Adventures of Superfam

Where is fall? Brrrrrrrr

2011-10-02T11:06:00.002-04:00

Ok seriously 40 C with humid ex to now 4 C and rain? I'm confused where did our moderate temps go, ya know like 15C and sun? Oh right.... we are in Ontario so there is nothing moderate about the weather here. Note to self: move to more moderate climate.

I haven't been all that great at meal planning, we are opting for many meals out and unhealthy options lately. New job= later time home= immediate need for food + the need to enjoy whatever daylight we still have when its actually ah em moderate.

Sunday: Ham, Hash brown casserole and carrots (I needed comfort today can you tell?)
Monday: Beef Barley soup and buns
Tuesday: Deli sandwiches, veggie + dip
Wednesday: Leftover pulled pork, buns and coleslaw (5lbs of pulled pork = freezer portions)
Thursday: Chicken stir fry and rice
Friday: Ham + cheese ommelettes
Saturday: dinner with Nana (Frozen shepards pie I think)
Sunday: Thanksgiving and somehow I have to make a cheesecake and a veggie dish... Where is the extra time in a day?
Monday: Corned beef, cabbage and pototoes.

I LOVE FALL FOOD.

Mouth gives Mess a lesson in language

2011-08-28T22:55:00.005-04:00

On a typical day a drive from our house to daycare is approx. 4 min. On that same typical day one of 2 things happen. Two children get buckled in and they chat quietly in their seats and we arrive happy. Or, on most days we are doing the dash and anxiety levels are high and it usually results in 1 or both kids having tantrums in the car because we have left X item inside.

Well... on this occasion we had left X item inside and Super errrrr pressed-for-time mom said we weren't going back in for it. Superkid (also known as Mouth) begins to have a screaming match (and if you didn't know cars are relatively sound proof when all doors and windows are shut).

Mess looks over to Mouth lovingly and says "Shut up" clear as day. The car goes quiet and I think well if that's all it takes to end a tantrum perhaps we should try this route more often, I mean. THAT IS NOT A NICE WORD. Mouth looks over at Tank and states "You can't say those words they are not nice, you can't say shut up, you can't say stupid and you can't say fuck it". *gasp... Yep there ya have it folks these are 3 simple rules of our house and if you adhere to them you will get along fine.

Thank you Mouth for your lessons in language.

Revisiting the quick and easy meals

2011-08-28T11:15:00.002-04:00

So much for being on top of the blog eh? Sorry. Life got a bit crazy. However I am quite convinced my readership is non-existent and the hits from Russia are crazy spies trying to steal my identity. Or not.

A few minor updates, I left my old job, took my new job which also happens to be an old job- ha.

Superkid is 4.5yrs old and starts school NEXT WEEK. Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. All the way along I said I wouldn't be THAT parent who blubbers like a tart the days leading up til their first departure (and so far so good) but I am sure as sure can be that I will be THAT parent who follows the bus to school to ensure she gets off, I will be THAT parent who stops in for random visits and I am sure I will be THAT parent who sits on the parents council. Yep that's me! So now she has thrown a wrench into meal planning because now I have to feed her for lunches, 4yrs of prepared lunches through daycare has not prepared me for independent thought. Crap.

Tank or also known as "Mess" is 2.5 and talking. In fact he is never quiet. If he's not talking, he's screeching at you. He's growing fast that's for sure and lets hope he doesn't attend his first day of school in diapers because potty training is not going very well.

Meal planning has taken a backseat these past few months due to work stress, work change and just all around bored with food. So here goes.

Sunday: Souvlaki with Tzaziki and cucumber salad.

Monday: Quesidillas with salsa and sour cream.

Tuesday: Potato Soup with buns

Wednesday: Caesar wraps with veggies and dip

Thursday: French toast with bacon and fruit salad

Friday: Our favourite panzarotti order out day

Sat-Mon: We will be in our Nation's Capital City doing the tourist thing!!!!

Any tips on balanced day lunches for school that starts the following week? HELP!

HELP US WIN!!!!

2011-04-27T12:59:00.002-04:00

Ok folks....

This is a plea, our local dental office is putting on a contest whereby 1 lucky winner with the cutest kids brushing their teefers will win an iPad 2. I was up for some friendly competition however its gone a little haywire....

So I would be eternally greatful if a) you voted and b) you shared this blog post with your other bloggers and friends to help us win.

Step 1 LIKE Clarence Street Dental fan page

Step 2 LIKE These 2 Cute kids because well... they are cute!

Step 3 SHARE this contest with ANYONE you know that has a spare second to vote!!!!!

Contest is open for voting til May 31, 2011

Thank you in advance!!!!

Oh by the way....

2011-03-06T13:15:00.003-05:00

Remember that lens I said I would take back? Well I didn't. Tee hee.

Can you see why I kept it? I can totally justify keeping it now! Oh AND I came in under budget for my groceries. That is what I call impressive!

Happy Sunday-ing. We are off for a quick getaway to Great Wolf Lodge tomorrow and then back to begin the ~~divorce~~ painting of the entire basement. Benjamin Moore's Piedmont Grey.

Mama goes grocery shoppin'

2011-03-06T00:24:00.002-05:00

It's always a fun event at our house... Ok I loathe grocery shopping. There is nothing I hate more then arriving to my favourite discount grocery store only to find out 3/4 of my sale list is out of stock. All in the name of saving a buck people! I'm trying to be frugal but it irritates me to no end when the chicken breasts a great deal of my 2 wk menu rotation depends on are out of stock (and the stock boy says 'come back Tuesday we should have more'). Dude I work. I work til 4:30 and then I pick up kids. Come back HERE on Tuesday with 2 kids? Mmmm no thanks 24hr Sobeys here I come.

Anyway my plan is to go to said favourite 'No bags and discounted prices' store tomorrow with my fingers crossed to pick up said items required for below menu plan! Feel free to borrow ideas, feel free to copy my plan in its entirety my only requests are: leave a comment to show me some love and track back if you use it in your own blog (oh and if you care to share new tips/ideas please do!).

I plan and shop according to a 2wk period. I also try to pick up at least 1 extra "meat" for a meal so that in case I don't feel like something on this menu at least there is a back up. We always have some soup on hand too!

Sunday: Chicken Stir fry with whole grain rice

Monday: We are off to Great Wolf lodge and packin our meals: Lunch- deli sandwiches, veg and dip, grapes and cantaloupe. That night we will likely venture off site for a meal at Pizza hut! (who can pass up a $35 family meal?).

Tuesday: Breakfast: Yogurt/bagels with cream cheese. Lunch: kolbasa, cheese, crackers w/ apples. Dinner: Tomato soup and tuna melts.

Wednesday: Club quesadillas with veggies and hummus

Thursday: Perogies and salad

Friday: Pulled pork on a kaiser with veggies and dip

Saturday: 20 Clove Chicken with roasted potatoes and roasted carrots

Sunday: Home made big mama feta burgers with salad (and probably chips- baked I hope)

Monday: Ham and Cheese calzones and steamed veggies

Tuesday: It's dance night so E-Z is important: baked beans + toast

Wednesday: spaghetti with meat sauce and garlic bread

Thursday: Sour cream chicken and baked potatoes with broccoli

Friday: Home made pizza w/ ham, mushrooms and pineapple on a whole grain crust

Now the biggest goal: purchase all items on the list for $200 or less. Challenge? yes'm it is. Especially seeing as food prices have gone up yet again and are only going to rise higher in the next few years. Oh but cost of living increases to our salaries? oh right... no.

Ferocious Four?

2011-02-27T14:16:00.005-05:00

Is that what they call it? Because MAN... Superkid sure has a knack for being saucy. I mean really... we were destined for challenges when Superdad and I procreated however no one said "by the way you may want to drive your 4yr old out to a forest and drop them without a map".

So yeah- she turned four! See:

Do you see that smirk? That smirk only arrived at 5:31pm- I do believe it is the smirk of a 13yr old girl trapped in a 4yr olds body. That is the smirk that is going to make me want to go on vacation at multiple points through the year.

I mean I am all for raising a spirited and assertive girl, because that is what the world needs more of but because I too was a spirited and assertive only child female it puts an entirely new set of challenges in our life. Like how to survive til the end of the day without driving out to the forest. She's crazy. I'm crazy. We make a good pair.

Anyhow she went from being this fabulously innocent 3yr old:

To a 4yr old with A LOT of her own opinions and a way with words like this:

My favourite quote of today was Superdad "please don't point your fork at me its very rude and daddy doesn't like that". Superkids retort was "um then look I'll point it at my plate and point point point". Thanks... Sauce. I watch the cogs in motion all day long and try not to laugh at her snarky short responses. I spend a great deal of time hiding behind a cupboard or turning my head to snicker. Oh dear... I fear for her school days ahead. She's either going to be the bully or she's going to be the ridiculed one. I really don't want either of those options but I guess I will have to teach her to be an empathetic ridiculed one. Raising girls is HARD.

Oh and as an update to the voodoo doctor for those who are interested to hear the outcome. Well... in usual Supermom fashion I am awful with follow through. I lasted 4 days on the program FOUR days. You know, when you make things taste like fish coated apples and Jaagermister there's a good chance people will spend the $100 it costs to start a regime and then never follow through just because a) it tastes like ass and b) it requires an organized person and memory to take things like fish oil at random intervals with food throughout the day, then to take the other crap at random intervals without food. So thats how they make their money. So now both Superkid and Tank are getting daily smoothies with fish oil. Hey- if I am going to avoid taking it then at least it won't go to waste!

I bit the bullet....

2011-02-13T18:10:00.002-05:00

And booked an appointment with the Voodoo doctor (read: Naturopath). I have battled monthly psychosis for years and it has only gotten worse since the delivery of The Tank... So I blame him for my monthly woes. I must admit I'm quite the skeptic when it comes to taking a shot if this, chew on a weed of that and jump 6 times when getting out of bed in the morning kinda treatment of all things medical. So I dropped 200 bucks for an hour of time and that is supposed to be the start of all things healthy.

Now I arrived with issues such as irritability, anxiety, moodiness and I was waiting... waiting... waiting... for this miracle worker to come and get me. My appointment was for 2:15pm and I promptly arrived 15min prior to my appointment to fill out the necessary health history and there I waited. So my first impression was not that of one who may rave about pseudo-doctor. So she finally came out, apologized for her tardiness, handed her last patient a container of prosto-ease and sent him packing.

We sat and talked about what ails me and she recorded everything I said on her professional 8x11 blank printer paper and then devised this concoction of junk that I'm supposed to remember to take daily and also record all my eatings for 7 days and come back in 3wks. Uh- ok. So this better work or I'll be ticked that I wasted so much money on said voodoo crap.

Regime:

Omega 3 + Vit D liquid which is supposed to be apple flavoured though really it tastes like day old salmon in a rotting vat of apples. Dose: 2 tsp gagged twice daily.

Vitex tincture which reminds me of jagermeister in my university days only it doesn't result in quite the hangover. Dose: 1 tsp twice daily.

Nervoheel 3-4 times a day and now I'm sure this is just a sugar pill placebo but hey... for 18.99 and relief I'm sure it works wonders on those who believe.

Last but not least the SEED protocol... Whats this you ask? Well its where the big yellow bird in me comes out. Days 1-14 a mixture of Pumpkin and Flax seeds in the amount of 2 TBSP daily and day 15-28 a mixture of sesame and sunflower seeds in the amount of 2 TBSP daily.

There ya have it, the miracle regime that is going to make my monthly woes disappear.

Dun dun duuun duuuuuuun.

Voodooo mooodoooo

January Blah's...

2011-01-30T13:58:00.007-05:00

I'm not feeling the blogging world lately. Not much to report and not a lot of wit these days... Tired, cranky kids and January blah's. Blah.

The Tank has a...

Slight obsession with Thomas (he IS a really useful engine.)

The Tank also really enjoys...

All things electric (he's not at ALL like his Daddy. Nope.)

Its a good thing Superkid likes...

Items of the girly sort...

But its even better when....

The world stops screaming for just one moment, to show their true love for each other (and TV).

A View from the Couch...

2011-01-16T19:54:00.005-05:00

Last night was our first family movie night of 2011. We have made attempts before however someone (over 24months) usually sabotages our plans with refusing to eat dinner (which is a prerequisite for watching a movie in our house).

Anywho- freshly bathed kids, clean pj's, popcorn, rootbeer and Ratatouille. I think they look like they are having fun don't you?

The fact that The Tank sat on the couch is quite amazing I must say as the only time he ever sits for longer then 30 seconds is for Iggle Piggle and food or both. In tonights case it was the popcorn that lured him I'm sure. But he sat none the less!

We don't make a regular habit of snacking on popcorn or rootbeer for that matter but for this night it was a treat and it was fun!

Twins eh?

2011-01-15T13:54:00.005-05:00

They are only 27.5yrs apart... I'd say there is a striking resemblance here...

She even got his fashion sense- eclectic. The good news is she knew enough to put on items with varying shades of pink here.

Superkid and her ability to make you laugh is allllll courtesy of daddy as well.

The only genetic linkage to me would be her natural gift to make every process more difficult due to her ornery nature :P

The Verdict is in....

2011-01-13T11:42:00.002-05:00

On a few things actually I might add.

1. I am returning the lens. Yep I have decided to go with less zoom. I will be trading it for this and callin' it a day. Despite my 'financial responsibility' plan, I did recieve over 50% of the money as gifts for my festivus. So I can rationalize it. Then I sold my 18-55mm (well hopefully did as Superdad is makin' the deal tonight off kijij) and pocketed...errrr... hope to pocket $100 which will put the money towards the new lens. So... really its like I didn't even buy it!

2. I went to the Ear Nose and Throat specialist for myself and well the Doc essentially said GIRL where have you been all my life in the most non-romantic tone ever. He alluded to my tonsils looking a tad like the male anatomy and suggested that (but ultimately its still my call) I take the elective tonsillectomy surgery ASAP. Oh god. Did you know that I have an irrational fear of dying and this doesn't help in the least bit? I looked at the doc and the room was a smidge swirly... I attribute that to my lab coat fear blood pressure and gulped uhhhhh ok. So there you have it. Sometime in Winter/Spring 2011 I will be Supermom - 2 superhuge, cryptic and cavernous chronically infected tonsils. In my mind this elective, voluntary surgery would equate to what at least a 10lb weight loss so it may be win-win!

3. I am sitting at my house awaiting the cable guy. Lets just hope its not Jim Carrey who shows up. This little breaky away from worky has afforded me the opportunity to update you, the opportunity to throw a little diddy into the crock pot and to enjoy a Starbucks coffee in peace! Yeah- be jealous.

Did I mention I have had 3 nights in a row of uninterrupted sleep? Did I Did I Did I?

Oh and did I also mention that Tiny dancer super kid had her 2nd ever dance class and she was a hit? Yeah. Did I also mention that I am NOT your typical dance mom? And that in a weeks time I will be live via Blackberry messanger? Life is good. Smashing one may say!

To keep or not to keep.

2011-01-10T21:39:00.004-05:00

That is still the question.

I slept on it, and I am no more at peace with either decision so I will share with you some of my captures since I brought this baby home last night.

Pros:

clear

crisp

quick

zoom

Cons:

f/stop

weight

cost

Now for the part that matters:

Oh and did I mention my 18-55mm kit lens has miraculously began to work again and that for an entire year I was able to manage just fine on my 50mm f/1.8 lens? But I looooove having the ability to zoom and to take a picture a little closer then I could with my 50mm. But. I hate the weight, its doing some serious triggering of the carpal tunnel. However, that being said have you seen how nice it is? I could get over carpal tunnel right? I'll get used to it right? Like my body will adjust to the weight of it after a few ~~weeks, months~~ years riiiiiiight?

Joinin' in on the blog hop!

2011-01-09T21:35:00.002-05:00

Its ma birthday.January 9th.
I was a very happy mama today, woken up by the sweet sounds of little feeties thwapping into my room to tell me that she had found a present for her and that daddy had gone out for coffee. Huh? My brain was still foggy.
Daddy had gone to get me- the birthday girl a lovely Starbucks treat and sure enough Superkid felt that because it had pink icing and white sprinkles that cupcake was destined to be a shared venture. She got her wish as she always does.
Superdad let me have a day-o-rest. He cleaned up from last nights dinner party, he completed copious amounts of laundry and the folding that comes with! Thank you Superdad that is much more loved then a wrapped box with a gift. But. I do like a good gift.
So with all ma birthday monies I went to Henry's and interviewed a great many lenses and walked out of the store with THIS and now I have an extreme case of buyers remorse. Who can spend that much money on such frivolous objects (especially considering this *sigh).
So tonight over dinner we dined and discussed over mouthwatering ribs and cheesecake. I Supermom agreed to sleep on it (though not literally because ouch... that wouldn't be comfy) and in the morning I will decide if its much too silly for me to keep. I love the speed, I love the colour and crispness of the lens but I despise the weight and gauge of my own personal money I had to put toward it. Perhaps a new outfit would be more frugal and I could keep using the 50mm and 18-55mm lenses I already have.
I will sleep on it.

If I could have Ferber and Karp in the same room....

2011-01-06T22:31:00.005-05:00

How can one get angry at this face? Really.

But oh BOY has he been testing the patience of mine lately. We went from sleeping through the night to up several times a night. I'm sorry what? Dude you are 22months old this mama's body has adjusted to the long stretches of sleep so what gives?

I frantically surf the web every night looking for answers. Answers to why oh WHY is my precious little Tank causing so much disturbance to my REM sleep. Tag lines like: Sleep regression or sleep problems in toddlers or HELP-I-want-to-jump-off-the-nearest-bridge-my-child-won't-sleep run through my search engines like the NASDAQ on trade day. Every perfect parent has ideas and solutions to the frantic and sleep deprived parent questions. Cry it out, pick them up, hug them, feed them, give them a bit of bourbon, throw their crib in the garage. You know... all those ideas that have worked for those ~~really great~~ parents.

Anywho so the night I saw the clock from 2:30am-4:00am I enlisted in the Supermom tactics of a lackluster parent. I mixed Ferber with Karp (*gasp) and threw in a little bootcamp Mama. It was not the shining moment in my career as a mom. As I threw back the covers, said some choice words each time I had to go into the Tanks room. I raised my voice out of frustration and I hugged him when I felt bad. That night I realized that those books are ~~garbage~~ really good sources of information in which I can say DUDE you don't have a child like mine do you?

Anyhow- he's cute, he's funny and most of all he makes my heart smile every time I hear that little Tank of mine say "Piggle" or "I-want-that".

From this

to this

Now really- could you get mad at that? His chubby little face just screams trouble! I will say it again. Its a damn good thing he's cute!

I'll have 2 Venti Peppermint Mocha's please.

2011-01-01T13:29:00.003-05:00

That will be $11.13- what? Shut up. When did 2 coffee's equal the same amount as 2 McDeal's at McD's? Oh right, when we started paying attention to our budget and drinking $0.00 home brew (which has slightly increased to approx 0.64 cents per cup of java due to my new baby Breville Keurig).

So this year is all about the budget. 2011 will be the year that we get smart. Both Superdad and I have been quite blind to spending for the past 4yrs and its caught up finally, not in the way you scream OMG we are going to lose everything though so relax mom. This year will be about making responsible decisions and not just getting what we want because we want it. 2011 will be about actually creating savings, sticking to a plan and moving towards goals.

We already made a good choice by cancelling our trip to Florida. Superfam was going to drive the 2000 miles to visit Grandpa in Orlando and maybe do a few days at Magic Kingdom. It definitely sucked having to make that decision to not go but in the end it would be more financially responsible. Our thoughts were if we are going to do Disney in 2013 then why do a 'budget' trip now?

Remember last year when I was all about the 'craft' and the lovey crap? Well its time to get my head out of the clouds and make some realistic financial goals that we hope to achieve by 2012. The Superfam wants to go on a real vacation. One where we pack a few suitcases, get on a plane and stay in a hotel. We could drive but it would be at least a 21hr drive. That's right we want to do DISNEY. Between now and the end of 2012 we plan on saving enough money to pay for a trip to Disney in cash. We also plan to have paid off existing debts save for mortgage and start working on the things we would like to complete in our home.

First thing first:
1. Vacation for the family (it will be our first ever trip too!)
2. Replace carpet in our upper bedrooms because by the time we can do this without borrowed money kids will be over that stoop and poop syndrome called Potty learning.
3. Renovate our sad counter space-less kitchen and replace the appliances
4. Backyard overhaul (whereby we may actually consider an on ground/above ground pool)- these are goals remember not set in stone.

So now its about putting a plan into action. Time to set our appointment with our bank to start our fresh new ideas and get what we want!

A Year in Review 2010

2010-12-31T22:20:00.017-05:00

In honour of 2010 I figured what better then a photo year in review? So without further adieu

January 2010

Don't they look like babies? Wait til you see December 2010 the morph from babies to children is insanity! Oh and for info sake- the shiner the Tank is supporting is the first of many in his journey to bipedal.

(I couldn't find a more sad photo of him this is to draw you in, I think if I had a donate money button you may click just for the mere fact that you feel sad for this face.)

February 2010

Superkid turned 3 and we were able to utilize the Frosty Fest backdrop as her party scene. Old Fashioned skatin' and hot chocolate were all that was needed to put a glorious smile on a little girls face. 3 also marked the year she received her very first locket from Superdad. I don't know who was more proud- Supermom, Superdad or Superkid. There may have been a tear (or 2).

March 2010

Superkids first Disney on Ice experience; The Tank turned ONE. *gasp! and he ate cake, ohh did he ever eat cake. The Superfam also partook in a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for the first time ever. We had a blast, though Tank really challenged us in the sleep department as well as Superkid's superability to ruin a good thing by turbo-puking EVERYWHERE at the most inopportune time (read: down Superdad's back at a restaurant before arriving at our mini-vacation destination).

I took a quick opportunity to try and sneak a quick photoshoot of my Grandma with the kids. Cooperation is not their forte.

April 2010

Spring air brought us a new cousin, and Easter egg hunts and cake pops!!

May 2010

Tank's first hair cut, abnormally warm temperatures and happy to be free of coats and boot kids playing outdoors. We Ontario folks typically look forward to the less clothing required seasons but this was ridiculous to be wearing tank top dresses and shorts before the end of May. You can't even blame this on El Nino, its all global warming baby.

June 2010

Happy Father's day to Superdad! He enjoyed his very own coffee mug (that I still use when he's not looking because I admit- I love a good mug) and his newest audio toy pictured below. Trying to snap photos of the Supersibs is getting more and more difficult with the amount of movement the Tank insists on. Even with the perk of a DSLR I am still left with garbage shots because of his new found quick actions.

July 2010

With Supermom back to work at the end of April there was no vacation time to be had so we enjoyed hangin around the house and trying to stay cool in the ungodly temperatures, a quick trip to African Lion Safari was enjoyed on one of our many weekend adventures.

August 2010

A neighbourly trip to Marineland, desperately trying not to melt, growing my new front garden coupled with my love of ornamental grasses and watching the kids grow into who they are today!

September 2010

Our master bedroom and lower bathroom finally got their facelifts, Superfam took another trip to Great Wolf Lodge sans photo evidence and our usual trip to Parry Sound was cancelled due to abnormally cold and rainy weather.

October 2010

We're gettin' there, are your eyes bleeding yet from all this cuteness? Are you paying close attention to Superkid and Tanks morphing? Do it- scroll alllllll the way up and compare, did ya see it? Are you doing what I'm doing? *GASP. It just seems impossible to go from that to THIS.

Superfam celebrated October 2010 by fall family pics, fall trips to pumpkin patches, walk through Apps Mill and our favourite HALLOWEEN!

November 2010

November brought Christmas preparations and a superfantastic Sleigh ride to see Santa and Mrs. Claus. Superfam went to Santa Town and boy was this a hit for Superkid this year! She truly understood the magic of Santa this year and it was fun to see that magic come alive through her eyes.

December 2010

Santa has come and gone! 2011 is so close I can taste it. Here's to a fantastic year full of health, love and success. 2010 was a good year and we are hoping 2011 is great! The past 12 months have been filled with so much growth and love its amazing to watch just how much change Superkid and Tank have gone through. I cannot wait to see what 2011 brings for these two nuts!

Gadzooks it is possible

2010-11-28T13:28:00.002-05:00

Just when I thought grocery shopping for a family of four for two weeks under $200 was impossible the possible happened! 14 days of meals with room to spare for $184. Now we aren't eating prime rib or caviar here but we eat just fine as my hips would clearly give you enough evidence to suggest that we get by just fine.

Anywho here it is for your viewing pleasure!

Sunday- stuffed peppers with whole grain rice, whole grain Italian loaf and ginger cookies

Monday- Mexican crock pot chicken w/ whole grain rice (made Sunday) and pudding- after all we are kids at heart.

Tuesday- Shake and bake pork chops, baked potatoes, broccoli and apple sauce for desert.

Wednesday- Spaghetti & garlic toast

Thursday- Tomato soup (its a weekly staple here), tuna melts, fruit salad

Friday- Home made whole grain pizza and salad and pudding

Saturday- Home made chicken fingers with Sweet potato fries and ginger cookies

Sunday- Pirogies with onions and bacon, mixed veggies and apple sauce

Monday- home made mac'n'cheese, green beans

Tuesday- Honey dijon chicken, potatoes and peas

Wednesday- Soup & sandwiches

Thursday- Loaded potato soup with Italian bread.

4 medium Potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup chopped Onion
1 small Carrot, chopped
1/4 cup chopped Celery
1 1/2 cups Chicken Broth
3 tablespoons Butter, cubed
3 tablespoons Flour
2 1/2 cups Milk
1 tablespoon Parsley
3/4 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
1 cup shredded Cheese

Add bacon or ham if you wish

Tip: double recipe as its a family fav!

Preparation:

In saucepan, combine potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, and broth. Bring to boil, reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes. Lightly mash. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, melt butter, stiri n flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir into potato mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Add parsley, salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Stir in cheese until melted

Friday- Pancakes & bacon (who doesn't love a little breaky for din din? Heck we may even throw in some chocolate chips just to be bad)

Saturday- BIG family dinner for all December babies so we are ordering Nona's lasagna for this shin dig!

Sunday- Grocery day!

Joy and Magic

2010-11-27T22:01:00.005-05:00

Today was a first glimpse of the future for us Superfam. I realized today that we have had it pretty simple up until this morning. It was our challenge to get up, get ready and get out the door for Swimming lessons and then to haul the fam to Christmas Town. This is a lofty goal at the best of times but to do more then one event in one day is like a kamikaze mission for me (I only claim the title Supermom, I don't actually believe I have any time saving superpowers).

The day went like this:

Wake up, bust butts to get shower, get dressed x 4 and eat x 4
Pack bags, make lunches x 2
Install carseats x 2
Pack car
Check car
Nag nag nag to get a certain ah hem Superdad moving
Re-check car
Realize Camera is not packed
Drive x 4 across town for swimming lessons
Drop x 2 off at lessons, take x 1 to bank and coffee shop for Superparent lunch (java is important whilst travelling).
Pick up x 2 from swimming, dry hair thoroughly
Install x 2 into car and feed
Drive 1hr through winter wonderland and grip door and center console and pray
Arrive to a Magical Christmas Town
Watch the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child

PRICELESS

Fall 2010

2010-11-23T10:23:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Bunch-o-nuts

2010-11-22T22:07:00.003-05:00

I *heart faces.

Tummy Rumblings and other things

2010-11-21T12:05:00.002-05:00

So between copious amounts of laundry and cuddling two sick kids who have decided that displaying the contents of their stomach is a great add to our weekly routine and putting in my 33.75hrs at work I managed to squeeze out a meal plan for the week!

Superdad and I both recognized about a month ago that we were throwing money away by grocery shopping AND picking up take out and from package to table meals. So it was my goal to cut the budget by half and create a kid friendly, healthy and easily prepared meal plan. Off I set during a *ahem quiet day (not, not at work) with a blank calendar and the interwebs. So often our family gets into a rut where we eat the same familiar things and we all complain about the not so favourite meals.

I planned for two months in advance and every two weeks I would sit down with my menu and create our grocery list in and itemized manner and set out with my enviro-unfriendly plastic shopping bags from the months before where I spent .05 cents per gag in my non-frugal haste (I readily enjoy going to a store with a competitors bag and get in line in front of the crunchy-granola-mom-with-her-organic-spun-in-her-own-home-cotton-dyed-with-organic-carrot-juice-sewn-by-her-love-grocery-bags I feel the burn of her scowl in the back of my head- sorry if you are reading, I do try to be that mom but its a standard I'm not sure I can live up to) Anywho our little system appears to be working and I'm amazed how two weeks worth of meals can last as long as they do! Leftovers for lunch saves both Superdad and I a boatload too by not having to buy lunches out!

This week's plan goes as follows:

Sunday- Roasted free range chicken, mashed potatoes (reserve leftovers), broccoli and Mmmmm Apple Crisp.

Monday- Shepards pie (utilizing lefotver mashed and gravy).

Tuesday- Chicken Divan (utilizing leftover broccoli and chicken)

Wednesday- Tomato soup and Tuna melts

Thursday- Homemade Mac and Cheese and salad

Friday- Perogies w/ bacon & onions and corn

Saturday- Home made pizza with salad

Sunday- Lasagna

Off to start Superkid and Tank's lunch! Feel free to link to your meal plans and tips!

What I have learned

2010-11-17T20:00:00.005-05:00

In three years of marriage.

... there is no such thing as perfection. Heck there isn't even such thing as a mid point. Every day is a work in progress. Learning to forget expectations and moving past the belief that if you do something for 21 days it is supposed to create a habit are keys to success. Clearly 21 days of beating the proverbial dead horse on how to clean the spitties off my sink does nothing for habits.

... it doesn't matter if you are wearing circa 2005 granny panties, or the black lacy skivvies its all sexy to your hubby with 2 small children who suck every ounce of energy out of you on a daily basis, even if you have only spent a grand total of 4.5 waking hours with them.

... both members of a partnership stink when they fart. Yep- its true. You don't enter a relationship with non smelling gas you just hide it well.

... toilet paper over or under is the least of your worries. Pick battles and move on, quite honestly we could all take a little lesson to 'not sweat the small stuff'.

... no matter how annoying it sounds always say I love you. Everyone needs to hear it- daily, hourly, whenever you feel the need to say it, say it.

... communication is not something you come by naturally. Sure it's easy to have a small talk convo with your neighbour Bob, but to actually have it make any meaning to one another you need to hone in those skills by practicing daily. So many things get in the way of daily lives (ie: computer time) we rarely spend time in plain human conversation so then we again (refer to #1) expect our partners to just get it and then throw a 3 year old hissy when they don't get it... Counterproductive to learning how to understand I do believe.

... you need 2 TV's. Well you don't, but when you have a hubby that is addicted to video games and shows that you don't appreciate why argue settle it with an even bigger and nicer TV. Ok or even a 19" screen will do, heck I'd even settle for a TV with cable at this point. Hence so many blog posts in 1 24hr period.

... wear ear plugs those little orange foamy chunks of wonder are a life saver in this house. "go get help for your snoring" just ain't gonna happen. I have since learned to just ram one of those ear plugs in, roll over and pray I hear the bad guy coming in to steal my worldly goods.

Yep those are my lessons thus far, there are so many more I'm sure and here's to the up and coming years where we muddle through marriage learning how not to kill each other on the way.

Happy Anniversary babe- I truly hope your smile is as big as it was on our wedding day in the years to come.
XOXO

Top 10 List

2010-11-17T15:36:00.002-05:00

10. Snuggling on the couch in our comfies
9. First morning smiles
8. Coffee
7. Tiny toes running through the house
6. Sears Wish Book
5. Anniversary Flowers
4. Take out dinner once kids are fed
3. Warm chocolate chip cookies
2. Comfy sheets and a warm duvet cover
1. FAMILY.

The Tank's first year

2010-11-17T12:10:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

New look!

2010-11-17T11:40:00.002-05:00

Neglected.

I have been sooooooo neglectful. It seems as though life has been in a time warp and we've been on auto pilot.

Fast update:
Superkid is almost 4
Tank is nearly 20months
It is our 3rd Wedding Annivesary- yeah. Your math is right.
I am working and things are C-R-A-Z-Y

I often think about blogging and wonder do I have the time, can I make the time and even more so I often think about things to write and then I forget.

Superkid took it upon herself to throw up in her sleeve when I was dropping her off at daycare today so here we are huddled up on this cold blech day watching TV and having some mom and Superkid time. Tank and I had the opportunity to stay home on Monday together from this same stomach content producing virus so here we relax. Sometimes kind of nice to just enjoy a down day!

Updated pictures are to your right! More to come later.

Oh, hey... yeah here we are.

2010-02-26T14:38:00.005-05:00

"Can I come out?"
"no"
"why"
"because it's naptime"
"but I'm not napping"
"see you in 20min"
"why"
....

Yeah... breaks? what are those? Between refereeing a 3yr old and a nearly 1yr old and trying to coordinate naps and trying to get on some sort of routine in this house, I have again neglected my blogging.

"Mommy?"
"Maya not right now"

Sorry... she's just clearly not allowing me to commit to my blogging. How do people like MckMama have time to do this with more then 4 kids and counting? Hats off to you!!!!

Superkid is 3. SUPERKID IS THREE????? Wait one second. I just said that out loud. HOW IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE? 3, trois, tres, three, III, it doesn't matter how I type it the actual fact that three years have passed since we brought her home from the hospital it just doesn't seem possible.

LOOK see?

Impossible.

She does NOT look 3 to you now does she?

Thanks to Brandee I am an award winner- who knew? Not me!!! So the rule is 7 things you don't know about me and then pass it on. Here goes :)

1. I struggle with social anxieties and seek approval from people I am close to. I hate when people are angry at me, but I like a good argument.

2. I am addicted to Starbucks coffee mistos 3 pumps mocha 3 pumps peppermint. The girls at Starbucks see me coming and start on my order, I am THAT addicted.

3. We are done having babies. My heart and emotions would love more, but I am physically tapped out on having babies. Surviving three years of Superkid Ha! is enough to permanently tie my own tubes just from trying to accomplish a simple naptime.

4. I used to be organized. Somehow since the Tank arrived I have become the most scatterbrained, unorganized, overwhelmed by sensory overload mom. I don't know how it happened but the task of organizing the kids play area is daunting and I'd rather just ignore that it needs to be done.

5. I lack the ability to remain focussed on hobbies, clearly demonstrated by my crafting skills. I start out with great intentions and then I just leave it. I have a long 'to do' list.

6. I love nursing despite the challenges we have had and the fact that probably most people would have thought we'd have given up a long time ago. I never thought I could love it, but now the thought of stopping and returning to work is making me sad.

7. I hate being late. I would rather be 1hr early then 5min late. Leaving the driveway with a truck full of kids and Superdad especially not on time sends me into a tizzy. I need to learn to relax and even Superdad would admit this would be my greatest goal in life. Relaxation.

There you have 7 things you may not know about me :)

Now its your turn:

1. Jen
2. Dave
3. Stacey'
4. Kayla
5. Kristina

I am not NOT turning 31 today.

2010-01-09T15:06:00.006-05:00

For scores and 31 years ago... a baby girl was born. Yup, that baby girl was me. 5lb 13oz of pure extroverted stubbornness. I think you would agree right mom? Right dad? Anyway... To celebrate such an occasion Superdad and I are going out on our first solo overnight in over 9 months. The Tank has not gone to bed without nursing, so we'll see how he fares. Nana is loaded with 2 different bottles and nipples, a sippy cup, breast milk in a bag and a few cans of ready to pour formula. She also has several pots of yogurt in case he needs something to keep him full. Please Tank please be a good boy so we can do this again ok sweetheart?

Superdad took a weeks vacation and I thought we would do fun stuff but really we used the time to get the house stuff accomplished. 2 new faucets, knobs, bookshelf and curtains later it feels a little more complete in the house. I had to point out to Superdad that we didn't even get upset with each other the entire vacation, its amazing how a little family time and having meal times at normal hours all together how it can get us back to US. We are praying 2010 means positive changes and new adventures for us.

I can honestly say I am dedicated to the 2010 goals. First up on the list of accomplishments was to get crafty. I think I am gettin it! What do you think? Kim if you are reading that frame is headed your way as a thank you for sending the Ergo sucking straps. Now to decide if I will take a sewing course or a photography course.

OH and how can I almost forget, over at MckMama Smallfry got a hair cut so it got me thinking... perhaps Superkid needed a new 'do'. Well here it is! Her ringlets were cut off and now she has a super cute 'bob' style, oh and her curls returned after last nights bath. She's one lucky kid to have such a versatile head of hair.

It's a what?

2010-01-03T22:33:00.003-05:00

A dog hat? Ok but why? cuz his incredibly small brain would get cold? The last I checked having a dog that small is not going to be saved by a crocheted hat in minus 40 below weather. Really... again, I have this thing when it comes to dogs wearing clothes. Sorry.

Anyway... I have decided that I am going to start a new tactic with Superkid and her tantrums. I have this Carlton emoticon on my MSN that makes me really laugh out loud for a ridiculous long time every time I see it. So being that Superkid is like my personality twin perhaps it will make her pee her pants laughing when she's screaming "I WANT MY SOODER" from the top of her lungs to see ME dance like none other then Carlton Banks. I think it would work- no?

Anyway, The Tank who is now 9months old *sniff has decided the land of immobility is for babies and has decided that speed crawling over night is the cool thing to do. He hauls around where ever he is at light speed and pulls up on things and yanks on stuff he's not supposed to touch ie: laptop cord, otherwise known as mommy's umbilicus. He's ruthless. He's cut a tooth, he no longer is content with just being. He is allllllll about discovery, no more lazy days we are on baby proof duty. So we can now check off a few more things on his developmental task sheet, he just started out slow, now he's taking off.

Happy New Year and all that jazz. We rang it in here at home. I must say it was fantastic to not have to travel anywhere. Hugs to those we didn't get to see as usually we ring it in with the Brampton crew (xoxo we missed you), but we were able to have our neighbours over and another couple friend of ours. It was great, drinks, panzarottis and sleeping babies. Two kids who hung out watching DVD's all night. Who could ask for anymore then just that?

Superdad is on vacation so we are knocking down the 'honey do' list I hope, and a trip to Ikea for some room revival for The Tank's unfinished, mediocre room. Poor kid really got the shaft, first no newspaper announcement, then no brag book for Grandparents (again I'm sorry), and now a room full of un-matched, handmedown items. He's a guy though, so I really hope there is no resentment in the future. Guys don't hold grudges do they? Really- does he look like he's packin' a grudge? Ok... maybe... a little.

Here comes Twenty-Ten

2009-12-30T15:17:00.005-05:00

I remember being a kid and thinking what the world would be like in 2010. Twenty-Ten... that just sounds cool. I imagined hovercraft cars, air highways, virtual reality cooking. I hate science fiction but I had a great imagination for a kid. I thought anyway.

So, what will 2010 bring for us? A continuation of raising two amazing children, a return to the working world, home renos, and learning to love the life we have. Resolutions you ask? I don't make them. But this year, I have compiled a list of things I aim for.

1. Love my husband despite his quarks, faults, snoring and smells. So often we get caught up in the things that we 'hate' about each other. I don't mean like hate as in divorce hate. I mean like hate as in O-M-G if you do that one more time I may erupt the She-demon.

2. Love myself. This is always a work in progress. I am always looking over the fence and seeing things I'd love to do/have/see. I'm the first person to jump at comparisons between us and them. I think Twenty-Ten is going to teach me to look at myself inside and out and say I am an amazing person and that will in turn only bring wondrous moments for the Superfam.

3. Love my children. I always do, but I'll love them MORE. Is that possible? I hope so cuz I am going to do it. LOOK OUT children you will be loved more then you can ever imagine. I'll take that moment as I'm trying to brush my teeth to repair Cinderella's crown, or when the Tank cries I'll pick him up and cuddle him for 20 seconds longer. So many people say "you must train them to do this". Sure... but training can wait, LOVE always comes first. Hugs, kisses, cuddles and joy that is going to make the difference in my children's lives, not teaching them to self soothe by crying it out, or getting angry when Superkid refuses to go to bed.

4. I will be C-R-A-F-T-Y. Yep, there I said it. You know the seen in The Birdcage where the guy says I have always wanted to be a Dancer? Well change that to me standing in my crafty kitchen proclaiming Twenty-ten to be the year that I SUPERMOM learn to be crafty. I have a few projects thanks to other bloggin mama's like Mckmama and this girl AND Bakerella. Not to mention I WILL enroll in an 8 week photography course no matter how basic it may be, it will always increase my skills, and I might even take a sewing course *gasp.

5. I will be grateful. I will be grateful for what we have. I don't think this one needs s'plainin' eh?

6. I will eat healthier and exercise more. Kinda goes hand in hand with loving myself but it needs its own number don't you think?

7. WE will start saving for a big family vacation. Destination unknown but sometime in the next 2yrs we would like to go somewhere interesting, fun and family friendly. Suggestions are always welcome. Unless you say Disney and well... That is for Year 8 and Year 10 respectively for our kidlets.

8. We will take time. Take time to enjoy everything there is to enjoy about life. Twenty-Ten will be a year of greatness, however, as any year there is always the chance of tradgedy, chaos, sadness. So... to prepare for anything, we will take time to love the ones around us, enjoy every second. When Superkid or Tank smile, we will stop, snap that moment with our brain cameras, store the memory and appreciate. Don't you wish YOU too had a camera in your eyes? For those moments you just don't have time to grab the camera to remember? We had one of those moments last night. Superkid and I were lazing on our bed, Tank was also with us. Superkid thought it would be a great time to burst out into song to teach Tank about the joys of singing. We had a schoolgirl giggle fest, wiggled our tushes and when Superdad got home he must have thought we were headed straight for the Looneybin. But we appreciate these moments.

Comments

2009-12-23T11:34:00.004-05:00

Ok so if you read, please click on the 'comments' linky at the bottom right corner of each post and leave the Superfam a message. I just like to know who's surfin' around learning new things about the Superfam. If you have problems leaving comments let me know and I can give you a tutorial :P

2 more sleeps 2 MORE SLEEPS DID I SAY TWO MORE SLEEPS? Because... you know... if you didn't already know SANTA ARRIVES IN TWO MORE SLEEPS. We have one supercited nearly 3yr old. She was convinced last night that Santa (who appeared at Superdad's area Christmas get together) was meeting us in the truck to come home with us. She was so shocked to open a gift from Santa that she has been wishing for months (Princess Ariel baby doll.....)This year is a big year for her. The moment she realizes that the Santa spirit is alive. We can hardly wait.

I know that there will be a few hours of lost sleep on Christmas Eve. Both Superdad and myself require tranquilizers to sleep on this night... Add a very excited preschooler to the mix and lordy lord we could have ourselves a festive anxiety party at 3am.

2009: A Year in Review

2009-12-22T12:03:00.013-05:00

Can you believe that its Dec 22nd and we have green grasses? I am seriously trying to get into the Festive spirit but it just doesn't seem like its year end. 2009 was filled with lots of exciting things for the James Crew:

Jan 2009- Supermom turned 30, yes thats right... 30 and pregnant F-U-N

Feb 2009- Superkid turned 2 gadzooks is that even possible? She still looks like a baby to me.

Mar 2009- The Tank arrived!

April 2009- We celebrated Easter as a family of four, and continued to survive the first 6 weeks of parenting 2 kids.

May 2009- Life is getting cramped at 126 Chestnut... The hunt started for a new house. 2 small children, a dog and Superparents living in a 2 bedroom 780 square foot bungalow was beginning to feel a lot like living in a submarine... Supermom was slowly being taken over by Supercrab.

June 2009- Slowly the house is being transformed into a house we love again, sadly we are too big for it now and must move on... The Tank turned purple, and Superkid enjoyed a trip to the Petting zoo...

July 2009- We said goodbye to our pal Phoenix, which was probably one of the toughest decisions we have had to make thus far. The house was ready to sell, and sold in 4 days... WOOHOO we bought our next house and the deal was we had to be out in 30 days... *gulp. Let the packin begin.

August 2009- And we are IN... Breathe in... breathe out... Do you feel that? That is relief and me, Supermom running laps in our new oversized space!!! Oh the glory, we can relax in the hot tub and enjoy our neighbours FINALLY. What would a long weekend be without a trip to the trailer? Parry Sound or Bust. We spent an extra long weekend up at the trailer it was just perfect.

September 2009- 6months???? excuse me???? The Tank is no longer a newborn... He's a full on rolly chubby baby and Superkid? she's 2.5yrs old... Not such a baby anymore. Where is time going? I swear Tank was just born.

October 2009- October brought Halloween and fun fall weather complete with a trip to the Punkin patch. We completed Superkid's big girl room and the upper level painting is complete... Now onto the rest of the house. Did I ever tell you we HATE painting?

November 2009- The Superfam continued to enjoy all the wonderful fall weather.

December 2009- Christmas prep, family get togethers, Holiday cheer. The Tank is now weighing in at a measly 21.9lbs and 29 inches long... I think he'll be larger then SuperKid at 1yr then she is at 3yrs old hahaha.

2009 was a GREAT year, lets hope it continues into 2010. Merry Christmas to everyone and The Superfam hopes that Santa is good to all and wishing everyone peace, love and happiness into the up and coming new year.

XOXO
SuperMom, SuperDad
SuperKid and The Tank.

Christmas whaaaa?

2009-12-21T15:34:00.004-05:00

Ok when its +2 C out how do you expect me to get into the Christmas spirit? Impossible. I had to chuckle I took Superkid to see Disney's newest Princess and the Frog. Prior to the movie starting there is a little 'Holiday wishes' segment as part of the Cineplex preshow. One of the questions was "What is your favourite holiday movie?" The answers were all Christmas related. Not one person was allowed to wish anyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS it was all Happy Holidays yet their favourite movies surrounded Christmas.... Hmmmmm... MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE, I refuse to subscribe to the PC line of "Happy Holidays" to anyone. Pffft on that.

Superkid managed to sit through most of her first big screen experience and the Tank survived a nap without having the mama around to help him get to sleep. YAY. So it is possible to have him fall asleep sans breast. Hip hip horray. Next challenge- bedtime without mama... I will make it to the Holiday party. My 31st birthday will not be ruined by a) an Enterprise 'Holiday' party or b) a 9month old dictator. Nope nope it wont. Last year my 30th was not as fun as it could be due to the preggo factor but also due to the snow factor. So this year I am going to MAKE it to the Holiday party and have some festive cheer ;)

Was goofing around with our camera the other night, a friend of mine taught me the 'bokah effect' and here is my attempt at getting it on camera.

Oh and speaking of Christmas... Superkid and Tank hopped on santa's knee the other day... It was fun for Superkid not so fun for Tank...

What's in your toolbox?

2009-12-11T21:57:00.002-05:00

Ok so when the Tank first came home I was armed with various things that would soothe him when he was tired, grumpy, bored, or hungry. I had my super swaddle technique, I had the soother, I had my boob, a vibrating bassinet, I had a swing, a bouncy seat, and a warm pack for his tummy. Then it all changed.

I now have a boob and an aquarium entertainer el crappo on the side of his crib. Several weeks ago Tank decided to get sick. I knew it was inevitable that he would get sick but MAN... he got so sick he couldn't breathe and suck at the same time no matter how much saline we squirted, how elevated his crib was, how moist his room was, and how much we slathered him with baby vaporub. He could not breathe. At all. So the first night he slept in bed with me, while Superdad slept in the office. I think I saw every 20min from 11pm-9am to replace that lovely peice of plastic to his mouth. Night number 2 of this ebola virus I said enough of that crap and we stole his soother from him and MY tool box. On that very same night we said well if he's gonna lose his soother we might as well unswaddle him....

A few nights of some tears and he was broken of his soother and swaddle addiction, however, that left us with NOTHING to help him calm down except boob. So my smart little genius learned very quickly to fall asleep every time I nursed him for naps and bedtime. I didn't clue in til a few weeks ago that he was totally using ME as a soother... So here we are today teaching the guy to fall asleep on his own.

Did you know this is not an easy feat? Seriously... I think it may be easier to train a dog to do their business outside. All I can say is that after a few failed nap attempts today I am exhausted and of course he fell asleep while nursing away tonight before bed. With his eyes open I might add.

So here we are parenting without any tools in our toolbox! I must say you can't be lazy when you have no tools. Soothers and swaddles made life so much easier.

I saw a snow flurry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-07T13:20:00.002-05:00

Ok I hate winter. In fact I hate everything to do with winter ESPECIALLY when you have 2 children to bundle up, get safely into car seats and slush on the back of my car seats. Yup- I am not a winter lover. I am a lover of all things easy, so spring and fall are my favs, no messy boots, no thick coats and no prolonged departures because your nearly 3yr old decides that mittens are for losers, and your 8mnth old refuses to keep a hat on his head.

BUT... Christmas cannot come unless there is snow. Its not spirity if there is no White Christmas. So today I did a little snow dance and Brantford produced a snow flurry. Perhaps if we all danced around our living rooms with our kids we will have a snow storm, but if you can make sure you don't do this dance until Dec 23rd that would be great. Thanks.

I asked Superkid what Santa was bringing her for Christmas and she is adamant that the jolly fat guy is going to put a 'pwincess com-puuuu-tor' under the tree and a 'pwincess tower'. She even informed me that Santa would bring Nolan 'a big truck, toys and a cracker'. Cracker? really? interesting. I guess I should bundle the 2 up and take them for their first Santa visit ever. Yup I have a nearly 3 yr old who's never been to see Santa. Something about a kid sitting on a strangers lap that gives me the heebees.

Anyway the festive season is upon us and its time to get in the spirit of giving. Time to pack up the toys we don't play with and donate them to someone who could use them that is my project this afternoon!!!

I accept I ACCEPT I ACCCCCCCEPT

2009-12-03T20:55:00.002-05:00

That is me wrestling the other girl running for my 'Mom of the year' award. Remember when I said I am a much better mom on daycare days? Well, I think that could be said for Tank too... Perhaps daycare would wipe him better, or maybe even notice the bright red horrible skin fold rash that developed I swear in less then 24hrs. Just call me neglecto-mom...

See... and I don't mean to blame it on anyone else but damn that kid is always just too happy to be breathing that we'd never know that anything is actually wrong. EVER. Every morning he greets me with the same amazed look on his face; the look of GAD ZOOKS I made it through another night? Then he smiles and flails his arms in excitement (probably much like a kid jumping up and down when they see Supermom pulling out the ice cream for breakfast). God I love that kid.

Ramblings from the backseat

2009-12-03T10:53:00.001-05:00

Superkid... ohhhhh superkid. It was one of those daycare mornings where I silently jumped with glee as I drove out of the daycare parking lot. Rainy icky day + Super kid just equate to a giant disaster of a parenting day. So I happily walked her to her class, leaned down for a kiss and said good bye. She ran in with excitement, latched onto her BFF and started her day.

I'm a great mom on daycare days. I'm an even better mom when I'm back to work fulltime. No joke I'm serious. I was never the girl who dreamed of cooking at the stove in heels and happily slugging a newborn over one shoulder while making home made play dough with my free hand. Nope. not I. I am the mom who takes quality time over quantity. Perhaps if Superkid had a more easy going temperament maybe then I'd be more willing to be June Cleaver but I hardly doubt that.

I think it all goes back to the fact that if I want something done I'll get someone else to do it. Lazy? no. Resourceful? yes. So anyway the point of this post. Ornary superkid wakes up and refuses to pretty much do anything I ask her to do, so there was a reward on this blustery morning if she could eat her yogurt, take her vits and drink her juice. A token economy if you will... *gasp. Yes I paid my daughter with a Hershey's kiss to eat her damn breakfast. There. I said it. I DID. You wanna know the funny part? 30sec into throwing that delicious treat into her mouth she said "Ewwww mommy this is yucky and it smells funny" (my sensory kid is really affected by smells these days, including nasty mommy breath after a cuppa). Anyway she spit it out, threw on her shoes and coat and she was off for the day. So I guess her home made Advent calendar with Hershey treats is allllllllllllll mine, errr ok fine I'll replace the treats with something she likes (maybe).

Car ride to school is no different then the usual car ride- stop here, go now, this way, no that way. However, today she decided that I was to stop for "Ariel" the shrunken Mermaid who apparently was in the grass. At a red light my loving nearly 3yr old scooped up her "Ariel" (from her car seat I might add) and proceeded to give her some trouble. "I said come here, 1...2....3.... ok Time OUT I said". She's always disciplining her imaginary beings... Maybe I should lighten up- or go back to work *snicker.

Supermom Crafts again

2009-12-02T21:42:00.001-05:00

Ok I get the desire about once a year to craft. Yes craft. I am the most UNMartha Stewart like person I know. So many of my in real life friends and online community are the hobby crafters extraordinaire's. Where as me? I just pay someone to do the work I could learn to do. Well that goes for most of my life actually. I'd rather pay someone to do the things I just plain suck at.

But today, is like no other normal day in Supermom's life. Superkid says "I wanna be a dancer, like Belle", so Supermom produces. I'm not sure how life will be when Superkid says "Mom I want a car just like Belle (or any other child friend of hers)" because well, I'm not quite sure I'll be producing a car of any sort for my future teenage child. EVER.

So a dance she shall be, this mama made a Tutu. I searched online craft DIY thingymado's and came up with a rendition of a few different 'plans'. Me thinks it turned out A-O-K.

Who are we?

2009-12-02T21:13:00.003-05:00

Perhaps I should add some photos of the Superfam just to reacquaint us with our readers

Bonjourno!!?!

2009-12-02T18:37:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! The defunct Tao of James has not recieved an update in quite some time. Well. I've been busy. I swear!

Superkid is now approaching 3. O-M-G if anyone had told me. No wait- warned me that this is probably the funniest and yet most annoyingly challenging age I'd never believed it. Until today. I once house broke a puppy and raised a newborn at the same time practically alone (as superdad's work schedule is less then desirable to a family with young'ins). Not even THAT can compare to a few hours in the same house as Superkid. We move from laughing to screaming in about 0.0000002 seconds here I think her moods are far more unstable then a 49yr old woman experiencing menopause. Repeat my mantra daily- 'I love my children, I love my children' as it is necessary to get through a day around here.

SuperbabyII a.k.a The Tank arrived in March, he turned our world upside down more so then his moody counterpart. After 5 long days in the hospital our family of 3 became a family of four in cramped quarters. A few days after he arrived home I proclaimed it was time to move. Five months of room sharing (and not with Superkid I might add, he was alllllllllllllllllllllllll ours) was enough motivation to get packed and move to our current house. The added square footage and room to roam has been a blessing. However- I forgot I would have to clean and organize a larger space. We are definitely not done that yet.

25months 8 days of spacing between births. Again... WHERE WAS MY WARNING? No one said 'yo crazy', and if they did they sure didn't speak loud enough. Don't get me wrong I wouldn't (and couldn't) change it for anything but WOW... I don't have anything on those Duggar folks. Two is our limit, in fact I think one could have been the stable limit but ha- stable? Is there such thing. We rocked the cart and well the dysfunctionals are in da houuuuuuuuuuse.

Oh and because we recognize our limits after bringing The Tank home, we gave Phoenix to a great young couple who could give him everything he was craving- attention, walks, love, companionship. He was so sad with us, and I was so sad that he was so sad. I was also sad that we had to do what we did but it was the best decision for him and that takes a big person to admit that. We didn't give up on him but we were busy and perhaps I should have (and next time I will) listen to my mother when we said 'hey we are getting a dog'. So the James' family albeit complete technically shrunk by 1 in June of 2009. We hope he is truly happy with Lisa and Paul and their Superpug.