The Bedtime Story

Once upon a time it was easy to read Dayne his bedtime story. I would lay him on his back on the floor, I would lay next to him and we'd look up at whichever book I had picked out from his library. He loved this ritual, kicking and squealing in delight as I immersed us both in the story.

Then one day, our little prince discovered sitting and nothing was the same again. He isn't a fan of laying flat any longer, instead he'll roll over and attempted to sit up. (He is SO close to sitting on his own! I cannot believe it!)

So our bedtime story routine changed, he'll sit in my lap while I read the book. Except now he wants to chew on the book. His little hand will strike out to grab the book from me and he shoves it in his toothless mouth, chewing away.

I thought I had figured out how to outsmart him and was patting myself on the back as I settled into our rocker for the night. I grabbed two books. One for him to chew on and one for me to read. I handed him his chewing book and I opened the book we'd read that night.

Dayne accepted the book offer and promptly shoved it in his mouth. I grinned to myself and opened up the other book. Before I had finished the first sentence, Dayne had snatched the book away from me and shoved that one in his mouth as well. Both hands were white knuckled, holding the books for dear life and he grinned as he drooled all over them.

Can a child have a case of the "MINE" already at 6 months?

Humble Pie

Life has been stressful lately.  Work is crazy and I feel like I am banging my head on a brick wall at times.  Money is tight as we play catch-up after Jason being out of work for 8 months.  The summer has been difficult to get out and visit friends like we usually do because it's been so hot and I cannot be outside with Dayne when it's 100+° out. 

Today I was feeling the stress & tension build in my shoulders, I gritted my teeth each time the phone rang and did my best to fake the cheerful "Hello!" to my clients.  I thought of the "to-do" list that was slowly growing by the minute, the "to-buy" list that seemed to have more needs than wants all of a sudden.

It was just life, throwing the usual stress on me.  I kept picturing the moment I'd walk out of the door today, go home and meet up with a girlfriend of mine to walk with our kids.  Then I found this story as I was blog surfing.  Warning - it's a major tear jerker so maybe save it until it's safe to cry. 

I read it at work with tears streaming down my face.  Nothing, no amount of stress I was feeling or dealing with can even come close to what that family is going through right now.  They are taking this horrible tragedy and turning it around to bring joy & light into other families eyes. 

I am humbled today by a 4 year old boy named Mason whom I've never met & his wonderful, giving family.  They reminded me instead of stewing in my pity party for one, to instead stop & think about what I can do to make this better. 

Sometimes I need a big 'ol bite of humble pie to remind me how lucky I am. 

Um...Hello Hollywood!

**Warning - Graphic Picture of Abuse Below** 

Please close out now if this image may upset you

Last warning - it's right below.

Ok - on to the story.

I didn't watch the VMA's this past weekend, in fact, I had no idea they were even going on.  I did watch some clips through highlight reels on TV though and this one had my blood boiling.

We all remember this right?  I mean, it wasn't just me who read and saw this right?

That's Rihanna after her then boyfriend finished beating the crap out of her and shoving her out of a moving car.  Yes it's been a few years but does that make it OK?  He's put his tail between his legs and "played nice".  I mean except for the chair throwing incident on Good Morning America.  Yeah, sounds like he's just waiting to explode all over again on someone else.  

So Chris Brown is "forgiven" in Hollywood & with fans.  His music still sells, stations still play his songs and he preforms at the VMA's!  WTF Hollywood!  W.T.F!

I have to say after Beyonce's classy move in 2009 where she brought Taylor Swift on stage after the other D. Bag Kanye West interrupted her acceptance speech - I gained much more respect for Beyonce.  She shows what a classy, successful artist is suppose to act like.  And I think she married well because her husband, Jay Z, showed support in a sea of clapping seals.  

That would be Jay Z sitting in stunned silence as the audience around his stood up and CHEERED this abuser for his performance.  F.  That.  Go Jay Z!  Between he and Beyonce, they are one of the more respected couples in my opinion.  

And then, I saw this clip.  After Jay Z performed, Justin Beiber sitting on his rear end, refusing to clap for him because he didn't clap for Chris Brown and he's buddies with Chris Brown.  I'm not a Beiber fan, he's too young for me but I'm not blind to the fact that millions of girls around the country look up to this boy.  And he's supporting a guy (I use that term loosely) who put his hands on a girl, a girl he supposedly loved.  He's friends with an abuser.  

Is that who we want our children to admire?  Someone who thinks it's OK to beat the crap out of people because he doesn't understand other - healthy - ways to take his anger out?  Hellz no!  I would be yanking those posters down from my daughters wall and realizing I need to explain to her what love ISN'T.  It ISN'T accepting the fact that he hit you.  It ISN'T "oh he'll never do it again".  It ISN'T he brought me flowers so he's sorry.  

Oh no sweet child of mine...love is never having to say sorry because you didn't do it in the first place.  

So Mr Beiber, I say this to you - pick better friends.  Who you hang out with and choose to surround yourself with says volumes about who you truly are. 

Monday Monday!

I think I did pretty well this weekend keeping the house clean. It probably helped we were gone for most of the time.

Here is Monday's cleaning schedule.

Do you guys have any tips & tricks to bathroom/bedroom cleaning? Anything you added to your own cleaning list? Something you weren't able to get around to last Monday but hoping to do this Monday?

We learned this weekend that Dayne *adores* sweet potatoes. Usually when we feed him food he'll take the bite and then promptly start sucking his thumb. I figure whatever gets it down right? But Dayne couldn't swallow the food quickly enough before he was opening his mouth for more sweet potatoes! He even complained when he was all out of them. I'm extra excited for Thanksgiving this year, this will be something he'll chow down on with the rest of us! (Before I add the cinnamon and butter to my own of course!)

He cannot stand peas...which I really can't blame him for, I don't like them either. And I gave him squash yesterday, which he took a few bites off and then did the raspberry spit as it all came back out. He stuck his tounge out at me when I came after him with another spoonful of it. Again...I'm not a fan of squash either, but neither is his dad so maybe we'll all just hate squash together?

Wellaby's Review & Giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED - CONGRATS DARA N.!

As we become more aware of what is in our food, we start realizing we don't want the "extras", the trans fat, the saturated oils and lately - the gluten.  More people are discovering a gluten intolerance and having to fend for themselves when it comes to gluten free foods.  Some companies are taking notice and making the change.

Wellaby's is one of those companies.  Their production takes place in their new, purpose-built factory which is certified with the strictest international standards: ISO 22000, IFS and BRC.  Their staff is well trained and they thoroughly examine all the ingredients they receive to make sure they adhere to their specifications.  They package their products in a protective atmosphere.  They are gluten free, GMO free & MSG free.

We have been lucky in our household thus far that there are no allergies we need to avoid.  I have been hearing more and more about gluten free products but having never needed to search them out I never paid much attention.  When Wellaby's sent me a sample pack to try I have to admit I was a little unsure of how it would taste.

I had to REMIND myself & my husband they were gluten free!  They tasted like the chips & crackers we would normally grab off the shelves.  I can only imagine how refreshing that must be to someone who needs to watch the gluten in foods.  You don't have to be left with bland tasting food any longer!

We were sent the Classic Cheese, Parmesan & Smoked Cheese Cheese Ups.  The Rosemary & Onion & Parmesan & Sun-dried Tomato Crackers and the Grated Parmesan Mini Crackers. 

We tried the Cheese Ups first.  They're shaped like small triangles and puffed up.  They're baked and not fried, which is wonderful!  I loved how light they were and the crunch to them.  They're a great snack!  We did wish the flavors were a bit more prominent but it was nice not to have flavor dust all over your fingers after you were done eating like many chips have. 

We put Dayne down to bed one night and decided to have some wonderful cheese with the crackers they sent out.  I sipped wine while Jason chowed through the crackers.  We melted cheese on a few along with some meats on top of that.  The crackers held their shape and remained crispy even with melty foods on top!  So these would be wonderful to put out for parties or when guest stop by.  The flavor is perfected in my opinion.  It's just enough so you taste it but it doesn't take over the show.

We used the mini crackers as a snack and also made small sandwiches out of them with cut up meats and cheeses as well.  I love their shape and how crispy they are!  They have the same perfected flavor as the regular crackers in their product line up.  Just enough to let you know they're there but not so overpowering it's all you taste when you combine it with other items.

I'm hopeful other companies follow Wellaby's lead and learn to make great tasting foods that are also good for you at the same time!

Wellaby's has been generous enough to offer one reader of The Ever After a mixed case (6 items) as a prize in this giveaway!  I can't wait for the lucky winner to taste this great product for themselves! 

You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. Drawing ends at 12:01 AM on Friday September 09.  I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Friday, September 09.  I will send an email to the winner & you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Use the Rafflecopter form below.  If you don't see it - click on the title of this post.  Otherwise email me at tarah716[at]ymail.com for instructions on how to enter.

Thursday's Cleaning Schedule

Yesterday...yesterday I failed.  I came home from work and was STARVING!  So I made a quick sandwich and plopped down in front of the TV to start clearing out the DVR.  At least I was cleaning something right?  I was watching the Next Food Network Star Reuion Show - the one before the announce the winner.  Which was spoiled by Food Network and their darn twitter account!  Don't they know people DVR that show and don't watch it until days later?!

Anyway, I had good intentions of eating, watching 20 minutes of the show and then getting up and cleaning.  Then I looked around the living room and realized, it's pretty clean already....then Jason showed up early with Dayne and that sealed the deal.  No cleaning!  Instead I played on the floor with Dayne as he scooted around the floor and blew raspberries at me.

I will honestly do my best to keep the house clean and stick to the schedule but I also realized I'm willing to let some things slide so I can spend time with my family too.  I'd rather have a pile of dishes in the sink and good, quality time with Dayne than a spotless house each day.  I have been making the bed each morning though.

I'm meeting a friend for dinner tonight so I'm sure I probably won't get to this today either BUT maybe I'll do it tomorrow.  Maybe.

Thursday:

• Dust home office surfaces and objects, including furniture, light fixtures & electronics
• Empty home office trash bins.
• Sort through in-boxes; pay bills, file paid bills and paperwork
• Vacuum home office floor

Wednesdays Cleaning Schedule

So how are things going?  Are you keeping up?  What issues have you noticed in your schedule?  I stopped at the grocery store on my way home yesterday so I again, took a half hour out of my usual one hour before the boys got home.  On top of that we had a contractor coming out to check out our staircase and give us remodel options.  So I did a quick clean but I was able to mark everything off the list. 

Everyday:

• Make the bed
• Manage clutter - whenever you leave a room, take a quick look around for anything that isn't where it should be.  Pick it up and put it where it belongs.  
• Sort the mail
• Clean as you cook.  Instead of filling the sink with pots & dishes , wash them or put them in the dishwasher as you prepare a meal.  
• Wipe up spills while they're fresh.  
• Sweep the kitchen floor

Wednesday:

• Dust entryway & hallway banisters, furniture, objects and light fixtures
• Launder entryway & hallway machine-washable throw rugs & runners
• Vacuum entryway & hallway stairs & landings
• Wipe entryway & hallway mirrors.
• Discard magazines & catalogs on coffee or side tables; store or pin those you want to keep
• Dust living room surfaces and objects, including furniture, light fixtures & electronics
• Fluff and rotate sofa cushions.
• Vacuum living room upholstery & floor
• Wipe hand & pet prints from windows & glass doors
• Vacuum vents

Chicken Dinner

For the longest time I thought I hated tomatoes, period.  Until the day Jason asked me if I hated all tomatoes why did I LOVE red sauce on my pasta and happily gobble up ketchup?

*insert moment of clarity here*

So for many years I avoided tomato soup, sun dried tomatoes, baked tomatoes....when in reality it's raw tomatoes that make me gag.  So I have been playing catch up with tomato soup because it's one of my new favorite soups ever.  I eat it whenever possible and hopefully going to attempt to make it from scratch at one point this fall/winter.

For dinner last night I tried Campbell's recipes for Tomato-Basil Chicken & Tomato-Basil Zucchini.

Tomato-Basil Chicken

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 of a 1-pound package medium tube-shaped pasta (ziti), cooked according to package directions (about 4 cups)

• Heat the oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook or 10 minutes until it's well browned on both sides.
• Stir the soup, milk, cheese, basil and garlic powder in the skillet and heat to a boil. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Serve with the pasta.

 Tomato-Basil Zucchini

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Tomato Soup (Regular or Healthy Request®)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

4 medium zucchini, sliced (about 6 cups)

1 small green pepper, cut into 2-inch strips (about 1 cup)

1 large onion, sliced (about 1 cup)

2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• Heat the soup, lemon juice, basil, garlic powder, zucchini, pepper and onion in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cheese.

Soooooo easy!  I did cut the chicken into cubes instead of keeping the entire breast whole because I served it over the pasta.  I was originally going to serve the zucchini as a side dish but ended up putting that on top of the noodles as well as the chicken.  I did season the chicken with Mrs. Dash - Tomato Basil Garlic seasoning and rubbed it in before cooking to give the chicken a bit more flavor.  I would make this dish again but I would marinate the chicken prior to cooking to give it a bit more zip. 

Costume Squad T-Shirt Giveaway

CLOSED - CONGRATS JENN S!

Jason & I started dating in March and we were still working together so our relationship was on the very down low.  Our first St. Patrick's day together we left work and met up at a bar for green beers with a few co-workers.  The thrill of a new relationship that no one is aware of plus alcohol, it was an interesting night! 

Since our first St. Patrick's day we've had plenty more - where we didn't have to hide our love for each other - which is even better.  This past St. Patrick's Day was also a first for us, our first with Dayne in our lives.  I didn't drink any green beer but I did have my first glass of wine in months.  So it counts for something right?

I couldn't help but laugh when I saw this I *shamrock* beer shirt from Costume Squad T-Shirts  It's under the All T-Shirts category.   

(I *Shamrock* Beer)

First I want to express how surprised I am with how quickly their shipping works!  I LOVE when a company realizes I don't want to wait 10-16 business days to get my item!  Internet shopping is suppose to easy - waiting for weeks for an item just makes me antsy.  They shipped this shirt out super quick.

It's made of a heavier fabric too - one that should hold up for the long haul!  For the price of the shirt I did have my doubts on the quality but a great deal doesn't always equal poor quality!  It fit great prior to the first wash so I was a little nervous to see how it would hold up after a wash & dry.  I throw my clothes in according to color and then wash them all in the same cycle.  The only things that get pulled aside are dry clean and/or hand wash only items.  Everything else...we just pray it holds up.  

Jason's beer shirt held up great!  I didn't notice any size changes and its shape held up great.  It remained as durable as it was prior to the wash which was great! 

With Halloween right around the corner, now is the time to buy your costume before they're out of your size!  (I hate when that happens!)  I think the Peacock Costume is really cute!  To give you a head start - Costume Squad T-Shirt is giving one of The Ever After's readers a $15 Gift Card to their site!

You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. Drawing ends at 12:01 AM on Thursday September 01.  I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Friday, September 2.  I will send an email to the winner & you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Use the Rafflecopter form below.  If you don't see it - click on the title of this post.  Otherwise email me at tarah716[at]ymail.com for instructions on how to enter.

CrazyDog T-Shirts Giveaway

CLOSED - CONGRATS LESLIE P! 

When Jason was in the Army he worked with helicopters.  Ever since then it's been his life.  He can tell you what helicopter is flying overhead without looking just by the sound it makes.  The first birthday we were dating I bought him a model helicopter and it still sits on the desk to this day. 

So when I saw the Get To Da Choppa shirt from CrazyDog T-shirts under All Shirts I had to get it for Jason.

(Get To Da Choppa)

First I want to express how surprised I am with how quickly their shipping works!  I LOVE when a company realizes I don't want to wait 10-16 business days to get my item!  Internet shopping is suppose to easy - waiting for weeks for an item just makes me antsy.  They shipped this shirt out super quick.

It's made of a durable fabric - something that will last for a while!  For the price of the shirt I did have my doubts on the quality but a great deal doesn't always equal poor quality!  It fit great prior to the first wash so I was a little nervous to see how it would hold up after a wash & dry.  I throw my clothes in according to color and then wash them all in the same cycle.  The only things that get pulled aside are dry clean and/or hand wash only items.  Everything else...we just pray it holds up.  

Jason chopper shirt held up great!  The only complaint he had was the neck size was a little tight.  It remained as durable as it was prior to the wash which was great! 

I was really in love with the baby onesies too, I laughed at a ton and wanted to get several of them.  I think I found a great stocking stuffer idea for Dayne this Christmas!  At the prices, you can afford to get a few!  To give you a head start - CrazyDog T-Shirts giving one of The Ever After's readers a $15 Gift Card to their site  Who wouldn't love the "Who's Awesome?  You're Awesome" onesie? 

You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. Drawing ends at 12:01 AM on Thursday September 01.  I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Friday, September 2.  I will send an email to the winner & you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Use the Rafflecopter form below.  If you don't see it - click on the title of this post.  Otherwise email me at tarah716[at]ymail.com for instructions on how to enter.

Nachomamatees Giveaway

CLOSED - CONGRATS CRYSTLE T!   

 
Who doesn't love St Patrick's Day?  Green everything, an excuse to drink and every once in a while someone will tell you why we celebrate a day that has nothing to do with America and everything to do with Ireland.  (It's actually a religious holiday if you can believe that.  Maybe the "Saint" in the title gave it away?).

But I don't really wear green a lot, I don't have any green t-shirts or sweaters.  I'd always search for a pair of socks I owned that had green on it.  Most people didn't believe that counted so I was always pinched for lacking the green.

That problem was fixed when Nacho mama tees sent out this shirt for me to review for my readers.  It's the Irish girls drinking shirt under the St Patrick Day Shirts.   

(You Can't Drink All Day If You Don't Start at Breakfast)

Cute huh?  I thought so, Jason even raised an eyebrow and then laughed.  Let's just say I'm not the typical party girl who would even drink all day if I could.  But it's a fun shirt to throw on for St Paddy's Day right?  

First I want to express how surprised I am with how quickly their shipping works!  I LOVE when a company realizes I don't want to wait 10-16 business days to get my item!  Internet shopping is suppose to easy - waiting for weeks for an item just makes me antsy.  They shipped this shirt out super quick.

It's so soft too - like a well worn in tee from the get go!  For the price of the shirt I did have my doubts on the quality but a great deal doesn't always equal poor quality!  It fit great prior to my first wash so I was a little nervous to see how it would hold up after a wash & dry.  I throw my clothes in according to color and then wash them all in the same cycle.  The only things that get pulled aside are dry clean and/or hand wash only items.  Everything else...we just pray it holds up.  

My new Irish shirt held up fantastic!  I didn't notice any size changes and its shape held up great.  It remained as soft as it was prior to the wash which was great!  It's light weight as well, which is how I prefer my shirts to be. 

I was really in love with the 80's tee shirts too, I laughed at a ton and wanted to get several of them.  I think I found a great stocking stuffer idea for Jason this Christmas!  At the prices, you can afford to get a few!  To give you a head start - Nacho mamas tee is giving one of The Ever After's readers a $15 Gift Card to their site  Who wouldn't love the "That's What She Said" shirt?  (I would - in case you're wondering who to gift it to)

You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter. Drawing ends at 12:01 AM on Thursday September 01.  I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Friday, September 2.  I will send an email to the winner & you will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

Use the Rafflecopter form below.  If you don't see it - click on the title of this post.  Otherwise email me at tarah716[at]ymail.com for instructions on how to enter.

MiO Liquid

I'm not a pop (or soda for you southerners) drinker, I haven't had pop since I was in high school.  Just trust that was a while ago.  I very rarely drink tea, I have to be dead at my keyboard to consider any energy drink and the taste of anything resembling coffee makes me sneer.  So that leaves me with water and milk and juices.

I love nothing more than an ice cold, refreshing glass of water.  Nothing quenches the thirst quite the same way.  During the work day water is pretty much my only option so I keep a refillable water jug on my desk.  It would be nice to switch it up every once in a while.  I've tried the other flavored waters and it's either too sugary or too much syrup or a strange aftertaste.  I haven't been impressed with their efforts.

I have been seeing the advertisements for MiO Liquid - it's a Water Enhancer and it caught my attention.  I kept meaning to grab it at the store but always forgot.  Friday I was in the aisle and saw it, thrilled I finally remembered however accidentally it may have been.  I tried the Mango Peach flavor, I came home, opened a bottle of water and put one squeeze in, tried and decided it wasn't strong enough.  I put another squeeze in, better but not there.  Three squeezes in my 16.9 fluid oz bottle later and it was perfect.

It didn't overpower you with flavor, it was just enough to add something different to it.  No syrup flavor, no sugar and no gross aftertaste.  Yes, you did read that right - NO SUGAR!  In fact, this little bottle has zero calories, zero fat, zero sodium, zero carbs and zero sugar.  How can you not get excited over that?  I'd love to see a lemon flavor but I'm excited to try out their other flavors: Berry Pomegranate, Fruit Punch, Peach Tea, Sweet Tea, Strawberry Watermelon and of course the Mango Peach.

I received no compensation for this review, product was purchased with my own money and all reviews & thoughts are all my own. 

Tuesday Cleaning Schedule

So how did Monday go for you?  Were you able to cross everything off your list?  What issues did you run into?

I stopped at the library on my way home from work so I had cut a half hour out of my usual hour before the boys got home.  I had finished the bathroom (oh my gosh did my lights need dusting!) and was vacuuming up cobwebs when Jason walked into the bedroom with Dayne.

"What are you doing?"

Really?  Am I that big of a slacker that my husband has forgotten what a vacuum looks like?

I explained to him that I'm going to do a room or two a day of the week so that I'm not trying to shove it all in on the weekend.  Plus when we're busy like we were last weekend, no cleaning was done!  He said "I think it's great but why do you have something on Friday.  Take Friday off your list and just relax after a week of work.  So I'm adjusting my schedule.

I did make our bed this morning!  Go me!  :)

For those of you who want to follow along, here is what I plan on doing today.  I'll just refer back to these posts each week for newbies.

Everyday:

• Make the bed
• Manage clutter - whenever you leave a room, take a quick look around for anything that isn't where it should be.  Pick it up and put it where it belongs.  
• Sort the mail
• Clean as you cook.  Instead of filling the sink with pots & dishes , wash them or put them in the dishwasher as you prepare a meal.  
• Wipe up spills while they're fresh.  
• Sweep the kitchen floor

Tuesday:

• Dust dining room & kitchen surfaces and objects, including furniture and light fixtures
• Vacuum dining room upholstery, dining room & kitchen floor 
• Mop dining room & kitchen floor
• Discard foods and beverages past their prime
• Flush kitchen drain with boiling water.
• Wipe kitchen surfaces, including sink, countertops, the outside of the ventilation hood, refrigerator and cupboard doors
• Wipe the inside of the oven, microwave & toaster oven
• Wipe the inside & outside of kitchen trash & recycling bins

Monday Cleaning Schedule

I work full time and have an almost six month old child. Let's just be honest and I'll tell you my house is a disaster zone most of the time. Dishes pile up, laundry sits in the baskets (sorted at least!), the bed isn't made...you know, life gets in the way.

Then I saw Martha Stewart had checklists. I kind of like checklists, OK I love them. I love crossing things off and feeling like "Ahhh...I'm so accomplished". Sometimes I put things on my list I've already done just so I have more items crossed off than not. Tell me you haven't done the same thing.

So I decided to take her lists and sort them so each day during the week I had an area or two to clean. Today is Monday, the first day of my "Let's see if my good intentions will pan out" challenge. I usually have about an hour before Jason gets home with Dayne. So I'll try my best to shove my daily cleaning into one hour.

Today's List:

Everyday:

• Make the bed
• Manage clutter - whenever you leave a room, take a quick look around for anything that isn't where it should be.  Pick it up and put it where it belongs.  
• Sort the mail
• Clean as you cook.  Instead of filling the sink with pots & dishes , wash them or put them in the dishwasher as you prepare a meal.  
• Wipe up spills while they're fresh.  
• Sweep the kitchen floor

Monday:

• Change & launder bath mats, towels, washcloths, bed sheets and pillowcases.
• Clean toilets, bathtubs, showers and bathroom sinks.
• Dust bathroom & bedoorm light fixtures & bedroom surfaces & objects, including furniture
• Empty bathroom & bedroom trash bins & wipe the insides and outsides
• Vacuum & mop bathroom & bedroom floors
• Wipe bathroom & bedroom mirrors.  
• Discard magazines & catalogs on side tables; store or pin those you want to keep
• Fluff bedroom pillows & comforters.

I had planned on making the bed before I left today but I forgot...so I'll make sure it's one of the first things I do when I get home.  Want to play along?  Let me know how it goes for you! 

The C Word

Jason walked in the door yesterday with Dayne, he picks him up from his parents on his way home from work.  I was in the bedroom putting laundry away so he & Dayne plopped down on the bed and giggled while I finished hanging up clothes.  I turned around to smile at my boys when Jason let the bomb drop.

"He crawled today."

It was like someone punched me in the stomach, the breath left me as I stood there with a hanger in my hands and my mouth half way to a smile.

"No.  No he didn't."  I felt like the maid from Family Guy "You're fired."  "No, no I stay."

"My mom said he crawled today."


I just stood there looking at my son who was scooting around on the bed shoving the sheet into his mouth.

"We'll he's been scooting...did she maybe mean scooting?"

I've been aware this milestone would be coming, Dayne's been getting on his hands and knees without issue for about a week now and will rock back and forth.  He then ends up on his stomach where he'll push himself around with his feet.  That must be what she meant...right?

I was looking my biggest worry in the eye.  Being a full time, working out of the home mom, I missed this milestone.  I wasn't there to witness his first crawl, however small and short it may have been.  I wasn't there to cheer with joy and cry with pride as he finally put two & two together.  I wasn't there as he looked around for approval, he didn't find my face in the crowd.

I work because I enjoy it & because I have to.  I do enjoy my job and I enjoy bringing home a paycheck and financially contributing to the household.  I want to be able to offer Dayne extras in life, I want to give him some wants along with his needs.  I want to take that vacation, say yes to that toy, put a little extra in his college savings account.  So I work.

The pull gets greater and great with each passing day to figure out another way though.  It has me thinking out of the box, trying to figure out how to maintain two incomes - because we cannot survive on one at this point - but to be at home more often for Dayne. 

Yesterday it was like slamming into a brick wall without even my hands to help soften the blow.  My baby was growing up quicker than I had even imagined.  I was already mourning the days where he would cuddle into my chest and sleep for hours, the days when he had just figured out how to use his voice for more than cry and would babble all day, the days where tummy time was not fun but a chore to him.

He would rather put himself to sleep, and when I read books he's not happy unless he can shove them in his mouth.  He only "talks" when he wants to say something and tummy time is a thing of the past now that he's mastered sitting.  When I stop and really look at him...and realize it's only been 23 weeks since he was born...it takes my breath away.  How can time have passed by so quickly in such a short period of time?

Dayne

We've been so lucky to have Jason's parents watch Dayne for us during the day.  It's a nice money saver but it's even nicer that I 110% trust them to give him nothing but the best.  And he's building a great bond with them.  My MIL makes sure she sends a picture a day to us so it's great to get a smile in my inbox each day. 

Dayne has started to do barrel rolls when you try to change him so my MIL gives him a toy to play with to keep him occupied.  Yesterday he decided it would make a fantastic chew toy. 

Look Ma - no hands!  That would be my son sitting up all on his own.  Something he's very proud to show up to everyone now.  We have yet to get a picture of it but he's also on his hands and knees rocking back & forth.  The books say this isn't suppose to happen yet!  I have a mixture of pride and sadness that he's reaching milestones so early!

UPrinting Giveaway

CONTEST CLOSED - CONGRATS BRENDA H.

Small businesses are what runs our nation, they're the restaurant you visit because you know the owner, the photographer you frequent because she's a friend, the fund raiser you donate money to because it's a cause in your community.

But how do you stand out in a sea of corporate conglomerates who have more money to spend on advertising that you make in a year?  You find a printing company that helps you put your best foot forward, a company that not only helps you maintain the professionalism you wish to project but also helps keep your advertising budget in the check.

That is where UPrinting comes into play. They offer high-quality press printing, easy-to-use online ordering system, resulting in high-end printing services and reliable color printing at discount printing costs.

UPrinting offers several different poster prints.  Bulk posters can be printed on paper or card stock with a glossy or matte finish, and are the practical choice for promotional, full color poster printing since you can order them in quantities of up to 10,000.

Large format posters are printed on HP premium photo paper in either semi- or high-gloss, and are great as photo enlargement or retail signs; you can order up to 50 of them in one order.   They are perfect for grabbing the attention of potential customers because they have high visibility even from a distance.

Mounted posters are printed on 1/8" thick white PVC board and have a maximum order quantity of 50 pieces; you can display them as soon as you receive them from us!

Photo Enlargements are great posters, wall art, window displays, or as pretty much anywhere you need poster-sized photographs.

UPrinting has generously offered one reader a 18" x 24" Semi Gloss / High Gloss poster with the print of their choice.

You can enter to win by doing one or more of the following; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each way that you enter.  Contest closes Friday, August 26.  I’ll draw the winner, via random.org, on Saturday, August 27, the winner will have 48 hours to respond.  Otherwise another winner will be drawn. This giveaway is limited to US residents 18 years old and above only.

Entry Rules:

Mandatory:

Leave a comment with what you would print on your poster if you won.  
 All entries will be deleted if this is not followed.  

Extra Entries:

1. Follow my blog on GFC (+1)
2. "Like" UPrinting.com on Facebook & leave your Facebook name (+1)
3. "Like" The Ever After on Facebook & leave your Facebook name (+1)
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5. Follow me on Twitter & leave your Twitter name (+1)
6. Like this blog post & leave you Facebook name (+1)
7. Enter another giveaway on this blog and leave a comment telling me which one. (+1)
8. Tell me what you think of entering blog sweeps via Rafflecopter vs leaving blog comments (+1)
9. Re-tweet this giveaway through the button at the top of this post with #giveaway included in the tweet & leave a link (+1 daily)

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a poster for hosting. Check out UPrinting's Large Format Posters, Photo Enlargements and Poster Prints.

Hyper? Me?

Since Dayne made his appearance five months ago, hyper is the last word I would use to describe me.  More like a content tired beyond belief, is it bedtime yet?  I love the reason behind my tired but that doesn't mean I don't dream about getting a deep sleep in, sleeping in and not getting out of bed the next day.  It's not going to happen anytime soon - but I don't mind. 

About a month or so ago I made my yearly appointment with my general practice doctor.  I'd become BFF's with my OBGYN since two lines appeared, I felt guilty neglecting my GP so I called and we set a date.  The office requested I come in a week prior to the appointment for the blood draw for my physical.  No problem. 

I have a rolling vein and I jump at needles.  I once had a nurse give me the look of death when I jumped and ended up yanking the needle from my vein.  So I now give them plenty of warning.  I'm a wimp. 

A week later I'm lounging out in the patient room playing Angry Birds - hey, it's a great time killer and I'm determined to earn three stars on each level.  My goals in life are lofty I know, but at least I aim for something.  The nurse comes in and does the standard temp, blood pressure, weight, height and "anything that concerns you?" speech.  She then hands me a copy of my blood work and says the doctor will be with me in a few minutes. 

Attempting to be pro-active I scan my paperwork, I have no clue what any of it means so I do what anyone would with a smartphone, I look it up.  Can you see where this is heading?

I notice there are two colomns.  One with numbers in it with a header that says "Normal Range" and the other that says "Abnormal Range".  What?  Why do I have numbers in the abnormal range?!  What's wrong with me?!  I spend my time waiting for the doctor checking sites and comparing my numbers. 

When she wanders in ten minutes later I'm pretty sure she's going to tell me I have a month to live.  OK, not really, I'm mostly still confused by the lingo I've found online.  Why can't they speak English?  She sits down and goes over my results.  The only thing she's even concerned about it my thyroid - the numbers point to hyperthyroidism. 

She asks if I've had this symptom or that symptom.  I start nodding and she keeps going down the list.  I sit back after she's done and stare at her in shock.  "I thought that was all because I had just had a baby!"  She explained if my blood numbers weren't where they were - she would agree but labs don't lie.  I then wanted to know where my rapid weight loss was....if there is an upside to this why is that the ONE symptom I don't have?  She laughed and explained I was probably hungry more, therefore eating more and not losing the weight.  Fantastic. 

So they scheduled me for a thyroid scan, which is today and I've been telling myself it's nothing, I'm sure the scan will find nothing.  It went away on its own and I can resume full activities tomorrow.  (I've been benched from raising my blood pressure/heart rate until the scan clears me).  That's the best case.  Worst case - it will require surgery and medication for the rest of my life.  I'm not too worried, I seem to luck out on medical issues.  *Knocks on wood*  So, I sit and watch the clock tick slowly down to "go time".

Meatloaf, smeatloaf, double-beatloaf. I hate meatloaf.

But I don't really, I just think of that line every time I make meatloaf.  For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, sit down in front of your TV on Christmas Eve and I dare you to not see that movie at least once. 

Yesterday the temps dipped below average - which I have to say was a welcomed change.  We live in Michigan and I know, when we've had 6 straight months of cold to the bones, make your nose hair freeze, take your breath way temperatures with snow snow and more snow....saying "I can't wait for summer!" becomes the tossed around conversation opener.  Until summer is here that is...especially this past summer.  We had the hottest July in history.  Days and days in the 100's!

We don't have central air in our house either, thankfully the previous owners put a wall unit in our bedroom so we can at least sleep at night.  Dayne, who has been sleeping in his nursery since about three months, bunks with us on sweltering nights.  He's  outgrown his bassinet (so long!) so he sleeps in his pack 'n play. 

Anyway - yesterday we didn't get above the low 70's.  It was nice, we all stayed in our PJ's for the day and just hang out inside without needing fans blasting everywhere to stay cool.  I decided it was a great day to use the oven and warm the house up with the smells and the temps.  Lately our meals of choice have been on the grill or sandwiches.  It's just too hot to cook inside! 

I loved putting something together again, chopping, dicing, mixing, tasting.  It's been forever!  Once Dayne arrived I was in too much shock to even feed myself, much less make food for our family.  Then once the shock wore off (AKA baby blues) it was too hot to cook.  So this meatloaf was my first hand at really putting something together in months!  I loved sniffing the air and smelling dinner, I loved seeing Jason gobble up his meal and best of all, I love that I have leftovers for lunch today. 

So it's official, I'm looking forward to fall when I can pull out the bread maker, the slow cooker and the Dutch oven.  Stews, soups, chili, fresh baked bread, meatloaf, slow cooker meals, desserts....comfort food to warm the home and the heart. 

What do you look forward to cooking once the temperatures drop?

Top 10 Superfoods

I was reading an article in Fitness Magazine about the top 10 superfoods - I do pretty well with keeping them in my diet.  How about you? 

Blueberries: This low-profile berry was ranked number one in antioxidant activity by the U.S. Department of Agriculture compared to 40 common fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries protect you from premature aging, so add half a cup to your yogurt or cereal every day.

I'm getting better with blueberries now but I can still take them or leave them.  As far as berries go - this is the only one I'm not wowed by and I need to change it.  I'll add them to fruit salads and eat them if they're in yogurt but I don't go out of my way to eat them like I do with the others in the berry family.

Wild Salmon: Wild salmon -- not farm-raised -- is one of the best food sources for omega-3 fatty acids, which helps keep your skin supple and moisturized. Salmon also has selenium, a mineral that protects the skin from sun exposure. The vitamin D in salmon keeps your bones and teeth strong and healthy, too. You won't have a problem adding salmon to your diet since there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this beauty superfood. Try it grilled, baked, in your pasta, with a salad, in sushi, or just with a side of asparagus.

I do enjoy salmon and after reading this I will take a closer look to see if it's wild or farm-raised.  I have no idea.  I'm picky about how my salmon is prepared though, I feel you can easily ruin salmon if you don't cook it correctly.  Although raw is my favorite - in sushi.  Yum.

Spinach: This leafy green vegetable is rich in nutrients and antioxidants. Spinach is loaded with lutein, which keeps your eyes healthy and sparkling. Spinach is also a good source of vitamins B, C, and E, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Trade your lettuce for spinach, or saute spinach for a quick, healthy side.

I have been getting into the habit of making our salads out of baby spinach instead of pointless iceberg lettuce.  I like spinach if it's raw or in something, like a stuffed chicken burger or lasagna.  But on it's own?  Ew.  Sorry Popeye - your preaching didn't help me in this area.

Oysters: The jury's still out on whether oysters are really aphrodisiacs, but they are a good source of zinc, which aids in skin cell renewal and repair. Zinc also keeps your nails, hair, and eyes healthy. Who needs an aphrodisiac when you look and feel beautiful?

No.  Nope.  Nada.  I've tried these every few years and I cannot get over the texture of them.  They're just not good in my opinion.  

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the best source of the anti-aging antioxidant lycopene. Surprisingly, lycopene in tomatoes is more easily absorbed by your body when it is cooked or processed, so make sure to stock up on canned tomato sauce, tomato juice, and ketchup.

Finally!  My pickiness pays off!  I do not like raw tomatoes...no no no.  Unless they're in a salsa - mainly Garden Fresh Salsa *drools* - then I'll eat it by the spoonful.  But cooked tomatoes in any form are yummy.  Sun dried tomatoes are wonderful additions to salads and eggs.

Walnuts: You don't need to eat cupfuls of walnuts to enjoy their many benefits: smoother skin, healthy hair, brighter eyes, and strong bones. Get your daily dose of nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E by eating a handful by themselves or throwing some in your salad, pasta, or dessert.

I have never enjoyed the flavor of walnuts.  Jason thinks I'm crazy because I hate when nuts are in brownies, breads, cakes, ice cream.  There are only a handful of nuts I'll actually eat.

Kiwis:  This small, brown, fuzzy fruit is loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, which keep skin firm, help prevent wrinkles, and are great for healthy bones and teeth. The antioxidants in kiwis also protect you from cancer and heart disease.

LOVE these things.  LOVE them.  I'm always excited when someone adds them to fruit salads.  I will admit I do my best to make sure the spoonfuls I'm getting contain kiwi.  I love to eat them on their own as a snack too, the flavor is so sweet!  Nature's Candy!

Dark Chocolate: We won't judge you if you keep a secret stash of chocolate in your purse or desk (or both). In fact, we recommend you do -- especially if you're willing to share. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage, and contrary to popular belief, chocolate does not cause acne. Before you make a mad dash to Godiva or Ghirardelli, however, keep in mind that the best kind of chocolate has a high flavanol content and should be at least 60 percent cacao.

I'm not a huge chocolate fan, I enjoy it don't get me wrong but in small doeses.  And not dark chocolate.  Oh no, I enjoy mine full of sin and fat.  Milk chocolate and the even worse - white chocolate.  Hersey's Hugs are one of my favorites!

Yogurt: One cup of low-fat yogurt has more calcium than a cup of fat-free milk, which is great for your posture, nails, and teeth. Mix it with fruit or granola for a healthy breakfast or that essential midafternoon snack.

I love yogurt!  But I always buy the stuff that already has the goodies inside.  I keep reading it's best to buy plain and add your own stuff.  I get it - but when I'm rushing out the door in the morning with already a huge list of things to do in my 45 minutes of get ready time (because seriously wake up earlier?  I don't think so) adding fruit to my yogurt isn't up on my need to do list.  I'm lucky if I remember to grab the premixed stuff in the morning!

Sweet Potatoes: You should be eating this superfood more often than just at Thanksgiving. Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, an antioxidant that fights aging.

Hate them mashed? Try them cut up and roasted with herbs or onions for an easy, awesome side.

Yum.  Yum.  Yum.  I tried them when I was younger in a sweet potato pie and was not impressed.  Giving me the impression I just didn't like sweet potatoes.  Turns out I do - love them.  Just not when they're made into a pie.  I like to bake them as fries so a side.  I like to bake them and put a bit of cinnamon on top for an extra flavor factor.

So - what are your thoughts?  How did you score with the top ten?  Are you super picky like me?

Childproofing

When I was wandering around the baby store registering for my shower I stopped in front of the safety gates, was promptly overwhelmed and said "We don't need to think about that just yet." as I moved on to baby tubs.

Guess what we're thinking about five months after Dayne arrived?  When did this happen?!  When did he get big and mobile?  It was just yesterday you would put him down in one spot and come back to find he didn't move besides yawn.  Now it's like putting a diaper on a crocodile as it does it's death spins.

He's not crawling.  Yet.  But a few talks from seasoned mommies told me we have nary a month.  He's up on his hands and knees rocking back and forth and will move backwards.  Rolling wise, we have a tumbleweed roaming our house.  And our house, speaking of, is so child unfriendly it's laughable.

Jason bought the house when he was a bachelor, marriage and parenthood far from his mind when he signed the dotted lines.  A year later we met and I moved in soon after.  We talked about maybe moving someday, we loved the house but we could see how we'd outgrow it with two older kids someday.  Then the housing market crashed & burned.  We're upside down on our mortgage along with everyone else.  We can't AFFORD to move out.  We'd owe more than we'd get.  So we stayed.

Our house...well let's just say the banister on our spiral staircase isn't up to code by a long shot.  Our friends who have 6 year olds still have heart attacks when they want to play on the stairs and peek over the loft railing which could allow a cow to fall through.  We keep saying we need to bring in a contractor to give us a number on re-doing the staircase and the loft.

We have a step down in our living room, it goes from carpet down a four inch drop to stone in front of the fireplace.  Ah yes, the first area Dayne will fall and crack his head I'm sure.  We've looked at putting a wrestling mat on the floor and covering it with a rug until our children are proficient in walking.

There are child gates, and fireplace guards, and cabinet locks and closet door locks and toilet seat locks and door wall locks and doorknob locks.  I went to the baby store again the other day for a gift for a friends new baby and again stopped at the childproofing area.  My brain exploded all over the aisle as I tried to contemplate which item would work best in our house.

Ideas?  Suggestions?  Comments?  What did you not childproof until your child pointed out your mistake? 

Carrots

Pre Mom Thoughts:  Real food would be a fun transition for both of us.  Dayne would squeal with delight over the new flavor washing over his pallet and eagerly open his mouth for more!  I would bask in awesome motherhoodness and the glow of pure joy over this fun milestone.

Finally Reaching Said Milestone:  I plopped Dayne in his highchair where he promptly arched his back and attempted to do a tuck & roll out of there.  Once he realized he wasn't going anywhere he shoved his thumb in his mouth, which I had to remove in order to latch him in.  I received a look that said "Seriously?" as he started wailing.

I put his plastic bib around his neck and Jason settled in with the scoop of mashed carrots we had decided to start him off with.  I had the camera ready to go.  Dayne spotted the camera and was all smiles, ready to mug for the fans.  When Jason finally got his attention away from me and onto the spoon he opened his mouth and took the orange mush.  And dribbled it right back out.

We tried again and it started pooling on the bib.  Dayne found his thumb again and shoved it back inside his carrot filled mouth.  When Jason brought the spoon closer Dayne turned his head, pulling his thumb from his mouth and over his face which smeared the carrots all over his face and on his eyes.  He blinked through the puree and give another grin, bringing the bib up to his mouth and sucking the leftover carrots.   

He seemed to like the flavor...just not on the spoon.   

Tiny Tillia Giveaway

CLOSED - CONGRATS KIMBERLY G!

My mom is an Avon rep as a side job and introduced me to the new Tiny Tillia line they recently added to the Avon family.  Tiny Tillia is Avon's baby line.  They offer clothing, bath accessories, blankets and more.  You can also create a gift registry there as well!

 

They even offer mom some treats!  Tiny Tillia has a bath & skincare line for Moms, as well as some pretty cute diaper bags!   Great shower gifts for a mom to be or a current mom who could use some pampering!

I was sent this cute blue hoodie jacket for review.  I ordered the 3-6 month for Dayne based on his weight and their sites suggestion.  Even though it's August and warm during the day, it's great to throw in the diaper bag for when the Michigan weather shifts on you suddenly or if we're on the boat as the sun sets.

Who can resist the adorable ears on the top of the hoodie?  It's lightweight but sturdy and held up very well in the wash.  I found it didn't shrink at all by following the washing directions.  The color has held up and it's an easy wash if baby makes a mess on it.  And as promised, he gets a lot of AWWWs when he wears it.

Enter it win your choice of this hoodie (blue or pink) and what size (The range is 0-24 months)

Enter through Raffelcopter

Flying By

Dayne is five months today – FIVE months!  He’s reaching milestones that I had read about but pictured a long way off.

He’s rolling around to get to where he wants to be.  He can sit up with help and if he plants his hands on the ground, he can steady himself.  In fact he doesn’t enjoy laying down much anymore since he figured out he can sit.  We still use the infant tub and were commenting that he’s getting too long for it now.  Several baths ago he struggled to sit up since we bath him on the recline. We figured out it’s meant for sitting too, so now he takes joy in reaching for bath toys and splashing around.

He has gotten on his hands and knees a few times and rocked back & forth, I know he’s going to start putting all these movements together sooner than I thought and crawl away.

He’s swiping at our food when we’re eating, he opens & closes his mouth like he’s trying to copy us when we chew.  He babbles and lets out lots of squeals of delight.

We’ve started on cereal with him and yesterday we did our first “real” food with him, carrots.  He’s quickly putting his “babyhood” behind him and growing into a little boy.  He puts weight on his legs if you hold him up, he loves to bounce in that position too.  He’s been using his excersaucer, fascinated with the toys and the fact that he can swivel and bounce in that as well.

His hair is covering up the bald spots he earned when he was a back sleeper – ever since he figured out how to roll over he’s been a tummy sleeper.  He likes to know what’s going on and when you carry him will twist around until he can see forward.  He grabs things, pulls things, shoves everything in his mouth.

He’s never been content to sit still for long, if you’re holding him you cannot sit down, you must be moving at all times because HE wants to move.  Jason & I need to seriously babyproof our house soon – we’ve been putting it off because it seemed so far away.  And now, it seems like it was just yesterday we were bringing him home.

I’m really starting to see who Dayne is going to be, his personality is really starting to shine through.  He’s a happy-go-lucky, easy-going, on the move, ready for a new adventure kind of kid.  My heart bursts with love I never knew existed for someone, the unconditional, I’ll move solar systems to do anything for you, lift cars off you, protect you until my dying breath, love.  I had heard about it, expected it.  But this love takes your breath away when it finally sets in.

I miss our yesterdays, I treasure our todays and I look forward to our tomorrows.