tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54256038815125817302024-03-12T21:45:24.221-07:00A Young Moms GuideThe ongoing circus that is my lifeJazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-8936306227293553402013-08-28T11:16:00.002-07:002013-08-28T11:20:36.350-07:00Cloth Diapers?!<h2>
Why I wanted to cloth diaper...</h2>
Cloth diapering?! What, why?! That's pretty much the reaction I got when I first began mentioning it to friends and family. It seemed as if everyone thought I'd be up to my neck in poop and pee everyday...LOL! Here's the thing, I mean regardless of what type of diaper you go with (disposible or cloth) you are still supposed to put the solid matter (POOP) in the toliet before you wash or throw away. Bet that's news to many of you.<br>
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I figured that if I was going to be dealing with poop and pee why not save $$$ and put some cuteness on my baby's bum. So I began many many months of research. There was so much information and opinions. What diapers are the best, what's the best wash routine, how many diapers should you buy...<br>
Oh, and all the lingo...AIO, pocket, AI2, fitteds, snaps, hook and loop, aplix, velcro, flats, prefolds, covers, PUL, ect... Eventually, I began understanding what I was reading and decided to start making my first purchases. I bought a few bamboo pocket diapers, some newborn diapers and some detergent. <br>
<br>
Well I've been cloth diapering for over a year now and am very happy with my decision. It's been a bit of a learning curve but I really love it. My baby has a cute fluffy butt and I feel like I've saved some $ too! Although, I should mention that cloth diapers are addicting and you may find yourself buying way more than you need. They're just so darn cute!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c4Q3GnYdIFs/Uh4_csENX7I/AAAAAAAAAL4/anXPz0nn5Xs/s640/blogger-image--1373412588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-c4Q3GnYdIFs/Uh4_csENX7I/AAAAAAAAAL4/anXPz0nn5Xs/s640/blogger-image--1373412588.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G8AYNjDwYfs/Uh4_bofDk7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/zUa5ZCsPLg4/s640/blogger-image--2022037896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G8AYNjDwYfs/Uh4_bofDk7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/zUa5ZCsPLg4/s640/blogger-image--2022037896.jpg"></a></div>Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-85945306902724782532013-01-15T12:54:00.002-08:002013-01-15T12:54:38.557-08:00Grocery Haul at Costco 1-14-13So hubby and I went to Costco yesterday for our 2 week shop. Instead of showing you pictures I thought I'd just record what I bought for a change of pace.<br />
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<u><b>Grand Total:</b></u> <b>$280.00</b>Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-86229154364860929242013-01-04T06:48:00.000-08:002013-01-04T06:50:24.940-08:00Turkey Meatloaf My Way<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1-1¼lbs ground turkey</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 cup italian style breadcrumbs</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">½ cup milk</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">½ cup pureed or finely pulsed carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 celery ribs, finely diced</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 small onion or ½ a large onion), finely diced </span><br />
½ cup freshly grated parmesean cheese<br />
¼ cup ketchup, plus a little extra to spread on top<br />
4 slices thick cut bacon <br />
salt to taste (just a lttle as the cheese and ketchup both contain a fair amount of salt)<br />
pepper to taste<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></b></u><br />
Pre-Heat oven to 350℉<br />
<br />
In a large bowl add your breadcrumbs and soak with the milk. Dice your onions and celery. In a skillet add about 2Tbls. of olive oil and heat on med-high. Add the onion and lower heat to medium. Cook for about 8 min stirring occasionally. Next add the celery to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Meanwhile, add the turkey to the soaked breadcrumbs. Throw the cheese, carrots, ketchup, salt and pepper in too. Add the cooked onion and celery to the bowl too. Now mix with your hands until just combined. Put the meatloaf mixture into a 9×5in loaf pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Smooth mixture until even and top with just a tad of ketchup (enough to just give a light glaze on top). Now lay your bacon on top of the meatloaf, try not to overlap.<br />
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Bake at 350℉ for about 55 minutes until cooked through. After it's done baking I like to brown up the bacon by turning the broiler on high and letting the bacon get nice and crispy. Note: keep an eye on the bacon because it can burn very quickly under the broiler.<br />
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Let sit for about 10min or so. Enjoy!!!!<br />
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<span id="goog_456634134"></span><span id="goog_456634135"></span><br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-85898976287474255392013-01-02T23:05:00.001-08:002013-01-02T23:05:06.690-08:00A New Year and A New Mind SetAs 2013 begins I am so full of ideas and wants for this new year. I know that we all have such grand expectations for the new year and ourselves, but I think for this year, I want to keep it simple. Here are my resolutions:<br />
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1. Make a family binder where I can keep all our family information (monthly budget, monthly family calendar, meal plans, shopping lists, cleaning schedules, ect...)<br />
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2. Eat more veggies<br />
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3. Be more organized<br />
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4. Spend more time outside with the kids<br />
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5. Be more relaxed and pamper myself occasionally <br />
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<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-67899209517033422932012-12-31T22:52:00.003-08:002012-12-31T22:52:56.466-08:00Costco Trip and 2 Week Meal Plan<span style="font-size: large;">Well today the family and I headed to Costco to stock up on some groceries to last us the next two weeks. Here is what we bought:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">1. Costco Rotisserie Chicken $4.99</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">2. Beef Stew Meat $23.00/ 5.5lbs. </span></span><br />
3. Romaine Hearts $2.99/ 6 hearts<br />
4. Celery $2.99/ 4 stalks<br />
5. Cuties $5.99/ 5lbs.<br />
6. Bananas $1.39/ 3lbs.<br />
7. Strawberries $5.99<br />
8. Low Sodium Bacon $11.99/ 4lbs.<br />
9. Eggs $5.98/ 4 dozen<br />
10. Milk $5.19/ 2 gal. <br />
11. Heavy Cream $6.49/ 1/2 gallon<br />
12. Goldfish Crackers $???<br />
13. Quaker Oats Breakfast Bars$???<br />
14. Towels (2 Bath Sheets) $18.98<br />
15. Hand towels (4) and Wash Cloths (4) $18.98<br />
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<b>Total Spent $145.00</b><br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">2 Week Menu Plan</span></u><br />
Turkey Meatloaf with rice and a veggie<br />
Baked Chicken with roasted potatoes and broccoli<br />
Parm Crusted Tilapia with pasta and veggies<br />
Italian Sausage Spaghetti and Salad<br />
Beef, rice and bean burritos and salad<br />
Pizza with a veggie or salad<br />
Beef Stew or Beef Barley Soup over rice or pasta<br />
Hot Dogs and Rice with onion or Hot Dog Fried Rice (my own experiment)<br />
Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry over rice<br />
Pork Chops with Baked Mac n Cheese and Green Beans<br />
<br />There are 10 items here the other 4 nights will be leftovers <br />
<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-1123190572949632472012-12-20T21:53:00.000-08:002012-12-20T21:53:45.939-08:00Brownie Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
Chocolate Chip Brownies</h2>
1 stick of butter (1/2 cup)<br />
2 cups of chocolate chips (your preference)<br />
3 eggs <br />
1¼ cup all purpose flour<br />
1 cup of granulated sugar<br />
¼ tsp. baking soda<br />
1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
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<b>Preheat oven to 375℉ </b><br />
<ol>
<li>In a heavy bottomed sauce pot heat 1 cup of the chocolate chips with the stick of butter. Stir them together until completely melted and smooth.</li>
<li>Remove pot from heat</li>
<li>Beat the eggs in a bowl and slowly add to warm chocolate mixture while constantly stirring until incorporated</li>
<li>Add the flour, sugar, baking soda and vanilla to chocolate mixture</li>
<li>Mix until fully incorporated</li>
<li>Stir in chocolate chips</li>
<li>Pour batter into a greased 13×9in pan and bake for 18-22 minutes at 375℉ </li>
<li>Remove from oven and let cool in pan</li>
<li><u><b>Enjoy!</b></u></li>
</ol>
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Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-62807375069462938502012-08-01T22:40:00.001-07:002012-08-01T22:41:07.244-07:00Costco Shop and Menu Plan (8-1-12 thru 8-14-12)Okay so this week I'm going to be posting my Costco shop (should last me 2 weeks +/-) and menu plan for the next two weeks or so :-)<br />
<br />
So this is the <u><b>Costco</b></u> shop <br />
<br />
2 Rotisserie Chickens $9.98<br />
Baby wipes (900ct) $19.99<br />
Nature Valley Granola Bars $12.79<br />
Golden Potatoes (10lbs) $6.99<br />
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend $5.99<br />
Thin Sliced Deli Ham (3pack) $8.99<br />
Drumsticks Ice Cream (16ct.) $8.99<br />
Eggs (24ct) $3.69<br />
Daisy Sour Cream (3lbs) $3.99<br />
Whipping Cream (1/2 gallon) $4.79<br />
Low Sodium Bacon (4lbs) $10.59<br />
2% Milk (2 gallons) $5.19<br />
Ruffles $5.29<br />
Sara Lee Bread (2 loaves) $4.99<br />
Asparagus (2.25 lbs) $5.99<br />
Strawberries (4lbs) $5.99<br />
Bananas (3lbs) $1.39<br />
Organic Spinach (1lb) $3.59<br />
Artichokes (4ct.) $4.99<br />
Burrito sized Tortillas (30ct) $2.89<br />
Pork Loin Chops ($3.49lb) $16.89<br />
Beef Chuck Roast ($3.99lb) $20.03<br />
Ground Beef 88% lean (6+lbs) $18.09<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Total $194.31</b></span><br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">2 Week Menu</span></b></u><br />
Chicken Salads<br />
Burritos<br />
Chicken and Gravy over Biscuits<br />
Fried Rice<br />
Stir-Fry<br />
Roast<br />
Mexican Beef Stew<br />
BBQ Chicken<br />
Spaghetti<br />
Stuffed Zucchini<br />
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* The rest of the nights we will be having leftovers or will be having dinner with familyJazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-13358870846400882052012-07-22T17:30:00.002-07:002012-07-22T17:36:13.487-07:00Costco Shop (7-22-12)Okay so today was shopping day. We went to my most favorite store in the whole world...<b>Costco</b>! So I did my weekly shop and this is what we got:<br />
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Activia Yogurt (24ct) $9.89<br />
2% Milk $5.19<br />
Chinet plates $16.79<br />
Organic Carrots (10lbs) $4.49<br />
Watermelons (2 mini) $5.79<br />
Baguettes (6ct.) $4.99<br />
Bananas (3lbs) $1.39<br />
Organic red grapes (4lbs) $6.79<br />
Drumsticks ice cream (16ct) $8.99<br />
Tortilla chips (3lbs) $3.59<br />
2pk keep cool bags $10.99<br />
Eggs (24ct) $2.79<br />
Butter (4lbs) $7.39<br />
Tollhouse semi-sweet choc chips $10.79<br />
Sharp Cheddar (2lbs) $4.99<br />
Clorox Wipes (4ct) $10.29<br />
Organic Blueberries (2lbs) $7.99<br />
Rotisserie Chicken $4.99<br />
Marinara (4 jars) $6.29<br />
Low Sodium Bacon (4lbs) $10.59<br />
Starbucks Coffee (2lbs) $12.49<br />
Romaine Lettuce (6ct) $ 2.99<br />
White Nectarines (9ct) $8.99<br />
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<b>Grand Total $172.83</b><br />
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I'm hoping that this shopping trip will last me longer than a week maybe two...???<br />
We shall see...<br />
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I've already had Jaden in cloth diapers but his newborn ones were pretty much too small at birth (he was 11.8lbs). So that only left me a very minimal amount to use and washing 3 diapers seemed like a waste of water. So this morning I ordered some one size ones. I bought some Bum Genius 4.0 and some Fuzzi Bunz pockets. They were both on sale for buy 5 get one free. So yay for me! Got 2 free diapers :-) Also, bought some cloth diaper safe diaper rash cream. Going to try Grandma El's and CJ's Butt Butter. Hope they work! Both of my kiddos have sensitive tushes and I don't want any rashes. <br />
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I'll be sure to to do updates and reviews for those who are interested or curious about cloth diapering. Please let me know if you have any questions!Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-89697176660429584882012-07-16T20:11:00.002-07:002012-07-16T20:11:22.677-07:00Meal Plan 7-15-12 thru 7-22-12<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">MEAL PLAN</span></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I<b>talian Meatloaf with veggies and rice</b></span></div>
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<b>Baked Spaghetti with salad and bread</b></div>
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<b>Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp and Broccoli</b></div>
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<b>Homemade Pizza with veggies</b></div>
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<b>Chicken Salads with homemade dinner rolls</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These dinner rolls are half white half whole wheat </td></tr>
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<b>This is my menu plan this week. The other 2 days we will be having leftovers so that we're not wasting any food. Follow my blog to stay posted on what I'll be making next week :-) </b></div>Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-36360893704707328562012-07-10T07:49:00.000-07:002012-07-10T07:51:01.957-07:00Making Whole Wheat Pita Pockets So today I decided to make some homemade pita pockets to stuff with a chicken salad. It was way too hot to want anything hearty. So I pulled out the KitchenAid mixer and set out to make pita heaven with my daughters help, of course. Here is the recipe...<br />
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<b>Makes:</b><br />
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8 pita pockets<br />
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1 1/4 cup warm water (110-115℉)<br />
1 Tbsp. oil<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
2 tsp. sugar<br />
2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />
1/3 cup vital wheat gluten<br />
1 1/2 tsp. rapid rise yeast (bread machine yeast)<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
1. Put the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add the gluten and 1 cup of flour, along with the yeast, and stir to mix. Add remaining flour and knead to make a soft dough. (<i>Add more flour if necessary during kneading</i>).<br />
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If using a bread machine dump ingredients in pan, in the order listed, and use dough cycle. Skip ahead to step 3 if using the bread machine.<br />
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2. Put dough into bowl, lightly oil the top and cover. Set in a warm place to rise until the dough has almost doubled in size (about an hour).<br />
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3. Punch dough down and put on a lightly floured surface. Cut into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball. On a lightly floured surface, roll each piece into a 6 or 7 inch circle.<br />
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4. As you roll the rounds place on a lightly floured countertop or table and cover loosely with a towel. Let rise for 25-35 minuets, until slightly puffy. (The rounds will still be thin though)<br />
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5. Preheat oven to 500℉. Place two rounds, side by side, onto a wire rack (metal ones used for cooling things). Place rack in middle of oven. Bake for 4-5 minuets, until puffy and just slightly browned. (If bread is too browned, it will be dry and not pliable).<br />
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6. Remove rack from oven and immediately wrap/layer pita breads in a damp towel, to soften. Continue baking the remaining breads, layering them between damp towels as soon as they're baked. Allow breads to completely cool.<br />
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7. Cut pita breads in half or split the top edge. Fill as desired.<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zlc08DLaFGQ/T_w_2ZX-E5I/AAAAAAAAAF8/H28DQiGD-1M/s640/blogger-image--1673842169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zlc08DLaFGQ/T_w_2ZX-E5I/AAAAAAAAAF8/H28DQiGD-1M/s640/blogger-image--1673842169.jpg" /></a>Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-44854050596377322252012-07-05T08:45:00.000-07:002012-07-05T08:45:08.184-07:00Helping Hands I don't know if anyone else has this problem but I often find it hard to except help from others. I'm not sure why, but I just can't ever seem to bring myself to ask. I think I might be trying to live up to the <b>"Super Mom"</b> stereotype. <b>The truth is I do need help!</b><br />
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I consider myself one lucky woman to have so many people who are willing to aide me in my time of need. For instance, my B.F.F., is always willing to drive down to my house to help my sorry butt out when I need her. Yet, I only seem to ask her to come help when I have to go somewhere and don't want to take children with me. When I'm home and she's here I still try to do too many things at once and don't ask for help even though it's obvious that I need it. So she follows me around asking if I need anything and my answer is "No, I'm good, but thanks though!" <b>How dumb is that?!</b><br />
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Yesterday was the 4th of July and both B.F.F. and my M.I.L. were here. So I had tons of hands to help if I needed it and I still had a hard time asking when I knew that both were ready and willing. Finally, last night, I gave in and let the B.F.F. hold the little guy while I went to use the restroom. I followed that up by letting my M.I.L. take him while I went outside to enjoy the fireworks with the rest of the family. It was so nice to enjoy the rest of the family for awhile :-) After that I followed it up by letting my M.I.L. put my daughter to bed.<br />
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It feels so nice to let the reigns go for awhile. I need to stop and realize that mothers are just regular people too. We need help and can't function on little sleep forever! Sometimes we need to let others give us a helping hand. It doesn't make us less of a good mother but makes us better! Sometimes we all just need a few seconds to ourselves to reorganize our thoughts and to dos. I can say that I felt a lot more relaxed going to bed last night and it made getting up every 2hrs not so bad ;-) <b>Do you have the same problem?</b><br />
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<b>~Jazmin</b><br />
<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-64878238415045568192012-07-01T06:53:00.002-07:002012-07-01T06:53:52.277-07:00Spousal Support Okay okay, I know what you're thinking. Are you getting divorced? The answer is a big <b>NO!</b> What I'm talking about is your spouse supporting you in parenting and all that comes with it.<br />
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I definitely thank my lucky stars that I have such an awesome and supportive husband! While we don't always agree on everything we do try put up an all for one mentality. Meaning around the kids they know that if Mom or Dad give a specific answer then the other will give the same answer. That way there's no confusion on anything. No trying to put one over on either of us...At least that's the idea!<br />
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Also, it's so nice having a husband that's willing to change diapers, feed the little ones, get up with me in the middle of the night, make dinner, help with other household chores, ect... While, I don't always give him credit, I do realize that <b>he is amazing.</b> I'm just so thankful to have such a wonderful man as my husband :-)<br />
<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-87596868411628832012-06-29T07:14:00.001-07:002012-06-29T07:14:36.433-07:00Lost Memories... Well last night didn't go exactly as I hoped. I thought Jaden would be asleep by 10pm because he had been up fussing all afternoon and evening. I figured he was exhausted and there would be no possible way he would be up any later than that. Obviously, <b>I was wrong!</b> <br />
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Poor little guy was so overtired. He kept rubbing his face and his eyes but he just couldn't fall asleep. Mommy was feeling the same way too since I'd been up for a good part of the night before and had started my day around 5am. Long story short Jaden cried and cried because he was tired and since nothing I did (feeding, burping, changing, rocking, holding, ect...) helped I cried with him in frustration.<br />
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Finally around 10:30ish I gave in put him in bed with me and nursed him to sleep lying in bed. It did the trick and we were both out. I woke up around 12am and put him in the co-sleeper and he stayed asleep until 3:50am. <b>Not bad</b>, plus we both needed the sleep! He woke up two more times since but has gone back to sleep without a problem.<br />
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As I sit here writing this blog it just reminds me how important sleep is. I know I can't function mentally or physically well if I don't get enough sleep. Reason for my crying episode last night. Looking back on it I feel silly for crying over him crying but in the moment I couldn't control my emotions. I know this happens to lots of parents out there and I am in no way the first or last that it will happen to. That makes it seem like a right of passage, I guess. I forgot about these sleepless nights since my daughter hasn't been a newborn for 5yrs. Now as I hit a bump in the road those lost memories are slowly coming back to me. <b>I wonder what else I've forgotten?</b><br />
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~JazminJazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-81507359779529947862012-06-28T06:53:00.003-07:002012-06-28T07:09:56.741-07:00Wow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow, I haven't blogged in like forever! Where to begin? Haha... Well I guess I'll start with some exciting news. I am now the mother to my brand new baby boy Jaden <3<br />
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Jaden was born on June 12th and weighed a whopping 11 1/2 lbs... Talk about a buffalo!!! He may be a bit big but he's perfect and all mine to enjoy. So far he has been a pretty good baby. He eats, sleeps and poops just like he's supposed to. However, I wouldn't mind if he slept a bit more at night but what new parent doesn't wish the same?!<br />
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As for home life we're all still trying to settle in to our new roles as a family of 4. I'm trying to figure out how to juggle 2 kids while making sure that I still give plenty of attention to my daughter, Alyssa. I find that it's definitely harder than I thought it would be but not impossible. Everyday is a bit better and I am just trying to take it one day at a time.<br />
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Alyssa on the other hand has had her ups and downs. She loves being a big sister to her new brother but she is very aware that she no longer gets all of her mommy and daddy's attention. It's a hard adjustment for her, to say the least. She's improving though and loves to help hold the baby (assisted of course), feed him a bottle, kiss him and just love on him. Can't really ask for more than that at this point!<br />
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So all in all it has been an eye opening 2 weeks. Everyday I look forward to what tomorrow will bring. I can't wait for the day when Jaden can interact with all of us as a family but for now I'm just going to sit back and enjoy my beautiful baby boy. <b>Kids are only kids once</b> and we all need to remember that! Enjoy the time you have together and be thankful for the gift of life. <b>I know I am!</b><br />
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<b>~Jazmin </b><br />
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<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-84373661203795318982012-02-02T11:14:00.000-08:002012-02-02T11:14:34.490-08:00Teaching In The KitchenSome of my favorite ways to spend time with my daughter is to bring her into the kitchen. I love to cook and consider it to be a dying art. In this world, of convenience and ease, I find that most people I see shopping, at the grocery store, have carts full of microwave meals and over processed items. I refuse to teach my daughter that eating junk everyday is okay and acceptable.<br />
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As a past time I often ask my daughter to help me in the kitchen. She has so much fun helping me measure ingredients, season meat, help with salad making, creating delicious baked goods...etc. I also find that these little projects help to her learn: early math skills, fine motor skills, contributing to our family and are plain ole fun. Here are some pictures of her helping to make blueberry muffins.<br />
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She really enjoys the process of helping to create in the kitchen and that's wonderful. However, I also make sure that she learns about helping to clean up as well. I find that letting her wash dishes with me is another fun activity. She feels like she's getting to do water play and I find that she may not be the best dishwasher but she really does help a lot too. It's a very good way to kill time while the food is cooking or baking as well. By the time we're done we can sit done and enjoy the fruits of our labor.<br />
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Every time I bring my daughter into the kitchen I feel better about her growing up and living on her own. At least I know that she will be able to feed herself well and be healthy in the process! <br />
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<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-53243072246202290292012-01-18T12:42:00.000-08:002012-01-18T12:42:15.738-08:00New Years ResolutionSo for my New Years Resolution I have decided to really take a look at my grocery spending. I am determined to slash the amount I spend and use everything I buy without having to throw it out. I am sadly one of those people who see things, not on the list, and throw them in my cart. This had led to spending more than necessary and more waste.<br />
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So this year I will be documenting all my grocery purchases and evaluating how often I buy items and how much of the items I really use. This will help me to develop a better system of making grocery lists and weekly meal plans (coming soon). I hope this will hold me accountable and keep me on track. Plus, who doesn't want to save more money?<br />
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So here is my latest grocery trip to Costco with a stop at Target on 01-14-12. I will be listing the items and adding the price and amount purchased.<br />
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<u><span style="color: black;">Costco</span></u><br />
Quilted Northern Bathroom Tissue $19.69<br />
Yellow Onions (10lbs) $3.49<br />
Organic Gala Apples (5.5lbs) $7.49<br />
Multi-Grain Cheerios (2pk) $5.69<br />
KS Tortilla Chips (3lbs) $3.59<br />
Veggie Straws (1.25lb) $4.99<br />
KS Orange Juice (1gal) $5.59<br />
Dawn Advance Dish Soap $6.99<br />
Eggs (24ct.) $2.99<br />
Bananas (3lbs) $1.39<br />
Red Seedless Grapes (4lbs) $8.49<br />
6 Demi-Baguettes $4.99<br />
Rotisserie Chicken $4.99<br />
Ground Beef 88% Lean (~6lbs) $17.61<br />
Chuck Steak Asada (~4lbs) $15.81<br />
Pork Loin Chops (9 thick cut chops) $15.88<br />
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Total w/tax $132.15<br />
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<u>Target</u><br />
Hello Kitty Coloring Book<br />
2pk Neutrogena SPF<br />
Oven Off<br />
1 snack cup Fruit Loops <br />
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Total about $25.00<br />
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<br />Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-78559533828996424732011-08-17T19:02:00.000-07:002011-08-17T19:02:45.002-07:00Shopping... So after I dropped off my little one at school I took the opportunity to go do some shopping. I'm not someone who enjoys clothes shopping. But I do have a weakness...<span style="font-size: small;"><b>books!</b></span> What kind of books you ask? Well today it was all about cookbooks.<br />
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Some of you may know that I love to cook and others may just have learned this. I really do pride myself on having a nice home cooked meal on the table at least 5 nights a week and I do not use icky over processed foods either. I love being able to feed my family healthfully and as close to whole as I can get. However, I am not some crazy health obsessed person. I firmly believe in moderation. <br />
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On my shopping list today were slow cooker cookbooks. Where I live it is pretty warm (high 90's) this time of year. So I wanted to be able to make dinner without turning my house into an oven itself. This is where the slow cooker comes in. I can throw my ingredients inside of it in the morning and have a nice dinner ready by dinnertime. <b>No muss no fuss!</b> What mother doesn't love that? As a bonus it barely puts out any extra heat compared to my oven and stove...woohoo!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZdyM2qGyLw/Tkxx9oaaVOI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndQr-leZfrY/s1600/IMG_1453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZdyM2qGyLw/Tkxx9oaaVOI/AAAAAAAAABA/ndQr-leZfrY/s320/IMG_1453.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So tonight I will be going over my books to see what treasures I will find. Who knows I could find a recipe my daughter may actually want to eat for once...lol. I will let you all know if any of these cookbooks is worth its weight. Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5425603881512581730.post-44336114454171720852011-08-16T09:24:00.000-07:002011-08-16T09:53:37.932-07:00Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feK1WH86qnM/TkqgfS8lUbI/AAAAAAAAAA4/se3oFa9iZUQ/s1600/IMG_1447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-feK1WH86qnM/TkqgfS8lUbI/AAAAAAAAAA4/se3oFa9iZUQ/s320/IMG_1447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> So today was the first day back to school for my little girl. I can't believe how fast getting to this point has been. She is now a pre-kindergartner and next year...<b>kindergartner</b>! My mind has been trying to wrap itself around this all day.<br />
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I was extremely nervous as I tried to drink my coffee. I was imagining all kinds of scenarios that could happen when my little one walked into her classroom. Would she cry? Find kids and run off to play? I could only hope for the best as I prepared myself for the worst.<br />
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At 8:15am we had arrived at school. We all were nervous about what awaited. When we walked through the door I could feel my daughter tense and become overwhelmed by all the new faces. We did manage to find her cubbie and put her backpack away without a single tear. Minutes later my daughter spotted two girls playing with trains. She calmly sat down unsure if she would be accepted and you know what? One of the girls said "do you want to play with us?" <b>Yay</b>!!! Suddenly, friends were made and my little one was smiling.<br />
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My husband and I took that as an opportunity to say our goodbyes. We felt good leaving knowing our daughter had found something to do and friends to do it with. I was so thankful that there was a wonderful little girl who had shown my daughter friendship and kindness on her first day. This was by far the best back to school we could have imagined for our little one.<br />
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Jazminhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13438872759266688589noreply@blogger.com0