I sign myself (and sometimes my immediate family members) up for Birthday coupons. This evening The Boy and I went to Superdog to use my free sandwich and free large pop coupon. We also ordered a malt and some fried veggies. Superdog is a drive-up restaurant, with car hop service. I was unsure if I tip, so I left a dollar on the tray. Probably not a good move, in hindsight.
When we got there, The Boy wanted to know if we were going in, so I unbuckled him and told him he could sit in the way back (yes, we have a minivan) and then in the front seat when the food came. We talked about SkippyJon Jones, monsters, ketchup, and other important pieces of my three-year-old's life. I turned off the car, we got cold, and I turned it on with the heat blasting so The Boy could warm up his hands.
When I was buckling him back in, he hugged me and said,
"I love you, Mama!"
Tonight was awesome and lovely. I'm so glad I'm taking the time to go out with each kid and my husband separately.
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Monday, February 15, 2016
Adler Planetarium
Yes, we took advantage of the free day at Adler Planetarium! My mom came with us, and paid the exoburant parking fees. We thought it would be easier and faster to drive. I found out about the free days from the Oaklee newsletter. When we got there, we wanted to find the play area for the kids, but we unable to locate it until almost the end of the trip. We wandered around, and the kids had a blast in a darkened hallway with moving star constellations. I recognized some people I used to ring up at Walgreens, which was terrible because I dislike them. But luckily they didn't recognize me.
The Adler obviously has a lot of interesting exhibitions and they are mostly known for their movie-theater-like shows about stars and the universe. We really didn't get to read through any of the exhibitions, because the kids don't stand still enough for that.
I think the trip was a success because no went missing, no one had a breakdown, we didn't get too hungry, we saw some cool stuff, and there was fun had by all. On the way there and home, we all got a chance to chat. I was very pleased with the outing.
The Adler obviously has a lot of interesting exhibitions and they are mostly known for their movie-theater-like shows about stars and the universe. We really didn't get to read through any of the exhibitions, because the kids don't stand still enough for that.
I think the trip was a success because no went missing, no one had a breakdown, we didn't get too hungry, we saw some cool stuff, and there was fun had by all. On the way there and home, we all got a chance to chat. I was very pleased with the outing.
Thursday, February 11, 2016
Valli Produce
After my church group, I was able to rush over to Valli Produce to get some pretty good deals. A pint of blueberries for $1.98, 16oz pasta packages for 68 cents, 28 oz cans of tomatoes, and dates for $3.98. I took advantage of my late-night shopping, and got a package of veggie sushi for 1/2 off ($3). My receipt shows a lot of friendly savings.
We went to a craft playdate at my friend's house, and The Boy wasn't that into the craft. He was more into the play kitchen. Before we left we did some clean up.
We went to a craft playdate at my friend's house, and The Boy wasn't that into the craft. He was more into the play kitchen. Before we left we did some clean up.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Driving to Doctor Appointments
This morning I picked up my father-in-law from his house in Chicago. Its about a half hour drive, so me and the kids spent about an hour (maybe more) in the car this morning. Driving with my father-in-law causes a lot of tension because our conversation is strained.
During the kid's nap I finished my napkin. I have been hand-sewing napkins from an old, ripped pillowcase. My second one is much better. Now I'm on my third. I really like the idea of turning something old and used into something new and useful.
It turns out my FIL needs a lot of care. He needs contrasting plates, and tape on the toilet, and extra handrails and 24 hour care. I didn't realize he was so sick, and I didn't realize he needs so much care. I feel pretty awful about leaving him to his own devices, and not being more helpful.
During the kid's nap I finished my napkin. I have been hand-sewing napkins from an old, ripped pillowcase. My second one is much better. Now I'm on my third. I really like the idea of turning something old and used into something new and useful.
It turns out my FIL needs a lot of care. He needs contrasting plates, and tape on the toilet, and extra handrails and 24 hour care. I didn't realize he was so sick, and I didn't realize he needs so much care. I feel pretty awful about leaving him to his own devices, and not being more helpful.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Happy Birthday!
Today is my Birthday!! I'm still excited about it, despite the fact that I am supposedly too old. I am from the school of thought that birthdays are special, they are something to be celebrated, and they should always have an element of excitement, surprise, and sweetness. No matter how old we get. And there was a time in my life when I wasn't sure I would get to this age.
We went out for dinner to Blaze Pizza. I had a coupon for a free pizza! And my uncle-in-law let us swipe his card, which was a great birthday gift. The kids had a pretty good time, minus the head whack at the end. But they behaved themselves. And The Hubs and I had a chance to sit for a moment.
I made myself my birthday cake, using a recipe from a book titled Birthday Parties for Children-How To Give Them, How To Survive Them. Copyright 1983, and I bought it for 50 cents from a library book sale. I made a spice cake with butter frosting.
Spice Cake
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening (I used butter, but my cake was dry. So I think I needed maybe a cup)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk)
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon milk (what an annoying amount, and an odd placement on the list. I used almond milk again)
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I didn't measure-just shook the canister over my pan, because I realized I forgot to stir them in.)
1/2 teaspoon cloves (I used another heavy shake of ginger)
1. Beat the sugar and shortening until they are well mixed.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients. Beat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Bake in a greased 9x13 inch pan (that's what I used), or in two greased 8-inch layer pans at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or in paper baking cups (filled about 1/2 full) set in muffin pans at 350 degrees, or until done.
4. Cook and ice with the frosting of your choice.
Butter Frosting
Blend until creamy 3 tablespoons soft butter or margarine, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a dash of salt. If too thin, add more sugar. If too thick, add water or milk by the dropful. (I used more than a dropful of almond milk).
Happy Birthday and happy baking!
We went out for dinner to Blaze Pizza. I had a coupon for a free pizza! And my uncle-in-law let us swipe his card, which was a great birthday gift. The kids had a pretty good time, minus the head whack at the end. But they behaved themselves. And The Hubs and I had a chance to sit for a moment.
I made myself my birthday cake, using a recipe from a book titled Birthday Parties for Children-How To Give Them, How To Survive Them. Copyright 1983, and I bought it for 50 cents from a library book sale. I made a spice cake with butter frosting.
Spice Cake
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup shortening (I used butter, but my cake was dry. So I think I needed maybe a cup)
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk (I used almond milk)
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon milk (what an annoying amount, and an odd placement on the list. I used almond milk again)
2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon (I didn't measure-just shook the canister over my pan, because I realized I forgot to stir them in.)
1/2 teaspoon cloves (I used another heavy shake of ginger)
1. Beat the sugar and shortening until they are well mixed.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients. Beat for 2-3 minutes.
3. Bake in a greased 9x13 inch pan (that's what I used), or in two greased 8-inch layer pans at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or in paper baking cups (filled about 1/2 full) set in muffin pans at 350 degrees, or until done.
4. Cook and ice with the frosting of your choice.
Butter Frosting
Blend until creamy 3 tablespoons soft butter or margarine, 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a dash of salt. If too thin, add more sugar. If too thick, add water or milk by the dropful. (I used more than a dropful of almond milk).
Happy Birthday and happy baking!
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Napkins
I'm taking a break from sewing a napkin out of pillowcase. I envisioned this project going much more quickly than it is. I got the idea from 1,2,3 Sew which is a craft book I got from the library. And when I looked the project up online, I found some folding techniques I hadn't considered. The problem here, mostly, is that I am hand-sewing, and I'm not using pins to keep my lines straight. Also, all of a sudden, this seems like a lot of work for not a great product.
The kids and I didn't leave the house today, but we did work on The Number Eight. And, sadly, we buried the angel fish in the yard.
The kids and I didn't leave the house today, but we did work on The Number Eight. And, sadly, we buried the angel fish in the yard.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Busted Lips and Chocolate Chip Muffins
While I was doing the dishes, The Hubs and kids were playing in the living room. With the dog. And I heard a thump, followed by my husband saying,
"Oh man, that's bad."
I rush out there to find my husband clutching our screaming, crying, wailing baby to his chest. He unhelpfully says,
"Its bad, its' really bad. This might be the worst I've seen."
I couldn't tell if he meant the worst he's seen in life (because he's some scary stuff) or the worst he's seen with The Baby. I asked, almost hysterically, if this was a E.R. situation or an ice-pack/cuddle situation. The Hubs showed me the still-crying face of our baby, which was covered in blood and tears (well, really, the bottom half of his face was bloody and the top half was teary). I start tearing up, then crying. We get an ice pack, and The Boy promptly asks for his own ice pack. The Hubs holds the baby for a while and he stops crying on his own, and I give him baby pain reliever, and we call my sister-in-law (she's got nursing degree experience) and The Boy bites the ice pack so I give him an ice cube in a paper towel, and I'm still crying, and The Hubs starts talking about his rough-and-tumble childhood, and I'm trying to not freak out about the blood, and The Boy is rushing around and messing, and I try to see the severity of the wounds and I'm still crying. We give the boys their bedtime milk, and I let both of them watch a little t.v. The Baby keeps biting his lip, which I'm sure is very painful, so he cries, and I'm trying to get his clothes off in the least painful way. We awkwardly brush teeth, read our bedtime books, and he sleeps face down. He's woken once, and I went in there to rub his back, and he feel asleep right away. It seems that he is adjusting to his new, and very painful, injury. Before The Hubs and I go to sleep, we'll check on him.
Before the evening trauma, we made it Jewel, where I saved 43%. The cashier was very annoyed when I tried to hand her my coupons one by one. She asked, in a very irritated tone, if I could just hand them to her all at once. And as I was doing so, I said that I was afraid one would be missed. I didn't really mean that she personally would miss one, but I've had than happen before. The she got fake-friendly on me, and double-checked my coupons and thanked me for my patience. Which I didn't really appreciate, but I worked retail, so I know where she's at. When I was cashier, I preferred people hand me their coupons one at a time, so they could keep track of their own shit, but I guess almost every other cashier does not like that. Also, as I was walking by a manager, he kind of yells, which makes me stop the cart abruptly and The Boy wobbles around in there. Then I get a fucking lecture about not letting my kid stand in the cart. I was alarmed at how mad I got, and I didn't argue because of course he's right, but I was annoyed nonetheless. But, having worked retail, I hope they had a good day despite by scowls. I really need to not be such 'a customer' and remember how it was behind the counter. wherethecouponsare.blogspot.com
I made chocolate/butterscotch chip muffins, using a recipe I found on tasteofhome.com
I substituted some chocolate chips for butterscotch (the butterscotch chip bag was open already) and I made mine mini. I, for some reason, have more mini muffin tins and I bought some on-clearance Frozen mini muffin liners (100 for 74 cents!)
My dinner was awesome! The Hubs really enjoyed it. I made a pot pie using almost-expired pie crusts, leftover soup, leftover carrots, leftover sweet potato, cheese and flour. Go me! It was truly a make-something-new-from-what-we-have meal. Pretty proud of myself.
"Oh man, that's bad."
I rush out there to find my husband clutching our screaming, crying, wailing baby to his chest. He unhelpfully says,
"Its bad, its' really bad. This might be the worst I've seen."
I couldn't tell if he meant the worst he's seen in life (because he's some scary stuff) or the worst he's seen with The Baby. I asked, almost hysterically, if this was a E.R. situation or an ice-pack/cuddle situation. The Hubs showed me the still-crying face of our baby, which was covered in blood and tears (well, really, the bottom half of his face was bloody and the top half was teary). I start tearing up, then crying. We get an ice pack, and The Boy promptly asks for his own ice pack. The Hubs holds the baby for a while and he stops crying on his own, and I give him baby pain reliever, and we call my sister-in-law (she's got nursing degree experience) and The Boy bites the ice pack so I give him an ice cube in a paper towel, and I'm still crying, and The Hubs starts talking about his rough-and-tumble childhood, and I'm trying to not freak out about the blood, and The Boy is rushing around and messing, and I try to see the severity of the wounds and I'm still crying. We give the boys their bedtime milk, and I let both of them watch a little t.v. The Baby keeps biting his lip, which I'm sure is very painful, so he cries, and I'm trying to get his clothes off in the least painful way. We awkwardly brush teeth, read our bedtime books, and he sleeps face down. He's woken once, and I went in there to rub his back, and he feel asleep right away. It seems that he is adjusting to his new, and very painful, injury. Before The Hubs and I go to sleep, we'll check on him.
Before the evening trauma, we made it Jewel, where I saved 43%. The cashier was very annoyed when I tried to hand her my coupons one by one. She asked, in a very irritated tone, if I could just hand them to her all at once. And as I was doing so, I said that I was afraid one would be missed. I didn't really mean that she personally would miss one, but I've had than happen before. The she got fake-friendly on me, and double-checked my coupons and thanked me for my patience. Which I didn't really appreciate, but I worked retail, so I know where she's at. When I was cashier, I preferred people hand me their coupons one at a time, so they could keep track of their own shit, but I guess almost every other cashier does not like that. Also, as I was walking by a manager, he kind of yells, which makes me stop the cart abruptly and The Boy wobbles around in there. Then I get a fucking lecture about not letting my kid stand in the cart. I was alarmed at how mad I got, and I didn't argue because of course he's right, but I was annoyed nonetheless. But, having worked retail, I hope they had a good day despite by scowls. I really need to not be such 'a customer' and remember how it was behind the counter. wherethecouponsare.blogspot.com
I made chocolate/butterscotch chip muffins, using a recipe I found on tasteofhome.com
I substituted some chocolate chips for butterscotch (the butterscotch chip bag was open already) and I made mine mini. I, for some reason, have more mini muffin tins and I bought some on-clearance Frozen mini muffin liners (100 for 74 cents!)
My dinner was awesome! The Hubs really enjoyed it. I made a pot pie using almost-expired pie crusts, leftover soup, leftover carrots, leftover sweet potato, cheese and flour. Go me! It was truly a make-something-new-from-what-we-have meal. Pretty proud of myself.
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