Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Ordinary Summer? Days

Oh I love this weather...more than ever this year I needed an early spring (you all knew that already with the way I've been griping about winter) and my wish has been granted.  The windows are opened, fresh air is chasing the stale winter smelly air out, and I feel so happy about it all.

Patrick and I went on our first bike ride of the year on a beautiful day.  Yes, I shoved his big 4 year old body in that baby seat, and took off.  We were off to our little grocery store to get ice cream for my Matthew who had a tooth pulled.  I made it to the end of the street and thought, "Holy moley, am I in trouble!"  I am SO out of shape and I can blame it on the fact that I didn't move for about 10 weeks right?  I had about 1/2 mile more to go, and then back.  I don't know how I made it, but what kept me going was a boy back home waiting for his ice cream.  I've got to start exercising!

Speaking of exercising. Ha.  I made all these chocolate chip cookies for one of Jeff's teams he coached.  I almost burnt up my mixer up with a double batch.  

I know-you can totally relate right?  I have to laugh because if I let it bug me, well-I'll be bugged constantly.

Fix yourself a dang quesadilla Napoleon.  I made these the other night.  They were great.  I made some vegetarian ones for me with refried beans.  Omitted the bacon bits from all.   

This is awful smelling.  Do not buy it unless you want someone to walk into your kitchen after you've sprayed it and say, "How come it smells like someone pooped in here?'  (And that didn't come out of the mouth of a 12 year old boy but a 45 year old man by the way.)  Lemon verbena?  Not so much. I think the antibac part is the thing that throws a wrench into the scent.

This will all be gone in a week.  Or less than.  I love buying fruit.  (The lemons are for my water-I am making myself drink that whole thing back there every day. Of course more days than not, I fail miserably.)

Jeff set up the trampoline and it's a hit once again.  Best 300 doll-hairs I've ever spent.  I love that the neighborhood kids are out and about and Andrew has friends to play with.  They all play so nicely together, and sometimes you know, they just need a break from brothers and sisters.  (Although Patrick has been a big tag-a-long which I love.)

Patrick is making the transition from basketball season to soccer, with absolutely not even a second of a gap in between.  I signed him up for soccer this spring-just once a week-I know, I know, I'm shocked at myself.  Who needs four kids playing soccer, and another rowing?  But I just couldn't make him sit on the sidelines another year. I've never seen a kid more into sports in my life.  I wish I hadn't even told him all about it because he is so excited he asks me every day when his soccer starts.  It doesn't start till mid-April!  I think we might have to come up with some sort of cross-off-the-days chart or we might both drive each other crazy.

40 comments:

  1. Your post is getting me giddy for summer! We had it, but then we lost it this week due to snow and a broken arm!:( I can't wait to try your quesadilla veggie style! Always a pleasure visiting your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I second the method cleaner. I bought that stuff used it a few times. Went back to my old cleaner but kept the method bottle because I'm cheap and can't throw things away. Until I forgot about it and used it again. Ya, that puppy went into the trash.

    P.s. This quesadillas looked scrumptious!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The shoe bucket...I can totally relate.
    Try mrs Meyers cleaning product. The lavender doesn't smell like poop at all! We love it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I bought the orange scent and I didn't notice a weird smell. I stayed away from the one you bought because I absolutely cannot stand the smell of any Mrs Meyer product. I have super sensitive smell. I am also waiting for summer ~ we had snow this past weekend and are expecting more Sunday. Boo.... Hope you are feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'd love to hear more about eating vegetarian while pregnant. I'm trying to cut back on meat right now (not a big meat eater to begin with) but when I'm pregnant I crave it constantly. I tried that Method Antibac stuff- the smell is just wrong somehow. Up here in Alaska we've had almost 11 feet of snow this year (we're 3 inches from breaking a 60 year record)- uggg! So hard with little ones- cabin fever is an understatement.

    ReplyDelete
  6. oh yum on the quesidillas. I've never tried Method but I actually LOVE the Mrs. Meyer lemon verbena - I just had my husband pick more up at the ONE store that sells it around here because it is my favorite scent. Doesn't smell like poop at all - smells so fresh and clean. I bought that mop you recommended and I love to whip it out and smell the freshness after I've sprayed the kitchen floor!! And yeah, I so relate to the empty basket with shoes all around! Speaking of that, I need to REMOVE the winter baskets as I am hoping we are done with hats and gloves and boots!

    I so wish you'd throw your weekly menu on your blog - just quick and easy list, not even additional recipes. I find that my family loves almost every recipe I've tried from your site!! The chicken fettucini is a fave now.

    ReplyDelete
  7. We are experiencing 80 degree days here already! Would be lovely, except the pollen is terrible (it was in the 9000s yesterday). We are having fajitta quesadillas tonight. I cannot believe you were able to make it to the store and back with Patrick in tow! That is amazing!! I used to purchase Method cleaners, but lately the scents are just too strong. Loving 7th Generation. They offer alot of free and clear products.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We have a Naploean Quote of the Week on the chalkboard in our kitchen which my 12 yr old daughter maintains...."Get yourself a dang quesadilla!" is our current quote! EVERYONE, even the 7 year old, loves Napolean!

    Now go drink yourself some lemon water.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Have you seen the Napoleon Dynamite cartoon on FOX? It's pretty true to the original movie except a little more outrageous - if that makes sense. It has all the original actors from the movie.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Ah yes, the ordinary days....love 'em! Thought of Abbey during the St. Pat's day parade in Cleve. The Ignatius Crew team had a float with one of the boats and they were rowing - very cool! I suppose I am one of those who did not understand how much you went through with your pregnancy illness! You are a testament to faith and strength! Enjoy the sunshine! We went down to the beach yesterday - it was chilly down there!

    ReplyDelete
  11. The shoes and the fruit! Ditto at our house :) God sent this weather just for you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm glad to see that you're feeling better! Spring has sprung here in CT too, although temporarily. It's nice to be outside in the sun! Would you mind sharing where you bought your trampoline? :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love the fruit sitting out on the counter in a big platter, looks so inviting. I am going to do that instead of keeping it hidden in the fridge. It is pretty, in addition to healthy! Our spring has been lovely here, taken the kids to the beach twice this week over their spring break and we have had gorgeous weather. Today I am cleaning windows--I love clean windows!! Thanks for the recipe!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. We are having a beautiful morning here in Texas after a couple of stormy rainy days. Spring days like this are coveted here because to soon it will be hot. But for now the bluebonnets are blooming and the trees have leafed out and our grass looks like it's May from all the rain. So glad you are feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I had the same problem with Method bathroom cleaner....the smell was so strong I swear it burned my throat! After two attempts I threw it out.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I had the exact same reaction the Lemon Verbena cleaner! I use a lot of Method products, but that particular scent is terrible. I had a roommate who LOVED IT, so when ever she bought cleaning supplies, she always bought that scent. I reminds me of my 1st and 2nd trimester because that's when we lived with her.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Just recently found your site, and I appreciate your thoughts!!!

    The shoe bucket... I think most mothers can relate to that. Ironically, I have the most trouble with my HUSBAND'S shoes!!

    Have you ever tried Norwex cleaning products? All of their cloths are antibacterial, so you can deep clean with just water. It's truly A-MAZE-ING.
    You should check them out!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. So glad you are feeling BETTER and able to enjoy all the Spring has to offer. Good luck with the rest of the pregnacy! Those chocolate chip cookies are making me gain wieght just looking at them :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Wait!! I wasn't ready to move on yet! ;)
    My dear friend Mindy has Hyperemesis. She is preg with her 4th and just a couple weeks behind you. I made her read your post. Thank you! I will keep you in my thoughts even more now. :)
    And yay for Spring! Bring on the forsythia,tulips, and daffodils! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Uh, thank you for telling me about the Method cleaner, because I totally would have bought that! We use the Method counter spray and window cleaner and they smell wonderful! I like Meyers or 7th Generation for natural cleaners too. Sounds like you're feeling a bit better and hopefully Spring will put some more "spring" back in to your step! :) Just think, in a couple more months, you'll have another little soul to hold and love.

    ReplyDelete
  21. LOVE that big tray of fruit waiting to be eaten by hungry children...similar scene at my house too!

    ReplyDelete
  22. We all must have exercise on the brain, haha! :) That fruit looks so yummy...I remember you had a picture of fruit salad a couple weeks ago. I made one after that and have been having them for weeks now as a snack. Delish! Enjoy the beautiful weather!

    ReplyDelete
  23. The tray of fruit looks really good and not to mention those cookies they look yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love the shoe basket picture...it tells such a story and is so common for many of us, i am sure! And, GO BLUE....love Patrick's jersey :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love these posts! They make me so much less isolated in my day to day life because I can see that other mom's are going through all the same stuff!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I just wanted to say that I love seeing Michigan paraphernalia in your posts. As a Michigan grad, it gets me so excited. I think the men's basketball coach must be related to you somehow, correct? (in a previous post I saw your son at a game)

    Glad to hear you and the family are enjoying the warm weather!

    ReplyDelete
  27. okay, the shoe thing? seriuosly people!! Our shoe bin is at the front door, which faces our stairs. Yesterday there was no safe path to the stairs and I only have 2 kids! come on!! LOL!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love it all, but I agree that Patrick's shirt is the best. Go Blue!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like the lema verbena scent that is next to that one at target. I think it's by Mrs. Meyers. It reminds me of the citrus orchards I grew up with.

    I also LOVE how much fruit you have around and how easy it is to access it. If I don't put my fruit out on the counter like this I forget about it and get distracted by other things in the fridge.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Summer has gone here and autumn in all it's glory has arrived....I am dreading winter, my least favorite time of year, oh how I wish we were heading into summer....
    Have a gorgeous time enjoying the smells of summer coming your way :-))...
    Kelly

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love the empty shoe basket! All you can do is try!

    ReplyDelete
  32. I am SO happy to see you happy and enjoying this time of year. I almost have tears in my eyes. You deserve it, friend.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh my....I think that kitchen cleaner smells so bad too!!! I tried it almost a year ago and couldn't believe how bad it smelled!!! Glad to know I'm not the only one that feels this way.

    LOVE your blog and so happy about baby #6! : )

    ReplyDelete
  34. Love these ordinary days post! I bought the same cleaner and my husband asked me to please throw it away!
    I do have an idea for a post that I need a ton of help with. My kids are eating and constantly hungry. We,also, do a lot of fruit but what are some other ideas that you keep on hand or make often for snacks? Also- I know ou pack a lot of school lunches. What are your go to school lunches? I feel like we're in a rut.
    BTW- i'm so happy your feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Oh my goodness I have that Method cleaner in the orange citrus scent...it smells like vomit! I asked my husband what he thought and he said the same. What a disappointment!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. HA! I bought that lemon verbena spray too. It is horrible. My husband walked in asked why it smelled like roach killer.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have a friend who does the Christmas construction-paper-style chain for counting off days towards special events with their kids and they love it!
    I want one of those cookies. The end.

    ReplyDelete
  38. I loved your picture of your shoe basket, same thing happens at our house:) Have you ever heard of Melaleuca it's a wellness company. We have fallen in love with their products, you should check them out. Thanks for your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh my, thank you for the shoe basket picture. That's reality...and pretty darn funny when it's not your own shoe basket! ;) Patrick is growing up so much....

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love your blog! I bought that Method cleaner and actually threw it away after a couple uses. It does smell awful!

    ReplyDelete