You know you're a mommy when... (8.2.11)

you pride yourself in your clever resourcefulness.  My latest example: using breastmilk storage bags to freeze leftover pizza sauce! Genius.

The pizza sauce was delicious and unbelievably easy, by the way.  The best part is that you don't even have to turn your stove on to make it!  Here's the recipe:

EASY PIZZA SAUCE

Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil  (I used fresh basil)

Directions

1. Mix together the tomato paste, water, and olive oil.  Add garlic, salt and pepper to taste, oregano, and basil. Mix well and let stand several hours to let flavors blend. No cooking necessary, just spread on dough.

You know you're a mommy when... (7.17.11)

while relaxing to the sounds of Enya in a dimly-lit room after finally cashing in your Mother's Day gift certificate for a much-needed massage, you suddenly feel the urge to say out loud, "this little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home..." when the massage therapist touches your toes.

Conversations with Andrew - Broken record

Andrew: Mommy, can I have a cheese sandwich?

Me: Yes, Bud.  I'm making it right now.

Andrew: Can I have a cheese sandwich?  Can I have one?

Me: Yes, it's coming.

Andrew: Can I have a cheese sandwich?  Can I have a cheese sandwich? Can I have a cheese sandwich? Can I have a cheese sandwich? Can I have a cheese sandwich? Can I have a cheese sandwich? Can I have a cheese sandwich...

Me: Andrew, Mommy heard you.  I'm making it for you... see? You don't need to keep asking.

Andrew: Mommy.... can I keep asking?  Can I keep asking?  Can I keep asking?  Can I keep asking?  Can I keep asking?  Can I keep asking?

Conversations with Andrew - Ainsley's Birthday

As we were sitting down to our dinner of mac 'n cheese and hot dogs in honor of Ainsley's first birthday...

Me: We're having some of Ainsley's favorite foods tonight since it's Ainsley's birthday.

Andrew:  Yes!  It's Ainsley's birthday today!

Me:  It sure is.  We're celebrating when Ainsley was born and became part of our family.  She was just a little tiny baby when she was born.

Andrew:  And now she's a little tiny Ainsley!

You know you're a mommy when... (6.27.11)

standards for acceptable topics of conversation have been significantly lowered, as you regularly broadcast your child's pooping habits and the word 'nipple' no longer makes you blush, or even pause.

You know you're a mommy when... (6.22.11)

you sit on the couch sipping coffee and watching TV while your kids are still sleeping and 10 minutes later realize you're watching Disney Jr.... all by yourself.  Oops!

A Dad's Life

You've probably seen this before, but Jim and I still laugh out loud whenever we watch this so maybe you will too!

A Dad's Life

On a serious note, wanted to give a shout-out to my awesome husband, Jim.  I see what my he does for us everyday and am so appreciative of how hard-working, sacrificial and involved he is.  He works hard so I can stay home and the kids can take gym class and have Chik-fil-A for lunch.  He takes Andrew to swim lessons on his day off.  He helps with dinner and bedtimes when he's tired after a long day.  He does it all without hesitating or complaining.  Dads are so essential, but sadly often absent and my husband goes above and beyond the 'call of duty' to make our family feel important and loved.  We love you, honey, and we're so thankful for you!

And to my dad, thank you for always being there when I need you and thank you for still being there.  I'm blessed to have grown up having a Dad who wants to know me and be involved.  I love you, Dad!