The kids had scattered to the backyard to play while I cleared off the dinner dishes.  As I wiped down the dining room table, I couldn’t help but  smirk as I looked out over a see of crumbs and wood that is faded in parts due to many a knocked over glass of milk or water.  There is an ever present layer of grime that those of you with kids know exactly what I am talking about… something like syrup meets peanut butter meets oatmeal and it just cakes into those nooks and crannies around the edge of the table, giving it that “lived in” feel.   There are marks on the table where my kids didn’t stay in the lines (or on the paper for that matter) when coloring with their supposedly washable markers and a few splatterings of paint here and there from art projects.

I remember when Scott first brought it through the doors of our apartment.  After months of eating on a tiny card table, we were beyond excited about having a real dining room table.  He carried it in piece by piece and assembled it that night.

We had gotten into the habit of not putting the drinking pitcher onto the table, because our card table hadn’t been big enough for it.    We were careful, meticulous about keeping it clean, not wanting it to get water marks or anything on it. I vividly remember thinking, “One day my kids will do their homework on this table.”

I had no idea that memories we’d make around that table.   My kids have practiced writing their letters on this table and drawn many a picture sitting here.  Scott and I have sat side by side working out the budget here.  We’ve entertained family and friends for numerous meals and parties… Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, birthdays…we’ve rolled out Christmas cookies, built gingerbread houses, dyed Easter eggs and carved pumpkins on this table.   Scott’s had the guys from work over to play poker at this table.  We’ve built forts underneath it.  And if you look close you can see naw marks from when our puppies teethed on its legs.

It’s easy to look at the table and see nothing but the grime and stains and wear and tear.  But for some reason, that night when I looked at it, all I could do was smile at the love and memories we’ve shared round this table.  And I pray to God for many, many more blessed memories as a family sitting round this table.

Divide and Conquer

That would be the name of the game lately at the circus.

I’ll take the youngest two to the grocery store while Scott takes the older ones with him to build the new to us play set.  Or Scott takes the big 3 to the year end baseball ceremony while I stay home with the babe.

At this stage of the game, tag teaming has seemed crucial for surviving and for attempting to keep the household running somewhat smoothly.  

Last week we seemed to take the whole divide and conquer strategy to a new level, though.

Maggie, our patient and honestly quite often overlooked dog, was overdue for a vet appointment.  I don’t care how over due she was, I was not bringing her and the 4 kids to the vet by myself (remember last years visit with just 3 kids?).  So, I scheduled an evening appt for her so Scott could take her.  Unfortunately the night that worked best also happened to be the night of a deacon meeting for Scott.  He didn’t have time to take her to the vet and back home before heading out to church for his meeting. 

So, he came home from work, grabbed the dog and headed to the vet.  I then followed with the kiddos about 15 minutes later and waited in the parking lot.  Scott came out with the dog about 10 minutes later stuck her in the back of the van, gave me a quick kiss and as we parted ways… him on his way to church, me back home with the circus crew… I had to chuckle…

Now we’re even tag teaming with the dog!!

In other news.. my little man is 6 weeks old…time is flying fast and my laundry seems to be piling up even faster!!

It’s time to stop pretending.  The act is over.  Who am I kidding?

I am not a gardener.

Each spring, I get bitten by a gardening bug and I think that I will turn over a new leaf and suddenly spawn a green thumb. 

So, I buy some plants and seeds and the kids and I set off to garden.   Each spring Scott asks why am I doing this when I know what will happen.   And each spring I assure him that this year will be different.

The way gardening typically works for me is that I get all excited about it in April.  I weed the garden area, plant a few plants and then pretty much that is it. 

I don’t eagerly run out to check for sprouts.

I don’t weed. 

A lot of times, I don’t even remember to pick the tomatoes off the vine. 

I am literally a one day gardener.

The problem is, I don’t enjoy it.  I don’t think it is fun to weed and water and prune the plants.  I don’t wait in eager anticipation to see the fruits of my labor bloom.  I garden out of guilt.  I garden b/c my parents garden and my best friends garden and when they start talking about all their seeds and sprouts, I start thinking, “Hey, I should do that too…”  b/c that’s what good moms do… they dig in the dirt with their kids.

This year started out like any other.  We went to Home Depot, got a few plants and a few seed packets.    We also bought some annuals and mulch for our front yard.  Scott and I then spent the afternoon planting and mulching.  When we were done I didn’t feel like tackling the garden so I stuck the plants in front of the house so they could get some sunlight and water and save them for another day.

OK… that was on April 24th. 

Here are the plants now.

Yea… you can see that I got real far on the garden this year…. I think it’s a record… killed em before I even got them in the ground.  The truth is that in my pregnant state there is a limited number of things I feel like getting down on my hands and knees to do.  And the reality is given the choice, I chose scrubbing the baseboards in my bathroom to planting vegetables.

If that doesn’t reveal my true feelings about gardening, I don’t know what does.      Part of me still has aspirations of planting some sunflowers…we’ll see… but for now this years vegetable garden goes down as my Friday Fail. 

May 3, 2010

Write it down folks.  Circle it on your calendar. 

I’ve dreamed of this day for months.  I’ve gotten so close only to be thwarted.

But, folks… it finally happened.

The circus family is caught up on laundry.

I know, I never thought it would happen either.   Friday afternoon I washed my Christmas table cloth.  This evening, I dry cleaned our sweaters with one of those handy Woolite Dry Cleaning sheets.  

In fact, except for that dry clean load, I was caught up on Friday afternoon and this evening I just washed the clothes we wore this weekend.    That’s right… the only clothes that are dirty at the circus abode right now are the pjs we are currently wearing. 

In fact, we uncovered a problem that I’ve never encountered here before.  Since all of our clothes are clean, I actually ran out of hangers.  I have clean clothes folded and ready to go in the closet, after I go buy more hangers tomorrow.  I also have bulging dresser drawers… which tells me that this week I need to go through our clothes and bag up the winter clothes.

What will I do with this new found state of being?

Well, I have a plan.  I’ve been conjuring it up for months and I think it is fool proof.  I have a laundry basket sitting in the hallway outside of our bedroom doors and each evening we will throw our dirty clothes into it.  And each morning I will wash that load.   With 5, soon to be 6, people dirtying clothes, we actually make a load of clothes a day with my small washing machine.

Meaning, the circus will stay on top of the laundry.

Stop laughing, I really think this is possible. 

No, I mean it, it is not nice to laugh at an 8 month pregnant momma. 

I figure every night before I go to bed, I run the dishwasher, then I unload and put away the dishes the next morning.  Why can’t I run the laundry every morning and fold the clothes during nap time?  It is totally doable… it just hasn’t been for months because it has taken me literally months to get caught up on the back log.  But, now that I am… I am confident we can boldly go where this circus mom has never gone before. 

Hey, I might even have time to stay on top of the sheets and towels on a weekly basis.   Can you believe it??

I am linking this post up to 5M4M Tackle it Tuesday.

February is here.  I am happy to say I’ve finally put away all our Christmas decor and while it isn’t completely conquered, I have tamed the laundry beast and gotten somewhat of a grip on the house chores and school work. 

For now

So, with this new month, I’ve set some goals for some things I’d like to get done around the house.   And thanks to two different blogging friends, I have some accountability and inspiration.  Thanks Andrea and Becky!!   

Andrea is hosting a sew along.  She’s been posting some adorable dresses and pants with pockets and all sorts of cute things she whips up in her “spare time.”  I typically look at them, drool, and think, “if only” and “perhaps I should forward the link to my SIL or my mom, people who actually use their sewing machines!”  But, then she introduced this concept of a sew along and I was intrigued.   

This is her plan:

Week 1: Know your machine- This is for absolute beginners and for those who haven’t sewed in a while. This will require that you have a machine (yours or borrowed), the manual, some scrap fabric, scissors, a seam ripper, and thread.

Week 2: Gather your supplies- We’ll discuss pattern selection, notions, fabric, and tools. I’ll have suggestions for a few different patterns (adult and child) but you are free to use whatever pattern you want. Don’t be afraid to make something for yourself! I’ll be teaching using a basic dress pattern with a zipper.

Week 3: Cutting out your fabric- Learn about measuring and selecting the correct size as well as nap and grain and other fabric terms. You’ll also learn what all the symbols on a pattern are, how to prep your fabric, and how to cut out the pattern. I have a few tricks up my sleeve to show you.

Week 4: Begin sewing! We’ll take the plunge together and begin sewing. We’ll discuss the seam ripper and how to follow the pattern directions. We’ll learn about the different ways to finish seams as well as how to understitch, overstitch and other necessary garment sewing stitches.

Week 5: Finish it up! We’ll talk about zippers, buttons and hemming. The fun stuff! That’s right you’ll have a finished garment by the first week of March!

I know she talks about garments, but I have been wanting new curtains in our master bathroom for 6 years now, so I am starting there.  (plus, no zippers are involved in the making of curtains)!     And now that my husband is almost finished fixing the plumbing in our bathroom,  we’ve made a goal to have our bathroom fully usable and even nicely decorated by the end of the month! 

These were here when we moved and  I have never liked them.  Nor have I liked the fact that the rod sticks out inches beyond the window… that too shall be fixed by months end.

As if tackling a sewing project isn’t a big enough goal, I’ve also decided to join in Becky’s WOW Carnival.    I’ve done this before…. remember when I finally got to weeding my flower beds last spring?… I owe it all to Becky.  Basically, you set a goal for a project you’ve been wanting to get to, but keep putting on the back burner, and you tackle it within one week.  This week I’d like to tackle our 2009 Family Scrapbook.  (because truthfully, I want to get to our 2007 and 2008 books as well before baby number 4 arrives to the circus in a few months).  I plan to make it digitally using shutterfly.com  I am not sure if doing the whole book in one week is too lofty of a goal, perhaps I should say this week I’d like to organize all the pictures for our 2009 scrapbook.  But, I am going to aim for getting a good chunk of the book done this week, and I’ll check in with you later this week to fill you in on the progress.  Here’s hoping I make such great progress that I keep on scrapping 2 yrs more of memories!! 

Feeling inspired?  Feel free to join me in either or both endeavors.  Becky is even offering a Starbucks gift card to one lucky WOW participant this week.  Non bloggers are still welcome to participate, just leave her a comment letting her know your joining in the fun!    And for those of you who have more talent and comfort than I do with a sewing machine, you may want to consider checking out Andrea’s other carnival.

I’d definitely appreciate the encouragement and support as I take on these two tasks.  I promise to post updates on the progress.

I have found that by planning my meals for the month, I can drastically reduce our families grocery spending.   It takes time and a whole lot of effort though.  And to be honest the past several months I wasn’t so good about it.  But, then Scott and I sat down and took a look at our spending.  And we realized that we needed to be a whole lot better about sticking to our budget. 

And so, the first thing I did at the beginning of the month is sit down with google calendar and plan out my meals.  I made my grocery list based on this meal plan.  Then I took a trip to Walmart to stock up on a months worth of groceries.  I kid you not three separate people looked at me and my overflowing cart and one actually laughed at it. 

Some may think planning your meals out for a month isn’t flexible enough.  Basically, it is a rough estimate.  I can still switch things up a bit, but I know that aside from milk and produce, I have everything I need for the months worth of meals.  If I want to switch the meal from the 13 to the 27th, there is not rule saying I can’t.  And I don’t have to wrack my tired brain at 5:00 each day trying to figure out what we’re having for dinner.

We’re half way through the month and so far we’re on pace for sticking with the January grocery budget!  So, I thought I’d share what’s working for us at the circus as well as our meal plan for the week. 

Sunday- breakfast for dinner:  waffles

Monday- lasagna, rolls, green beans

Tuesday- dinner at a friends house, I’m bringing dessert… any suggestions? I am trying to make something without having to go out and buy any new ingredients…otherwise, I’d totally make this.  Anyone have a yummy desert recipe I can make with ingredients you have on hand around the house?

Wednesday- Sarah’s Creamy Broccoli Cheese Soup, home made rolls

Thursday- I am going out for a girls night with my SIL and good friend… we’re eating at Chipotle, then watching this movie, and enjoying some “Gilmore Girls style” junk food. 

The fam, however, will be eating pepperoni bread, applesauce, and corn.

Friday- chicken pot pie (or as my kids call it… vegetable pie…they are excited b/c it is sure to make their ears taste disgusting)

Saturday-  French toast, sausage

You can check out org junkie for more menu planning ideas.

This year the Thanksgiving menu held some old favs and some new favs as well.  Thought I’d share the recipes so you could stick em in your box for next year, or for later this holiday season.

My mom’s apple pie is by far my most favorite apple pie in the world.  In fact, I am an apple pie snob and won’t eat any other pie but her recipe.  Because, once you’ve had this one, no others compare in my opinion.  So this is a staple at Thanksgiving and anytime you want apple pie at the circus.

Apple Crumb Pie

• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 6-8 tart apples, pared, cored and sliced (6 cups)
• 1 9-inch unbaked pastry shell
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup butter

Combine first three ingredients; stir into apples. Turn into pastry shell.  Combine remaining flour and sugar; cut in butter till crumbly.  Sprinkle over apples.  bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes or until done.  If pie browns too quickly, cover edge with foil.

This year, we also tried two new recipes in addition to our old stand bys. 

Last week we read Cranberry Thanksgiving for school thanks to the 5 in a Row curriculum.   The book has a recipe in the back for Grandmother’s Famous Cranberry Bread.  My son made it at his tutorial with his class last week and he decided that we must include it at our feast this year.  So, he and Grandma made it Wednesday night.  I must say, it is the best cranberry bread I’ve ever had and I think it will be a new Thanksgiving staple for the circus crew. 

Grandmother’s Famous Cranberry Bread

• 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon grated orange peel
• 3/4 cup orange juice
• 1 1/2 cups light raisins (we used crasins instead)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.  Add egg, orange peel, and orange juice all at once; stir just until mixture is evenly moist.  Fold in raisins and cranberries.

Spoon into a greased 9×5x3-inch loaf pan.  Bake at 350 for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.  Remove from pan, cool on wire rack.

I also made Sarah’s Sweet Potato Casserole.  It was delicious!  And also deemed a repeat for future years.  Or as Scott suggested, why wait till Thanksgiving, couldn’t we eat it other times throughout the year too?  I say sure,why not?

As we sat down at the table filled with delicious food, my son declared, “We forgot something.”  I couldn’t figure out what it was and he said, “We need to go around the table and say what we’re thankful for.”  And you know what he was thankful for?  School.  Bless his heart, I love that boy.

How about you?  What are you thankful for this year? 

I was feeling pretty good about myself this week.  Got a little boost of energy with week 12 and began to tame this household which I had slacked off on over the first trimester.  Finally, I can leave the guest bedroom door open as well as the master bed room.   I even cleaned out the van which had reached its height of total messiness, threw away all that trash crammed in around the car seats and brought in the plethora of coats and shoes which were strewn all over the floor.  This was also the week of the harvest party at our tutorial, which me and another mom were in charge of.  I spent all day Wednesday at the tutorial setting up, running, and cleaning up after the harvest party.  And yet I even got all, yes ALL, of the laundry washed and just two baskets left to fold and put away.  And this was the week, Scott was out of town for 3 days/nights on business.  

Yes, I was feeling pretty darn good about my week. 

And then I picked my son up from Sunday School.

Funny how something so simple can take you down a notch or two.

The teacher greeted me with a smile on her face and said, “I have got to tell you what your son said today.  He always says the funniest things.” 

Uh-oh, I thought.  I’ve worked with children enough to know that this will not end well for the parents.

“We asked the kids what their Moms and Dads did during the day and you son said that you lay on the couch and sleep and comment on other peoples blogs while he watches TV.”

Nice. 

What I failed to mention is that last night I was feeling quite sick.  Got home from the end of season soccer party with a killer headache and nausea.  Scott had to go to the homeless ministry, so I sat on the couch with a bowl on my lap and let the kids watch cartoons as I dozed and snuggled with them. 

How sad that a weeks worth of hard work can be completely forgotten because of one evening of slacking on the couch. 

I love my husband’s Nana.   She’s a remarkable lady.   I loved her for years, just based on hearing about her from her grandson and reading her sweet letters.  Then, I flew to California and met her.  And I loved her as my own Nana!! 

When I walked in her side door, I instantly felt at home.  I sat down at her table and never wanted to leave again.

Gana (as my kids call her b/c she is their Great Nana) is famous for her quince jam, her tacos, and her French toast (among many other things).

Being a mother of three boys, she is used to making food in bulk.  And her method of making French toast totally works for me!

I used to cook my French toast one at a time in oil in a frying pan.  Not exactly healthy or quick. Then a few years ago my in laws gave me a large waffle iron.  I squealed with delight, “Now I can make French toast like Nana!” 

Yes, Gana’s secret for French toast is to cook it in one of those large waffle irons (not those tiny circular single serving Belgium waffles irons).  The waffle iron seems to seal in the taste in the bread and I love the fact that I can cook 4 at a time. 

It might not look like your average French toast… it def looks like a cross between a waffle and French toast.   Call it waffle toast…or French waffles…or toasted waffles…whatever you call it, call it breakfast…because it is delicious!   I’m telling you, it’s tasty, more healthy, and definitely quicker than my old method.  It’s worth a try, I promise you!