Blended Meals

When it comes to meal time, I am known to stress on occasion. When I begin planning the up and coming week's dinners, I get a bit overwhelmed. One more "perk" of being in a blended family, is I not only plan meals around what's on sale at Vons/Trader Joes, but I also have to take into consideration what kids I have and on what days. Next, I narrow it down - what meals do all 6 of us enjoy, what does Cali like that Hanah and Jonah don't? Then on the days we don't have Cali but have Hanah and Jonah, I cook what Cali won't eat. Thank God, Roman, Elmo and I will consume pretty much anything, as long as it's somewhat healthy. I know Hanah and Jonah don't like fish - but Cali does! So, I usually do fish on Tuesdays and Thursdays(with Cali), A Chicken Dish and/or Pasta(when all 6 of us eat) and finally on Wed, I make something with Marinara Sauce - because believe it or not, our little Italian Meatball does not like any sauce on her pasta. Go figure! I also, try to make a brief breakfast menu following these same guidlines. It's a pain in the you-know-what at the time, but saves my sanity in th long run!

It Never Rains in So Cal

Rain, rain go away! Come again some other day!

Well, not when you bought two cute pairs of rain boots!  I am dying to wear these!

 

One of my girlfriends was nice enough to share her Top Secret news of a friends and family sale locally, here in Oxnard.  Maybe I will share it with you all next year…

Christmas in Ventura

There’s something extra charming about Christmas in a coastal city.   

Downtown Ventura Tree lighting and Caroling Parade 2009

This year Christmas really snuck up on me! Our Elf on a Shelf usually makes his first appearance  the day after Thanksgiving.  But this year he magically arrived sometime in mid December.   

This Sunday we are going to see Disney’s A Christmas Carol at the El Capitan Theatre.  Besides the movie, there is a short live action play and then afterward we get to tour the “behind the scenes” museum.  It should be a fun Christmas outing for the 6 of us.

All in a Row

Having four kids is sometimes a bit hectic, to say the least. They go to 4 different schools(Pre-school, Elementary, Jr High and High School). So, I drive, cook and clean more than the average mom. The noise level in the car and house score pretty high on the decibel charts. Sometimes I think they sound like a flock of angry ducks quacking away!

But twice a month there is serenity. Every other weekend we are a party of three. I find myself looking forward to these weekends for a number of reasons. First off, there is less noise. The house stays cleaner than normal. I am more at ease, I feel I have more patience. But, most importantly, Roman gets all of Mommy and Daddy's attention for two whole days!

Our weekend starts out with lazy mornings huddled in bed. We watch TV and snuggle. There is no "have to" on these weekends. We go with the flow. We take our time getting ready. I might go on a run while daddy and Roman work in the garden. Elmo and I try to plan the day, but we usually do half of what we plan and let the rest go. We like to eat lunch out while running errands together. We watch Football. We talk. Giggle. Play. And WE NAP.

Roman lives a charmed life. His little world consists of him, Mommy and Daddy. He isn't shuffled between two different houses. He doesn't have to ask when he will see Daddy next. Who gets him on what holiday. And for this I am proud. One of the greatest joys I have or will ever experience is raising our child with my husband.

Sunday evening comes all too quick. I usually make a nice dinner and we three sit around the table. We savor every bite because we know with each one - our peaceful weekend is coming to an end.

But as I serve dessert, I look around the table at the three empty chairs. Our family is not complete. I feel a part of us is missing.

It's Monday afternoon and I have just picked up the fourth child from school. Hanah is in the front seat singing to a song on the radio. Jonah is right behind me trying to share his day while Cali and Roman are playing Rock Paper, Scissors. It's loud. "What's for dinner?" "Hanah, change it back!" "Roman hit me!" I take a deep breath, reflecting on my quiet weekend. Then smile to myself and feel very lucky to have all four of my little ducklings back home and under my wing.