Do I have to claim her?

My daughter is fun and outgoing. Bug number 1 is a joy to be around....for the most part. Yesterday was not one of those moments. I have never really been embarrassed by her or her behavior, and she has done some CRAZY things in public. Well I was yesterday. It was awful. I never thought that I would feel that toward my little bug. To give you a little background, we have had a very busy month: family in town, bug number 2's birthday, friends in town...go go go. I think that bug number 1 was really starting to feel the pressures of all our craziness. We finally have slowed down, but it is still that game of catch up. We I needed to exchange some shirts that we had gotten her, they were a little small. So my girlfriend-kw and I decide to meet at the store and shop together. It was one of those times where I should have canceled. One of those times where I let my plan for the day override my bugs obvious screams that today should be a home day. But I didn't....

I bundle them up and went out. The car ride there was not one of the more pleasant ones, should have turned around...but I didn't. We got to the store and before we were out of the car and in the stroller, tantrum. We did okay in the store, but towards the end bits of snack and sippy cups were flying. Should have went home immediately...but I didn't. KW and I walked around the plaza to another store, kw had some crafty things to get and I thought that I would join her. Should have went home....see the error. Well we had a full-fledged-knock-down-drag-out-temper-tantrum. Bug number 1 actually HIT a stranger and then told her to 'GO AWAY!' I tried to browse for a few more minutes, but things were getting worse. So I finally turned to my friend and said "I have to leave" and I promptly walked out of the store. YIKES! It's about time I got the message. Needless to say the car ride home was a mess. I was very grateful to be home, give the bugs some food and put them to nap.

Thankfully I know that my bug is only 2 for a year and that this behavior is just a season (and not a regular habit of hers-phew). It is hard in those moments to not lose it completely and chuck something (or someone).

Bye Farmer's Market

Although I love fall, I don't love that the Farmer's Market closes down. I will miss them. I love being able to buy fresh produce from local farmers. So yummy. See you in the spring my friends!

Trick or Treat

My friend made these and I thought that they were super cute. Take one package of oreos put the in a food processor and kneed one package (brick) softened cream cheese into the oreos. Form into balls and then place in the freezer until firm. Dip into melted chocolate and decorate and put the sticks in. Enjoy.

Pumpkin Basket

Apparently I really did find my inner Martha. After making my homemade pumpkin puree, I had this wonderful 1/2 of pumpkin shell-I baked the pumpkin. It is easier and then you end up this this cool thing. So I took the twine I used for the pumpkin bird feeders, used a screwdriver to poke to holes on opposites sides of the pumpkin and braided the twine and tied it through the holes to make a little handle. SO CUTE! I think that I may end up giving it as a gift with some goodies in it. But for now it is decoration. I have buckeyes and leaves in it. Actually I think that this one is mine. I will have to make another pie if I am going to be giving any away.

The Finished Product, and was it YUMMY!

Tapping into my inner Martha

So I am starting to become more adventurous in my cooking and what not. Today we made the pumpkin bird feeders (for family) and then while the kids were napping I made pumpkin puree from a pie pumpkin to make homemade pumpkin pie! I also made quiche for dinner. YUMMY!! It was pretty fantastic. The quiche recipe came from my wonderful friend e.m. I felt like Martha Stewart. I love being able to do this kind of homemade stuff. So much fun. There is something so satisfying about it. It was my first time making quiche (I also cooked the fresh spinach to go in the quiche, another first) and my first time making the pumpkin puree. Tomorrow I tackle the pie portion!

This is a great site for make your own pumpkin puree and pies. It even has pictures. Click Here

Spinach and Sausage Quiche

Ingredients:
6 large eggs, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of frozen baby spinach, chopped- cook it and drain it.
½ package sausage-the kind in the tube (like Jimmy Dean’s breakfast sausage), cooked and chopped
2 cups cheese- swiss and cheddar
3 tablespoons Romano cheese
1 9-inch frozen Deep Dish pie crust

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375.
Cook sausage and spinach.
Combine eggs, cream, salt and pepper in blender.
Layer spinach, sausage, and cheese in crust.
Pour eggs on top.
Sprinkle with Romano cheese.
Bake about 40 minutes with foil on top.
Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

*You can also change the ingredients- make a pepper, onion, and mushrooms one, etc.

M2M Jackpot!

So I was at a Mom 2 Mom sale this weekend...actually I worked the sale and helped coordinate it (my MOPS group put it together). It was a crazy crazy day! We had over 50 tables and about 650 people come through our doors to shop! YIKES! The bonus is that I was able to sell our travel swing. Yeah! Neither bug really was a fan of the swing so we had this brand new swing that has been used about twice. I also got some great winter clothes for bug number 2 and a stinking cute Halloween costume! He is going to be a monkey. (he he!) All together I made out like a bandit. But the best purchase that I made (possible ever) for the bugs was bug number 1 got a tea set. It is so adorable and she LOVES it. She makes coffee and tea and cookies, and pretends for hours! Score!!

The Breakdown:

Costume, 2 pair shoes, brand name shirt: $10.00

3 brand name outfits, brand name shirt, brand name (new with tags) sweater: $14.00

shirt and dress: $2.00

tea set: $8.00

shoes and leap pad: FREE! (woot!)

Total spent: $34.00

Money made from swing: $30.00

So money I actually spent: $4.00!

That is how you work a M2M sale.

Pumpkin Bird Feeder

This is a great holiday fun craft to do with your bugs. Mine loved it!

Cut a 3- to 5-pound pumpkin in half; scoop out, leaving a 1/2-inch thick wall. Cut a 1/2-inch-deep groove in the rim for pumpkin seeds. For perches, poke holes and insert twigs. To hang, knot two lengths of twine together in center; tack knot to feeder bottom. Fill with birdseed.

From Martha Stewart Kids

Home-Made Cleaners

Making your own cleaners is such an easy way to save time and money. Basically the main things that you need are a spray bottle, a shaker (think Parmesan cheese at a pizza place), baking soda, white vinegar, and lemons. With these you are good to go. Besides it is a great way to 'go green' with out breaking the bank. Bug number 1 loves to clean with me and this is an awesome way to involve her with out wigging out about the chemicals! Here are some great websites to check out different recipes:

http://www.treehuggingfamily.com/25-safe-non-toxic-homemade-cleaning-supplies

http://organizedhome.com/clean-house/pantry-recipes-homemade-cleaning-products

http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/environment/a/alternateclean.htm

I love using my own cleaner. It saves money and if I run out I can just make more. I recently switched to making my own cleaners and I am still finishing up some of my old products. If you aren't too sure about making your own yet, here are a couple brands I really like.

Seventh Generation

Mrs. Meyers

Green Works