outside together got bored and went to play. Mr. Smarty Pants wants his puzzle together and glued to be put in his new room. GREAT!!! Nash made sure I was still working on HIS puzzle. He came by every so often, look at me and go "So?" When I finally got his puzzle put together, my sweet little three year old says "Mommy, I am proud of you." i did not know if I should laugh or cry. I just said Thank You!

God gave me TWO of the most amazing little men!!! I am so blessed!!

Read More

Oblivious

Oblivious

Oblivious: unaware, ignorant, blind, careless, unthinking, unmindful, just STUPID!!!!!!
I was trying to be in a better mood. I was gonna be happy and sleep well. I have been venting, that is freeing. I really was feeling better.
THEN I get the most brainless and insensitive phone call right before I was going to bed.
"Mindy, how much do you need to relax? I have a proposition for you. What are you doing Saturday night?" Okay, when my oh so OBLIVIOUS friend starts out the conversation like that, I know that someone is gonna get an earful. And on Saturday nights, ALL nights, I am with my kids. "This is a great idea. It is beneficial for us both." She has no clue what would be beneficial for me. I take care of my kids (one is delayed), pay my bills, I go to school..... A break, a nap, a little help (and a million dollars) would be of great benefit for me and my family. I was expecting something stupid, but seriously: " Get Phillip (my husband) to watch the boys. I need to go out for a girls night and need someone to come watch my kid. Your husband owes me. You don't have to watch your kids. You can relax at my house. You don't have to watch my kid, it will be late." Now I am trying to make sense of this STILL. She wants me to go stay at her house and watch her kid because I will get a break from my kids. She says she never goes out, but the reason no one else will watch her sweet little boy is because every weekend and sometimes in the week- she goes out. I rarely go anywhere without the boys, and it is frustrating, but I am a mommy. (Plus Conner is a handful, even phillip can only watch him so long. Only I can calm him). She has already told me that she just does not believe she can watch my kids because of Conner's issues (which she has no time to listen to), so It would be relaxing to watch her kid while she goes out. I have more on my plate than I would like, and a million things I would rather do if I had free time (like sleep, clean, read a book, or take a hot loooong bath) than watch her kid. she won't bring him here because he can't sleep anywhere else, but she still needs my help. IDIOT!!!!

Read More

"Indications" Missing Baby Alive

"Indications" Missing Baby Alive

Police say there are signs of the baby missing since after Christmas -- the mom says that she gave him to complete strangers in San Antonio -- and whose father says she claimed to have killed the infant --could possibly be alive!!!!!
I hope and pray that they find the information to find this baby!!!!

Read More

Hungry Girl!!! Egg Mug!!!!

Hungry Girl!!! Egg Mug!!!!

To go with the enormous weight gain, I have decided to try something new. a friend suggested it, and I am happy to try Hungry Girl.

Egg Mugs by Lisa Lillien:


Chicken Fajita Scramble Mug
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 163 calories, 0.75g fat, 583mg sodium, 12g carbs, 1.25g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 26g protein -- POINTS® value 3*
Fajitas have officially made the leap to breakfast... Muy delicioso!
Ingredients:1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper1/4 cup chopped onion1 oz. cooked skinless lean chicken breast, chopped1 tsp. dry fajita seasoning mix1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)2 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheese1 tbsp. fat-free sour creamDirections: Spray a large microwave-safe mug with nonstick spray. Add veggies, chicken, and fajita seasoning. Stir well to evenly distribute seasoning. Microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, until veggies have softened. Add egg substitute and microwave for 1 minute.Add cheese and gently stir. Microwave for an additional 45 - 60 seconds, until scramble is just set. Allow to cool slightly. Top with sour cream and enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING

Denver Omelette in a Mug
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 122 calories, 0.75g fat, 702mg sodium, 6g carbs, 0.5g fiber, 2.5g sugars, 21.5g protein -- POINTS® value 2
*The flavor in this mug is a MILE HIGH! Get it, because, you know, Denver is the Mile-High City? OK, we'll stop now.
Ingredients:1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper2 tbsp. chopped onion1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)1 oz. (about 2 slices) 97 - 98% fat-free ham, chopped2 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheeseDirections:Spray a large microwave-safe mug with nonstick spray. Add veggies and microwave for 1 - 2 minutes, until softened.Blot any excess liquid from veggies. Add egg substitute and microwave for 1 minute.Add ham and cheese and lightly stir. Microwave for an additional 45 - 60 seconds, until scramble is just set. Let cool slightly, and then eat up!MAKES 1 SERVING

Veggie Eggs-plosion Mug
PER SERVING (entire recipe): 130 calories, 2.25g fat, 495mg sodium, 10g carbs, 2g fiber, 5.5g sugars, 17g protein -- POINTS® value 2
*Worry not! There are no actual explosions associated with this b-fast recipe (as long as you follow directions well).
Ingredients:1/2 cup sliced mushrooms1/4 cup thinly sliced onion1/4 cup chopped asparagus1/4 cup diced tomato1/2 cup fat-free liquid egg substitute (like Egg Beaters Original)1 wedge The Laughing Cow Light Original Swiss cheeseOptional seasonings: black pepper, garlic powderDirections:Spray a large microwave-safe mug with nonstick spray. Add all veggies and microwave for 1 - 2 minutes.Thoroughly blot excess moisture from the veggies. Add egg substitute and microwave for 1 minute. Add the cheese wedge, breaking it into pieces. Stir gently, and then microwave for an additional 45 - 60 seconds, until scramble is just set. Allow to cool slightly. If you like, season to taste with black pepper and garlic powder. Enjoy! MAKES 1 SERVING





http://www.hungry-girl.com/index.php

Find her on Facebook and Twitter, also check out her books.

Read More

Flannel vs. Cold equals time to relax (a little)

Flannel vs. Cold equals time to relax (a little)

My kids are out for a snow day today. Funny because no snow or ice. Last night around five, all local school districts and colleges reported today would be a snow day and everything would be closed. It had not even started raining yet- I do not believe you can call that a snow day (can you?). Surprise- we have a winter weather advisory, but still no snow or ice.
It is cold, I will not deny that, It is above freezing at 35F and it was actually colder yesterday. I guess this would be a good time to point out that much of the country is blanketed in snow and VERY much colder. Here in Louisiana, this IS cold. There is one way to start with the cold- Flannel jammas and flannel sheets. It is not the most attractive or romantic, but it is comfy and snugly. Add a little hot chocolate (not on my diet) or coffee with Truvia (on my diet), and snuggle up with a good book on kindle, and you have a pretty good "snow day" for me. The boys are gonna cuddle on a big pallet in the floor and watch movies. That is a good "snow day" without snow. Yeah, I know, a good snow day is playing outside in the snow, but remember- no snow!!! I love my little men. I am thankful that God has given me the time we have together.


**** Found a Hungry Girl recipe for cocoa:

I Should Cocoa...
We discovered the secret ingredient to the world's best hot cocoa: fire. Don't fear the flame, people! Kitchen torches can be relatively cheap, easy to find (at places like Bed Bath & Beyond or online), and pretty simple to use. Get ready to burn some marshmallows!
Ingredients:One 25-calorie packet hot cocoa mix (like Swiss Miss Diet or Nestle Fat Free)2 tsp. fat-free non-dairy powdered creamer (like the kind by Coffee-mate) 2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
20 mini marshmallows (about 1/4 cup)2 low-fat honey graham crackers (half a sheet), crushedDirections:Place cocoa mix, powdered creamer, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in a large mug. Add 1 cup very hot water, and stir until ingredients are fully dissolved, melted, and combined. Top with marshmallows. Using a kitchen torch, toast the marshmallow layer for 5 - 10 seconds, until slightly melted and cooked to your liking. (Some like their 'mallows golden, some like 'em blackened!) Allow to cool slightly, and then top with crushed graham crackers. Now enjoy!MAKES 1 SERVING
Serving Size: 1 mug (entire recipe)Calories: 178Fat: 3.5gSodium: 202mgCarbs: 35gFiber: 2.75gSugars: 18.5gProtein: 3.5g POINTS® value 3*

Read More

Today and the FUN visit to the doctor.

Today and the FUN visit to the doctor.

Okay!!!! So I carry the boys to the doctor. The appointment is at 11:00 a.m. I made appointments for Conner, Nash, and myself. We are in the waiting room maybe fifteen minutes. I was so thankful to be called because Nash was making sure his presence was known. We get called and go my oh so unfavorite spot. Now the nurse, who looks all of 15, gets Conner on the scale and starts telling my child how to stand. "He CAN'T stand like that!!" Oh yes the kid with a DELAY can!!!! Try this mom. Nash did well then it is my turn. Oh I about fell out. I knew I had gained SOME weight (that is why I was there, i am a stress eater), but seriously! The nurse didn't even try to get my height. We go back to our room talk to the dingy nurse (I can say that because I CAN). We did not wait long, but long enough for the boys to get into everything. The doctor comes in and hits Nash in the head with the door. I told Nash to move. He checks Conner, because Conner has been having some kind of sinus issue and has not been his spunky self. Even when he is sick Conner is happy and upbeat, and he has not been for the last two days. Nothing really seems wrong, but we are gonna do labs-great!!!! Conner has become a human pin cushion since he has been diagnosed with a developmental delay. Nash, who tells everyone he is just miserable and his ears are hurting so bad, is healthy as a healthy three year old who finished antibiotic for an infection last week. I have a three year old hypochondriac (he is positive he needs to go to the hospital for a broken bone at least every few days). Then we get to me- "Mindy, you HAVE put on some weight." I respond with " I am an emotional eater. The stress of Conner's constant testing and other issues is not helping. I know I have put on weight. I am past my fat pants into maternity. I was a size six and now I am 200 Freaking Pounds!!! I have officially hit bottom. I work out everyday. I eat non-stop. I am fat!" We did come up with some things to try, but I am still not used to this. The doctor leaves and says he is sending in the lab. We wait. When the lab tech finally comes in, she misses Conner's vein and scratches his arm. She went to get help- and we WAIT!!!! and we WAIT!!! When help arrives, they finally draw my little man's blood. It took forever. It is now noon and everyone is trying to go to lunch, but us. We wait. Talk to the dingy nurse a little more and WAIT!!! Watch everyone comeback with lunch and wait. I am glad that I have a magical mommy purse with gummies and cookies (not healthy, but fast for hungry moody kids). We WAIT a little more. The doctor checks on us and the lab. We WAIT! A little after 1:00 P.M., I tell them to call me with the results. Conner and Nash have started fighting and Conner has started one of hie High Pitched SQUEALS!!! The doctor says okay, he will have dingy nurse call. As we leave, we have to walk by the lab. Lab tech asks if we want Conner's results- WELL YES!!!!! Turns out that they were done almost right after the lab work went to the lab!!!!! After all that, Conner has a virus. The tests also show his blood sugar is high. They were sending the tests off to another lab and will call me later this week. Conner just can't catch a break. He barely eats anything sweet, while Nash sneaks candy. The boys were so happy to leave and get lunch of grilled cheese and apple juice slushes. Nash told the world that he feels much better now that he saw the doctor. Poor Conner just has to let the virus pass.
-On a different Note- school is closed tomorrow(people around here freak when it gets cold), so it really does not matter that Conner is gonna miss. He will also miss his Shriner's doctors appointment. He does not need to be around all the kids there with a virus. A little upset since the appointment was booked three months ago. (I am just tickled that my child got sick going back to school and now we have to wait until there is another opening to go to Shriner's). Tomorrow we will all enjoy taco soup and cold weather together. (me a no chips and light cheese).

Read More

Give Me advice PLEASE!!!! A MOMMY rant

Give Me advice PLEASE!!!! A MOMMY rant

I can tell that today is gonna be one of those days where strangers feel like giving me parental advice whether I want it or NOT. When I take both kids places, people assume that I have no idea what I am doing. First, I have been a parent long enough to know what to do with my kids. Nash is three. Three year olds have a tendency to be curious and want to try things. Plus Nash is very independent and VERY emotional. Those breakdowns he likes to have in public, is because he is sensitive to everything. Conner is behind. He is developmentally DELAYED. He functions on a two year old level but is the size of a six year old. DO NOT come tell me that he does not need to sit in a buggy. He should be down walking and talking. DO NOT tell me what I should make him do when you see me put him in the car. Strangers making simple comments can be useful. Try this product. My kids like this juice or this diaper wipe (YES CONNER IS STILL IN DIAPERS)!!!! Little things can help-BUT DO NOT tell me what I am doing wrong. And if one more person tells me to mix Conner's vitamin (Co-Q 10) with food or juice I am gonna ram the closest item down their throat. He is sensitive to tastes as well as touch and illness and sound and everything else. I have been his parent since he was born. I have been his parent since I had him. Do you really think I do not know what I am doing ( I don't but I have a better idea than someone who did not raise him)!!!!! I wonder why I have a tendency to state my mind. I wonder why I am so cranky with ADULTS :0 I love being around kids. They are more polite and understanding to other children than the adults that raise them. Next time you choose to give me or other parents advice about the kids with them, consider: is there a reason for what they are doing, and how would it feel for someone to say that to me.

Read More