Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

I pinned a new recipe this past week and we put it to the test over the weekend.  Because it was a family hit and easy to prepare (although we all know I didn’t have much to do with the preparation) I wanted to share the recipe with all of you.  We eat a lot of meat and vegetables in our house because they are Brady friendly foods but it has begun to feel like we were making the same meals again and again.  This was a new twist on chicken with a “dippy sauce” for the kids and a way that I actually like sweet potatoes (I loathe the Thanksgiving version with marshmallows, brown sugar, etc.). 

 

 This was a Pinterest find and you can link to the recipe here.  We used rosemary from our spice cabinet, but next time we will definitely use the stalks as recommended.  Tessa wasn’t a huge fans of the “tree leaves” so it was a bit of a pain to pick them off.  Also, I made my chicken breast without bacon.  It did add some additional flavor and keep the moisture in with everyone else’s, but either way works.  Enjoy!

5 on Friday

1.  Birthday Week!

It is officially birthday week!  You betcha my friends, another year has swung around and it is almost time for celebration day!  I love birthdays.  I have always loved birthdays.  I know some people get discouraged or frustrated about turning another year older.  I do understand these view points to a certain extent, yet I have always looked at birthdays as a reason to celebrate.  As one of my favorite quotes says, I was fortunate to enjoy another year with friends and family and for that I am always grateful. 

 

 

Plus, who doesn’t love a little day (or week) to be pampered and feel extra special? 

 

 

2.  Arctic Grape

This is probably weird to write about but since we all know I have an obsession with candy, I find it completely appropriate to share my new favorite gum. 

 

This is fabulous!  Thank you Target for this wonderful aisle treasure and the explosion of flavor that reminds me of my childhood.

3.  Following Sissy

 

Mr. Brady loves attempting to keep up with his big sister.  This statement held true this week with him wanting to do gymnastics with her in our basement.  I didn’t manage to capture his darling summersaults but I did get him in action on the balance beam.  How precious are those monkey toes keeping his balance?  The best part is him jumping off, lifting up his arms, and saying “ta-da.”
 

4.  Julep Review

My new make-up came this week and I was so excited to get it and test it out.  So far, so good and totally worth the $2.99. ;)  The lip gloss is thick but not tacky and the smell makes me want to eat it!  The color is a light pink but pretty much goes on clear.  I wish it was a bit darker but at least it’s very hydrating and stays on through my morning brew.

 

The nail polish colors so very fun for Spring.  Tess picked out the purple for her little fingers.  The color went on true to what you see but there are also tiny hints of sparkle in it.  I think it was just enough sparkle to make the polish strong and stay on despite only doing one coat, without chipping quickly as some do.  Needless to say, I am happy with that as well!

5.  Easter Round-Up

This is the last weekend to prepare for the upcoming holiday.  We will be traveling to my parent’s house so I want to get all our goodies rounded up this weekend so I’m not rushing around town last minute.  Here are a few items I have already.  I need to pick up a jump rope for Miss Tess, some more sidewalk chalk (how do they use it so quickly?), and a few little candy items and we should be good to go. 

 

Oh, and my mom finally found the "Paint with Water" book for me.  I knew they were still around!

 

What goodies are you putting in your Easter baskets for your littles?

 

Also, we haven’t colored any eggs (one of my all-time favorite holiday activities) or seen the Easter bunny so we will definitely be making time for these activities this weekend.  Neither child was fond of the bouncing bunny last year so we shall see what transpires this time around!  

Have a great weekend all! 

 

...And I'm Up

I woke up so tired this morning that I bypassed the snooze button and went ahead and set a new alarm for thirty minutes later.  Even though I was that much behind in getting ready, I still enjoyed a cup of coffee before the “race” set in.  Any more I have a mental list in my head and on mornings when I am running late, I check off activities that I can justify eliminating.  This morning went a little something like this. 

 

 
                   Activity                                                                           Justification
 
           √ Wash My Hair                                                      Sometimes third day hair looks the best?
 
          √ Shave The Legs                                         What’s another day when it’s cold…Hello, Spring?
 
        √ Full Face Make-Up                                        Concealer, powder, and mascara will do the trick
 
      √ Pick Out A Cute Outfit                                                    Wear your scrubs to work day!
 
       √ Add Some Accessories                                           Throw in earrings and spritz some perfume
 
        √ Make A Healthy Lunch                                       A can of soup, fruit and snacks and I'm good
 

 

Anyone with me on this?

Family Fun Trumps Housework

It was a lazy weekend in terms of house duties but a full one for family activities.  I woke up this morning feeling a bit guilty that I didn’t do any laundry or cleaning (knowing that will make my week a bit more hectic) but sometimes it’s worth it for the quality time.  Friday afternoon we took a trip to a nearby state park for some hiking and a picnic lunch.  The temperature was perfect and when we were in the valleys we were free from the wind which was an added bonus.  The kids were not too excited about the picnic but more for exploring.  That being said, we scarfed our sandwiches and started our hike.  Tessa wanted to walk and/or run and we put Brady in the stroller.  He was content for about 30 minutes and then we took a break to let him adventure as well. 

When it was time to start up again, the hubs carried Brady in the baby carrier and he loved it!  I figure we don’t have many more opportunities to use this so we took advantage of it while we could.  He loved being up high to see everything and kicked his legs back and forth (the hubs loved that) ;)

We ended the afternoon at the playground for some slide, sand, and swing fun.  I was surprised that the kids had any energy left but they played until the last minute (while Mason took an exhausted nap).  Overall it was a very successful afternoon – nap free and still everyone was happy.

 

Friday night we had the firefighter dinner.  It was a fantastic adult night out on the town with friends.  We both needed a few hours away and this was just the ticket!  Hopefully it won’t be another year gone by before we gather again.

 

Sunday afternoon we had a birthday party to attend.  Tess was so excited to go and had to pick out her outfit for the occasion.  She repeatedly asked to wear her Minnie Mouse or Belle princess dress, but after much deliberation we settled on a jean skirt.  I have one girlie girl, let me assure you!  She even picked out a“froral” headband to dress it up even more. 

 

Here are a few pictures of the kids with the birthday girl.  

Mr. Brady thought he was hot stuff sitting at a big kids table with his snack.  All I could think is how is it possible for him to be big enough to sit there…ugh…and time goes on.

 

 

5 on Friday

1. Kraft

 I am sure by now all of you have heard about the recall on Kraft’s Mac & Cheese.  This is not a regularly stocked item in our house (child with an allergy) but I know it is a stable for many households across the country.  I would like to take a moment to send some thanks to my brother for this recall. 

 A few weeks back he was making some macaroni and cheese for his littles only to notice metal shavings in his pot and in the box itself.  He took photos and contacted Kraft to let them know about the issues.  Shortly after that he received a phone call back from them saying that they did some investigation into the issue and there would be a recall on this item.  So, he may be just a little bit famous. ;)  Thanks for looking out for the children of America bro!

2.  Spring Scent

I am over the moon for the scent The Smell of Spring by Aromatique.  I purchased a candle last Spring to freshen up the house and recently bought this one to continue the tradition. 

I love it so much that I may have to go back to buy the potpourri as well - I'm so old fashion. 

 

3.  Julep

My cousin notified me about an awesome little deal on some Julep make-up.  I have seen this brand at Sephora and also heard it is new to Nordstrom, but have yet to try it out.  Well, for $2.99 I have three new nail polishes and a new lip-gloss being sent to me as we speak.  I can’t wait for these new items to arrive, and just in time for Spring!

4. Murder Mystery

The hubs and I were invited to our first murder mystery dinner party! It's entitled Murder at Mardi Gras. We received our invitation in the mail along with a description of our "roles." I am soooooo excited to find some costumes and play the part. The hubs is "a boy from the Bayou who made his way through law school..." and I am "the socialite's daughter; a true southern belle and the reigning Magnolia Queen." Doesn't this sound like fun?!! If any one out there has some costume ideas for us, let me know! There will definately be a future post on the outcome of this night!

5.  Firefighters Unite

Tonight the hubs and I are attending his firefighter banquet.  Once a year all the shifts gather together for dinner, comedy, awards, and drinks.  I always love this evening as it is a chance to get to know the other firefighters on different shifts and their significant others.  Often we wives are put into some interesting situations so it is always great sharing stories and getting to know somebody else that can completely relate to your life.  (If there are any other firefighter spouses out there, I know you understand what I’m talking about).

It is also very humbling to hear the stories that these men and women face, the letters from those who thank them for their service, and a chance to really be proud of each and every one of them for what they do.  The sacrifice is huge and often times it goes unnoticed. 

Tonight will be extra delightful as David’s shift isn’t working so I know he can be there the entire time.  At last year’s event the radios went off shortly after dinner and our table was very quickly deserted with the exception of me and one other wife.  It’s the life we live and I’m slowly adjusting…it’s only been six years. ;)

5 on Friday

1. Jellies

I was a child of the 80s and as such I spent many years of my childhood wearing jelly shoes.  They were surprisingly comfortable (or so I thought) and I loved the girlie colors.  Since history always repeats itself, these fun children shoes have been popping up over the last few seasons.  I have been dying to get Tessa a pair, mainly for my own flashback to the past.  Unfortunately, all I have been able to find are ones made with really thick and tough rubber.  I understand the reasoning behind it, as those shoes will definitely keep their shape.  However, I have had Tessa try them on and run around the stores for a while only to see red marks left on her feet.  Needless to say they have all been a no-go. 

Then this week I discovered these!  They are extremely soft and flexible which should allow ample room for her little tootsies.  I really liked the lavender color (we do a lot of pink in our house), she will love the sparkles, and best of all they are scented!  Now the jury is still out on this characteristic as I’m not sure if that will override the smell of sweaty feet or if it will mix and make an awful scent.  Either way, they are adorable and sweet smelling for now.  Let’s hope Miss Tess loves them as much as I do.  I intended on putting these in her Easter basket, but I’m not sure if I can hold out…

 

2.  Proud Mama

I picked up the kids yesterday from school.  I always get Tessa first as she is on the third floor of the building, and then we travel down one floor together to get little bro.  As I walked into Tessa’s classroom last night, I saw the teacher sitting on the floor with a book and the children in a semi-circle around her.  They were reading the book together with the teacher engaging them by asking what the letters were and what words they formed.  They would then associate that with a picture of the object in the story.  Since it was a miracle that Tessa did not see me walk in, I stood in the back and watched the interaction.  I was so surprised to see that she was the first to shout out the letters and put them together to form words.  She is my shy child and to see this side of her was amazing.  It is reassuring to me to know that not only is she thriving without me in her own element by opening up to others, but she is also learning so much! 

 

Last night we read a new book together that we picked up at the library.  It was roughly ten pages long and seemed to take us twenty minutes to get through.  Tess was determined to say all the letters and make her words again.  To think that she is starting to associate words and read on her own is so exciting and a little heart-breaking – It makes me realize yet again that my baby is not much of a baby anymore.

 

3.  A Story of Little Man

Since I had a story about Tess for today, I wanted to share something about little bro as well.  He is my go-er.  The second this little boy rises, he runs and is into everything until he says na-night.  It was around fourteen months when Tessa took to the television and I remember it being a god-send because that gave me roughly thirty minutes to shower, clean the house, or do anything else that needed to be done.  It is completely different with Brady.  He has no desire to stop moving, nor does he have any interest in cartoons of any sort. 

In fact, this is how Mr. Brady watches television – and it last for two to three minutes at most.

 

4.  Warmth

It has been the most beautiful week here in Iowa.  The temperatures have been in the 60s and 70s.  Having that extra hour of sunlight has been awesome too so we have been able to embrace lots of outside time.  Our driveway and front porch is covered in sidewalk chalk, we have gone through nearly half a large bottle of bubbles, and the wagon and trike have been ridden each night.  

These are the days that make winter worthwhile and give me such an appreciation for these moments.  Now let’s hope that the weather continues so we have some of these amazing creatures out and about for the upcoming holiday.

5.  Facials

Who out there has had one of these?  I have yet to take the plunge but my cousin booked us appointments for this afternoon to have our first facials.  Honestly, if she wouldn’t have made the appointments, I don’t know that I would have ever had one done!  I have held off in the past because I’ve been worried that I would have a sudden reaction on my face or would walk away looking like a tomato.  Do any of you remember that episode of Sex In The City where Samantha’s face was literally peeled away?  Hahaha, now I know that won’t happen to me but it is still in the back of my mind.  Sometimes I am such a chicken about trying new things.  Wish me luck!

*My Chanel Shoes

I am not a very trendy person.  This statement has proven to be even more accurate as I get older.  However, I do try my best to stay up to date with fashion and decorating not because I feel it’s an obligation, but because I secretly obsess over all things clothing and design.  My style is a mixture between preppy and classic, hence how I’m not too trendy. 

For the past few weeks I have been obsessing over a particular pair of Chanel shoes.  They are definitely not ones I would have pictured myself gravitating towards, but I couldn’t seem to get them off my mind (real problems, right).  Needless to say, in this day and age I’m not one who is going to spend the price tag to purchase a pair of gems like those above anymore.  However, I have been on the search for something similar and just last week I snagged these up!

I wore them to work today and so far, so good.  They are just the look I was going for and they are comfortable as well.  Having little to no heel is a must for this momma and these fit the bill.  Another bright side (as if I need to justify the purchase) is that they were under $30!  So, I won’t feel so bad if this is one trend I won’t want to wear next season. ;)

5 on Friday

This Made Me Laugh - How True Though!

Yay, for Friday!  I couldn’t be more excited for the weekend.  My mother-in-law flew into town last evening for a few days, the weather is supposed to be beautiful (for Iowa standards), and the hubs has the next two days off.   It’s shaping up to be a marvelous weekend, so let’s hope I didn’t just jinx it!  Here are a few things that were on my mind this week to round up my Five on Friday.

 

1. Kidney Kids

If you didn’t see my post earlier in the week, we recently had appointments for both kids regarding their kidneys.  The outcome for both children was great and you can read more about our little adventures here.

 

2.  Spring Has Sprung…Soon

I literally must have been living under a rug these past few days because even though I have been dreaming of Spring, I didn’t realize that those dreams were turning into a reality very soon.  I was surprised to see a “weather update” by one of our neighbors the other day via social media and I was immediately happy!  Here is what we have to look forward to in Iowa the next few days.

Am I the only one out there whose mood is instantly affected by the weather?  If I wake up to sunshine, my day starts off on a positive note.  If I wake up to clouds, rain, or snow I always seem to get a bit moody because then I have to think about the extra time to get the kids prepared, what the road conditions are going to be like with traffic, and I seem to be tired no matter how much sleep I get.  Plus, the kids and I have a pretty severe case of cabin fever these days so I am counting down the minutes that we can be outside on the play set and going on our evening walks.  I mean, I was really starting to wonder if we were the only ones living on our street, much like I’m sure the neighbors wonder as well.

Oh, and don’t forget to spring forward on Saturday night!  I love, love, love this time of year.  Who needs an extra hour of sleep when we can get an extra hour of sunlight?!

3.  Accessories

Nearly every day I look at another woman and instantly notice her accessories.  It can be a bracelet, a watch, necklace, or sunglasses.  Whatever the item, my eyes are instantly drawn to it because of the statement they make, allowing her whole outfit to look complete.  It really is amazing how a simple piece of jewelry can be such a complement to clothes.  Yet, those are items that I never seem to splurge on for my wardrobe.  I am very basic with jewelry.  My daily round-up includes a simple pair of earrings (either my pearls that my dad got me in China or a pair of small diamond studs), my wedding ring, and a silver bangle (it has Tessa’s name engraved on it).  Every once in a while I throw on another silver bracelet or a simple chain necklace (Brady is still in the pulling stage so I’m very careful about this one) but that is only on a special occasion.  Maybe someday I will learn how to throw in pops of color with these items so I can look as “complete” as some of you other ladies out there.  But for now, I’ll just be taking notes. ;)

 

4.  My Little Gymnast

Tess has been participating in gymnastics for six months now.  We went into this with an open mind.  We figured she would enjoy her class, but we weren’t certain if it would be something that would continue to excite her week to week.  Well, here we are into the spring season and she is more excited about class now than she was when we began.  She often asks me if it’s a “gymnastics day” or not and as we pass by the building during our errand runs she yells out the window and asks to go into the gym.  Her favorite activities are the balance beam and the bars.  My dad made her a home-made balance beam as a Christmas present and both she and brother use it on a daily basis.  The best is watching Brady hop off and yell Ta-Da!  I wonder where he picked that one up.   Last week’s class was the first time she did her cartwheel with perfect form and she was pretty excited with how much her instructor encouraged her.  This has been a tricky task for her to get down as Tess predominantly uses her left hand for skills.  Anyway, overall we are happy she has taken to an activity and continues to enjoy it.  Maybe we will even make it a whole year.

5.  Eggs, Bunnies, and Chocolate Galore

It’s no surprise to anyone that I have a love of candy.  Actually, it’s more of an obsession really.  When you couple this passion with one of my favorite holidays, you have a happy, happy gal!  Easter is soon approaching and I am giddy with excitement.  I love the fresh flowers, the bright colors, the warm weather, the Easter egg hunts, the little kids dressed up in their best Sunday attire, and all the choices of candy.  I try and hold back until the week of Easter to indulge but I was unstoppable in Target last week.  These needed to come home with me and I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it.  The best part about it is I am the only one in my household over the moon about this specific purchase so I have eaten nearly the entire bag myself.  Aw well, you only live once!

 

Have a great weekend…until next time!  

All My Quirks

Do you ever take a minute to just sit back and look at what you’re doing?  I’ve been doing that a little more recently and realized that I have some fairly odd habits.  I’m writing today to share some of my ridiculous quirks with all of you.  I’m hoping we share some of these same practices and/or you are willing to share some of your silly behaviors to make me feel a little bit better!

Much of my life revolves around food because I LOVE it so much.  That being said, many of my weird habits involve food and drink.  Here are some of them.

1. 

I have an obsession with donuts and have had one for as long as I can remember.  I have to cut them into pieces to eat them – I can’t even fathom picking one up.

2. 

Pizza is made to be eaten with a fork.

3. 

I enjoy nearly all my cereals without milk.

4. 

I can’t possibly get through a meal without at least two napkins.  I like one on my lap and one by my plate.  I consider this quirk just having good manners. ;)

5. 

I have a love for soda…fountain soda that is.  I would have to be in a real desperate situation to drink soda from a can or a bottle.  It just tastes different, amiright?

6. 

I have to have candy and/or gum after each meal, even breakfast.  I don’t feel like I’m complete without a proper dessert.

7. 

I have a hard time drinking out of glasses (unless it contains wine) without using a straw.  I blame this quirk on a good friend of mine from Okoboji.  We were so bad we kept them in our purses, just in case!

The rest of my list is a hodge-podge of weird habits I have in all other areas of life.  I’m sure there are more that I could add but maybe I’ll save those for another post.

8. 

I have to use blue ink on any printed paper.  Otherwise, there is no contrast between what I write and what the printer wrote. ;)

9. 

I can’t leave the house (other than a quick run to the store) without cleaning and organizing first (and I mean vacuum, dust, etc).  I blame this whole-heartedly on my mother.

10. 

I am right handed but I have to put my left shoe on first.

11. 

I have to sleep on the side of the bed that is the furthest from the bedroom door.  If we rearrange our room, then I may have to switch sides of the bed.  There’s no “left” or “right” side for this girl! 

12. 

I will never go to bed with make-up on. 

13. 

I love making to-do lists!  If I accidently make a mistake or have a spelling error, I have to make a whole new list.  They have to start flawless and the lines to cross out items must be perfect as well.  (This one took the hubs a while to conform to, but now he does his lines nicely).

14. 

I can’t use wire hangers and have a bit of anxiety when they are brought into the house.  I can’t explain this one.

15. 

My undergarments have to match or my outfit isn’t complete.

16. 

I can’t take a shower or go to bed with any jewelry on.

17. 

I have an issue with button-down shirts.  I like the look of them and I like to wear them, but I refuse to fully unbutton them to put them on or take them off.

18. 

Our bathrooms have to have clear hand soap or one that color coordinates with the room.

19. 

I have an i-phone and will go nuts if I notice a red notification bubble on my screen.  If I have the time, I have to check what it is all about so my screen is clear.  I am also ridiculous with my e-mail and messages.  I have to check and delete everything so I can start fresh each day.

20. 

I hate dishwashers.  They can never do as good of a job at cleaning and having yucky plates and glasses’ sitting in there for a few days gives me anxiety.  I’m a bit of a germaphobe.

Well, there you have it.  As I read back on some of these, I think it’s safe to say I may just be a little bit crazy.

A Tale Of Four Kidneys

As many of you know, Mr. Brady suffers from a kidney condition; one that we’ve been dealing with since before he was born.  You can find his full story with this post and his most recent scans and outcome with this post. 

Since this is an outgoing issue with him, our visits to his specialists are ongoing as well.  We had a couple of appointments over the last two weeks so I wanted to provide an update for everyone.  Brady had a routine ultrasound on his kidneys, ureters, and bladder.  This was followed up with an appointment with his nephrologist and a trip to the lab for some blood work. 

Brady was inconsolable during the ultrasound but luckily it went fairly quickly.  Our appointment with the nephrologist was nothing short of agonizing.  The nurses had a horrible time taking his blood pressure, resulting in undesirable numbers each time.  Sometimes this can be blamed on the age of the child, recent activity, or restlessness; all making it uneasy for accurate results.  However, he was fairly still (thanks to tons of bubbles, toys, music, etc.).  Blood pressure is a major concern with children like Brady as it is a side effect of his condition.  Needless to say, the numbers were worrisome for us and the nurses.  They had different staff attempt, using both automated and manual cuffs that all retrieved the same or nearly the same result (as automated and manual cuffs will vary regardless).  We ended up waiting nearly two hours and his blood pressure was retaken.  At this point he was happier and obviously calmer.  The blood pressure read where it should.  However, we will be more cognizant about monitoring his pressure at home here and there as follow-up.

During the interim of the blood pressure fiasco, we met with the nephrologist and received the results of the ultrasound.  They were as we suspected; there was no change in his condition.  Anymore I take no additional news as great news regardless of the outcome. 

Next up was a trip to the lab as we always have blood work taken to measure his creatinine and some other blood factors.  All four of us went into the kid’s blood drawing room where the exam table is a giant rhinoceros; sort of cute, sort of scary.  I guess I should say that we attempted to all walk into the room.  David went first, followed by Tess and then myself.  Mr. Brady peaked his little head around the corner and then said no, no, no and started running back down the hall.  This was heart-wrenching.  I know people constantly tell me that Brady won’t remember any of this when his is older.  Although I do understand that this statement is true, I also know that he does remember now.  He remembers that stupid rhinoceros and the pain he felt while he was there each time before.  He remembers the jelly on his belly during all his ultrasounds and the catheters that he has had one too many times.  The little man can walk into a hospital and immediately knows the something is going to happen.  As the parent, you get a really awful feeling in your chest but just do the best to console them as they look up at you with their big brown eyes and wonder why.  Ugh…

Anyway,  I immediately realized I would take Tess back out to the waiting room as it is hard enough for me to watch a blood draw on Brady’s tiny veins.   We listened to him from the waiting room and only minutes later we were done.  The whole series of appointments lasted nearly the entire work day; talk about exhausting for all of us! 

Thankfully, we should be done with appointments for Mr. Brady until the fall (fingers crossed).

Now, the title of this post is a tale of four kidneys so here is part two of this little story.  Brady’s kidney issues are genetic.  It isn’t common for it to “skip” a child so there has always been concern from multiple specialists that Tessa may suffer from the same issues that Brady does.  She has not had any kidney infections that we are aware of, although often the symptoms are masked by symptoms of other common illnesses.  That being said, we have been waiting to get all her paperwork through and billing completed so she can be examined as well.  Lord help us.  Tessa’s ultrasound was a week after Brady’s.  David was out of town so I called in for some assistance and my mom drove down for the day.  We got Tessa registered (she loved the hospital bracelet) and soon she was called back into the room.  Mom carried Brady back and I carried Tess.  The moment we stepped into the room, Brady went hysterical.  I’m certain the little man thought he would be poked and prodded again.  Mom immediately took him back out to the waiting room and distracted him with toys.  It was at that moment when Tess realized that we were not at the hospital for her brother.  She clung onto me like a starfish and I found myself lying on the exam table with her on my belly as she refused to let go.  She cried and laid her head on my chest and they took images from her back first.  When it was all said and done, Tessa did an amazing job.  She was really brave and the staff divulged stickers of every character imaginable (which were shortly everywhere in my car, our clothes, and all over the house that night); what a hit!  We received Tessa’s results that day and are extremely relieved and happy to report that she has two perfectly functioning kidneys, ureters, and one awesome bladder.  Oh, the things that thrill me, right?

I think that’s enough talk about organs for one day.  I hope you all had great weekends!