Getting organized (for a few hours at least)

Despite my lack of enthusiasm to tackle my crafting area and get it organized, I drank my energy booster and forced myself to just get it done yesterday afternoon. Here's what I dreaded...

Regardless of the looks of it, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I was finished in less than 2 hours. And it looked so nice...

But as of this morning, it has 4 projects out and ready to be done: 1- I had started to scrapbook Christmas 2007 and need to finish that so I left those pages out so that I can finish them later this week; 2- I have some picture frames that need painted and pictures put in (easy I know, but...); 3- Trying to avoid the house yesterday I called my mom and we went to Tai Pan, she got a darling sleigh and I thought it'd be cute to put a fun bow, snowflake and bell on so she put me in charge of it , so now that is out and ready to be done; 4- I made Little Man a blanket for his bed right after he was born and have yet to finish it, all that needs done is the back, I just am too nervous working with pieces of fabric that large, it's so easy to screw it up. So I have a few projects to keep me busy...speaking of which I'm gonna go do the one that is funnest for me, mom's sleigh. Hopefully by the end of this week I'll finish at least 3 of these projects (you know which one I'm not too thrilled to do don't you, yes the blanket).

A simply wonderful day!

First off, thank you all so very much for all of your comments and support on the situations with Little Princess and her daddy.

I feel that I probably didn't clarify very well exactly what he was asking...He just wanted to rotate roles. He would have her "live" with him, and I would have visitation rights. I thought and thought and prayed about how to approach this. I knew in my heart that there was no way that I could actually switch roles...but I definitely did want to make sure that I wasn't being selfish and get some facts about children and moving between households, etc.

After much thought and contemplation on the subject I came up with an idea. Things would stay just the way they are now, except her daddy could have a few extra hours each day that he takes her...I figured up how many hours she spends at each household that way and I only ended up with 8 extra hours in a week. Wahoo, now is that "fair" or what?! Immediately after writing up the plan, with hours tallied and it fully explained for him, I text him and asked him to call me when he got a second. He immediately called, I approached him by letting him know that I'd done much thought about Little Princess's living arrangements...and then he cut me off. He said that he was being selfish, that once he sat down and looked at things the way they are, that he realized I was right, that we really do divide the time very evenly. He told me that he appreciated the fact that he does get so much time (by law he only has rights to 2 hours during the week and then rotating weekends). He had spoken to his mother after our "meeting" and told her what he'd asked and that my response was so mature (see some of us do get pass it...sometimes at least). He didn't out right say it, but I assume his mother said something to the fact of "little girls need their moms more than their dads"; because he said he realized that while speaking with her. I don't honestly know how true that statement is, but I like to think it is true too (just seems logical).

PHEW!! What a relief!! Seriously you have no idea the relief I felt, NONE at all...a terribly huge weight has been removed from my shoulders. You know he is a great guy, but the fear of telling him "no" then made me afraid that what if he presses this issue, what if he takes it to court, what if the court grants his wish, even though in Utah the Mom is more favored, we don't have jobs currently in this house and how would that look? I didn't think he would take it that far, but sometimes fear just get your mind racing and going every which way.

What a delightful conversation it turned out to be. He was very appreciative and supportive and complimentive. I'm so glad that I called him before meeting with the school psychologist later this week about the matter and getting facts from her, now it's over!

As for the rest of the day, I got 6 loads of laundry done, kitchen completely cleaned, and car cleaned out. Lover Boy put a pot roast in for dinner that is smelling quite delicious and I cannot wait to eat.

Tomorrows project is a biggy. I've got a crafting area in the basement that now doubles as Molly's room (we moved her kennel in because it's sad to watch her shiver out in the cold) that is a disgusting mess...Honestly I don't know how I get to be such a slob, it simply amazes me though...But by tomorrow night it will be much better. I've charged my battery in the camera so there will finally be pictures to post. :)

Goodnight!

Best Cuddle Bugs

Little Man loves Molly. He loves it when she licks his toes, his nose, his cheeks. He loves to crawl over and pet her. For this reason I really am so glad that we have a dog. I'm not an animal person in any way, but seeing my baby not be afraid of her and love to chase her around and lay by her makes having a dog so much fun. Oh, look he's getting so big too, huh?! Where does the time go?

my 2 cents....

Many of you know I just simply love having my great friend Melissa Davis do my family's pictures. If you've come in my house you see her work on every wall at least once. She does an amazing job!! She is currently offering mini sessions. In it you get 25 christmas cards (along with other items)and enevelopes too!! YAY since it's that time of year. Go check out her blog and schedule an appointment with her. YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!! I guarantee this.

Ok I'm finally getting caught up

So I've caught up on blogging...finally. You can go back through the beginning of sept to catch up:)

Friday night with friends....

Thursday afternoon cute Steph called and said she wanted to stop by for a minute if we were home. You know my friends are so good, they always stop by to see me. I love it. Anyways when she came by she said that she missed hanging out with everyone and thought we should plan something for Friday nigh, which of course I completely agree. Conversation went from subject to subject and then I began telling her about the hilarious video (The Ugly Truth, warning: it is a crude show that should not be viewed around children) that Lover Boy and I had just watched. I laughed so hard I was short of breath and ended up snorting throughout the entire movie. Then like a light bulb in my brilliant mind going off...I suggested that we should get together with everyone and just watch a movie Friday night. It would be free and local!!

Needless to say: We had so much fun watching a movie together. We were all rolling! We've decided to make this a weekly treat. We are all on different paths in our lives and it's so difficult to get together, and we're all strapped for cash so this is the perfect solution. I'm excited because my children were able to be here (Little Princess watched a movie in her playroom that was suiting for her age, and Little Man was catching his zzzz) and it's something that we usually do just Lover Boy and I so our schedule doesn't have to change one bit.:)

Well, with life being life...there are times that we lose focus, that we are overtaken by some other force. In our household we've been trying to fight off depression. We have no really great reason to be experiencing it because we do know that we truly are blessed and very fortunate in our life, but despite that knowledge it's creeping in. Fortunately we have recognized it and know just a little bit about it to know that it's knocking at the door...Friday I let him in and nearly gave him control. You know depression is so so scary!! I hate it! I felt the need to take a nap early on in the morning...then about 2, I NEEDED another nap. I woke at 5. While I was awake I was a b*tch to everyone within 50 yards of me...Little Princess just couldn't do anything right, Little Man just drove me crazy, Molly (our dog) bugged me so bad, I even told her that you bug me one more time girl and I will take you down....hahaha wouldn't that make a great YouTube video?!

We were making Miso Soup, Salmon, Stir-fry and Rice for dinner...Lover Boy and Sergie went to the Asain Market to get the ingredients for Miso Soup while I was napping. When they returned I had just woken up, I was NOT in the mood to cook. Luckily for me they were so excited to make this soup that they did just that. (at the Japanese resturants you will pay anywhere from $2-5 for this yummy soup, to make a large pot of it cost $5...no more paying at the restaraunt.) Then feeling a bit guilty for my lousy behavior throughout the day I forced myself off the couch and into the kitchen. I made Salmon baked in Soy Sauce, the stir fry veggies, and rice...at least I got something done finally...While I was cooking though Little Man popped himself out of his bumbo chair that was in the center of the kitchen table (which it says directly on the chair NOT to do) and crashed to the floor...I cursed and began crying with him. Little Princess was just being a four-year old asking questions and informing me that the spoon I gave her was too large and that I shouldn't have given a child a glass bowl...I exploded at her about just being quiet and not complaining...Then I realized it was not her problem she was completely right, but I was the one over reacting about everything...I had a mini breakdown for a minute in my bedroom, wiped the tears, and then headed back upstairs to finish the dinner. Lover Boy is so good because as soon as he sensed my terrible mood swing, he offered to help (which I snapped at and said I was capable of doing it myself), he took the baby and got him ready for bed. After eating I thought it would be best to spend some time with Little Princess before our friends came over. I went down to her play room and layed with her and watched part of a movie with her. I am glad that I did that because I need her to know that mommy may freak out but it's not her fault it's mommy's and that I love her regardless of anything. Man, it sure is rough being a mom!! The rest of the night went much better:)


Here are some recipes from the meals that have been our favorite the past week or so:

Miso Soup

1 bag Dashi soup stock (you can substitue with mushroom stock or fish stock)
3 T. Miso paste
1 brick firm tofu
1 pinch of seaweed
green onions
10 c. water

Boil water with Dashi soup stock. Chop tofu into small cubes and add to soup. Take out 1 -2 Cups of the soup and mix in small bowl with Miso paste until paste is dissolved. Turn to Med-Low Heat, remove Dashi stock bags (like tea bags) then add pinch or 2 of seaweed. Make sure soup is not boiling, then add Miso paste. Stir, do not allow to boil with Miso paste in it. Add green onions.



Chicken Noodle Soup

2 chopped chicken breasts (uncooked)
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 t salt
5 cups water
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t garlic
4 chicken bouillon cubes
1 dash of parsley
1 pkg egg noodles.

Put all ingredients minus noodles in large pot and boil til chicken is cooked. Pour in the noodles and simmer til noodles and veggies are tender.


Chicken & Broccoli Braid

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 cup broccoli, chopped
1/2 c red bell pepper, chopped
1 garlic clove, pressed
4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded-1c.
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 t. dill mix
1/4 t salt
2 pkg. crescent rolls
1 egg white, lightly beaten
2 T slivered almonds

PreHeat oven to 375. Chop chicken, broccoli and pepper. Press garlic over vegetables, add shredded cheese. Add mayonnaise, dill mix, salt. On cookie sheet lay out crescent rolls with the long point going towards the outside and the short side down the center, do on both sides...You will be scooping the mixture down the center and then braiding the long pieces over. Brush on the egg whites and sprinkle with almonds.

Bake 25-28 minutes



Joe's Sisters Spaghetti Sauce

1 large onion, chopped
1 small green pepper, chopped
2 T Olive Oil
2-3 Garlic Cloves, Minced
2 cans whole tomatoes, crush them
2 plain tomato sauce
2 t. Dry basil
1 t. dry oregano
1/2 t. fennel seed (KEY INGREDIENT)

Heat olive oil and cook onion and pepper. Combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Then cover and simmer for 1 hr stirring occasionally. BE PATIENT


Mowing for Meatloaf

2 1/3 c. coarsely crushed soda crackers (1 1/2 tubes from package)
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/2 pound breakfast sausage patties
1 large egg
2 medium onions, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, minced
3/4 c ketchup, + 1/4 c. for the top
1/3 c. worcestershire sauce
1 t. salt
1/2 t black pepper

Preheat the oven to 325. In a heavy duty plastic food-storage bag, place the crackers, seal and roll over with a rolling pin wntil crushed but not powdery.
Take any rings off your fingers and send them to me! {that really is in the recipe..this is from Naomi Judds cookbook and she adds fun little personality like that to every recipe. lol} In a large bowl, with clean hands, mix together all the ingreients except the 1/4 c. ketchup for the top. Mix thoroughly but lightly, being careful not to pack the meat too much. Place in a 13x9x2 baking pan and shape into a loaf. Cover with aluminum foil.
Bake in the 325 oven for 45 minutes. Removed the foil. Spread the top of the loaf with the 1/4 c. ketchup. Bake, uncovered, another 60 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before slicing.

~when I made this one I ended up with only enough ketchup for the mixture and none to put on top. I searched my food storage but was completely out of ketchup but did find a bottle of bbq sauce. So I topped the meatloaf with that...We prefer it with bbq sauce on top~

Decisions, decisions...what to do?

Little Princess's daddy asked me a week ago if we could meet sometime and talk. I thought it was a great idea, but as soon as I agreed nerves set in. What did he want to talk about? (you know when someone says "we need to talk" there's usually a negative connotation) Was I in trouble for something? I asked him if I should be nervous and he said there was no need so I let the fear leave, for a moment...as today crept nearer I began to get nervous again...The hour before I was to meet him I was a wreck, I thought I was gonna puke, a major headache came on.

We met at TGIFridays to have an appetizer and drinks. We just talked about everyday happenings for about 45 minutes or so...dun dun dun dun...then he got quiet, repositioned himself and I knew the reason for the meeting was finally to be addressed...NOT WHAT I EXPECTED!! He asked me if it'd be okay if we rotate years with Little Princess. Not quite following him I asked him to clarify because we do already rotate years, as in holidays etc...He expanded and meant her living arrangements. My heart sunk. He asked me not to react immediately but to really think about it. Honestly, does more time thinking about it make it any less severe? My palms started sweating...heart racing...tear ducts forming tears...

He explained to me how hard it is on him not seeing her everyday. I explained that really we do split 50/50. I have thought in the past how hard it would be to be in his shoes or any non-custodial parents for that matter. It would be the most difficult situation...one that I would never want to be in. My heart really ached for him. I was not angry at his suggestion, but saddened by the sincerity of his need for her in his life.

I'm selfish, I need her!! I NEED my Little Princess. After another hour of him pouring out his heart about other issues that he needed to get off his chest I still couldn't get my mind to grasp what a year without her living in my home would be like. We returned to the topic of her and I told him I wasn't sure that would be the best thing for her. He assured me that she wouldn't be changing schools or anything, she'd stay on the same schedule. And suggested that I speak to a professional about the issue, someone at her school or where I took the step parent classes at who have degrees and deal with similar situations on a regular basis; he really does want what is best for his daughter. Still my stomach couldn't handle it...I suggested that maybe for the summer she could live at his house and I'd have visitation rights. That'd be easier on me and maybe less confusing on her, it'd be like a summer vacation thing.

Our current situation is she is with me on Monday and Thursday and him Tuesday and Wednesday and then we rotate weekends. To me that is 50/50. Granted now that I'm not working I do get to spend Tuesday and Wednesday with her while he is at work, but still....My heart is torn, how can I deny her father rights to his daughter? He is an amazing dad, there is absolutely no denying that. She loves him. But did I mention that I NEED her!!

We sat and talked for 3 hours! It was a great talk. He is one of my most dear friends and I was glad to spend the time with him. I'm so grateful that we have remained friends and are able to be so open and close and honest with each other. We are so very fortunate when I see others that fight and bicker over every little thing. We have a great relationship!

About my Domestic Diva adventure:

I failed on my cleaning duties today. I was "scheduled" to clean the bathrooms. But honestly I just didn't feel like it, Lover Boy and I was up far too late last night watching a hilarious movie and I was just exhausted today (and I had the awful nerves getting the better of me) so I didn't clean; instead I took a lovely nap and had a wonderful visit with Steph.

Sergei did text me this afternoon asking if I was cooking dinner tonight. I knew that I was but wasn't quite sure what it'd be because I didn't know how long I'd be with Little Princess's dad so I figured we'd do something simple. He asked if I could make soup because he had a Russian soup recipe. I told him I could follow a recipe, but not to expect perfection. He said he'd grab the groceries and bring them over. He arrived right when I was heading out the door, so I told him I'd make it when I returned.

I guess I was too long (LOL got home at 8:00) because when I walked in the aroma of something delicious over took my sense of smell. They made the soup for me tonight. It was delicous; it had 1/2 cabbage, beef, 1 jar of chopped clams, 2 onions, 5 carrots, mushrooms, 2 cans of beets and 5 potatoes, 4 oz. tomato paste seasoned with season salt, garlic salt and pepper. It was a perfect dinner for such a cold night...my heater isn't working so our house feels like winter! This made a ton (and when I say a ton I mean like 2 large pots) of soup.


*sigh* My heart is still torn...hopefully I'll be able to sleep.

Note: I asked Little Princess her opinion on the living situation suggested by her dad and she got so excited and said she'd love it ...heart ache...

~If you feel so inclined to leave a comment please do NOT bring any negativity onto Little Princess's daddy.