I wonder...

So, I had fun with this...I decided to share a peek into my daily thoughts...I left my laptop out throughout the day and added thoughts as they came up. Here are a few:

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I wonder why I'm always tired? I had my labs drawn at a recent doctor's visit, and they were normal.

 

I guess I'm just one of those people who is always tired. I think people are born one way or the other...full of energy or zapped of it at all times. I'm so jealous of those with energy.

 

I'm always tired because I have kids. And I'm in my mid-30s! 

 

How do people with more than two kids do it? Like, seriously...I can barely keep my head above water with two. To those reading this with more than two kids: y'all are AMAZING!

I wonder if we'll later regret not having more children. I always thought I'd have three or four. But I think two is a good number for us. We have two healthy, happy children...we are so fortunate.

 

I wonder when we'll feel settled in our home? A year from now?

 

I wonder when we'll have everything purchased and in place? A few years from now?

 

I can't wait to have a king size bed.

 

I'm going to sleep like a queen when we have a bigger bed. Oh, who am I kidding? We have kids; I have anxiety, and Rob snores. Sleep is overrated!

 

How much TV is too much TV?

 

Am I interacting with my girls enough? Am I stimulating them enough? Am I enough?

 

I really wish Hadley would drink milk. She doesn't like yogurt or cheese or calcium-rich vegetables. I hope her bones won't be brittle.

I wonder if those chocolate calcium supplements come in a kid version? I need to look into that.

 

I wonder what I would choose to eat as my last meal?

 

I wonder if I could eat, knowing it were my last meal?

 

No...of course I couldn't! How can anyone eat knowing they're about to take their last breath?

 

How can anyone believe in the death penalty? It's inhumane and makes my heart hurt.

 

I really need to stop sharing my opinion so much. Maybe I should give that up for Lent.

 

I say some really weird things. I wonder if people think I'm too dark.

 

I wonder if Rob wishes I would filter myself more? I probably embarrass him half of the time with the things I say.
 

Thank goodness Rob isn't president of the United States or anything. I couldn't imagine being the first lady. I'd have to majorly filter myself, and that'd be hard.

 

Can you imagine Melania Trump being the first lady? She'd definitely have to cut out the cleavage.

 

Can you imagine Donald Trump being president?

Surely Donald Trump is punking us all. Is this one big stunt for Ashton Kutcher's old TV show?

 

I wonder who will be elected president? I can't wait for the debates between the Republican and Democrat candidates.

 

I love an election year.

 

If I were on the Real Housewives, I wonder what my tagline would be?

 

If someone were asked to sum me up in one word, I wonder what it would be? I hope it would be kind. That's important.

 

What should I make for dinner?

 

Is it 5 o'clock yet?

 

I really need to start working out. For my physical and mental health.

 

It's time to start dyeing my hair. I'm going to ask my hairdresser next time I see her, and I know she's going to finally agree.

 

I wonder when I'll go through menopause? Surely I have a lot longer.

 

I need to start working on a beach trip for the summer. It's always nice to have something to look forward to.

 

Now I can't stop thinking about the beach. I'm already looking forward to drinking my coffee on the balcony and watching the sun come up.

 

How is it possible that there were three alligators in the pond in our neighborhood? (Per a neighbor...)

 

I am so scared of alligators. I should start carrying a stick when we go on walks.

 

Because everyone knows that a stick deters alligators.

 

And now I'm the old lady walking in the neighborhood with the stick.

 

I wonder if Lily believed me that those cats were wrestling (they were making baby kitties...until I honked and scared them in different directions...the last thing the world needs is more unwanted animals.)?

 

I need a nap...but I have so much to do!

 

I wonder if Lily will be prepared for kindergarten. It's such a big step...going to school five days a week, from morning until afternoon.

 

I wonder if I will be prepared for Lily to go to kindergarten? I'm going to miss the heck out of her.

 

Why do I always volunteer for the complicated things to bring for school parties? Next time I'm signing up for the box of Goldfish.

 

I don't have a Valentine's Day shirt for the girls to wear to their parties. Oh well.

 

I wonder if my girls' teachers think I'm a good parent? Do they think I spend enough time reading to them? Do they think I discipline them enough? Do they think my girls are sweet?

 

I hope and pray tubes make a difference in Hadley's hearing. (She's getting them Tuesday.)

 

I need to give something up for Lent. Lent is today, and I'm just now thinking about this. Is it too late to give up procrastination?

 

I wonder if I should start potty training Hadley? She's showing all the signs. It'd be nice to stop buying diapers...but at the same time, sometimes diapers are nice!

 

I wonder why so-and-so deleted me as a friend on Facebook?

 

That kind of hurt my feelings. I mean, I know I'm opinionated, but I try to be polite.

 

Ugh...I have got to stop sharing my opinion so much!

 

No...what's wrong with being me? It's her/his loss! ;)

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Hope y'all enjoyed all this randomness. And I hope everyone has a fabulous hump day!



Mini BBQ Meat Loaves & Smashed Blue Cheese Potatoes

If you're looking for an easy and delicious weeknight meal, I've got you covered. And a confession for you on this Tuesday afternoon: I like the flavor of meatloaf, but I'm turned off by the loaf part of it...the word and the appearance. With that said, these mini meat loaves were a winner. They cook up beautifully, and I just love how they look plated. And the blue cheese potatoes were divine. I added a side of Ina Garten's Parmesan-Roasted Broccoli (a recipe I've shared before), and we had a fabulous meal. This is definitely being added to the rotation.

 

 Mini BBQ Meat Loaves & Smashed Blue Cheese Potatoes

{Cooking Light magazine}

 

1 pound small red potatoes, halved

1/4 cup low-fat buttermilk

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 ounce blue cheese, crumbled (I probably used 3 times this much, but I love blue cheese)  

Cooking spray

8 ounces mild turkey Italian sausage, casings removed (I couldn't find turkey Italian sausage, so I used regular Italian sausage in its place)   

8 ounces 90% lean ground sirloin

1/2 cup grated carrot

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/4 cup whole-wheat panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/3 cup lower-sodium barbecue sauce (I used regular BBQ sauce....life is too short for low sodium!)

Directions

 

Preheat oven to 350°.

 

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan filled with water. Bring to a boil; cook 15 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to pan. Add buttermilk, salt, and cheese; mash with a potato masher to desired consistency. Keep warm.

 

Coat 8 muffin cups with cooking spray. Combine sausage, sirloin, carrot, green onions, panko, black pepper, and egg in a large bowl, stirring just until combined. Divide sausage mixture evenly among prepared cups. Make a (1/2-inch-deep) indentation in the center of each meat loaf. Top each meat loaf with about 2 teaspoons barbecue sauce. Bake at 350° for 15 to 20 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the center registers 160°.

Enjoy!

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Hope everyone is having a happy day!

Monterey Jack Salsa

This is one of my favorite dips ever. So it was a no-brainer for Super Bowl Sunday. It's a great side item for burgers or hot dogs or just as an appetizer. I could eat my weight in appetizers. For real.

 

 

Monterey Jack Salsa

{Come On In! cookbook}

 

1 can green chilies (4 oz.), chopped

1 can black olives (3 1/4 oz.), chopped

4 green onions, chopped

1/4 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 tomato, chopped

1/2 cup Italian salad dressing

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

 

Blend all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips for dipping. It's almost kick-off time. Hope everyone has a fun night!

Forever scarred

Instead of my usual Friday Favorites, I wanted to share a post I wrote years ago and shared on another (now defunct) blog. It's one of my favorite stories, so I guess it kind of counts as a Friday Favorite!

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**The book has all sorts of cover options now, but this was the cover I had...I apparently was somewhat devious in choosing to purchase a book about "the end of innocence." Ha...**

 
Judy Blume was an integral part of my child- and tweenhood. Where would any of us be had it not been for Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret?

I was at my parents' house the other day, and I decided to scan the bookshelves in my bedroom. Just looking at the titles brought back memories from different times in my life. Like certain smells, certain titles have the ability to take me back to an exact moment in my past, causing me to laugh, cringe, or tear up...and many times, all of the above. My collection of Judy Blume books stood in front of me, evoking memories of that awkward time between puberty and my teenage years. After reading Starring Sally J. Freedman As Herself, I decided to steal the heroine's "creative" closing. When Sally wrote letters to her family, she would sign them "Love and other indoor sports, Sally." I copied Sally, thinking I was oh-so-smart and original, and am sure my family members were horrified when they received letters from me at camp using that same closing. I didn't realize until years later what that signature actually meant. Judy Blume had corrupted me, and I was essentially signing my camp tales of archery and swimming in a murky pond with, "Love and sex, Lindsey."

Notably missing from my collection of Judy Blume books was Forever. I can't remember when I purchased Forever, but I imagine I did during a mall outing with a friend. Remember when our parents would drop us off for a few hours? And because cell phones didn't exist then, we were told to meet them out front at a set time...not a minute late. Anyway, I imagine I was innocent (or somewhat innocent, at least) in purchasing Forever. I just saw it as a Judy Blume book I hadn't read. So, I went home and read it, realizing immediately that this was not a book I needed to keep on my bedside table for my parents to peruse through. For those of you who have not had the pleasure of reading Forever, it's about a teenage girl losing her virginity. Of course that's not what it's all about, but that's what made the book not appropriate for my 11-year-old eyes. I knew what I had to do, so I hid the book under my bed. My parents would never know, I thought.

A few days later, I was sitting in my bedroom when my Dad knocked on my door. I had no idea what was in store for me. Dad came in and said, "Lindsey, we need to talk." I knew from his tone that it couldn't be good. He reached behind his back and pulled my copy of Forever from the pocket of his blue jeans. He held it in his right hand and tapped the book into the palm of his left hand, like the book was in trouble too. I'm sure my heart stopped at this exact moment, but all I remember is Dad saying to me, "You know we don’t believe in premarital sex in this household." I told him I knew that, that I had no idea what the book was about when I purchased it. I’m sure he said something like, "You didn’t read the back cover before you bought the book?" but due to the awfulness of this event, my memory of exactly how things transpired is somewhat hazy.

Dad ended the conversation telling me he was throwing the book away. He left my room, and I imagine I was unable to make eye contact with him for the next year or so.

In the end, Mrs. Blume not only taught me about sex, but she gave my Dad the perfect "in" for discussing his views on premarital sex with his young daughter...something I’m sure he never dreamed he’d be "fortunate" enough to do. I can officially credit Mrs. Blume for the most excruciatingly embarrassing conversation I’ve ever had with my Dad in my 28 (now 35) years on this earth. Thanks for that, Judy...I am Forever scarred.

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I hope everyone has a great weekend. We have no big plans other than to work around the house and watch the Super Bowl on Sunday...I'm fine with either team winning, but I do hope to see some good commercials and eat some yummy snacks. Hope to see y'all here on Monday!

Loving Lately

Like most of y'all, spring is on my mind...I've rounded up some warmer weather items that I'm loving lately...plus I'm sharing Lily's classroom Valentine's Day cards...they're the cutest. Enjoy!

 

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Floral Pleated Flutter Dress

 

The pleats, the sleeves, the pastel colors...think it'd be a perfect Easter dress for the girls. And if it's cold at Easter (it usually is), it'd still be sweet with white tights and a white cardigan.

 

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Dillon-Fit Watercolor Floral Shirt

 

What a beautiful blouse! I'd wear it to church with black cigarette pants.

 

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Ryan-Fit Textured Floral Slim-Straight Pant

 

And here it is in the pant version. Swoon.

 

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Spring Chick Sleep Set

 

Gap pajamas are my absolute favorite. They're 100% cotton, and they hold up well. They can be pricey, but if you catch them on sale it's worth it. These would be so cute in an Easter basket.

 

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Dancing Birds Sleep Set

 

Another pair of Gap pajamas...love the little birds on this pair.

 

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BB Dakota Parka

 

This is the perfect jacket to transition into spring. The sleeves are the best. I think it'd look good into fall with a long-sleeved shirt underneath too.

 

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Fringe Tee

 

How cute is this tee from Old Navy? I have a thing for fringe.

 

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Printed Tassel Scarf

 

A lightweight scarf for spring...the tassels are my favorite.

 

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Short-Sleeve Swing Top

 

This looks like a tee I'd wear all the time. Might pull the trigger on this one.

 

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Pineapple Dot Tankini

 

I adore this tankini from Target. Pineapples are all the rage right now, and I've jumped on the bandwagon.

 

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 Girls' Tankini Set in Tumbling Pineapples

 

Aah...this tankini from J.Crew...the shade of pink is perfection. Maybe it'll go on sale soon!

 

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Pineapples in Purple on Mint Green Swimsuit

 

Another pineapple option. Love the mint green and purple combo.

 

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Jasmyn Sandals

 

These sandals are calling my name. I have a few pair of Dolce Vita sandals, and the quality is great.

 

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Unicorn Valentine's Card

 

Y'all...how cute are these Valentine's Day cards? Lily's class party is next week, and I ordered these for her to pass out to her classmates. Unicorn + purple...we were sold!

 

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I hope everyone has a great day! Is there anything you're loving lately?

 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

So, we've all heard the saying "Go big or go home." Well that applies here. If you're on a diet, you may want to make this on your cheat day...everything in moderation, right?

 

But really...it's one of my favorite baked pasta dishes, and because it's pretty rich, you'll have enough left over for at least two more meals. Chicken, bacon, and Ranch dressing just work together, and the creamy pepper jack cheese gives it a little spice. 

 

P.S. This is a picture from a few months ago when I made it for the first time. When it came out of the oven yesterday, I was in the midst of refereeing professional wrestlers my girls, and I was too hungry after that to break out the professional camera iPhone.

 

 

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake

{www.insidebrucrewlife.com}

 

8 ounces pasta (penne)

1/4 cup diced red onion

1/2 cup chopped green peppers

1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 - 14 ounce can diced tomatoes

2 cups cubed, cooked chicken (I used an entire Rotisserie chicken)

1/2 cup chopped, cooked bacon

1 cup chopped spinach leaves

1 - 12 ounce can evaporated milk

2 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided

1/2 cup Ranch salad dressing

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

 

Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and pour back into saucepan. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon olive oil and toss. Cover and set aside.

 

Saute the onions and peppers in 1 Tablespoon oil for 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic, tomatoes, chicken, bacon, and spinach to the pan. Saute until the spinach leaves start to wilt. Pour the mixture into the pan with the pasta and stir. Cover and set aside again.

 

Heat the milk, ranch dressing, and 2 cups pepper jack cheese until the cheese melts and becomes creamy. Stir in the noodles and chicken mixture.

 

Spoon into a greased 8 x 8 baking dish. Top with the remaining pepper jack cheese and cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes to brown the cheese. Keep a close eye on it while broiling. Serve hot.

 

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I hope everyone has a great day...it's supposed to be terrible weather here, so we may be testing out our new bathtubs as storm shelters. Yikes!

Weekend Update & Life Lately

I hope everyone had a happy weekend. It went fast, like always! I worked on Saturday and had a wonderful group of patients. When I got my assignment that morning, I recognized one of the names on my list of patients but didn't think much of it. The day went on, and she looked a little familiar, but I couldn't place the connection. It was later that afternoon that she asked me if I had a little girl who was around 4 or 5...I told her I did. She then reminded me that she was the patient who had made a quilt for Lily when I was pregnant with her. Y'all...this has haunted me for years! When I was on maternity leave, she left the most gorgeous handmade quilt, which even had Lily's name embroidered on it, with my nurse manager, for me to open on my return to work. I was never able to get her address to thank her, and I changed jobs shortly after. I knew I'd probably never see her again, and it bothered me that I was never able to thank her for this incredibly thoughtful and personal gift! I told her just that...and she said, "And who knew you'd get to thank me years later in person." Pretty cool, huh? That felt like a God thing, and it was definitely a highlight to my weekend...and something that will stay with me for a long time! I can't wait to share this story with Lily one day...that one of her mom's precious patients made this quilt for her. What a gift...

 

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The weather here has been incredible...highs in the low 70s and so untypical of January weather. We went to church yesterday morning and spent the afternoon at the park, along with everyone else in Madison. That big dose of Vitamin D was so good for my soul.

 

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I wasn't able to watch the SAG Awards, but you know I checked out the fashion afterwards. There were lots of stunning dresses, I thought! Almost too hard to pick a top 3, but these were my favorite.

 

 

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton...I just loved how different this was. The colors, the sequins, the long sleeves. Sounds like it'd be a hot mess of a combination, but in reality I thought it was stunning and unique.

 

 

Kiernan Shipka in Erdem. My favorite dress of the evening. I'm always drawn to purple, and I love the neckline too.

 

Claire Danes in Stella McCartney. Perfection. I also love her hair and wish mine could look like that every day.

 

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I got some new sneakers recently, and I've been wearing the heck out of them. What is it about fun sneakers? This particular pair is sold out, but I found them online at American Eagle...they carry a wide variety of New Balance sneakers, and I've also seen some fun ones at J.Crew.

 

 

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Hadley and I stopped in Target recently while Lily was at school. I couldn't resist this flamingo bathing suit and beach bag for Hadley. Now I'm on the hunt for some flamingo sunglasses, and we'll be set for the pool this summer!

 

 Flamingo Swimsuit

 

Flamingo Tote Bag

 

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We ended up replacing our kitchen table with one from my parents. It probably needs to be refinished one day, but it just worked better in our new space. I found this runner and these placemats at Target last week, and I thought the result was so pretty...plus it hides some of the table's imperfections!

 

 

The table runner is sold out online, but the brand is Threshold, and I found it on the aisle with the placemats. Info for the placemats is here: Threshold Woven Striped Placemat

 

Hadley loves sitting at the big table. Gone is her high chair, and she is one of the big people! She is so proud of herself!

 

 

And then this one is about to be 5...I'm probably going to turn into a puddle of tears on her birthday.

 

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Both girls have school this morning, and I have a long to-do list. I'm making a baked pasta for dinner, and I'll share the recipe tomorrow. It's one of my favorites! Hope everyone has a great day...I have the below magnet on my fridge...I plan to begin today serenely, and I hope you do too! ;)