Six degrees of blogging, again

I had fun looking at different blogs last time, so here we go again...




This time I found http://itchforstitch.blogspot.com run by a college senior who makes the most beautiful purses. Check her out!

Grateful

It’s been a rough year or so at the Frandsen house. Nothing hugely bad has happened, but all those little things just seem to keep adding up, making us feel like we’re in a big hole. When that happens, I think it’s a good idea to remember all the good things you have.
• I’m grateful that I have a wonderful husband to weather the rough stuff with.

From Missoula trip

• I’m grateful that we have two kids who, beyond minor issues, are healthy and happy.

From christmastime

• I’m grateful for the simple things we have- a home, children with full bellies, jobs in a tough market and people around me who care.
• I’m grateful for the loving, quality childcare my children receive when I have to be away from them for work. Of course, I would rather be with them, but since it can’t be for awhile, I feel content knowing that the three days a week they can’t be home with us, they are happy and having fun.
• I’m also incredibly grateful that I can go and nurse my son during the day due to both on-site daycare and an understanding boss. I’m grateful that my daycare providers don’t give me looks for breastfeeding my 12-month old. It’s not that weird, but you have no idea how many people think it’s crazy that I still let him nurse.
• I’m grateful I live in a beautiful place, and I’m really grateful for the time change. Even after work and dinner, I still have time to go play at the park with my kids.

From more anne marie skiing

• Again, I’m grateful for Matt. Even when both parents work full-time, a lot of fathers still see the mother as the only caregiver/cleaner in the family. Matt is my partner is all things, from dishes to diapers. Our schedules don’t match, specifically so we can keep the kids from having to go to daycare full-time. That means on our days off, we are both essentially single parents. Matt doesn’t “babysit” his kids. He fathers them. I rarely have to do the dishes — we have a deal where I do the cooking and he does the dishes. He has no problem with laundry, vacuuming, cleaning up baby vomit or anything else that might come along. I’m incredibly lucky to have him.

Yummy

I have lost my camera's memory card. So, while the special moments in the lives of my children drift by, I'm looking at other blogs, and ways to cheat with pre-themed posts. So, today I bring you... working mommy Wednesday!




Today's question was "What is your favorite 30 minute recipe?"

Let me tell you, on a lot of days, 30 minutes is too long — I depend on the slow cooker. But here is one of my favorites, taken from a magazine long ago. It's not the tastiest thing I make or the healthiest, but it's pretty good and REALLY quick- definitely less than 30 minutes. I serve it with green salad.

Fiesta ravioli
1 (25 ounce) package frozen beef ravioli
1 can enchilada sauce
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 (2.25 ounce) can sliced ripe olives, drained

Cook ravioli according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine enchilada sauce and salsa. Cook and stir over medium heat until heated through. Drain ravioli; add to sauce. Top with cheese and olives, Cover and cook over low heat for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Six degrees of blogging

I found a fun six degrees of blogging game on http://www.workwifemomlife.com/, and found a really cool blog through it. Navy Wife, Navy Life has read a lot of great books, and she has a book club-style blog combined with insights on what I think would be a tough job - being a military wife. Check her out!

Happy Birthday Thomas!

From Thomas birthday

A birthday message for Thomas:
On Feb. 26, 2009, 11 p.m., you made your wish to come into this world known with a sharp contraction. Then, only two minutes later, another. I woke up after having a dream that I was having twins because it hurt on both sides.
Needless to say, we hurried to make the 45-minute journey as short as possible. You were trying to come quickly.
You were thwarted. After eight hours of “almost there,” you still weren’t almost there. You came, via c-section, Feb. 27 at 7:27 a.m. You were a big 9 pounds, with dark hair and eyes.

From Thomas Michael

From the beginning, you were alert and bright-eyed. Little did I know that those bright, alert eyes would stay bright and alert day and night, even from the beginning. Most newborns sleep — you didn’t. I guess you didn’t want to miss anything.
You still would rather not sleep. But it’s been a big year for you, so I guess I can understand why you feel you haven’t had time to sleep. You’ve learned to walk, and even almost run. You’ve met your sister, and the two of you are becoming friends. I love how you follow her around, imitating her, even throwing your arms in the air and screaming when she throws a fit. It drives her crazy — I think it’s adorable.
A year ago, I was still trying to figure out where you would fit in our little family. Now I can’t imagine our family without you. You are the sweetest cuddler, grabbing on to our shoulders and giving the best hugs. Your kisses, usually followed by a bite, are still a little scary, but I think you’ll get the hang of it. ☺
I love the way you dance to music, and even the way you completely empty my cupboards whenever we’re in the kitchen, and the bookcase whenever we’re in the living room. You do the work with such a determined look, I don’t want to stop you.
We’re so lucky to have you here in our family — heck, the world is lucky to have you here. We love you. Happy birthday!

From christmastime