Real Food Meal Plan

I wanted to share my real food meal plan for the last week, in case anyone else is looking to start doing this.  Thanks to Lisa for being an inspiration!  Sorry for the formatting issues, I couldn't figure out how to attach a word document.

MEAL PLAN April 1-April 7

7-DAY “REAL FOOD” FAMILY MEAL PLAN

DAY	BREAKFAST	SNACK	LUNCH	SNACK	DINNER
Sunday	Cinnamon raisin French toast with ½ banana	Carrot muffins w/ cream cheese	Grilled cheese and carrots sticks with hummus	Apple slices with peanut butter	Kale, Sausage, and Green Apple “stir-fry” (skip pie crust and just make filling) with whole-wheat biscuits and carrot sticks
Monday	Granola cereal* with milk and sliced mango	Zucchini Muffins	Leftover kale and sausage w/ biscuits and sliced strawberries	Hard boiled eggs w/ salt and pepper	Home-made mushroom and carmelized onion whole-wheat pizza
Tuesday	Strawberrries, granola, yogurt (with honey) parfaits	Peanut, Cashew, and Raisin Trail Mix	Round apple sandwiches made with peanut butter & raisins, carrot muffins and plain yogurt mixed with a little honey	Triscuits w/ Cheddar Cheese and pear slices	Crispy chipotle lime tilapia /w avocado sauce on whole-wheat tortillas
Wednesday	Egg in a  (whole wheat) frame w/ grapefruit quarters	GoGo Apple Sauce	Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with parsnip sticks	Apple sauce frozen squeezers	Whole-wheat mac ‘n cheese with broccoli added
Thursday	Plain oatmeal flavored with a little honey and cinnamon, topped with raisins	Lara Bars	Leftover mac ‘n cheese	Apple slices with peanut butter	Sweet potato and chipotle soup w/ whole wheat tortilla wedges
Friday	Granola cereal* with milk and frozen blueberries	Carrot muffins w/ cream cheese	Home-made chicken nuggets with parsnip and carrot sticks	Cherry Yogurt Smoothie squeezers	Leftover night
Saturday	Scrambled cheesey eggs with blood oranges	Zucchini Muffins	Leftovers/PB & J	Popcorn	Potato hash with spinach and eggs

Get Real

Have you ever noticed how one time-consuming obsession leads to another?  Well, I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest lately and had noticed a pin for "100 Days of Real Food."  I noted it, but browsed by until one of my friends actually pinned.  Then I took a look, and I got hooked.  There are so many fad diets and trends out there now (gluten-free for everyone?), but this seems to come from principles I embrace, and the author credits Michael Pollen on the first page- so points to her there.

Even before I really started reading the blog (now about 20 posts in), I decided this was something I wanted to do. So, this week we are using up what we can that doesn't fit in with this "diet."  Any highly processed food that is non-perishable will be hidden in the basement by Saturday.

Now, this blog supports using almost 100% organic food.  I like this idea, but I'm going to see how it works in practice.  Additionally, I'm not willing to waste the pound of regular whole wheat flour I just bought, so I'll use what I have on hand, and replace with organic when I run out.  This goes for pasta, cheese, butter and anything else that I'm not just going to throw away.  As time goes by, I should be able to get to an almost 100% organic pantry/fridge.  I imagine if this sticks, I'll eventually need to throw out the processed sugars and white flour I have (but then, I also need to help with cupcakes for my brother-in-laws wedding, so they might be put to good use).

The blog also wants you to eat only local meat, which might be difficult.  Farmers markets around here don't open up till June, and close in September, so I'll be hitting up Whole Foods and Sunflower for my groceries. I'm going to do my best to go local, but CO is not known for its abundant produce.

I think this is going to be an interesting and bumpy ride.  I predict that Dominic will HATE it, Darcy will be fine, and Jason will cheat while he's at work or traveling.  As for me, I have no idea how I'll fare.  I'm thinking sugar in coffee and my nightly handful of chocolate chips are going to be the hardest to give up.

Wish me luck!  (Really, if anyone still reads this after 9 months of silence leave a comment so I know you are out there)

Adventures in Spray Paint and Upholstery

So.... I've been a very busy girl this weekend.  Saturday I took a bunch of junk to Peterson Air Force Base for their base-wide yard sale and set up with a new friend from a playgroup I just started attending.  I wanted to do more than just sell some junk though, I was shopping!  I keep a list in my phone of all the things I "need" for the house that I would like to pick up at bargain rates.   Well, I managed to buy a full patio set (four chairs and a table) for $20, a wicker chest for $1 and 20 items clothing for Darcy for $10.  Oh, and a ginormous mirror for $10 too. 

I'm not sure what I'm doing with the mirror right now, but it was the perfect size, color, and style to go on top of Darcy's dresser when it stops being a changing table and needs to be a vanity.  That thing weighs a ton, so I'm not hauling it upstairs until I know where it's going. It stands on it's own, so I'm thinking I may just put it on the floor in her room so she can admire herself when she had floor play time.

But...more to the point I've been tackling the wicker and patio projects.  I've been wanting a blanket chest for our living room for ages.  Right now our fleece blankets end up on the floor because Carson pulls them off and likes to snuggle in them. As a result, all of our blankets are embedded with dog hair- blech.  But if we had a place to toss them out of his reach, I'm hoping they would have a chance to de-hair after a dozen or so spins through the laundry.  So here's my before and after of the chest (I've spent about an hour on it so far, but I have to reattach the hinges and hardware still.

Before- $1

After- with $4 spray paint and $10 batting and fabric (before second coat of paint)

I"m pretty darn pleased.  Just ignore the photography though- it's not my strong suit.  The next project coming down the pike is to paint the patio furniture and recover the cushions.  Here's the before and a sneak peek of what's coming.  Yes, the table top is FILTHY. Apparently $20 doesn't cover windex.

I'm adding color to the front porch baby!  Hopefully I'll get this wrapped up this week, along with assembling my raised bed (boards in the background) because we'll be in Greeley next week and then Boulder as I run my first 10K!

Quilt Story

I did it!  Having begun this quilt in early 2004, I finally completed it over last weekend.  Man, this thing has been with me in six different houses/apartments and has fabric in it from at least 3 different quilt shops.

When I first started it, I thought I would make it for my MIL-to-be, Michelle.  But, then I realized it wasn't really her colors, so I made her a different small quilt which now hangs in her guest room.  So then I decided it would be for Michelle's mother, my dear Grandma Gayle.  At this point, I had pieced the back (something I did in one day and a few hours of hanging out with my own grandmother), but hadn't gotten any further.

After Jason and I were married in June 2005, we moved to the East Coast.  On our way to NoVA, we stopped in Maryland and I saw GG's house for the first time.  Well, it is impeccably decorated and I confess to thinking within a few minutes of entering that I would have to find another recipient for this quilt. I knew if I gave it to her, she'd feel obliged to hang it somewhere, and it didn't fit her color scheme either.  At this point, I had at least cut the fabric for the applique, though not a single flower or vine appeared on the quilt.

Well, when GG's mother (aka Brambie) moved out to live with her, I knew my quilt had found it's perfect recipient. Brambie likes ALL colors, and the brighter the better.  Brambie just celebrated her 90th birthday, and though this was not completed in time, I hope it will brighten the rest of her year.

Revisiting Resolutions

So, every year on my birthday I resolve things (I find this more meaningful than the new year).  With less than two months till my next birthday, let's take a look and see how I am doing with last year's resolutions.

1. Run another 5k, be very close to being prepared to run the Bolder Boulder (10k) in 2011.

Well, I haven't done this quite yet, at least I haven't run a race. But I am in training for the Bolder Boulder and plan to do a 5K with Kevin and Ramona this month.
2. Re-upholster at least one chair

I have the supplies to reupholster a couch, all except the upholstery needle, so this is "in progress."
3. Sew my own curtains

Definitely not happening.  Well, maybe I'll get around to sewing curtains for Darcy before my birthday. I have the material, but I make no promises.
4. Finish my columbine quilt and my secondary circles quilt.

Ha!  The columbine quilt is a possibility, the secondary circles quilt is not.
5. Sew decorative pillows for my living room

Cancelled, after t he dog ate our existing ones.  This can go back on the list when he completely exits the chewing stage.
6. Paint EVERYTHING! (Or at least almost everything in my new home. I'm talking walls, doors, trim, and cabinets.  If I get really into it maybe even the kitchen counters?  Don't freak out Mom, that's just a musing.)

Though I have not painted everything, I'll leave this green. I'm very satisfied with what I was able to accomplish while working full time and being pregnant.  Work continues....
7. Build a bed and some bookshelves using plans from www.knockoffwood.blogspot.com

Cancelled- I don't need another bed and I picked up enough cheap and free bookshelves, for now.  Bookshelves may be a summer project, but they are not a priority.
8. Raise my own vegetables and make home-made jam

Sigh... I never got my garden in.  It was just too much work without Jason, and by the time he got around to helping me with the yard, the season had passed.  But this resolution is staying on for next year.
9. Expand the family...

Green, very green.  I didn't even realize when I said this that I would be adding a dog to the family as well.  But, we have our darling Darcy and I call that success!
10. Visit my family in SE Asia (this is the improbable must most desired one)

Though this didn't happen, I'm marking it yellow since we are now at least planning a trip, for next Christmas!  Yayayayayay!

Hmm, I definitely have more red and yellow than green, but I'm not unhappy about it, and it's not that unexpected. I think it is fair to say that I have very high expectations for myself and tend to get over committed.  Stuff that was not on this list that did get done included painting Darcy's crib and dresser/changing table, and sewing her crib skirt, bumper, and sheets.  I've done plenty of projects, so the ones I didn't do were because they lost on out the priority wars.  So far 27 has been good, very good.  I'm excited to see what 28 brings, and I'm even contemplating a 30 before 30 list.  Do I dare?

I am SAHM, SAHM I am

After only four months, I finally have time to blog again! (well, sort of)  The end of the year was pretty busy what with having a baby and hosting Christmas dinner for 30 family members.  And then it's just been an adjustment period. While I was on maternity leave, we had Dominic going to preschool only part-time.   Over the 7 week period, it became increasingly obvious that Dominic wanted to spend more time at home and that some of his behavioral issues from the last year or so are stemming from a sense of insecurity.  Add this to a new baby and the fact that I've found my job entirely unfulfilling and eventually Jason and I took a hard look at our finances and decided we could afford for me to quit and stay home with the kids.

Anyway, I'm taking my job as as Stay-At-Home-Mom very seriously, and with the same amount of anal retention that makes me plan my menus a month in advance.  I've set up my old office as our class room, drawn up a schedule in half-hour increments, planned the snack and lunch menu, and made a lesson plan for the week.  I'd like to do the lesson plan further out, but I figure I need to gauge progress every week and work from there.  Here are a few pictures from our classrooom.

Darcy hanging out

The start of our number line.  Teaching Dominic to recognize numbers and help his cutting skills.

Dom working hard to color pictures that start with "a" for the first page of his alphabet book.

A lesson in word building.  I used "bat"- the other word was what Dom wanted to know how to spell.

Anyway, so far it's been a real treat. I get to spend more focused time with Dom, cuddle Darcy (and no pumping!) and I've divided all my weekend chores across the week so I don't have to spend a full day just doing household chores every weekend. I do these during Dom's "free play" time.

On a side note, I was going to use this title anyway, but it's timely. Happy Birthday to on of my favorite authors, Dr. Seuss!

Eccentric or Looney?

Jason and I managed some spectacular feats this four-day weekend.  Jason gets a lot of four-day weekends, but it was nice to have one together for once. It also meant that Jason did a lot more work since I was there to hold a whip, instead of holed up in my office on conference calls and fighting the backlog of emails that never dies.

Instead of doing my normal Thanksgiving weekend holiday decorating, we focused on finishing painting some areas of our house.  We did the trim last weekend (all trim in the house is eventually going white instead of the super shiny foak that it is now) and so this weekend we applied color.  The living room was the only major downstairs room not to be painted yet, so it looked just a little out of place  It's now the same color as the kitchen, Guacamole!

And we finished the hallway upstairs.  It's a slightly paler yellow than the front room and dining room, and I had previously painted the stairwell, just not the hallway at the top. It's something I had been procrastinating on because of the amount of trim and cutting in required (4 bedroom doors, 1 closet, and 1 bathroom door).  Unfortunately, only one door is white already, and it's going to stay that way until Spring when the weather is warm enough for me to take everything out to the garage for painting.

And we hung pictures last night!  Hooray for stuff on the walls!  There is still a lot of dead space around the house because we haven't yet figured out the purpose of our front room and I don't want to hang anything in the living room until... our new furniture is delivered!

Here's what our current furniture looks like:

It's nice, but it's over sized and really only comfortable to lay on, not sit on.  It's also been hardily abused by the whole family over the last four years, and I'm not comfortable having guests over with our unsophisticated look.    So, we went down to American Furniture Warehouse and got ourselves a new couch, love seat, some end tables (hallelujah!) and a coffee table.  Oh, and for Jason we got a new 50inch LCD TV with a entertainment center that should also serve to shelve some of our ever-growing collection of books.  Needless to say, our Christmas shopping (for Jason and I) is done.  No Kindles, no kitchen island, no TRX training system this year, we maxed out our budget and then some.  But I couldn't be happier.  I just hope when our furniture arrives on Tuesday, I'm still happy with what we selected. I'm pretty sure it will look awesome, but is it practical?  Before I post pictures, let me just preface it with the fact that for the last four years I've been berating Jason for allowing me to make the purchase of our current furniture while I was pregnant. Hormones do funny things to your judgement and at the time, I just wanted something really soft and comfortable.  But here I've done it again, only this time, it's the dust and dog hair around the house that has been bothering me and I'm craving something fresh and clean.  So without further ado, our new living room. (pictures in setting to follow on Tuesday or someday shortly after).

This color isn't very accurate, it's actually much closer to the entertainment console below.

And there it is.  Is it cool?  or just crazy?

My son, budding photographer

Dominic has definitely shown a keen interest in photography from as far back as I can remember.  In fact, it was with a kid's camera as the prize that I was finally able to potty train him.  This is fun in so many ways, but can be a pain as well.  For instance, I love seeing his crazy shots, but when I want to take pictures, my camera batteries are always low.

His Fisher-Price camera has never really satisfied him, the quality just isn't there.  So more often then not, he snags my little point 'n shot and goes to town.  It's so fun deleting a hundred pictures of the floor and people's butts.   Every once in a while though, he get's a few good shots in.  Here are some of his latest:

Self-Portrait (but he really does have hair, I promise)

view out his bedroom window- I'm impressed with how in focus everything is

Me, painting trim this weekend

 

Da da da Done!

So, I FINALLY  have Darcy's room ready to welcome the little girl.  Her crib and dresser are painted and in the room, and I've finished all the crib linens that I'm going to be making.  (Well, I may sew more sheets come summer, but I'm not committing to that now). 

I have her clothes sorted into the drawers of her dresser (how are six drawers already packed?), and the newborn and 0-3 month sizes have been washed.  I've also washed the carseat cover and the bouncy chair cover in anticipation of her arrival, but I have to dig the carseat base out of storage. 

In actuality, Darcy will probably spend the first month in a pack 'n play in our bedroom so I have easy access to her in the night, but we'll see.  However, when she is ready to move into her own room, this is what will greet her:

I'm little frustrated by the hitch in the crib skirt, but it can't be helped since this is a drop-side crib.    I am, however, extremely proud of sewing my own ruffles and the crib bumper came out exactly how I wanted it to.

I wish I could show you the rest of the room, but it's covered in junk that I'm still sorting, cleaning, washing, assembling, etc.   It definitely still needs a few homey touches, like artwork and a pretty lamp, but were she to arrive early, I'd be ready to meet her.

November Monthly Menu

Okay, so it's half-way through November already, but I only just finished the four weeks from my last menu, thanks to a cooking hiatus in Milwaukee for work.

Without further ado:

Week 1

Asian Turkey meatballs with carrot rice and stir-fried veggies

Sauteed Chicken with Linguine with lemon-cream sauce and steamed broccoli

Black Beans and Sausage

Spicy Apricot glazed chicken w/ French bread and sauteed green beans w/ slivered almonds

Chicken carcass soup w/ baking powder biscuits

Week 2

Grandma’s Veggie Chili w/ Cornbread

Lighter chicken Enchiladas (add spinach)

Open-faced cheeseburgers w/ mushrooms and onions /w sweet potato home fries

Chicken, carrots, and broccoli stir-fry

Herb-roasted Pork Tenderloin w/ pears and roasted acorn squash w/ cinnamon butter

Week 3

Very Veggie Lasagna

Ginger chicken stir-fry

Cottage pie

Fish Tacos

Chicken and kale hand pies w/ cheddar crust

Week 4

Turkey Keema

Slow cooker Chicken taco soup

Tuna Nicoise Sandwiches

Baked Ziti w/ Sausage and Fresh basil w/ green salad

Easy Beef Stroganoff w/ green beans

Another Monthly Menu

Week 1

Cassoulet w/ lots of vegetables
Lighter Chicken Enchiladas
Spicy Apricot-Glazed Chicken, Green beans w/ toasted pecans, and quinoa
Meatball Sandwiches w/ baby carrots and celery dippers
Broccoli and Pork Stir-fry w/ jasmine rice

Week 2

Jamie’s Minestrone
Grandma’s veggie chili w/ cornbread
Whole-wheat flatbreads w/ lamb and yogurt
Chicken stirfry w/ broccoli and carrots- w/ rice
Pasta w/ Rosemary Shrimp and Scampi w/ sautéed zucchini

Week 3

Slow-cooker Green Chili w/ tortilla chips
Maple-glaze Cornish game hens w/ carrots and warm green bean and potato salad
Very Veggie Lasagna
Mediterranean Baked fish w/ roasted zucchini / couscous pilaf
Ginger Chicken Stir-fry w/rice

Week 4

Slow cooker Short Rib Ragu w/ baking power biscuits
Lentil Soup w/ Sourdough Croutons
Green Chili Burritos
Healthy turkey loaf w/ mashed sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli
Beef and Broccoli in Oyster Sauce w/ rice

Crazy With a Touch of Insomnia

Sometimes I just have to face it, I'm my own worst enemy.  I know that with the boys and Carson gone for the weekend, I should be resting up and recharging myself- at 30 weeks pregnant, I definitely need all the extra rest I can get- especially considering I'll be leaving to work my annual convention one week from today.
However...with the boys and Carson gone, I also have the perfect opportunity to knock a bunch of items off my to-do list.  I started yesterday by leaving the house shortly after wrapping up work around 5pm.  As I left I thought, "should I turn the porch light on?  Nah, I'll definitely be back before it's dark."  Well, at 8:45 I rolled back in with sub in hand to finally sit down and eat dinner.  I got a bit hung up on my first stop- Joann Fabrics, because I had fun browsing and THEN took a number to get my fabric cut.  Big mistake.  They were completely swamped, something I didn't expect on a Friday night, and between the cutting and the check out lines, I was there for another hour.
Then I had to hit up Ross and TJ Maxx/HomeGoods looking for some maternity khaki pants (fail) and a cool lamp for Darcy's room (fail).  Then it was off to Target to do some birthday shopping for Dom (fail) and buy some bras that don't chafe and poke me in the wrong places (success at last!).  After all that, I grabbed a sub at Jimmy Johns and went home to watch a chick flick on the instant queue.  
I don't know why I'm so wound up, but I ended up not turning in until 11, and then I woke up, wide awake at 2.  Though my body is kind of tired, my mind has been racing since then, trying to prioritize what I need to do this weekend.  At 2:30 it occurred to me that I wouldn't disturb anyone by turning on lights and actually DOING stuff on my to-do list, instead of stewing about it.  I did try to go back to bed at 4 and wasted another 1/2 hour before I called it a lost cause.  So, now it's 7 am and I've started to wash my newly purchased material, eaten 2 breakfasts, a cup of coffee (and am currently sipping some tea), finished a big print job for work, and sewn two more crib sheets.  I KNOW I'm going to crash at some point today, but hopefully I'll sleep soundly with a few more things checked off my list.  So what else am I hoping to get done this weekend?
1. Finish painting and polyacrylic Darcy's dresser.
2. Sand, paint, and polyacrylic the crib.
3. Sew a crib bumper
4. Sew a crib skirt
5. Sew a jersey baby wrap (just need a seam down the middle and a reinforcement panel.
6. Buy and install blinds in Darcy's room (I took the old one down to paint and forgot I have a guest coming next week who might enjoy her privacy!) and maybe in the master too, since we've been unable to shut our blinds for months now.  Thankfully, there is an easement behind our house, so nobody is looking directly in our window.  Although, I suppose that if someone across the way had a pair of binoculars, they've had a pretty good show!
7. Hang pictures in stairwell and hallway/ figure out what I want to hang in Darcy's room.
8.  buy lamp for Darcy's room
9. find rocker/glider and/or recliner for Darcy's room (to be reupholstered in some awesome toile currently 40% off at Joann's)
10.  Make monthly menu and do grocery shopping

The painting stuff really has to be a top priority for me because as the weather is getting colder, I'm going to run out of space for painting.  But it's not going to get over 60 until after lunch- so I'm off to start on my crib bumper while the material for the skirt is still being washed and dried. 

Hopefully I'll have some finished projects to show by the end of the weekend!

A Darcy Day

For a day that started off pretty shaky, it has ended very well.  I haven't done a single one of my normal chores, but I've made a lot of headway on some of the things I've had to put off. 

The last two weekends we were away from home, and that always makes me a little stressed out.  The weekends are when I menu plan, grocery shop, do the laundry, and do the majority of the housecleaning- so whenever we're away- I have to try to pack all those things into a much more condensed time frame, which makes for a very cranky Erin.

However, this weekend I said to hell with clean floors and clean bathrooms and made Jason promise to do the laundry, as long as I will fold and put it away.  Now, this might come back to bite me in the butt later- my parents are flying in on Thursday night and I would like the house to be clean for them.  However, Jason has agreed to let me HIRE A BI-WEEKLY HOUSEKEEPER to help out with the chores.  Hooray, hooray! I just need to get someone in before Thursday or my parents will have to deal with my slovenliness (is that a word Dad?).

I got a great start to my morning by going over to my grandparents house to spend some time sewing with my grandmother.  She worked on a baby quilt for one of my cousins and I borrowed her machine to start sewing crib sheets for Darcy.  Man, I underestimated how long that would take me- but I got one done (minus elastic).  I also managed to iron all the material I have for Darcy things prior to going over there- so progress is being made. Now if she shows up early she has a sheet, if nothing else.

In the afternoon the boys took a nice long nap which allowed me time to finish sanding Darcy's dresser and learn how to use my new paint sprayer- the Graco Spray Station 2900.

I'm still getting used to it, but so far I am pleased.  The spray is a little thinner than I anticipated, so I will have to do more coats that I had planned (I usually do primer + 2 coats).  However, it took me about a half an hour from can opening to finishing cleaning up to prime a six-drawer dresser and all the drawer fronts.  Did I mention cleaning up is so EASY!  I hate cleaning rollers, so this may be the best $99 I ever spent.

Right now it is coming out a bit speckly, but I have a feeling that is more user-error than anything else.  I'm still trying to find the right flow volume and distance for that professional spray. But, I will just give it a light sanding between coats and I should still finish in record time.  Tomorrow, I hope to put 2 more coats on (and hope that that is all it needs) so I can start the polyacrylic process as well.

In the evening I managed to get the trim in Darcy's room sanded and a first coat of paint on the dresser.  Jason and I would have hung the closet doors in Dominic's room, but my drill ran out battery (for the first time ever).  My good friend Sheena is coming over tomorrow afternoon to help me paint, so I am hoping to get the trim in Darcy room at least primed and first-coated.  I doubt that I'll get her room painted prior to my parents arrival, but I'll be happy with the trim done.

We ended the day with a late dinner at Texas Roadhouse and Dominic behaved better than he has ever behaved while we're out.  He ate the dinner we ordered him, including veggies, and colored during all the waiting times.  Now, after a nice hot shower and a chance to blog, I'm ready to crawl into bed and see if I can get 5 pages into my new book prior to zonking out.  I just hope when I wake up tomorrow too stiff to move, I'm still as gung-ho about the day's plans as I am now.

A Manic Mom Monthly Menu

My first blog failed.  I attempted too much and ended up giving up altogether.  I was trying to post my monthly menus with links to all recipes, and then do a detailed "how to" post for each recipe, including pictures.  After a week I discovered it was WAY too time consuming and abandoned it.
I also don't always have a monthly menu.  While Jason was away for 6 months, I didn't make any menus.  We ate a lot of PB&J, eggs for dinner, and ate out.  Being pregnant and packing up a house at the same time just didn't inspire me to cook as much as I usually try to.

Since we got settled in in Colorado, I have been trying to at least come up with a weekly menu.  The commissary is close, but not so close that I want to run out and pick up a missing ingredient.  I also wasn't shopping at the commissary initially, but I've discovered it saves us between $20 and $40 a week on groceries, so I'll make the hike.

I got inspired over the weekend and dug up last year's September menu- that really made the process quicker, though I had to sub out some recipes that weren't hits- and take out some vegetarian meals since Jason has expressed that he prefers meat at every meal (too bad- we're eating meatless at least once a week).

So here's my menu plan for the next four weeks, sorry links not included.

Week 1
Rotisserie Chicken with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Steamed Green Beans
Chicken Taco Soup with Home-made cornbread
Kung Pow Chicken over Jasmine Rice
Beef Stroganoff and Oven-Roasted Zuchinni
Lemon Garlic Tilapia over Quinoa, with Steamed Broccoli

Week 2
Shrimp Pad Thai
Chicken Fajitas
Sausage, Lentil and Kale Soup w/ French Bread
Pan-seared Pork with Potatoes and Lemon, with a side of Shredded Brussels Sprouts and almonds.
Veggie Calzones (providing I can find refridgerated pizza dough)

Week 3
Bacon and Broccoli Quiche
Turkey Spaghetti w/ mixed veggies
Pork and Green Bean Stir-Fry over Jasmine Rice
Tilapia Tacos w/ fresh salsa and guacamole
Granny's Veggie Chili and home-made cornbread

Week 4
Lentil Soup with Sourdough croutons
Keema curry w/ naan
Red-wine marinated steak with roasted root vegetables and potatoes
Stir-fried ginger chicken w/ rice
Baked pork schnitzel w/ white wine and lemon sauce, with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes

I plan 5 menus a week to account for the fact that at least 1 night we are going to eat leftovers, and 1 night I demand to be taken out.  I saw an apron at Salvation Army that said something to the extent of, "A wife who cooks and cleans deserves many thanks and dinner out once a week." But the apron version rhymed and I cannot for the life of me remember what it was- or I'd paint it on my kitchen wall.  I can't agree more.  At least one night a week I go on strike and refuse to even microwave anything- because there are still dished to be cleaned, tables to be wiped, and floors to be swept after a leftover dinner.

The Dining Room/Front Room

After Dominic's room, the dinning room and front room (so called because it doesn't really have a function) were the next thing I tackled.  This is kind of an awkward space since it it is long and skinny, and has a weird beam running straight across it.  My first thought was that the beam just looked so out of place and awkward- especially since it was the same color as everything else.

This room isn't really "done" yet. I still need to line the curtains (table clothes from Target) find a corner hutch for my wine glasses and liquor, and figure out what I'm putting in that front room area. I keep hoping to find two matching wingback chairs that I can re-upholster, and I'm also hoping that when my Grandparents move, they won't have room for their piano and I'll be forced to take it off their hands.  Oh- and I want to paint that brassy chandelier- but I can't decide on white or oil-rubbed bronze.  Any thoughts?

Before-From Front Door

After- From Front Door

Before- From Dining Room

After- From Dining Room

Stairwell seating area-
where the piano or wingback chairs would go

Dominic's Room

When I arrived in Colorado, I expected my shipment to be right behind me.  However, because of the wonders of military shipping, it was diverted all over the country before it actually made to my doorstep, 6 days after the date I had initially been told.  I had arranged for Dominic to spend the week with his grandparents so he wouldn't have to be caught up in the moving of furniture and unpacking, and so that he could arrive at his new house with his new room set up with all his things.  It was just not to be.

Dom's Room Before

But, since I had a week off of work (no internet access or desk yet- so I didn't have the option to return early) and nothing to clutter up the house- I decided to make the most of the situation and paint!  I choose Dominic's room first for 2 reasons: 1) he would have the hardest time with the transition and 2) he has the most furniture of any room in the house- no kidding.

Dom's Room Before

First a word about the general condition of the house.  It was in pretty good shape- decent carpet, everything works, etc, but every wall and ceiling was the exact same color of off-white, and all the trim was this really beat-up "foak" color that had been sealed with something so shiny, you could not longer tell it was real wood and not plastic.

Eventually, all that plastic-wood will be painted white, but I'm taking it one room at at time- that's about all I can manage these days.  Dominic's room got the white trim treatment, and 2 coats of "Spa" blue by Olympic.  I picked Olympic because it has Zero VOCs- even the colors.  Without further ado- I give you Dominic's room with it's new color, decorations, and furniture (all painted by me, btw).  I have not given you a shot of his closet though- as I have yet to re-hang the doors.  I need Jason's help, and I've only been asking for about a month- so it's should only be another 2 months before it actually gets done.

I didn't take a picture of his other bookshelf and the "Goodnight Moon" lithograph- it was too close to the undoored closet.  I'm also not one for staging a photo. What you see is pretty much what his room looks like on any given day- wires showing, bed slightly rumpled, etc.  Did I mention I also made his quilt?  I am pretty proud of the fact that his toys are picked up everyday and not allowed to get out of control, now if only we could institute the same policy for our kitchen bar!

Itchin' for some Thriftin' (why I'm completely insane)

Hi, my name is Erin and I'm completely incapable of making realistic evaluations of what I can and cannot take on.  For instance, I am whining (just a little bit, and mostly in my own head) about the fact that the next two weekends because I'll be away from home.  This means that my regular cleaning has to get done some time else, but most importantly, I don't have time for projects.  I really want to go to this flea market with my friend Sheena (even though I don't really NEED anything right now) and check out what's there. 

What am I hoping to find?  Well, I'm thinking it would be great to find a wine cabinet (that could potentially hold liquor and our wine glasses that are still in the box from our wedding).  I also want some cool frames that I can turn into chalk and cork boards around the house.  I'd love some floating shelves for the kitchen, some more bookcases, a rocker glider, a better desk, a futon, and a pair of wing back chairs, and some chandeliers to replace the hideous brass fixtures in the dining room and kitchen.  Also, a porch swing and maybe some cool pots so I can liven up our entry way next year.  I wouldn't be opposed to finding some nice fall decorations either.

Okay, maybe that doesn't sound too crazy- but keep in mind that anything I buy I will probably end up painting or refinishing is someway- and I'm 6 months pregnant with a 3-year old and a puppy.  And a husband- he needs looking after too.  Plus, I already have the promise of a desk and a rocker glider from my grandparents, if I can just find the time to drive up to their mountain house and get them.  I also could just paint the ugly chandeliers with blogland's favorite ORB (oil-rubbed bronze) spray paint.  That's actually what is most likely to happen.  I'd like to get a futon so we can sleep a few more guests- right now we have twin with a trundle- and that's not so very nice for couples because even though I CAN make a king from it, there tends to be a huge gap in the middle.  Plus it would be nice to have a futon in my office.

And all of this is on top of the projects I'm already trying to complete.  I've got a lap quilt I've been working on for 8 years (yes, it takes me that long) and it's coming close to being finished.  I've also purchased a lot of fabric to sew my own crib sheets and bedding for little Darcy Rose (all rose-themed of course), and I still need to repaint the crib and the yard-sale dresser I have for her room.  Plus I'm planning on painting her room (along with all the trim) before she arrives, and I'd like to finish the living room down stairs and the hallway upstairs too.  Preferrably the room painting will get done prior to my parents arrival on Sept. 23rd- yipes!  I'm not sure I'm going to get the three bathrooms, laundry room, office, or master bedroom done before December.  The painting seems a lot harder now than it did a few months ago, and crawling around on the floor to do trim and cut in means I can barely stand up straight the next day. 

Le sigh.  I'm ready to not be pregnant anymore, and I still have 15 weeks left!  In fact, I'm so ready I'm even fantasizing about running again. I've downloaded a cool app to my iPhone for a 10k training program, still determined to do the Bolder Boulder next Memorial day.  Potential start date is Jan. 31st- as long as I've been cleared by a doctor. I figure that's about 6 weeks after delivery and any stiches/staples/what-have-you should be healed.  No need for a baby weight loss plan- I'll be running and breastfeeding- so if that doesn't do it, nothing will.  Thanks for reading my ramblings if you made it this far, the next post will contain some house pictures, I promise! 

Transition Sucks

Well all, I'm back.  I've survived a huge move without my hubby, while in my first trimester, with a temperamental 3-year old.  Of course, I had help.  My wonderful father-in-law flew out to Virginia just to spend 3 days in a car with Dominic and I, and then my in-laws kept Dominic for a week so I could "move-in" without him.  Unfortunately,  my shipment arrived 6 days later than originally anticipated, so Dominic was back with me by the time I actually got to do any unpacking.

But the week of no stuff and no Dom gave me a chance to start painting (and I mean start, there is still SOO much to do) and to get some things squared away.  I will post before and afters as I finish rooms.  Dominic's is almost done, I just have to finish and rehang his closet doors and get some of his decorations up on the wall.

I also got a chance to tour the school that Dom is attending while he was up with his grandparents.  It seems very nice and had a philosophy of learning that both Jason and I embrace, but it is the source of my tears this morning.  We LOVED Reston Children's Center where Dominic went from the time he was 10 months old to just three weeks ago.  Dominic knew and loved the teachers, and they reciprocated in a way that you don't expect from a facility serving so many different children.  It was very hard to leave it, and I've already shed many tears over that.

Dominic started his new school last week and seemed to do fine.  He was a bit clingy in the morning, but there were no tears.  His teacher reported that he was transitioning well and I was pretty pleased.  Well, pulling up this morning Dom says, "I don't think I like this school.  I think I just want to be with you all day, Mommy."  As soon as we stopped he unbuckled himself and went to hide in the back seat.  I had to tell him I would sit with him a bit before he would come out.

So we went inside and I sat with him in his class room, just hugging, for a few minutes until he was ready to go join the rest of the children who arrive early.  Then I helped him find a toy, lay out his mat, and gave him another big long hug.  But he wouldn't let go.  When I left, he wasn't shrieking or being hysterical, just quietly sobbing into the neck of the teacher.  It was heart wrenching and I barely made it to my car before my own sobs erupted.  Maybe it's the hormones, but this morning was especially hard.

I'm sure that part of Dominic's sadness has to do with the many, many goodbyes and transitions lately.  First, with his dad going off to training, and it being more than 5 weeks since we last saw him.  Then leaving VA, then leaving his grandparents and favorite uncle in Greeley.  We also had my brother and sister-in-law here for a whirlwind trip of 4 days and my parents here for 6 days.  We had to say goodbye to them at the airport yesterday.  I imagine that Dominic is feeling pretty insecure, and I am the one constant through this whole transition.  Hopefully things will improve next week when Jason finally comes home.  Sunday can't come soon enough.

Now off to work, the whole reason why I have to send Dominic anywhere in the first place.

All Quiet on the Eastern Front

I haven't been blogging as much as I've been meaning to, but I hope that will be forgiven considering my current status as a single-mom trying to get ready for a move while also preparing to be out from my extremely demanding job for two weeks.

Since my last post I've managed to accomplish many things.  I have now notified all my utilities that they should be turned off, and I've arranged to have internet connected at the new house the day I arrive (yeah, I can't live without my internet).  Thankfully all the other utilities for my new house are on and all I have to do upon arrival is switch them to my name.  I've finished de-cluttering the house, except the fridge (top and inside) which will be done this weekend when I officially start eating out 3 meals a day (can you see my butt getting bigger?).  I've also patched and touched up every nail hole in the house and had a walk-through with our moving company.

With some of these more onerous tasks done, I'm looking forward to the weekend.  On Saturday, I'll get to see my aunt, cousin, and grandparents at my cousin's bridal shower.  My family is probably the single most important thing in my life, so I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to say goodbye to at least part of the East Coast clan.  I'll be with my grandparents much much more in Colorado, and that will be wonderful.

This post is getting long, but let me just take a moment to talk about how much my grandparents mean to me.  Grandfather has always been a supporter and encourager of my sometimes wild imagination.  For years he encouraged me to pursue writing and become a published author like he is.  I think my writing may be a bit different, but I have a dream to write a series of children's novels, something I've been harboring since I was about 12.  LONG before Harry Potter, I dreamed up many magical worlds that are somewhere between Narnia and the wizarding world of the Potter series.  Grandfather, you may see me published yet.  And Grandmother.  Well, if there was ever a more gentle, stubborn, loving, and determined person, I haven't met them.  My grandmother taught me to quilt, and basically gave me my entire stash of fabrics when she was "cleaning" out hers.  She also taught me to drive (or tried to) the summer before I went to college.  I remember taking a right turn at the bottom of a hill WAY too fast and swinging all the way over into the left lane and on-coming traffic.  She didn't scream, didn't clutch at me, she simply said, "Erin get back into the right lane as quickly as possible."  I can't wait to be near you again.

Okay, now I forgot where I as going with this post, so I'll wrap up.  I'm excited to get going and to be so close to some family I haven't seen much in the last five years.

Making Progress

Jason headed of to GA for some more lovely training on Saturday morning.  Thankfully, we got to spend Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evening with him.  I had to work all week, but Dominic did get to go hiking with his Dad and gruncle on Thursday.  Anyway, with Jason gone before 9am, I pretty much had the whole weekend to get stuff done.  And I got'r dun.
On Saturday:

• 3 loads of laundry
• trip to Walmart for vacuum bags/filters and car stuff for the upcoming road trip
• trip to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to pick up shower gift for my cousin Lara, who is getting married this summer
• 2 1/2 hour nap (much needed)
• posted items on Craigslist and freecyle

On Sunday:

• 3 more loads of laundry (washing sheets, towels, and comforters to be stored until after the move
• cleaned out master closet
• trip to recycle center to drop off too much stuff
• trip to target (after discovering I purchased all the wrong vacuum components on Sat)
• Starbucks date with the Dom to celebrate mothers' day
• Home Depot to drop off propane tanks that will NOT be moving with us, and buy tool caddy and hardware organizer (plus pick up paint chips for my home records book)
• Trader Joes for groceries (mostly frozen meals since I won't be cooking much until after I settle in in CO
• sanded primer and painted two dresser/side tables one coat
• organized tools and paint downstairs
• made arrangements for treadmill pick up
• took Dom on roller skating adventure around the neighborhood
• sold massive corner desk and watched in leave (if somewhat painfully) the premises
• made chocolate chip cookies and dinner with Dom

So I am definitely making progress.  This probably doesn't matter much to the few of you that read this blog, but posting it makes me feel like I got something accomplished.  And I need that because I still have to:

• call Verizon and cancel service, despite not being the name on the account and not knowing the account number or the customer service number
• follow up with WashGas to confirm service cancellation
• cancel service with Fairfax Water
• clean grill- it's yucky
• paint one (or two?) more coats on dresser/side tables
• put together important documents file and continuing cleaning office
• clean out Dom's closet
• clean out bathroom cabinets
• patch and paint various parts of house
• sell sofa and love seat
• freecycle guestroom bed
• use or lose pantry and refrigerator items
• take video of household goods
• pack up stuff to take in the van with me
• wash pots (for flowers) and replant one plant for a colleague
• finish removing personal touches from work office

I could go on, but you get the idea. Wish me luck, I see many more nights of work ahead. I have two weekends left, and on each weekend I have a family commitment that will rob me of most of the day.

Erin