Interesting Day

Don't want to jinx it, but I'm gonna go ahead and say bedtime the other night was sort of a fluke.  Not saying it won't happen again, but the past two nights Mav has gone down perfectly. :)

So, now that I think about it I've had quite an interesting day.  I shall sum it up in bullet points because I'm stinky from running and need to get a shower, and then to bed.  5:30am comes WAY too quickly!

*I got a new tooth today.  Well, a temporary one until the real one comes in a few weeks.  And its actually my second fake tooth, ha!  Let's just say thin enamel runs in the family.

*I made Lasagna with eggplant.  Robbie and I were watching a cooking segment on tv, about small ways to eat healthier.  They showed a lasagna that had eggplant layers substituted for a couple pasta layers--and it turned out SO good!  Highly recommend!

*It was picture day at work.  Lots of pressure because staff pictures are hung up in the hallway ALL year.  I wore a cute flower in my hair. :)

*Maverick tried to bring his potty into the bathtub.  He is nowhere near ready for potty training.  But just to become familiar with it, we have a potty ring in his bathroom.  The routine at bathtime everynight is to point out all the Sesame Street characters on it, and then sit on it.  At first he would only sit on it in his clothes, then a diaper, now nakey boy.  And just last night he tried to sit on it himself!  (which makes me think we might need an actual potty rather than a potty ring--so he can get on it by himself.  I thought the potty ring would be nice so that it would only be one potty to get used to, and easier to travel with...but we'll see.)

So tonight during bathtime, he wanted to bring his potty ring into the tub to name all the characters on it.  Sigh.

*My dog is a ninja.  All day long, this fly has been buzzing around the house.  Both Robbie and I tried killing it several times.  It was buzzing around Belle's head.  She ignored him at first.  But then--she chomped on it, opened her mouth--fly escaped--and she ate it AGAIN.  Bam!  Probably the most amazing thing I've ever seen her do.

*I wanted to up my daily run to 2 miles.  I was all set to go out the door, but Mav was wanting to go with me.  I knew it would be a lot harder to do with him in tow, and I was right.  After about a mile, he was fighting to get out of the stroller.  So I only made it 1.5 miles in 17 minutes.  But felt good to get out anyways. :)

I post my distance/time on FB (and Blogger) now because I'm using it as motivation.  Everyone knows I've committed, so no turning back.  I used to hate seeing other peoples' posts about running because it made me feel lazy, ha ha!  So I'm not trying to show-off or anything.  As IF there was anything to show-off about!  Although, I have lost almost 6 lbs in about 2 weeks.  Seeing results is also a great motivator too!  Just gotta keep up with it.  That's the hard part. ;)

Say it Ain't So

Was I actually naive enough to think that Mav would never want to get out of bed after we put him down?

Apparently so.  :)

Last night seemed like an epic battle, but now that's its morning I guess it would be over dramatic to describe it as such.  For the first time ever, Mav jumped right out of bed when it was time to go to bed.  It may or may not have been triggered by the fact that he wanted to stay and play hide-n-seek with the blanket in the front room.  (which he is currently doing as I type)

It killed me to hear him knocking on his door and crying, "Momma, momma, momma!"  But I knew that this would be just like training him to go back to sleep by himself when he was an infant...and I survived that!

Robbie went in twice and just stood at the door to say, "Maverick it's time for bed.  Get back into bed."  And he would run back into bed...crying.  I had to send Robbie with the stern face.  I wouldn't be able to keep from laughing/crying myself, ha!

This went on for about an hour and a half.  But then he finally gave up, whew!  Let's hope that tonight goes a little more smooth. :)

To update on my running--I've been running/walking at least 1.5 miles everyday.  Everytime I go out I try to run a little more than walk, and it feels great!  I know I'm not anywhere near ready for any sort of organized race but you gotta start somewhere, right?  I keep telling myself that I need to run somewhere besides our subdivision.  My route has a lot of hills! 

Today was the first day that I tried running most of the distance with Mav in the stroller.  It was not as difficult as I thought...but at the same time it was.  The hardest part for me was figuring out how to run with it.  Like, it was tricky to keep it going straight and not step on the wheels.  It's not a jogging stroller but it is super light weight, so that's nice.

It's pretty fun though to hear him go "weeee!" when we start running.  So that is some more incentive. :)

Run, Jenni, Run!

I tried uploading the cute pictures I took of Mav playing in the leaves the other day...but for whatever reason Blogger isn't wanting to cooperate with Picasa, and I'm tired.  I normally use PhotoShop, so I'm sure I probably did something wonky since I'm not too familiar with Picasa.

Anyways.  So, I'm very hesitant to type this.  Only because once its on the world wide interweb, I might actually have to go through with it.

I have never, ever, ever, ever, ever been a runner.  Well, I take that back.  I did run track in high school.  But I was a sprinter.  The 100m and the 200m.  Not saying I was good at it.  It was more or less a thing to do with my friends in the softball off-season, ha!  Although if I do recall, my coach wanted me to run in districts and I turned it down to go on a youth group trip.  She was sort of angry at me for that.  God understood. :)

I've been needing to get my booty in gear for a while now.  Approximately 21 months or so, give or take.

My most favorite thing to do is swim, but its just super hard for me to fit into my schedule since Mav can't do it with me.  Next is kayaking.  Yes, kayaking. :)  However one should probably own a kayak for fitness purposes, and those are pretty expensive.  Riding a bicycle (a la what my husband does) on the road terrifies me, so that's not gonna happen.

So running it is.  It's relatively cheap.  It's something I can do with Mav.  It's something I can do easily from home.

Here is my wild idea.  If I have something to train for, then in 2 weeks when the excitement of a new thing has worn off--I will still have a goal to work towards.  At least that's the idea! :)  So I'm thinking about doing something I really can't fathom ever doing...running a half marathon.  Thirteen point six grueling miles.  Ugh.  Double ugh.

The goal would be to run in April for the GO! St. Louis Half Marathon.  I didn't say which April (2012, 2013...) ha ha ha!  It feels like it might take me 3 years to be ready for one.  But at least I could cross it off my bucket list.  (who writes competing in half marathons on their bucket list?!)  But the idea of attaining something SO difficult is appealing.

I have no idea how far I'm running right now.  My guess is about 2 miles from what I've sort of been able to calculate on google maps.  My pedometer hasn't come in the mail yet.  And I don't run the full 2 miles, I definitely need to walk sometimes.  But the more I do it, the less I have to walk which is motivating!

Worst of all is the thought of the looming winter.  The bone-chilling, razor-ice, winter.

I have no idea what I'm gonna do.  Guess we'll cross that skating rink when we get there! :)

It's been about a week into my new exercise regimen.  Prayers that I stick it out, and achieve my lofty goal!  

Simply Spaghetti Saturday

Robbie works in retail, so he usually has to work on Saturdays.  I feel bad that he has to work one day of the weekend because that is when all the fun stuff usually happens.  He says its nice to have a day off during the week though.  Anyways, I like to bring him lunch on Saturdays when I can.  It's fun for Mav and I to go visit daddy.  Last time I made lunch for him, I made cheesy potato casserole...and the guys he works with begged me to bring the rest of the casserole up too, ha!

Today I decided to make him spaghetti and meatballs!

Meatballs:
1 lb lean ground turkey
2 eggs
breadcrumbs
salt & pepper

Mix turkey, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasoning in bowl. 

Ball small amounts of meat mix in your hands, then roll in flour.  The flour prevents the meat from sticking to the pan.  I like to put the flour in a foil boat so its easy cleanup, but that's just me.

Brown the meatballs over medium heat.  The trick is to keep rolling them so they stay somewhat round.

Thank you "Veggie Tales" and "How It's Made" for entertaining Mav while I could focus on not burning my meatballs, ha!  Mav kept wanting to stand right under me while cooking--which isn't normally a big deal--except I didn't want him to accidentally get burned from hot grease.

When they get brown on all sides, they're done!

Meanwhile, your water for the pasta should be about ready to boil.  We like to use whole grain pasta because it's very hearty & fulfilling, and tastes better. (and I suppose I have to mention that its healthier too)

Boil the pasta for about 8 minutes, or until it's all floating (as my dad taught me!).

While the pasta is cooking, it's a great time to chop up whatever you're going to stick in it.  Today I used fresh spinach leaves and tomatoes.

Drain pasta, then add all the goodies!  Besides the veggies, I also added some olive oil and oregano.

Save the best part for last: cheeeeeeeese!



Maverick knows his daddy's work.  As soon as we pull in the parking lot, he points to all the bicycles and starts yelling, "Bi-kel! Bi-Kel! Dadda! Dadda!"

We visit for only a short time today since daddy is so busy.  Nice weather = lots of customers!  Mav does his usual wheel inspection of every.bike.in.the.store.  I think I've mentioned that he is obsessed with wheels a couple times. :)

I may or may not have rewarded myself for making such a delicious lunch with a sugar-free vanilla iced coffee...

I ordered and paid for a medium, but was served a mega-large...bonus!!  They knew I was gonna need it with all the shopping I need to do today with a toddler who hates to ride in the cart.

Any other moms out there guilty of planning a car ride that happens to coincide with nap time?  I confess, I do!  The ride home ends up looking like this.

 Which makes for a smooth transition to this.

Okay.  Now I've wasted all of Mav's nap time and more blogging.  Do you like the new design?  I was needing something new.  Have a fabulous weekend!

Things I'm loving right now (and some I've always Loved)

First: Sugar Free Vanilla Iced Lattes

I know, I know.  Not the real thing.  As a former Starbucks barista, I feel rather guilty buying these.  But with this economy I just can't afford the designer coffee.  And actually, they taste pretty yummy!!

I was on a bad kick for a while and drank mocha frappuccinos instead.  Inevitably, that was also the same stretch that I decided not to go on my daily jogs.  Sigh.

But good news, back on the jogging routine!  Robbie just ordered a snazzy pedometer for me, and an armband for my iPod.  He wants to buy some mace for me too...but with a cell phone and sometimes keys, I may need a utility belt for all that stuff!

I've always admired hardcore runners because they are so dedicated.  I keep thinking that if I sign up for a half-marathon that I'll have to train for it.  Next season maybe?!  I'm also thinking about doing Zumba with a friend from work.  It looks like so much fun!  Plus the place where she goes doesn't require a membership or commitment, only pay-as-you-go $6 per class.  That's the cost of a fast food meal! 

Second: Our Jeep Liberty

Not that I stopped loving it, but I love that the weather has been SO fantastic that we can have the roof open all the time.  Sidenote: how crazy is this picture with Mav's old carseat in it?!  It doesn't seem like we've had this Jeep long enough to have had Mav in his old carseat just last October.  Holy moly, that was almost a year ago!

Geesh time flies!!!

Third: Pinterest

I'm still sort of figuring out how to pin from websites, but I could literally look at other people's bulletin boards for hours and repin it to mine!  My favorite boards to search are furniture/design/home decor.

Fourth (and best of all!): My son

Goofy, but fun picture!  It is just SOOOO crazy how grown up he is.  His vocabulary is expanding everyday, and growing with that is his personality.  He can still be pretty shy with people, but he has come out of his shell a lot too.  It's also funny how one day out of nowhere he will be terrified of something he's always loved...but then a week later he's fine with it, ha!

When we go to the park, he runs along with the big kids (not that they even notice) and tries to play tag with them.  He can pretty much do anything on the playground without any assistance too!  I still tag along just in case, but definitely by next summer he'll be complaining about it, ha!

And the whole big boy bed thing?  It is beyond crazy how SMOOTH that transition has been.  Only fell off once.  And he still waits for us to come get him out of bed when he wakes up.  Love it!

Let's hope potty training is as smooth!

A girl can dream, right?! 

Hmmm...Pinteresting...

As if I needed another thing to use up what is left of "free time".  (when Mav is in bed...and I should be in bed...but the internet is more alluring)

So my lovely sister-in-law Johanna introduced me to Pinterest.  The same sister-in-law who begged me to start a blog.  Invited me to Google+ (which I haven't done...yet).  Introduced me to Flickr, Amazon, etc, etc.  I really need to start ignoring all these new-fangled websites she tells me about, ha!

At least I think I can claim I was on Facebook before her (because that's something to brag about). :)

I remember being in California for my best friend's wedding in October of 2005, and her friend introduced us to Facebook as a way to keep in touch.  Back then it was "thefacebook.com" and you had to have a college email account to login.  Sigh.

Anyways.  Pinterest is really fun.  It's like a virtual bulletin board to save anything you might want to refer to someday.  Decorating ideas, crafts, recipes, party ideas, photography, etc.  I could spend HOURS pinning decor ideas for my dream house.  For when I have gazillions of dollars laying around.

I'm sort of bipolar about the internet and all it offers.  Most days I just want to completely delete any trace of myself from the interwebs.  Just cause its kinda creepy to think of how accessible you can be to weirdos out there.  But then I think about how once you put it out there...its never really gone.  I've been watching too many government conspiracy shows, ha!

Complete side note:  I remember when I was a little girl, my dad told me that one day all of our money would be on a card and cash would be pretty much obsolete.  I thought he was SO crazy.  I remember asking him questions like how would your paycheck get on there, and what would you do if it got lost.  Funny, huh?!

So how about a subject change? :)

Robbie bought shark meat.  To eat.  And...I'm not sure how I feel about it.

It was a buy one get one deal.  He bought some salmon fillets, and you could get wild shark steak for free.  I'm very nervous about it.  But then again, I was nervous about sushi and now I love it!!

Maverick is very into hummus.  I know, he's weird.  He looooooooves dipping pita chips into hummus.  At least is a healthy snack!

Last thing.  Maverick STILL waits for one of us to come get him when he wakes up in the morning, or naptime.  He's so funny.  He just sits there and talks to himself.  Or he does acrobatics.  All on his bed without being contained.

Good night. 
Praying for an easy, fast, week to go by!

I think we got this!

Not to drag the whole "big boy bed" thing out to very boring proportions, but I would like to say now that we are a few days into it...it's going unbelievably smooth!!  Maybe since he is a bit younger than when most people make the switch, he doesn't have a super attachment to it...or maybe Mav is just awesome...or maybe God just really blessed us...or all of the above!

The second night he rolled off his bed once (but landed on our nicely improvised cushions) and fussed until Robbie came in to put him back into bed.  When I left for work that morning he was sleeping all the way across the room, over the floor vent draped with a blanket...but when I got home a couple hours later he had put himself back into his bed.  Hooray!

Boppy pillows make for great improvisational landing cushions, ha!

It's also pretty funny to me that instead of stretching longways on the bed, he likes to sleep with his feet hanging off the unguarded side.  With a bazillion blankets.

This morning he slept in pretty late, so we opened his door and gate to see if he would toddle down the hallway when he woke up...but no! He stayed in his bed until we went in there to get him, ha! Still in the crib mentality I guess. We'll take it while it lasts!!!

Just in case his crib mentality decides to leave overnight...

Although he loves closing the gate all the time.  If he notices its open he goes out of his way to close it.

So I finally itched a scratch that's been bothering me for a while.  I had some fun with fuchsia hair dye! :)

It actually looks a lot more bright pink in real life.  I love it!!

Woo-hoo!

So, Maverick was a rockstar the first night in his big boy bed!!

Never, ever, moved once.

Never, ever, fell off.

Even when he woke up this morning, he was still in bed.
As Robbie walked in, he stood up while holding the back rail...and waited...
...for Robbie to pick him up. :)

I'm hoping that this continues!!

How long do you think it will be until he realizes his new freedom?!

Teachable Spirit

As I type this....I'm listening intently to the baby monitor...

...and it's a little too quiet...

...is he sleeping?...

...is he reading/playing/not in bed?...

Tonight marks a big milestone: moving to the big boy bed!!

This picture is missing the cushions we put on the floor, ha!  We put 2 Boppy pillows (holes stuffed with blankets), and a whole bunch of other blankets along the bedside, just in case he accidentally rolls off the bed. :)

Update: as I'm typing Robbie is going to check on him because he is beat boxing (yes, he really does beat box!) and it sounds like he's out of bed...Nope!! He was laying flat IN bed!!!  Aw nuts, shouldn't have checked on him, ha ha!  Of course he sat up, but layed back down when Robbie told him too...

 The reason why we went ahead and converted his crib into the day bed (it converts into a twin, and full size too!) was because he took a hard fall trying to escape the other night, and has been trying to climb out since.  I was SOOOO not ready for this!  I was hoping we wouldn't have to worry about it until at least 2 yrs of age, but Mav has always sorta been ahead of the game physically.

Update: still quiet...maybe this won't be so bad??!!!

All day long we've been calling it his "big boy bed" and he's had lots of fun laying and playing on it.  At one point today, he kept closing his bedroom door and when I'd go to check on him he would be playing in his bed! :)

Maybe I'm almost having a panic attack for nothing...maybe he's already so used to it being bedtime on that mattress that he won't notice...nah!  Ha ha!  I'm sure at some point tonight he will notice his new found freedom and meander around the room.

I think I'm self-inducing the panic attack because I'm so sad that he's one more huge step out of babyhood.  Robbie is on the couch reminding me of all the baby things left...like baby teeth...and that's all he could come up with, ha ha!

Update: still quiet!!

As we went through our bedtime routine tonight I just kept praying that God would give me and Robbie patience and Maverick a teachable spirit. :)  Can toddlers have teachable spirits?!  Lol!

Well...we shall see! :)