Confessions of a Real Life Mom.

I will never be a morning person.

I get up when I need to, but I sure don't like it.

If I had it my way, I'd sleep until 9-10am every single day. 

They didn't call me 'Snoozin' Susan' when I was younger for nothing.

I've accepted it.  In fact, I'm embracing my love of sleep; I decided that I will go back to lazy Sundays.  'Lazy' is my least favorite word and I will punch anyone who calls me lazy, but I took a nap while Little Steven was napping on Sunday and I feel so refreshed!  Take THAT morning wake up call!

Maybe the giant bags under my eyes will finally disappear.

Here's hopin'!

Let's focus on the positives, shall we?

I've successfully cut down on my caffiene intake, I work out regularly (brag: 80 min. cycling sesh/800 calories burned/23 mi.  BOOYA), and I have stepped up my game in the clothing department - dare I say I look dang cute?  I dare.

So, now that we've established my single flaw (HA!), finish this sentence...

I will never be...

Milestones.

{stevie's first pacie!}

My sweet baby is going to be a 2 year old big boy in November.  It's been so exciting to watch him grow up and has given me such joy.  While there are some really hard times that make me cry and/or want to rip my hair out, there is honestly no greater feeling than being a mom.

{he loved that thing!}

Yesterday, with the help of Mrs. L, I think we broke Little Steven of his beloved pacie.  He went without it all day at Mrs. L's house, so we decided to run with it and put him to bed without one; he never once asked for it and went right to sleep.  When he woke up this morning, he said "bee-u, mama" and I told him he's a big boy and that was that.

{first time in his jumper!}

I'm crossing my fingers that he's not a terror today at daycare because I didn't pack one, but I am so happy that he gave it up so easily.  And, to be honest, a little bit sad.  You see, giving up the pacie is sort of a transition from baby to toddler and I am having real problems with that.

{stevie's first time sitting up on his own!}

The truth is, I secretly wanted him to wake up in the middle of the night crying for me.  I really miss that.  I remember when I thought the up all night phase would never end and now I want it back.  I wish I hadn't hoped for 'better days' when he was up crying all night as a colicky baby because I long to hold him all night now.  I've finally come to terms with not sleeping because I realize now that's when we bonded the most.

{stevie's first time standing on his own!}

Alright, I have to quit now because I'm becoming a blubbering baby at work, but I'm looking forward to not rushing the next 16 years.

Smilings My Favorite + Awkward & Awesome

Do you even see that picture?!  I just die!  Every time I have a camera, he is ready to smile.  Of course, I love when he smiles in general, but smiling is so contagious.  In pictures, I smile with my mouth shut because I have adult braces; however, in real life, people get the real deal - hardware and all.  It's pretty incredible how much a person's mood can change just by smiling - and how much we can change other people's moods by smiling, too!

I used to work for a hospice company.  I absolutely loved the job itself and am super passionate about the industry; it's the reason I know my calling in life is to be a nurse.  For the most part, I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful people I've ever met, including my Mama, and continue to be so inspired by them.  In contrast, there were a couple of people that rubbed me the wrong way for various reasons.  While I know now that responding back in a negative way was a horrible idea and only cultivated worse feelings, they made it difficult to really enjoy my job and smile.  It occurred to me that I wasn't really proud of the person I was at work in some instances; while I gave and received a lot of encouragement and kindness from the the majority of my coworkers, it bothered me that I wasn't giving and receiving the same encouragement from the minority - specifically two.  So, I decided to move on.  My job now isn't necessarily the most positive working environment, but it allows me to go to school, be a mom, and make money; even if I have my complaints, I'm seriously blessed to have an opportunity to do all of these things and am incredibly grateful for my boss and his kind (albeit, stubborn) heart.  What's not to smile about?

Awkward:

- Snorting.  I snort when I laugh sometimes, which is common knowledge to my friends and family,  but it's always really uncomfortable when a 'new' person experiences the snort.

- Being told by more than one person that Zooey Deschanel's character in The New Girl reminds them of me.  I thought so myself, too, but the realization that everyone else knows me to be that awkward is...awkward.

- My two pack.  I have successfully developed a two pack in my belly, but the part where the other 4 are supposed to go is still a little bit like Jell-O, so it's in a really strange looking stage.

- Giving the neighbors and accidental 'show' this morning in my nighty letting Bella out.  I didn't think anyone would see me!

Awesome:

-GLEE started this week!  While the premiere wasn't all that great, I know it's gonna be a good season.

- The Redskins being 2-0 for the first time in 4 years.  HOLLAA!

- A two pack > A keg.

- Big Steven's cousin had her twins this morning.  Two very big, healthy baby girls!  She's one of the sweetest people I know and has a GIANT heart, so this blessing for her makes me ultra happy.

- Crockpots.  'Nuff Said.

- My Chocolate Banana Muffins.  To be continued...

What the What?

I didn't even realize it had been a few days without blogging.  Where do the days even go anymore?  So, here is an update in the form of a semi-lengthy blog.

I finally got the time AND energy to work out last night after a 4 day hiatus.  Time and energy simultaneously has become a rarity with the demands of an 8 week math class.  Math?  Really?  I mean, this is why calculators were invented, no?  I've paid $103 for an online lab where I do all my work for the course and I NEED to get it this over with so I can get into Microbiology and Chemistry next semester for further torture, so waiting or taking a longer course is not an option.  I have a 1 1/2 years until I obtain my RN and an additional 1/2 year until I can call myself an RN/BSN.  I'm fairly confident this will be a seriously trying time for me, but the end product will be so worth it.

And now, scenes from the weekend:

When I reference my future MOH, cousin, or BFF, I am talking about Whitney.  She had a birthday last week and we celebrated by going to the Bull Run Wine Festival.  Whitney also happens to be a new member of the Season Ticket Crew, so we got to further celebrate her birth at a Redskins game with a WIN:



{2-0!}

This weekend was also made up of a reunion of sorts!  Matty is a season ticket holder this year and will be joining us in tailgate festivities for the games to come.  I haven't seen him since 2006!  He just got married and I can't wait to meet his pocket-sized wife!


{bottle cap earrings that I bought for $15 in the parking lot!}

For good measure, here are a few additional scenes from the game:



{"GROSSMAN!" - this was after his first turnover}

 

{my twin!}

And lastly, as promised in my last VLOG, some videos for you to showcase the life of a Redskins Fan:

Here is my brother and 'the finger.'

Yes, that was a snort.  From me.  Move on!

And celebration of a touchdown + extra point:

Coincidentally, the above video also showcases my singing abilities and talent with the camera.

Chicken Shepherd's Pie w/ Homemade Mash + Harris Teeter Trip.

Shredding chicken in the crock pot is the easiest, yummiest way to make virtually any type of chicken dish.   I really wanted Homemade Mashed Potatoes, so I decided on a pseudo Shepherd's Pie.

You Will Need:

1-1.5 lbs Frozen Chicken

1 cup Chicken Stock

2 cups Frozen Corn

2 tbsp Garlic Powder (if you love it like I do)

2 tbsp Parsley

S&P to taste

8 Small Potatoes

3 tbsp Butter

1.5 cups Milk

1/2 cup Parmesan Shredded Cheese

2 cups Shredded Cheddar

S&P to taste

For the Chicken Part:

Add your Frozen Chicken, Chicken Stock, Garlic Powder, Parsley, and S&P to the crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours.  Stir in Frozen Corn in the last 30 minutes or so.

For the Mashed Potatoes:

Peel and dice Potatoes and add to a big pot of water; allow to boil until soft.  After draining your soft Potatoes, add them to a large bowl with your Milk and Butter.  I use a cheap-o hand mixer to get the job done faster and then add the Parmesan and S&P at the end.

Preheat your oven to 350.  Using a large spoon with holes to transfer 1/3 of my Chicken to a baking dish - you don't want it runny, but a little moisture is delish.  Layer 1/3 of the Mashed Potatoes on top of the Chicken and top with 1/3 of the Shredded Cheddar.  Continue until done and pop that baby in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

And then, you nom.

And then you go shopping at Harris Teeter for Triples and get some solid items that'll last a whiiiile.  Like so:

{click on the picture to make it larger - I mean, if you wanna see all the goods better.}

 What You May/May Not See:
3 Cambell's Chicken Chicken Noodle Soup
2 Whole Wheat Penne Noodles
2 Whole Wheat Spaghettie Noodles
2 Rigatoni Noodles
2 Domino Powdered Sugar
4 Campbells Chunky Soup
3 Spaghettio's w/ Franks
3 Cambells 'Great for Cooking' Soups
2 HT Brand Orzo
4 Smart Ones Meals
3 Totinos Pizzas
1 Gallon Vitamin D Milk
1/2 Gallon Almond Breeze Almond Milk
3 Chicken Helper
2 20pk Frozen Burgers (for the games!)
3 Green Giant Frozen Veggies
3 Yoplait Frozen Smoothie
1 4pk Yoplait YoCrunch
6 Yoplait Greek Yogurt
2 6pk Yoplait Kids
2 Pillsbury Grands Biscuits
2 Pillsbury Pizza Crust
2 Pillsbury Crescent Rounds
1 Pillsbury Orange Cinnamon Rolls
1.5 lb Round Steak
4 1-1.5 b Ground Beef
1.5 lb Pork Chops - Country Ribs
1.5 lb Pork Butterfly Chops
2.74 lb Bananas
2.79lb Grapes

Total OOP: $112.26
Total Saved: $92.30 + $58.40 VIC Savings
Over 50% Savings!  WAHOO!

Trust & Faith.

{source}

Now, when I started on this blog journey, I promised myself I wouldn't get too personal; I swore that I wouldn't give too many details of my life because I believe in saving some details for a close few.  Prompted by The Shine Project, I am slightly breaking my promise to myself.

Danielle asked if we ever had our lives planned out a certain way.  Well, yes - and my plans and real life couldn't be more different.  I feel super blessed to be where I am; I have the most supportive family ever (sometimes a little too supportive), I have a man who loves me despite our disagreements and relationship faults, I have a home with a bed to lay in every night, and I have a perfectly healthy baby boy.

While I admit that I am - in some ways - living a pretty dreamy life, I had serious convictions about my life on a regular basis.  You know that song "first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a baby carriage?"  Well, my song is a little different.  Big Steven and I are not married and Little Steven was the most awesome little BIG 'surprise' of all time.  I make many jokes about not being married and frequently reference a wedding that has yet to happen or officially be planned (though I've had that bad boy in the works for like 15+ years.  Groom = minor details).

Like I said, I have convictions about the life I'm living.  I believe everyone's relationship with God is personal and my bond with Him has become incredibly strong since the day I found out I was pregnant.  There have been many tears shed out of fear of disappointing Him and many long talks with Him that ended in me pleading for direction.

Even when I started this blog, I wondered if I should talk about my faith and love for God in the same place I talk about my boyfriend and our son.  I prayed about it a lot and found that leaving either piece of the puzzle out would take away all sincerity that exists in my faith.

{source}

The truth is, God's love surpasses any fathomable love in our minds.  In my circumstances right now, my relief is knowing I'm loved...like BIG TIME loved.  I never doubted that love, though I'd felt like I'd disappointed God among others in my life, and I didn't care about the societal traditional values; I mostly feared the responses from other Christians - the ones in my life and the ones who know me 'from a distance.'  While I've made a big effort not to judge anyone or their circumstances, I know judgement comes far too easily to many others.  When even they embraced me, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders.  And those who don't embrace it only remind me of God's unfailing love.

Trust and faith are constant reminders to me that life is not about being perfect, but remembering that we're forgiven and loved by the One who matters most.  It's knowing God's guidance and will are so good; I don't have to worry.   It's knowing, though it's not visible now, that peace will come in my heart about this situation.  

For now, I pray.  A lot.

{source}

Awkward & Awesome Thursday!

Awkward:

-The above picture.  My goal was showcase the SHINE necklace.  Even though my pic sucks, go purchase for a good cause.

- Nearly getting stranded without toilet paper at work - nearly.  I awkwardly held it in and got some and, thankfully, made it back before peeing on myself.

- Showing up late for work for the 3rd time this week.  I am just going to have to leave my house 30 min. earlier to ensure arrival on time.  Stupid NOVA traffic.

- Going to take a math test last night only to have to turn back around because I didn't have my ID.  AFTER paying for the meter!  You are welcome, person behind me.

Awesome:

- Having a boss that understands the atrocity of the traffic and never really cares that I'm late.

- The boots I'm wearing.  They're a little bit country, a little bit rock 'n roll.

- My best friend/cousin/future MOH was born on this day.  What a good day!

- Cardio for 30 minutes on top of the Shred on Tuesday and an HOUR yesterday!  Hellooooo, super calorie burn.

- Rachel won Big Brother.  She annoys me, but at some point she grew on me and I was rooting for her hard core.  Now I wanna go on the show and win half a mill.

- This sammie I told ya I was gonna make:

Not as aesthetically appealing thanks to the camera phone, but just as delish!

HAPPY ALMOST FRIDAY!

Photos of My Day So Far...

Stevie + Time Out Chair = BFF today.

He has had a few visits to time out on this yucky rainy day.  Usually when he's in a mood on my work at home days, I just take him for a walk or run and he snaps out of it.  That wasn't an option today and I'm super swamped with work, so I couldn't give him as much attention as he really needed to get out of the funk.  Instead, I had to put him in time out, which is my least favorite thing to do.  He makes the saddest faces and all I wanna do is hold him.

After two minutes, I go over and explain to him that it's not nice to throw his baba at mommy (I gave him water and he was NOT happy).  I told him he could get up, but he was still very upset that I had the audacity to put him in time out again.

After a few of these faces, I just had to love on him.

This may or may not have suited my needs more than his...

Now that he's napping, I get to go shred/die and work on spreadsheets for a few more hours.  I'm not sure which situation is more fun...

30 Day Shred Update - Day 12.

Pardon the darkness of the vid; I messed up the settings and didn't feel like retaping.

Lovely Things + Menu.

Well, last week was less than pleasant for a couple of reasons, but mostly my attitude was in the dumps.  

Things that have really turned things my 'tude around include:

- getting a B+ on my Psych. exam; though it wasn't the A I'd hoped for, I am now only 3 pts. from an A in the course, which is my goal - obvi.
- 3 day weekend.  this needs no explaination because we all love a 3 day weekend.
- looking forward to having some beautiful souls over this weekend for a nice gathering.
- REDSKINS FOOTBALL!!!
- logging on and noticing a HUGE jump in pageviews and finding out I was featured on Make Ahead Meals

The weather is crappy and I'm away from my boy, but today is a good one.

My menu looks something like this:

Chicken w/ Portobellos
Chicken Parmesan w/ Creamy Pasta Bake
Shrimp Pasta w/ Feta Cheese
Country Fried Steak w/ Homemade Mashed Potatoes

The plan for the party includes:

BBQ Sliders
Fried Ravioli w/ Marinara Sauce
Cheddar & Shrimp Crostini
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Some Delicious Cocktail
Smores?  Necessary.

GAME DAY requests:
Buffalo Chicken Bites w/ Blue Cheese Dressing
Oreo Balls, Redskins styled

I have a loooot of cooking to do this week!  I hope yours started as awesome as mine.

30 Day Shred VLOG tonight!!!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Fake Out.

I'd planned to make this recipe, but forgot a key ingredient and didn't want it to take as long, so I basically eliminated the Ricotta and Egg.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Fake Out

1.5 lbs Chicken, cut into cubes

1/2 cup Flour

8 slices Ham

2 cups Shredded Colby Jack

1 jar Alfredo Sauce

1 cup Shredded Cheese (for topping)

1 cup Milk

2 cups Chopped Brocolli (I used frozen)

12 Lasagna Noodles

S & P to taste

Ready for the speedy version?  Okie dokie.

Boil your noodles until al dente - set aside.

Dredge your chopped up and SEASONED Chicken in Flour.  Season more, if desired; I always desire.  Add to a HOT pan drizzled with some EVOO on Medium Heat.

Meanwhile, mix your Cheese, Alfredo Sauce, Milk, Brocolli, & Ham into a GIANT BOWL :)

When the Chicken is all browned and cooked through, add it to your GIANT BOWL.

Now, begin layering, starting with a little of the mixture on the bottom of your baking dish.  Layer 3 noodles on top, some more mixture, 3 more noodles, etc.  Top that stuff with your additional Shredded Cheese and bake at 350 for about 15 minutes!

Toddler Aproved:

cheesin' the whoooole time!

Well, Hello September! And Hello Fall!

I have many goals for the month of September.  Many of those goals, coincidentally, were also for August.  Le sigh.  

Things that September and Fall will bring:

{ORANGE! and these kinda clothes.}

{this groovy color pallet for my master bath/bedroom}





{this one has me in daydreams about a day i've been longing for.}



 

{i die for these baked potatoes with bacon slices}



{fall = comfort food}








{ohhhh pumpkin spice latte}



And, most importantly, Football.  Happy Game Day, friends.

Moody.

{at least I'm wearing one of my favorite dresses!}

Sometimes I have horrible, no good, very bad days. 

I feel sorry for Big Steven.  I am in a horrible mood today and I'm not sure when it's gonna get better.  It didn't start until I had to endure the ridiculous NOVA traffic.  I don't know how anyone, myself included, still lives anywhere near NOVA/MD/DC - it's the worst!  I leave my house at the same time every day; sometimes I'm at work early, sometimes I'm on time, and sometimes - like today - I am 30 minutes late for work!  Not only does this make me look like a total slacker, but the traffic gets me super anxious.

Other small things that have contributed to my mood include no utensils to eat my cereal with, no time for a trip to Starbucks (which, btw, would have shaped me up real fast), and no grades posted by my teachers.  I totes respect teachers, but I feel like they should also have a 'due date' so to speak.  Waiting around for weeks to get a grade is proposterous!

Now that I've successfully complained about things that don't really matter, I am trying to turn the day around.  I feel like I won't be successful at doing so until I get home and work out - but for now, I will try to feel better by consuming things that have zero nutritional value whatsoever:



                       {180 calories of nothingness}



I hope the rest of you have a day full of rainbows, flowers, and smiles!  Nevermind me, I'll snap out of it soon enough.

I Love a New Week!

I was a little late for work this morning, but I am feeling like a million bucks today.  I don't know why, but it's a nice change for a Monday.  The huge window in my office allows for a lot of natural light and today is GORGEOUS outside, so maybe that's playing a part in my mood this morning.

HELLO, delicious outdoors.

Today is Day 7 of The 30 Day Shred, so I've managed to get a full consecutive week in, which is unexpected, but nice.  More detes on that when I hit Day 10!  In other surprising fitness news, I am actually looking forward to getting a nice jog in today after work.  Taking a week off for my muscles to deal with one thing at a time has me itching to see what kind of changes have been made in my endurance.

Last week was an away game for the Skins, so I was wrong when I made my menu, but this week will make up for it.  I am undecided on whether to make Meatballs or Chicken Wings, but I'll consult the Season Ticket Crew and ask what they'd prefer.

As for the rest of the week:

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna
Pork Cacciatori
Country Fried Steak w/ Rice Pilaf
Cheat Day: Chicken Tortillas and Refried Beans - made with Tortilla Stuffers
Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops w/ Buttered Shells
Game Day: Meatballs or Chicken Wings

Hopefully Big Steven and I get to spend some time together this weekend because my mom is planning to watch Little Steven Friday night.  We reallllly need some alone time.