Lasagna Deliciousness: A Recipe

I think I've established {many, many times} that cooking is not my forte and frankly doesn't happen very often in our abode. I've been trying to remedy that by cooking more regularly and trying new recipes here and there. Well, Kristen gave me a super easy and DELICIOUS recipe for lasagna. Brent isn't a huge Italian food fan, but I love it, so when he said 'This was pretty good', I glowed. {grin}

Ingredients:
-2 pounds ground beef
-32 oz. spaghetti sauce {or a super big container}
-lasagna noodles {Don't tell Brent but I used brown rice noodles!}
-1 container Ricotta cheese
-1 container small curd cottage cheese
-1 egg
-grated cheese {Italian blend or just mozzarella}
-sliced mozzarella
-Italian seasoning
-garlic salt

Steps:
1. Brown meat and mix with spaghetti sauce {I use a hand mixer and blend up the sauce extra which I think makes the sauce so much better.}
2. Mix Ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, egg and Italian seasoning and garlic salt {I just sprinkled a healthy dose in there}.
3. Layer the ingredients as follows {which I actually did wrong, ha}
-Layer 1: noodles
-Layer 2: meat mixture
-Layer 3: noodles
-Layer 4: cheese mixture, top with shredded cheese
-Layer 5: noodles
-Layer 6: meat sauce
-Layer 7: sliced mozzarella, top with shredded cheese
4. Cook at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until cheese on-top is golden brown.

House Stuff

Things are moving along nicely with selling the house. Inspection went well, option period is up in 2 more days... But I guess I should tell you my lovely readers where we're going and why!

*Had I known we'd be taking a picture that day, I might have put on makeup. {grin}*

We're moving to another ATX suburb about 15 miles from where we are now, but we're building our dream home! We call it the 'at least until the kids are out of high school' house. We like the community better and it's closer to the kids new school. And we're 6 minutes from my sister. #winning

But as you can tell from the picture...there's no house there yet! We have a floor plan and site layout and are beginning to make selections for the interior/exterior of the house. So far it's been smooth sailing. We'll see if that continues to last!

Most likely we are moving into an apartment for 7 months. We're going to make the final decision after the option period is up. On one hand that sounds terrible {having neighbors above you and on all sides and no yard to play in etc} but on the other hand it sounds wonderful {no yard WORK, something breaks and someone else fixes it and less space to keep clean and a pool and fitness center in the complex}.

So that's the latest with the house stuff. I can't wait to share more details as we make some actual progress. And if anyone wants to help us move... TWICE... We'll gladly buy you some beer!

My New Anthem

You're welcome

Because you know
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazines workin' that Photoshop
We know that sh*t ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got beauty beauty, just raise 'em up
Cause every inch of you is perfect
From the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says boys like a little more booty to hold at night
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
Hey!

I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny b!tches that
No I'm just playing I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She said boys like a little more booty to hold at night
You know I won't be no stick figure silicone Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass

Because you know I'm
All about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass, no treble
I'm all about that bass
'Bout that bass
'Bout that bass, 'bout that bass
Hey, hey, ooh
You know you like this bass

Book Club Goes to the Movies: The Fault in Our Stars

A few weeks ago, I blogged about reading The Fault in Our Stars. It turned out that most of the girls in book club read it too, so we planned an outing to see it as a group. Aren't we such a progressive book club going to movies? It's funny because there are 4 books we've read that I can think of off the top of my head that are either coming out soon as movies or being made currently, so we have lots of outings planned!

 

I won't rehash the plot, but everyone enjoyed the movie a lot! It is sad {duh, kids with cancer}, but it's funny and warm and overall really good. My big {only?} complaint is Hazel's hair. I get that she was sick, but the hair is just bad. Ha. The plot stayed pretty true to the book which is a plus to me. If you haven't read the book or seen the movie, I really think you should!!

Some Things Aren't Meant to Last

Some interesting things happened here over the weekend...

First, we only had 1 showing on our house. But it was enough - we are under contract! I am so thankful because the thought of keeping our house show ready for months was not a pleasant one. The 10-day option period starts tomorrow...wish us luck! Now if we can just find a place to live...hmmm...

Second, Trent found a tiny frog in the yard that was his 'pet' on Saturday. Trent was so excited and even named the frog after himself.

Meet Trent with Trent {grin}

Unfortunately, Sister loved poor TJG #2 a little too much. And he became ant food Saturday afternoon. I don't think she necessarily squeezed him too hard, I honestly think that poor frog went into shock from all the love.

I seriously can't look at these pictures without laughing. Does that make me a bad mom? Trent cried for about 6.2 seconds and then was on to the next thing. #upsidetoADHD?

So in a nutshell we sold a house and killed a frog. Productive weekend, no?

Big Day!

I woke up today knowing we had 1 big thing happening...

I wasn't expecting this one! 

Can you guess which one I find more exciting?

Go the **** to Sleep: A Timeline

Last night was super fun {you can't detect sarcasm through writing all the time, so let me just state clearly I AM BEING SARCASTIC}.

1:30 AM - Trent comes into our room, and I let him get into bed with us thinking it's morning, and he's woken up for the day. Oops.
2:00 AM - He won't stop fidgeting, so I go with him into his bed.
2:30 AM - I leave his room because he STILL won't stop fidgeting.
2:35 AM - Sister starts crying. She lays back down.
2:45 AM - She's up again and calling 'Mama, mama', so I go in and nurse her. I'm a wimp.
3:15 AM - Trent is back in our room! He promises to not fidget {sure thing, kid}.
3:45 AM - He uses my back as a pillow.
4:15 AM - Trent's finally asleep, and I put him back in his bed!
6:00 AM - Brent's alarm goes off.

Good morning!

Trent's Appointment with the Neurologist

Friday was a big day - at least to me. After months of waiting and 2 rescheduled appointments, we finally took Trent to a neurologist for a behavioral/developmental evaluation. There was very little in the appointment that was new information to me {pats self on back}, but it mostly validated what we've been feeling and gave us a new direction to try.

1. Sensory processing disorder - the doctor agreed that Trent likely has some sensory sensitivities, but this 'disorder' is not recognized in the psychiatric guide because there are so many variations of it. If his therapist says he has it {which she does}, he has it. He said returning to occupational therapy could help.
2. ADHD - I filled out a questionnaire about Trent's behaviors while the doctor did an assessment on Trent {during which he commented on how bright Trent is...I'm still glowing}. The result of that is that Trent LIKELY has ADHD. Kids oftentimes outgrow the 'symptoms' of ADHD, but the doctor said based on his observations, he thinks we'll get a diagnosis in a year or 2. I told him that I was not keen to try pharmaceuticals, so he agreed we'll take things slow. He recommended this amazing supplement to try...Omega-3. Um, Trent's been taking 500 mg a day of DHA for over 2 years, ha. We will be making a few dietary modifications too.
3. Behavior - Is it related to sensory or ADHD or it's own beast? Who knows! One thing that's new we're trying is Melatonin. When I explained how long it can take Trent to fall asleep at night {sometimes up to 2 hours}, he said he wants to try and increase the hours of sleep Trent is getting {we all know we aren't at our best if we're tired}. So we've done Melatonin for 3 nights, and it's been amazing. Tonight, Trent stopped me while reading and said he was ready to sleep! I've skirted around Melatonin for years, and I'm kind of kicking myself for not trying it sooner. He also wants us to see a behavioral therapist to work on a behavioral plan for Trent.

I also mentioned that I want to balance out Trent's therapies with being able to just be a kid. I don't want him in therapy 5 days a week, so we're now talking regular therapy, behavioral therapy, occupational therapy and don't forget speech for his lisp?!?! He agreed that this was too much and recommended behavioral over occupational and then layering in speech when we felt comfortable with our updated routine.

So that was our appointment in a not-very-concise summary. We'll follow-up in 6 months, too.

We met with Ms. Lauren yesterday and talked about all of this with her too! She's going to help us find a behavioral therapist and said likely if we switch to behavioral we wouldn't see her anymore. So while I have loved Trent spending that time with her every week, I'm excited for the thought of just switching out therapies...although I've heard behavioral can be pretty intense, so we'll see if I regret that in a few months.

It's amazing to think we've been on this journey for almost 2 years, and it seems like a 1 step forward, 2 steps back game a lot of times. When I think back to some of the lows we've had, I can be proud of the progress we've made, but overall I still think we have a ways to go... Here's to the journey!

Girls Weekend

For most of this weekend, it was just me and my baby gurl around the house. Brent played in an out-of-town golf tournament, and Trent randomly spent both nights of the weekend with different grandparents. So I got lots of 1-on-1 loving with my littlest sidekick, and we had a great time. 18 months can be kind of a rough age between tantrums and sassiness, but she mixes in just enough sweetness to keep my heart melted.

Eating okra straight out of Pops' garden - if she didn't look like me, I'd wonder whose child she was. I had to pick that okra as a child and never willingly ate it!

Miss Independent

Sending Daddy a good morning picture. Yes I have no shame to post this horrendous picture of myself on the internet! Focus on the baby!!!

Always climbing. 

I was definitely happy to get my little man back this afternoon, and we had a lot of fun playing in the backyard. We have yet to hit 100 degrees this summer which is very unusual. Is it hot? Yes. Is it HOT? No. I am loving it!

It's totally normal to take off your underwear to catch water, right? {grin}

Yup. This is For Real

I meant to post this video in Drew's 18 month update. To set the scene - she is mad that I won't open the refrigerator and let her hold glass containers. I gave her the lemon juice bottle to see if it would appease her. It obviously didn't. Oh the joys of an irrational toddler!

'Murica

We had a really nice, low-key 4th of July. We spent some time with my family and then watched fireworks with friends who live a) outside the city limits so lots of huge fireworks going off in their neighborhood and b) really close to a baseball stadium that does fireworks so we got lots of great shows! 

Another example of 'my sister makes really cute babies' {grin}

Sister has got to stop pulling on her hair as a soother - it took me longer to get her pigtails in than they actually lasted! Ugh.

Love this face - pre-haircut of course

Blair, give me silly. Give me grumpy. The cutest niece ever - officially.

Babs and her girls {Drew was waving to Pops}

You almost can't play at Babs and Pops' house if you don't take some of your clothes off!

He might be the oldest and biggest, but he also might be the silliest?

Love these girls so much - me, Lauren {and baby girl in her tummy} and Staci

Drew had to ride in the wagon too with Layla and Levi. What a silly girl.

And then none of the babies wanted to be in the wagon.

And here was my best attempt at capturing fireworks. Sigh.

DORK ALERT - It's funny because I was finishing up a book that is partially set during the American Revolution, and on July 3, I'm Proud to Be an American came on the radio and I got a little misty-eyed thinking about the characters in that book who literally {well in a fictional sense} fought for our freedom. It was kind of interesting to be reading that while celebrating our Independence - and it made me extra thankful for their sacrifices so long ago and the continued sacrifices that happen today by so many people {and not in a fictional sense}. Especially one of my faves. Even though Schuyler doesn't read my blog, he knows I love him, so thanks Buddy for all that you did!!!

The Highlight of Our Weekend

We had a great weekend, and I have a ton of pictures to share and stories to remember. But it's Sunday night, I'm tired, and I have about 30 pages left in my 824 page book, so I thought I'd share just one of my favorite moments of the weekend.

What's this?

Oh. Riiiiight. Trent's art scissors made their best project to-date.

The result! A new summer 'do!

 He certainly enjoyed his freedoms this weekend, no?

Grow Baby Grow {Drew} - 18 Months!

Welp, she up and did it again. My girl is 18 months old!! The past 3 months have been huge for her - she is definitely more of a little girl than my baby.

I think this face sums up life right now pretty perfectly. S.A.S.S.

Stats:

Weight: 19 pounds, 7 ounces {10%*}

Height: 31" {25%}

Head: 18.5" {75%**}

Diaper: size 3 in disposables, 1 snap down on cloth

Clothing: 12 month in pajamas, 6-9/9-12 months in Carter's, 6-12 months in Gap, Old Navy, Gymboree

Shoe size: 5 or 5.5

*We are having blood work down to check for anemia and have her thyroid checked. I am not concerned given I was a very small toddler, Drew just had 6 days of diarrhea, and she is just petite, but it won't hurt to just check.

** Our smallest percentile for her head yet!!! No change in size from 15 months.

I can't stop taking pictures of her eating. It's like Trent sleeping.

-Drew can say close to 50 words and signs a lot too. She loves to watch Baby Signing Time and points to any TV and says 'baby'.

-Drew loves her brother. Most of the time. She wants to eat what he's eating, play with what he has, be in his room {and on his bed}, but she also gets the most frustrated with him. She bites me rarely, but she bites Trent probably daily!

-We have a fashionista in our midst. She always wants to wear necklaces and will 'help' pick out outfits.

-Drew is still obsessed with water. I can barely get her clothes off fast enough at bath time. She was very nervous the first time we went to the splash pad, but she tries to jump out of my arms anytime we are in a pool.

-Sleep has been hit or miss the last couple of months between teething and sickness. She's slept through the night the last 3 nights, and I'm through the roof! Bedtime is still 6:30-7:00.

-Daredevil! She loves to throw balls {really anything}, climb, be outside, explore. Brent jokes that he finally got an athlete since Trent shows little interest in sports so far!

-Loves to read {finally}! Some favorites include Baby Happy Baby Sad, What Does Baby Say?, I Was Born With, and Hand Hand Fingers Thumb. Loves flip books and ones with something to touch. Still loves the Usborne That's Not My... books.

-Loves music and loves to dance. Always wants Bubba to dance with her. He rarely agrees.

-Has 11 teeth.

-Nursing on demand still. She LOVES to nurse. We have almost no frozen milk left {I donated almost all of what I had}. Doesn't really like cow's milk. She's had juice just a few times.

-Prefers to drink out of real cups and feed herself.

-Drew LOVES her Babs and Pops {especially Babs}. She recognizes most of her family {including cousins and Aunt Patty} and can name/point to them in pictures.

She knows where 'her' beads are at Babs' house and promptly puts them on.

-Loves babies. Anytime she sees a baby or toddler, she points and says 'baby'. Wants to go see them. She still loves dogs but is scared of them too. 'Woof, woof' is a phrase we hear a lot.

-Still too small to forward face, but we're 1 inch away from her infant carrier being too short. Boo.

The one time we cheated because her cover was in the wash.

-Loves to eat. Apples with sun butter is a huge favorite. Eggs, yogurt, dried fruit, raisins, tomatoes {not my child}, grapes, blueberries, strawberries top the list.

She got caught watching Star Wars

-Still flips her tongue over to suck it. She has also started running her fingers through her hair to soothe/relax herself.  Especially while nursing!

-Lots to snuggle with stuffed animals. Her bed is full of pillows, baby dolls, stuffed animals and blankets.

The paparazzi is so annoying.

Lots of milestones this week, and I'm mostly loving it! My babies bring me such joy, and I can't wait to see what the next 18 months have in store!!

Birthday Fit For a King 5 Year-Old

5 years ago...I became a mom. I really can't believe. Those first few months felt like they took an eternity {I can literally remember crying in my kitchen to Kristen when Trent was 3 weeks old that I couldn't make it even another 3 weeks, ha.}

I won't get all sappy, but I do just have to think about the last year with T and what it's brought. A lot of it very challenging {therapy, school changes, mysterious leg infections, surgery, sensory processing} but ALL of it so rewarding. I just hear Trent's little scratchy voice {with his lisp} and my heart melts. He can be the sweetest, most wonderful boy. And to watch him as a big brother...can't top it.

This year, we decided on a low-key birthday. We've learned that too many people in Trent's space isn't good. He gets overwhelmed so easily at parties! So we had family and godparents over for pizza and cupcakes on Sunday. We're going to go camping sometime this summer with Patty et al, and Trent can't wait!

It wasn't a fancy themed cake this year {low-key remember?} but DELISH!

The future BFFs look to be really enjoying each other's company, no?

Loving his presents, that smile...I tell ya

Beau really wanted to see what this 'Captain Rex' is all about {shhh, don't tell T}

Singing!

Sister certainly enjoyed herself

Monday was T's actual birthday. And with a June birthday, you get to skip summer camp! So my sister graciously gave me her 2 big kids {she couldn't throw their car seats at me fast enough...I kid, I kid}, and I took the 3 bigs to the movies {Rio 2 at the dollar cinema, yo...super adorable}.

Nothing says cute like toddlers {um, big boys} in 3-D glasses

And Blair? Yeah, she's a trip!

After a super nutritious lunch of chicken nuggets, string cheese and leftover cheese sticks {of which, Trent ate NONE}, we loaded up to pick up Sister {who did have to go to summer camp} and went swimming with Aunt Patty and Mayer. No pictures because I was trying to make sure neither of my children drowned. Even though I held Drew and Trent had on a life jacket, I was still super paranoid. Maybe partially because Drew kept trying to catapult herself out of my arms into the water?

Trent finished his birthday with a hamburger and Scooby Doo! All in all, I'd say he's a pretty happy 5-year-old.

T, someday you'll find mom's silly old blog. I want you to know that you are my heart. I will love you forever and then some. I hope you always, always, always know how much your daddy and I love you and how special you are.