Monday Meals-(Join me!)

“What should I make for dinner?”

“Mom, what are we having for dinner?”
 Does this sound familiar?
I find myself asking what I should make for dinner more then 1 or 2 times a week. I do not want to be so busy that I can not have time to cook and plan for the family. I have so many yummy meals that I make on a regular basis-but I am always looking for fast ones; i.e.:crock-pot meals, 5 ingredients or less, child loved (and nutritious), or just simple ones.
Many of you know that cooking is a passion of mine. I enjoy it in deed-but finding that "time" is much harder now that we have two kids . I really enjoy the breaks when we  do get to eat out! However, eating out on a regular basis adds up really fast and depletes our "eating out fund" FAST! We are a budgeting family. I plan my meals around the weekly  store sales. Occassionally,we can do better to eat out IF it is at Mike's favorite restaurant; Costco = $1.50 Hot Dog Combo Dinner! LOL-But for my kind of "eating out" and more healthy (ok maybe not so healthy but a break for me), it is usually Maggiano's or Cheesecake Factory!
So, we choose to save those restaurants for special occasions.

Therefore, I am choosing to cook a special meal each Monday for the family. God has been challenging me to find joy in the good and "challenging" days as a S.A.H.M. I always find joy at the end of a rough day if I have had a successful family meal! I don’t always feel happy about throwing something together in 3 minutes or tossing that Digorno Pizza in! BUT, some days it is for my sanity! God has allowed me to stay home and be a mom to my sweet boys. I care about what they are eating and I really want to make sure it is nutritious. I know that Monday is a good day for me to prepare a yummy meal. I have Sunday’s to prep if needed. We usually don’t have an event on Mondays and we always have fun as a family. Parker eats much better when we both sit and eat with him. So, we strive to do this 5-6 times a week. Sometimes, Mike’s work schedule doesn’t always allow but he works really hard to be here for it.
So, I am challenging you to take part in my journey with Monday Meals! Maybe you can not commit to cook a special meal for the family on Monday, but you can make a special meal another night. Maybe you actually do it  two or even three times each week. Choose one of those weekly meals to share about. I know that you may not get a chance to post something each week, but try it for a few weeks.  I have a sweet tooth so, do not hesitate to post about the dessert you may have had for "Monday Meals" in stead!   I am always looking for awesome recipes in this department too!

Here is all you have to do:
 1. Post about Monday Meals on your blog-sometime during that week.

• Does not have to be on Monday-but you can call it Monday  Meals so that so we all know what you are referring to.
• If you would link it back to my blog I would appreciate it! :) WINK!
• I want to see those recipe

2. Share what you made?

• please share the recipe or the website that you got it from.
• photos are not necessary-but a perk
• You may want to post a special reason why you made that meal? 
• i.e.;family favorite, chicken was on sale, you wanted a $10.00 meal or less, you accidentally created the meal-because you were out of something the recipe called for!

3. What family discussions did you have during the meal?


4. Was it a success or flop?

• (I have had a few of those moments and I am sure I will have MANY more.)

5. Sign up on this link Monday Meals with your blog to let me know that you are participating.

• This may not go anywhere
• I will give it 3 weeks

Tonight, I get to share the story with Parker about this special meal we are having;
HoBo Dinners
(Click on the “Hobo Dinners” to see the actual recipe). 


1. I chose this meal because I had it as a little girl.
2. I was always so excited to see if we got cheese on our burgers!

3. It was also a "cool" way for our food to be cooked;we didn't focus on the fact that we had "vegetables" on our plate!

4. (Having a nearly 3 year old-I have to find special ways to get veggies in his body!)
5. It is SUMMER tme and this can also go on the grill for 30 min.

During dinner Parker, was not so sure what to think at first. He got ALL excited about dinner being served this way!~ Then he wouldn't eat it. So, he and daddy played a game to see how much he could really eat. He ate it! I am sure that the cupcakes for dessert were a great motivator too! Mike, said he liked it and I would say overall it was a success! We had ketchup for Parker to dip his burger in. :)


I hope to hear of some more great meals from you!
 Remember,you do not have to do it every week and I am not expecting any gourmet meals!  I would just love to see us spending more time as families at OUR dinner tables and not always at a restaurant.


Jenn :)


Here are few photos of my preparations ~and it only took me 15 minutes. YEAH!

Homemade marinade:

• 
  
  1 C Ketchup
• 
  
  1/4 C Worcestire sauce,
• 
  
  3 TBS Olive oil,
• 
  
  2 TBS Brown Sugar

                                  (After cutting up veggies and preparing the meat,
                                  I pour the marinade on the top.
                                   (sit these in fridge for 3-4 hours)

Tah -Da! Dinner is ready!

5 Months Old

Yup! Friday, Kaden will be 5 months old. I will admit it does feel like it has been 5 months or longer that he has been with us...just due to the reflux. I am thrilled that he is getting SO much better, and sleeping GREAT at night and the Zantac is a miracle drug. If I forget to give it to him, he lets me know by fussing later in the day.

Overall, the spit up is uncontrollable on certain days- it is just a part of his life! Most of the babies with reflux outgrow it by around 9 months but some take up to a year. The diaper bag is always packed with tons of burp cloths~ As you can imagine, some days can seem overwhelming as I see the laundry pile up from one little boy! But, I try not to lose heart and focus on the bigger things; giggles, days when he doesn't spit up and of course all the interaction that occurs between him and Parker.

At the beginning of May- I started to wean Kaden from nursing. I have a great supply of breast milk, but I was "going CRAZY" with the double feedings on certain days (due to ALL the spit up and then feeding all over again, and then spitting up all over again...etc )! It was taking everything out of me and I was not getting proper sleep. So, we started him on Nestle Good Start Gentle Digestion and it is helpng tremendously! It's taking longer for him to digest, breaking up the feedings to only 3 bottles a day (and 2 cereal feedings) Yippee! The best thing is he goes to bed between 8 & 8:30 and sleeps till 7AM! Once in awhile he is up at 5AM (but we take turns when that occurs and he goes back to sleep). I consider it a real blessing that I have never struggled to nurse or "had a problem producing a good milk supply", but Mike and I heavily agreed that I needed to stop for my sanity and for Kaden! We have seen a predictable schedule now. Some days he would eat every hour or 45 minutes! I am a HUGE advocate that "breast is best" but each child is different. It is so time consuming with an almost 3 year old in the house too. I am thrilled we got through 4 & 1/2 months of solid breast feeding. I still have 1 feeding a day with him but it is mainly to soothe him. Kaden is becoming a great sleeper now that he has a happy fulfilled tummy.

Kaden weighed 7lbs 6 oz at birth and I weighed Kaden this Am....Drum roll please! He was 18.8 lbs
Parker was 21 pounds at his first birthday, I think Kaden is going to top that!

This past Sunday, we took Kaden to our friend’s pool. It was his first time in the pool. He was not so sure what to think. Big Brother, Parker LOVED getting in the pool (unlike last summer). Last year he was not interested at all in the pool. Hopefully we will have more time to attend the pool. It is hard with Kaden's morning naps to get in a ton of time at the pool-so I will take what we can get! Parker HATED the sand last year too. So, I am not even going to force the beach on him yet. I’m still trying to get used to tugging two to the pool. I really think he is trying to catch up to big brother!? 
Overall we are thrilled to have Kaden as a part of our family and glad to have his reflux under control (most of the time).

Check out his precious little legs...I often catch myself "squeezing" them-they are just so kissable! Never got the rolls with Parker so it is fun to see them on Kaden!

We love you Baby Kaden…keep on growing! We can’t wait to see you at 1 year!

Playtime, Parties and Playdates!

WOW! May has arrived and here we are-almost half way through the year!
I am in shock how busy life is with two kids, crazy life gets with two kids, tiring life is with two kids...but ALL worth it! I commend my own mother who was a mommy x 4! AND, I commend all my friends who have more then 2 kids! It is a calling in deed to be a stay at home mom. I am so thankful for the circle of friends and my MOPs groups that have been so encouraging. Of course, my strength comes from the Lord, and I remind myself DAILY that no day is ever the same; and God does not give us more then we can handle! I can get so caught up in the small things and forget to focus in on the joys and milestones with the boys. I am SO thankful for a supportive husband who does not care if I don't have dinner on each night, or he has to search through the unfolded laundry basket! You know when you have to find that matching sock! Too often  I just don't get to those clothes since one of the boys needed my attention! So, needless to say....I am learning to take life as it comes each day and do what needs my attention the most! Both of the boys are currently down for a nap (and I am SO grateful that they BOTH are great sleepers). I better reflect back on the past 3 weeks while I have the few moments to myself (and NO I am not giving attention to that Laundry!! :) LOL)
Parker had a great end to his MMO program. We were sad to see the year come to an end, but so blessed to have been a part of the program. Another sad ending was Soccer. Parker LOVED playing on Sporties for Shorties and we are on a waiting list for Tee-Ball! We hope he gets in :).

 Mother's Day weekend was refreshing and a blessing for me. We went out to dinner on TH night with BOTH of the boys and they were great! I have wanted to get to Olive Garden for a long time and we finally made it. Mike, Parker and Kaden all treated me to an upcoming visit to the spa (and I will be heading there is June! I can't wait).

        (Mother's Day Morning-2010)

Saturday, Parker was invited to his friend, Reese's 3rd Birthday. He LOVES Reese and she is his church friend! Reese's mom and dad are good friends of ours and they are in our small group at church. So, the party was a cook out for the small group friends and Reese's family! We had a blast (and even we mommies got a little carried away on the jumpies at the end!) Parker LOVED all the Thomas decorations, but his real thrill was daddy, jumping most of the night with him in the jumpy!

(Chasing a Chicken at Reese's Party...it was FUNNY!)

The next week, Parker had another birthday party to attend! This one was for his preschool friend, Boone! Boone's party was at Gymboree and Parker LOVED it! Kayleigh Bugg and Caroline were there and Parker loved all the time bonding with her (or the balls). Parker enjoyed it so much, Mike and I decided to host Parker's 3rd Birthday there, this coming August. I am thrilled that I won't have to do any work (but bring in the food) and most of all ~it's in our price range!!! YEAH!

(Somebody LOVED that Thomas Icing so much...in one end and out the other....the next day!)

The Middle of April, we attended Marlee's 2nd Birthday! Parker enjoyed the time at the Park (that is an understatement)and some sweet friends and the YUMMY Elmo Cake!

 Today we had play date with Miss Charlotte, Miss Marlee and Miss Sailor! We love having our sweet friends over and "sweet treats" too!

                     So, there are only 12 days left in the month and we still have a few events to attend, a holiday to enjoy and another anniversary for Mike and I to celebrate.

 Oh the down days at home are so enjoyable and needed at times. Yet, we are thrilled for summer to arrive!  I can't wait to see Kaden's reaction to the pool for the first time! We are getting excited for Nini, And Papa (Mike's Parents) to arrive the end of June. Mommy and Daddy can't wait for their first get away too since Baby Kaden's arrival! We will be going to Downtown ATL to see Phantom of the Opera and stay over night for our 8th Anniversary! Simple, sweet and so needed!

Until next time....here's to another great month in The Riese's Pieces Household!

Mother's Day Luncheon (with Parker)

Yesterday, I got to go have lunch with Parker at his pre-school. We have had Parker in Mom's Morning Out (MMO) on Monday & Wednesdays. It has been such a blessing/ break for me, since we have no family in town. MMO for Parker has been more then just a break for me. It has actually been more of a benefit for him. He has developed socially & academically!  The whole program has a Biblical foundation. He has learned some great songs-especially before Lunch, a weekly Bible verse, colors, numbers, shapes, manners and much more! All these things we do at home -but it is so sweet to see them taught and reinforced there too! We are looking forward to another year next year! I can't believe that next week is his last week: ) Sigh :(

Parker and I got to sit with Kayleigh Bugg and her mommy!

Parker made this special plant for me at school-I thought it was so cute since they were learning about Watermelons too!

He has grown SO much since his first day. I am so proud of him and glad that he and mommy could have a special time. He was a little bit rambunctious (like the rest of his peers). I am convinced most kids act up when parents show up! LOL BUT- I think he loved eating with just mommy (and NO baby Kaden in sight). Thanks Aunt LaLa, for watching Kaden for me so I could spend some sweet time with my Parker-roo!

Happy Mother's Day to the two best mom's! My mom and mother-in-law, who both have been such great mentors and encouragers to me! Thank you for being my role model and rock to lean on when I need it most!

Happy Mother's day to all my sweet Blogging friends and family who hold this role that is priceless! It is a real blessing to be a mother.

(Mother's Day last year! He seems so little when I see these photos :)

I am really learing to Cherish each day with my boys!

Even during the tough days...all the good days far outway the challenging ones! 

Feeling blessed to be Parker and Kaden's Mommy! 

Jenn :)

 

Kaden, Happy 4 months!

Dear Kaden,
You are officially 4 months old! I no longer consider you a newborn.  (Sigh) :(

1 hour old....

1 month old...

2 months old...

3 months old...

4 months old!

The first 3 months were harder with you (since you had reflux). BUT once we got you on medicine and a good schedule you were a MUCH happier baby! We are SO happy that you are growing (and that is an understatement)! You LOVE to nurse and would take it anytime over a bottle. However,Daddy has the magical touch for sure when it comes to bottle feeding.
I took you to see Dr. McGee on Wed. She was thrilled with your progress! You are 17lbs even (and in the 75 %) and you are 25 & 1/2 inches (75%). I am SO happy that you are not to big for your age-I was getting worried for a while when you wanted to eat each hour at the beginning! The last 2 weeks you have discovered your hands and I am convinced you will be a thumb sucker :) Your personality is coming out more and more each day. You have the biggest grin and love to smile at us when you see us!
Parker LOVES to giggle at you when you are down on the floor playing. You LOVE to talk each morning around 7AM. You just started sleeping 9 hour stretches about 2 weeks ago! Mommy is forever grateful for sleep again. Some nights you still want to eat around 3 AM and that is fine with me. I know you won't be little forever.

Your favorite time of the day, besides being in mommy's arms~ is definitely BATH TIME! You just LOVE to kick your feet and stare at your hands. You melt mommy's heart when I see how happy you are laying in the tub.

Last week you had your first food! We introduced you to Rice cereal and you LOVE it. We have found that 6:30 PM works wonders for you~ and you sleep till 5 AM!

Today we will always remember~your future playmate, Brady Foster is due to arrive very soon! He is being born today! We can't wait for you two to meet!

We are so happy to have you in our family and can not wait to see you get more mobile and explore your surroundings.  God has blessed us with you and we are touched that he chose us to be your mommy and daddy!

Huggs and kisses....we just can't get enough these days of those sweet chubby cheeks!

XO

Mommy and Daddy

April Adventures (Part 2)

Last Wednesday, I kept Parker out of school for a special visit! My friend Christy (from college) was in the area. So, I took Parker and Kaden to meet her and her kids. We got together last July when they were up from FL visiting family. When were last together, Christy and I were both expecting. So, it was neat to finally meet their newest addition, Noah! We enjoyed the day at the park, lunch and of course special cupcakes...that Parker picked out~ sure wish they were closer so we could do it more often!

Saturday night we went over to Kayleigh Bugg's house *that is what Parker loves to call her now! We had one last visit at their house~ They SOLD their house! (Sigh :( and we are so happy that it finally sold after 2 years.) They are not going far for now. They will be moving to downtown ATL till the Lord directs them to a new house. (It is something they have always wanted to do, and it will be a fun place to visit this summer!) So many fun memories over there, and it seems like it was just yesterday that Parker and I stepped foot for the first time in it! WOW ....time is flying by. I am so grateful for the fun friendship that Parker and Kayleigh have established and of course the friendship with Liz and Craig is a blessing to me and Michael!

 This past Monday, Parker got to celebrate his Summer birthday with his classmates.
I think he will be in school for his birthday going forward. GA is about to move the start date to the beginning of Aug. so he will be able to celebrate the real birthday at school! (Not sure how he will like that!?) I made a treat based around the weekly theme "Sun, Moon &Stars!" I made round sugar cookies, frosted them yellow (the color of the week) and sprinkled them with stars! ( I try when I can to be creative :) grin! All the kids loved the cookies and Parker enjoyed wearing the special Birthday hat!

(Kayleigh Bugg checking out the yummy cookie)

Here is my laugh of the week!

Parker was playing in the pantry and here is how I found him the other day!

I sure do love being his mommy (and Kaden's too~ can't wait to see all that he will be exploring soon!)

April Adventures (Part 1)

I can't believe how much occured in the month of April! So, I will have to make a couple posts to share on our many adventures.

The beginning of April we became the proud owners of a mini van!

It fell into our laps and was a deal that was from the Lord! We love the extra room and having 2 kids in car seats make life much easier with a van.

The van came to us just in time~ Kaden and I had to take a road trip to MI! It was not a planned trip but a bittersweet visit. A long time family friend passed away. Sally, struggled with Pancreatitis and the Lord took her home on April 7! (Sally, was one of my sister's best friends growing up). Her family was like a second family to my sisters and me growing up! So, I had to be home for my friend, Becky (Sally's sister) and her mom! I am so gald that I got to be there for the memorial service and share on some sweet memories of Sally's life.

Kaden got to meet two of his aunts, his cousins Grace and Josh,  and family friends-Becky (her family) and  Mom H. We had a special time out with Grandpa C to breakfast and enjoyed some other adventures too. He wasn't to happy with something I ate while we were there; and I am pretty sure it was Marinara sauce!...So we had a rough end to our visit, but I am so happy that he got to meet them before he turns 1.  

I do not reccommend a road trip with a newborn to anyone! BUT, I was not going to fly and have all these restrictions either! So, I called my longtime friend Cari (from HS) and stayed at her house in OH! It was the perfect 1/2 way point. It was great to finally meet her daughter, Kensy!

Parker stayed home with Daddy and they had a ton of fun. I don't think Parker missed me at all- He greeted me by saying "No-no!' Daddy! Where did Daddy go?!" I tried not to take it to personal

 :( And, of course I could not have gone-had it not been for my great friends stepping in to watch Parker. Thank you Lorelei and Liz!