tonsillectomy - day four

Once again, not much change. 

Like I said, these posts may not be the most interesting, but I'm just documenting day by day. Maybe someone will stumble upon these and find them useful if/when they are in the same situation.

Relaxed all day, played on her Rainbow Loom, colored, napped. Rinse and Repeat.

She stayed hydrated, had a popsicle, but other than that, didn't want to eat. Not because it hurt, because she wanted FOOD. She really wanted pizza. So last night we ordered some and just like that I felt like she was one year old again. I cut the pizza into the smallest bites, sat next to her the whole time and wait for it... fed her. She asked me to and I will do anything for her. It may have taken an hour to eat one slice, but she finished it and I could tell she was happy she was able to. 

I, on the other hand, was losing my sanity. I hadn't had a real meal since Thursday night, no solid night of sleep since Wednesday night and I needed a shower badly. Let me tell ya, that pizza tasted like a piece of heaven. As prepared as I was for this surgery though, I wish I would have planned crock pot meals.

But this isn't about me, it's about her. She's been a real trooper and I couldn't be more proud of her. 

tonsillectomy - day three {& link up}

Day three was similar to day two. She slept more than she did on day two, which was good. Her breath is starting to smell something fierce, which we were warned about. My alarm went off overnight, which means we missed no meds and she was able to wake up, take it, take a drink and go right back to sleep. 

She ate: 

ice cream

popsicle

bagel with cream cheese

chicken noodle soup

frosty from wendys

She is continuing to do great! We are so proud of her!

ashley @ http://www.ashleylately.com

neely @ http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com

What is your ideal way to relax

coffee, a blanket and books/blogs

Where is your favorite place to be

home with my family, outside of the home would have to be chicago.

Who do you consider your biggest role model

i can't pick just one. my mom and both of my grandmas have molded me into who i am today. they are everything to me.

What does your life look like in 3 years?

not too much different! hopefully in a different house. possibly go back to school.

If you could go back and change one decision what would it be?

i don't really have any regrets. one little decision change could impact much more. i do regret not going to see both of my grandmas as their time here was coming to an end. it's something i will never forgive myself for.

What is your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

my children, hands down.

tonsillectomy - day two

I debated whether or not to post, because to be honest, I don't have much to say.

I decided I needed to though. I told myself I was going to document this day by day and even if no one reads, it's a way for us to go back and remember this experience. 

I want to show a before and after picture. I have no idea how she was able to breathe.

Yep, that is real life. Left was taken 3/26/14 and right was taken 3/27/14

<begin rant> This is the part where I'm going to tell you about her old pediatrician who kept telling us how large her tonsils were and the next time she got sick/strep she was were refer us to an ENT. Only dealt with that for 2-3 years. We ended up switching pediatricians, not because of that, but to have one closer to home. Went to the new one in December, referred to an ENT who we saw in January and here we are, March 29th. No tonsils, no adenoids! <end rant>

Onward.

She did great yesterday. A little too great. She wanted to be up and moving a lot which is fine but she's a go big or go home type of gal and she doesn't really know how to take it easy. Being a tumbler, she is constantly doing round-offs, cartwheels, back handsprings, etc. Don't worry, she didn't do any of those things, but it would have led to that. Her little bro had been at my parents since Wednesday and he came home last night. We were all really happy to see him. 

She was also starving yesterday and was asking for things other than ice cream and popsicles. 

She ate:

ice cream & popsicles - I didn't say she didn't ask for them at all! 

applesauce

mashed potatoes

vermicelli with butter

hard boiled eggs

bagel with cream cheese

No issues with those foods. So she was a happy camper. 

After they both fell asleep, I took that time to do some dishes, make myself something to eat and catch up on my DVR. I set the alarm on my phone to wake me for her pain meds and the next thing I know it's 4:30 am and she's crying in so much pain. Her throat was dry and we were about 3 hrs overdue for the meds. I was so mad at my phone that I could have snapped it in half. I don't know what the deal was, it was set but it never went off. I got her meds, some ice water, cuddled with her and she fell back asleep, back up at 6:30 am for ibuprofen, then around 8 am for the day.

So far, so good!

And like I've been saying, I know we aren't in the clear yet, but can't complain with how it's going so far. 

tonsillectomy - day of surgery (day one)

The night before her surgery we took Taylor to Bdubs, her favorite restaurant; that's Buffalo Wild Wings or BW3's for those of you not down with the lingo. She wanted to have one last spicy meal before her big day. At about 10:30 pm I made her a bagel with cream cheese since she couldn't have anything to eat or drink past midnight. Her surgery was scheduled for 11:30 am and we would have to be there at 10:30 am. When we woke up, she actually didn't complain about not being able to eat. Hooray! I took some pictures of her and some videos (in case her voice was different afterwards). At around 9:45 am we headed out. Shon had to work a couple of hours beforehand, so he met us there. When we arrived, we immediately got checked-in and they took us back to our room. The nurse talked to us and she was so calm and happy. She even asked questions. After the nurse left, the doctor came in, followed by the anesthesiologist. They were all so great and nice to her. She was not once, scared or nervous during all of this. The nurse came back in and told her she needed to change into her hospital gown. 

The doctor was actually running ahead of schedule so they took her back about fifteen minutes early. They gave her the option to drive a little Mini Cooper Power Wheels car back to the OR. How adorable is that? She wanted to walk though. I was able to walk her to the doors and off my baby went. Watching her walk away is what really got me. <cue the waterworks here.> Shon actually just missed her getting taken back and if they did at the scheduled time, he would have made it. That's ok though. When he got there, I brought him up to speed. I ran to the bathroom, then went and grabbed a coffee from the lobby. As I'm waiting at the Keurig for my coffee to finish, I hear the lady at the front desk on the phone say "Hi, is this Taylor's dad?" I about gave myself whiplash turning to look at her because obviously my kid is the only one with that name. She continues to say "She is all finished, the doctor will be in shortly to talk to you." I stood there staring at her. She hangs up and says "Are you mom?" I told her I was and that was so quick. I hurried back to our room, anxious as hell. The doctor came in and told us how amazing she did, how much everyone loved her personality and how brave she was. They probably tell everyone that, but I know how awesome my kid is! They said they would bring her into our room in about thirty to forty minutes. She was still groggy and waking up. The team who performed her surgery couldn't believe how such a little girl had such huge tonsils. The doctor said he's done so many tonsillectomies and they were definitely on the larger end of the ones he has seen. Adenoids came out as well, he said those were pretty large too. 

After what felt like six hours, they finally brought her into our room. <cue the waterworks again here.> We were so happy to see her. She was drinking water well. They gave her a popsicle, she ate it all. A cup of apple juice, drank it all. Another popsicle? Sure! She ate that one all up too. The nurse said that's great and she needed to keep doing what she was doing. Sometimes kids will just deny everything. All her vitals were great. No temp. No vomiting. Hello poster child. 

They did said that days 3-7 can be the worst, so I know we aren't in the clear. I am going to do my absolute best and try to keep everything smooth sailing. We got to leave at around 3 pm. They sent her home with stickers, chocolate ice cream and a Disney Princess balloon. We really could not have asked for a better staff. Everyone was so great. That is tough to come by when you are in these type of situations because you have your standards set SO high for how you want your child or loved one treated.

She fell asleep in the car on the way home. I carried her inside and she woke up, happy. I bought the wrong type of humidifier, so I had to run up to Walmart and exchange it. I know some people swear by these, but we have never had one. I bought a warm mist one and they recommend a cool mist one. I was gone maybe 20 minutes and when I got back she was coloring, had gone to the bathroom and was watching TV with daddy. He set up the humidifier for her. She opened her little bag of goodies from us. Just some coloring books, reading books, new crayons and markers and a Go-Go Pillow. .

At about 5 pm, she said her throat was starting to hurt, along with her tummy. She was scheduled for pain meds at 5:30, so we went ahead and gave it to her, just to keep on top of it. She had another popsicle, drank some water and asked for mashed potatoes. As I was making them, she fell asleep. She took a nice nap. When she woke up, she had her mashed potatoes, more water, another popsicle, some ice cream and mac n cheese. I started to get really sleep around 2 am, so I asked her if she needed anything and that I was going to close my eyes until it was time for her next meds. That came at 4 am, she took them and drank some water. Closed my eyes again, woke back up at 6 am. She was still awake and wanted ice cream. I was just about to get it for her and she fell asleep and is currently still sleeping.

Her voice does sound a bit different right now. Her uvula is swollen, which is normal, but probably has some play in that. We will see what it's like in the days to come.

I've got my coffee in hand and I'm ready to take on day two.

But what would Friday be without a good #backthatazzup sesh? 

The answer is: Nothing. Friday would be nothing.
Tay and I are lovin this song right now.

whitney @ http://www.iworeyogapants.com
 

tonsillectomy - the preparation

Can a parent really prepare themselves for their child going under? 

It doesn't matter how routine of a procedure it is. Anything can happen. 

Tay has known for a while that her tonsils need to come out. She understands it's surgery. But does she really understand what surgery is? Probably not to the extent that you and I do. When we went and met with the ENT, he talked about the procedure right in front of her. Gave her a chance to ask any questions, she didn't. Asked if she wanted to watch a video about it, she denied. I have answered any she has had. I think she is prepared as she can get without being totally freaked out.

She knows eating is going to be tough and her favorite condiment/food will have to be avoided for at least ten days. Hot sauce/chicken wings. Yes she can throw down some chicken wings and puts hot sauce on everything. The thought of eating that with a normal sore throat freaks me out, and I love spicy food, can you imagine? Ouch. That will be replaced with ice cream and popsicles, with open arms of course. What kid wouldn't be excited about that?

I have been reading a lot on what to expect. Every case is different, this I know. I've stayed away from the "medical" websites or "professional" ones for that matter. I find it best to read straight from the source, or close to the source in this case. Blogs. Mommy blogs. Pinterest. It's been very informative and while I know those scenarios could be the complete opposite of what is to come for us, it's nice reading so many different experiences. 

Something my parents told me about my tonsillectomy was the immediate change in my voice. They said I sounded like a completely different person. Add recording her voice to my checklist. They also said I was hilarious (le DUH) with the sleepy medicine. I was five at the time and I told my dad he looked like Bart Simpson. He totally does not. Please let us get some good video. I would love a good laugh. Please Tay, please go all David-after-dentist on us.

FOR HER RECOVERY:

water (not an option, staying hydrated is extremely important)

applesauce

yogurt

pudding

ice cream

popsicles

soup

mac and cheese

spaghetti noodles

mashed potatoes

smoothies

juice

jello

fruit cups
all natural child laxative, real talk
gum (to keep her jaw muscles moving)
childrens ibuprofen for pain
humidifier, to keep her throat moist at night (side note: that is one of the only times you will hear that awful word come out of my mouth)

I have also been trying to mentally prepare myself for the breath she will have in the days to come. Which I've heard is one of the most horrid smells known to mankind, or something. 

No getting her heart rate up for seven to ten days. Lots of rest and relaxation. Poor thing, what a way to spend her spring break. It's better than summer break though, in my opinion at least. It's still cold here since spring is being stubborn, or maybe it's winter being too generous. Who I am trying to convince? This child doesn't even appreciate school breaks yet. She loves school. I also made sure to get a couple books and coloring books for her. She'll have her tablet, her rainbow loom, movies and endless love from mommy! 

So today will be a busy one. I want to get my house in complete order. Get a bag ready for the surgery center. She has tumbling right after school today, then after that student lead conferences (like parent-teacher but this is where she will show us what she has been working on instead of her teacher.) Hopefully get to squeeze in a yummy 'last supper' for her tonight. She can't eat or drink anything after midnight. This should be interesting, she loves her breakfast. 

I can't believe it's the eve of her surgery. It's been such a long time coming.
Must remain calm, must remain calm.
I hope I have everything.

What am I forgetting?! 

tonsillectomy - the background

Another snowy spring day here in Indiana. Wait what? Over it. And apparently getting sick at the worst possible times is common in this household. I mean my daughter is only having surgery Thursday and I don't have a mile long list of things I need to get done or anything.

No biggie, immune system. Don't worry about it.

Surgery for what you might ask? Tonsillectomy.

I'm going to go all mom-blog on you and document our experience.

You have been warned.

WHY TAKE THEM OUT?

This is a very debated topic among people. To take them out or to leave them. Have you had your tonsils out? Have your children? I did when I was younger than her. I remember certain things, but don't remember the recovery part. My parents said I did great though. Her tonsils are so big that they almost meet. Can you image not having a clear airway? She has had strep throat so many times. I, on the other hand, had never had strep throat until the first time she had it and I caught it. I'll pretty much get whatever my kids have, because when they are sick they get extra love and cuddles. #duh She is sick a lot in general. When we switched pediatricians back in December, her new doctor took one look at her throat and immediately referred her to see an ENT (Ears, Nose, Throat). No guarantees or promises that the ENT would want to remove them. Saw that doctor in January and he scheduled it that day. She snores. Boyyyy does she snore. Sometimes she wakes herself. I did too, so loud my parents could hear me in the basement and be on the top floor. Yep. Tay isn't that bad. She has never had a sleep study, but is not a solid sleeper. Slight case of sleep apnea? Maybe, I don't know. Wakes up in the middle of the night. Tosses and turns a lot. Did I mention she snores? She, unknowingly, makes these awful noises. These are done while awake. It's like she is trying to clear her airway. I wish I had a sound bite of it. Not really. It's not cute. I'm ready for her to be able to breath better, have relief, hopefully sleep better and not get sick as much. I wish we could just fast forward to a month post-op.

So that is our story. That is what I am currently 100% wrapped up in and thinking about.

Please say a little prayer or whatever you do. Keep her in your thoughts.

And me. Wine is accepted. 

sunday social pt 3

ashley @ http://www.ashleylately.com

neely @ http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com

Top 3 things you cant go a day without doing
(Besides the necessities of eating, which I'm going to say includes drinking my coffee and hygeine)

Social Media/Texting

Talking to my Mom

Telling my kids and husband that I love them

3 things that scare you the most

Losing a loved one, no need for an explanation
Dying (more so leaving my children without a mother)

Spiders and they love to live in our garage

3 places you want to see before you kick the bucket

Hawaii, dream vacay spot!

New York City during Christmas. I've been to the city, but this is toward the top of my bucket list
Seattle, Washington

3 movies you will always love

Grease

Ferris Bueller's Day Off

Tommy Boy

3 favorite current songs

You Sound Good To Me by Lucy Hale

All Of Me by John Legend

Cop Car by Keith Urban

it's the freakin weekend

TGIF. (I miss when that had a double meaning and there were fun shows on ABC)
What a busy week it has been and I'm glad to see it come to an end. Time to kick back and relax.
Work, meetings, doctor appointments, tumbling and birthday parties, oh my.

Tomorrow I will see what it's like to have one child again, since the princess is having a sleepover with my parents.

And let's just say the anticipation for Frozen coming on DVD was well worth it. Seriously one of my new favorite Disney movies. It's been a long time since I've been able to say that. I enjoy them all, but they never compare to the classics. This one is fantastic though. Go buy it now, if you haven't already!

Here is the recipe I mentioned earlier this week.

LEPRECHAUN CHOW
AKA THIN MINT PUPPY CHOW
  

This needs no explanation or introduction. I scheduled my cheat day around St. Paddy's day and this was one of the reasons why. (the other being my tradition of making reubens)

• 5 cups of rice cereal (chex or crispex)
• 1 bag of Andes mint chocolate chips (or whatever mint chocolate chips you can find)
• 1 cup of powdered sugar

Put the cereal in a big bowl. Melt your chocolate. I started at a minute and stirred, it needed a tad more melting, so I did 15 seconds more. This was perfect. Remember not to over cook the chocolate, it's easy to ruin. Also after it's melted, act fast! It doesn't take long for it to start to harden. Poor chocolate and spoon around the cereal until it's completely coated. It a plastic ziploc bag, pour your powdered sugar in then dump the chocolate chex mixture in. Seal the bag and shake around until it's good. I tossed in some green mint M&Ms as well.

YUM!

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, IT'S BACK THAT AZZ UP FRIDAY.

whitney @ http://www.iworeyogapants.com

What are your plans this weekend? 

Over and out.

i can't wait for summer

It has been a rough winter. A long, cold and snowy one. While I enjoy the snow and the change of seasons, I am ready for the heat now. No promises that I'll continue to have those feelings when it's 100 degrees outside. Just remind me of this winter.
Please and thank you for your consideration.

helene @ http://www.heleneinbetween.com

tay @ http://www.thedailytay.com

Shorts and tank tops. As much as I love my leggings and big shirts, I'm ready to switch my wardrobe up.

Walks and runs outdoors, with my pup! Because it's completely unamerican to do so in the cold, right?

More motivation. Warm weather makes you have that. It's pretty much a scientific fact. 

Tan lines. Looking a little ghostly these days.

Farmers Market and veggies from my parents garden. Clean eating will be at an all time high.

My daughters birthday. How in the world is she going to be 7?! Bittersweet.

No School! My kids are not fun to wake up, hell neither am I. It will be nice to cut some slack on routine and be a little carefree!

Flip flops, all day errday. 

Iced coffee. Yep.

Windows open. There is nothing like a home with a fresh breeze blowing through.

Flowers and greenery. Tired of seeing brown everywhere I look.

No coats, no layers, no problem!

Grilling. Not on the George Foreman.

Bright colors. Clothes, nails, you name it!

Sitting outside at night. With OFF and a citronella candle of course.

Longer days. Not technically, but you get it.

Concerts. None planned so far, but I would normally say this.

Day trip(s) to the beach (Lake Michigan)

Summer Premieres. You know, for when I'm not outside. Pretty Little Liars! True Blood! Bachelorette! Big Brother!

Patio lunches/dinners. When it's not sweltering.

And one of the biggest reasons is MY BESTS WEDDING!!!! 

Link up and tell everyone why YOU are excited for the summer!                                                              

life in leopard

Oh hey my pretties. Happy Frozen Release Day! 

Welcome to Life in Leopard, formally known as The Life of a Hoosier Momme. 

I gave myself a little blog makeover. Just because. You likey?

I also added all my favorite gals to my sidebar.

kay @ http://kaysbestintentions.blogspot.com
allie @ http://www.talesofatwentysomething.com

I gotta be honest. I haven't done much different in this department. I've still been eating clean and drinking my 70 + ounces of water, but haven't done anything more. I have been so busy with everyday life that before I know it, my day is over. Excuses, excuses. I get it. 

Whenever Indiana decides to stop actin a fool and bring us spring, my motivation will sky rocket.
I love running and going for walks outside.

And can someone please tell me how to cure the terrible addiction to the Cadbury Mini Eggs? 

How do you know when it's a problem/addiction? 

The answer is: when you carry a bag around in your purse.

On to a positive note, I was able to fit into a pair of my old jeans and no not the type of fit where they button but it's painful, but you just want to say that you fit into them. 

I'm talkin the kind of fit where they are comfortable, I can move AND I can still breath. #WINNING

I haven't lost anymore weight, but I haven't gained. 

I really wish I would have done my measurements. I'll just tell myself I'm losing inches and didn't plateau.

I do have a recipe I want to post from St. Patricks Day yesterday. It would be totally wrong for me to do so on this post, so I will post it later this week. If you follow me on Insta, you already know what I'm talking about. I feel guilty for even mentioning it. Prepare yourself for heaven in the shape of dessert. 

While we are discussing health, I made it 28 years with good vision. Which I have found pretty impressive seeing as how I work on a computer and I'm constantly on my phone, iPad or reading; aka straining my eyes. Well yesterday I went to the eye doctor. I've been noticing certain things being hard to read and getting headaches off and on lately. 

I kid you not, I almost flipped backwards in my chair when they shot that air into my eyes.

I think I'd rather be blind. 

Kidding.. Sort of.

Then I saw the Justin Timberlake machine, which I found out was called a phoropter. You are welcome.

That machine is what showed me (pun intended) that I needed glasses. 

Yes folks, that is right. I need glasses. Not full time though, unless I find life better with them on. 

Now to the fun part. Picking out frames. Big perk working for an eyewear company! 

dea eyewear; mimi

dea eyewear; nora

Whatcha think?? I'm thinking the top with RX sunglasses and the bottom for everyday wear.

social sunday pt 2

Look at me blogging on a Sunday again. 

I had so much fun doing this link up last week that I think I'll continue to do it each week.

ashley @ http://www.ashleylately.com

neely @ http://www.acompletewasteofmakeup.com

1. How much time do you spend on Social Media a day?...be honest

I spend a lot of time on social media, but I don't let it interfere with my job, housekeeping, cooking and most importantly my family. No phones at the dinner table! 

2. How long were you reading blogs before you started a blog?

I've read blogs for years. I had a livejournal back in the day, circa 2004-2006ish. Anyone else? Bueller? I met some awesome ladies who I still talk to. After that I started reading blogs. I started mine about a year ago because I wanted somewhere to get my thoughts out. And here we are!

3. What is your favorite kind of cupcake?

Actually, I'm not big on cupcakes or cake for that matter. I'm a brownie or cookie kind of gal. BUT there is this place here in Indianapolis called The Flying Cupcake, they have the best cupcakes I've EVER had. Not just the kind of good where if someone gives me one I'll eat it, but the kind that my non-cupcake loving self will drive and buy one. I don't even know how to explain what makes them so amazing. With that being said, the Red Velvet Elvis from there is my favorite. Red velvet (which I love and I love it in any other form, red velvet puppy chow, red velvet cookies, red velvet ice cream), it has chocolate chips in the batter and cream cheese icing. I'm also not an icing/frosting fan, but you had me at cream cheese.

4. Do you eat fast food? If so whats your favorite?

No, I don't eat fast food. If you consider Chipotle or Qdoba fast food then that is my answer.

5. What is the most random thing someone would find in your purse? 

Flushable wipes, but that's not that too random since I have kids.

6. What is the weirdest TV show you watch?

I don't think anything I watch is weird, haha. I'm a reality TV junkie, which I consider completely normal.

kids are hard

brother & sister together as friends, ready to face whatever life sends. 

joy & laughter, tears & strife

holding hands tightly as they dance through life.

One of my favorite quotes is from the movie Just Married.

"You never see the hard days in a photo album, but those are the ones that get you from one happy snapshot to the next."

So very true. I mean who wants to see the grumpy moments? People have said to me before that my kids are always so happy. I always bite back with "oh they definitely have their moments, you don't want to see that!" While that is a true statement and I never see the light at the end of the tunnel during bad moments, I take those comments as compliments! I hope I'm doing this thing called parenting right. I hope my kids look back on their childhood and say, "man we had so much fun when we were little."

Lately, my patience with my kids is running thin. When they act out, I feel a sense of failure within myself that really frustrates me. I have to remind myself they are learning and depend on me to push them in the right direction. They just need guidance. No, it's not always going to be rainbows and butterflies (but it's compromise that moves us alongggg) but to get those happy moments, it takes work. It takes consistency, discipline and learning right from wrong. I don't want my kids walking around like robots with no personality. I want them to be quirky, crazy, funny, adventurous, because that is what being little is all about right?  

When I get upset, I try to think how my parents would have handled a situation, how my grandparents would have handled it, etc. Trial and error until something works, everybody is different. I don't want to be the mean mom that screams and yells. I also don't want to be the mom whose kids walk all over her.

I don't ever want to bring down their self esteem by blowing them off or giving them the easy answer to get them to be quiet. I want to be the one that lifts them up. I want to be involved. I don't ever want them to think they can't talk to me or ask me a question. A question that may seem silly to us, is serious to them. And when there are times I feel like I'm going to lose my mind, I need realize they are only little once. These two little babes that my husband and I created will only be small for a short while. And since I'm fixed, spayed - whatever the medically correct term is for humans - I need to soak up these moments. I will never get yesterday back. 

I tell my kids a lot each day, that I love them. I never want them to forget it. Ever. 

I never forget to ask how their day was and what they did/learned, 

We hug often and I always kiss them goodnight.

This was all over the place but I've been thinking about it a lot lately. 

How do you handle the hard times with your kids?

whitney @ http://www.iworeyogapants.com
We are getting real country over here with this song. I just felt it was perfect.

mother nature needs a timeout

NOTE: I HAD THIS WHOLE POST READY TO BE POSTED AT 9AM AND FORGOT TO SCHEDULE IT. #fail

I just couldn't bring myself to blog yesterday, because I stepped out of my normal and did on a Sunday.

Let's talk about what my life consists of these days aside from being a mother and wife.

I went through our closets and got rid of a bunch of stuff. It feels good to purge and organize. My husband is a bit of a clothes hoarder, no really, he has more space in our closet than I do. I had a car full of stuff that I took to Goodwill. Bravo to him for letting go. <insert me singing adele dazeem, i mean idina menzel, here>

Yesterday it got up to 60 or something. I don't know. But I do know I did what everyone else in Indy did and rushed to Mikes Carwash. Seriously though, there were people waiting for spots at the vacuums like people wait for a gas pump when it's 10 cents cheaper than the one down the street. My car is nice and pretty now though and that's all that matters. 

Onward. My kids got to play outside without 13 layers of clothes, hats, scarves and mittens. I'm talkin sidewalk chalk, bikes, scooters and no jacket. Spring may finally be here, especially with today being in the 60s as well. Oh nope just kidding. It's going to snow tomorrow and be 60 degrees colder than it is today. Indiana needs a time out. Just go home, you are drunk.

STUFFED PEPPER CASSEROLE

I was going to make stuffed peppers last night but decided I wanted it in casserole form. Instead of looking on Pinterest or Googling it, I decided to embrace my inner chef and just wing it. Mission accomplished. I thought for sure we'd have leftovers. Nope, donezo! Since I made this up, I didn't measure. I will try my best to be accurate but you can't really mess this up. 

• 1 lb ground turkey (you can use lean beef or ground chicken, whatever!)
• brown rice (i think cooked, i had about 2 cups)
• 3 bell peppers, chopped (i didn't chop them small, they were bigger chunks)
• 1 small onion (i used white and chopped these small)
• tomato sauce (i have no idea and i will explain how much is enough later) you can use jarred/canned/or make your own, it's easy!
• salsa (about a 1/4 cup salsa, I think)
• seasonings (i used garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, cayenne and a pinch of oregano)

Preheat oven to 375 and spray a casserole dish with cooking spray. Brown meat in skillet. I seasoned the meat with the seasonings mentioned above. Like I always say, do this to your liking. While the meat is cooking, in a large bowl I place my chopped peppers and onions in there and set aside. 

side note: since rice takes forever and a day to cook, i usually do this ahead of time

When the meat is done cooking, drain any excess liquid. Ground turkey has close to none, so I normally don't have to do that. Pour into bowl with the peppers and onions and add the cooked rice. OK here comes the part with the salsa and tomato sauce. I had some salsa on hand so I poured a little in for a kick, I am guessing it was about a 1/4 of a cup, maybe less, maybe more, I don't know. Either way it's not going to ruin the recipe. I promise. Same goes for the tomato sauce. I just poured some in and gently stirred everything around. I added some more because everything wasn't coated. When everything is covered and looked good. You can move forward. Dump everything into the casserole dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes. If I was feeling naughty, I would have loaded that bad boy up with some cheese with about 5 minutes left. I did top mine with a little Sriracha though. Livin on the edge. 

So that was dinner and it was delicious. 

HELLO BACHELOR FINALE! I had my phone ready to tweet away. It's been the worst season ever because JuPa is a douche, but I wouldn't miss this train wreck for the world. And that's exactly what it was. Why do Clare's facial expressions make me want to harm someone? What did he say off camera? Well I have a pretty good idea but that shit needs to be on audio. When did he "know" Clare wasn't the one? I wish she would have let him get that out. Did he really say "I'm glad I didn't pick her" ? Have some class bro, it's not a GAME, you don't just pick. And did he really tell Nikki he had a ring and then not give it to her or show her? Where is that ring now? I'm all for waiting til the time is right and not rushing to say I love you, I get that. I really do. But his intentions don't seem even the least bit genuine. Nikki sat there like a puppet, making excuses and forcing a smile on her face. It's clear Chris Harrison does not like JuPa and theres probably so many more reasons that we don't know about from behind the scenes. I did think his drilling about the I LOVE YOU was a bit excessive though. Sean and Catherine in the audience made me so happy. They were both so annoyed with the situation and you could see it. And I really wish I knew what caused the change of plans for where they will be living or whatever. In the end, after the whole 3 hours I sat glued to the TV, I was left feeling mad and that's just embarrassing. But I can't wait to do it all over again because Andi is the next Bachelorette! 

What are your thoughts???

Byeeeee!

sunday social

I don't normally blog on the weekends, but when I do you better believe there will be a link up.

Yes I've had a lot of those lately. I'm trying to branch out into the blog world and grow my audience. I believe this is one of the perks of doing so, all while finding new ones to read by some awesome ladies!

ashley @ http://www.ashleylately.com/
neely @ http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/

1. What is your favorite outfit pin?
I love this look. From the leggings/skinny jeans, to the flats, that just so happened to be leopard, along with the big scarf that is also leopard. When I said "leopard is a neutral" I wasn't playin! Then there is the long shirt, come on girls, those are the best! The Louis Vuitton, which happens to be my favorite bag that I own. Cute little jacket. This outfit is everything.

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2. What is your favorite food pin?
I've had this recipe pinned for a long time and I have yet to make it. It surely doesn't fit into my menu planning these days with eating clean and our cheat days are usually eating out. I will probably be making this the next time we stay in for that though. Caprese in dip form, looks like heaven to me!

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3. What is your favorite wedding pin?
Since we went to Vegas and got married, I love looking at wedding pins. I couldn't pick just one, sue me! 

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4. What is your favorite DIY/craft pin?
I absolutely love our front loaders, but everytime we walk through Sears, Lowes, etc.. I get jealous of the ones that come with the pedestals. Yeah that's what life has come to as an adult. Then I learned that you can buy those separately, but I wasn't a fan of the price tag. My detergent and softener can stay in the little basket it's in for now. I found this pin though and will do this when we move!

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5. What is your favorite quote/verse/lyric pin? 
I am constantly striving to be a better mother. To not yell, to be there, to teach. We all have our weak days and when I do, I remind myself what this journey is about. I love these quotes.

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6. Share one more random pin you love.

This just screams happiness and I love the colors. I've actually had something like this in mind for years, but we have a decent dining room set right now. When we move, this will be on the list! 

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We had our family fun night on Friday. dinner & bowling. Yesterday my intentions were to go look for a mattress for little mans big boy bed. But then we decided to be spontaneous, which I looovvveee and head to Bloomington to shop (not for a mattress) and go to one of our favorite pizza places. Now in addition to this lost hour of sleep due to DST, I have a terrible food hangover. Wahhhh. 

What are you all up to??