Happiness is...

... a weekend at home.  A weekend with no plans other than catching up, making a mess, and cleaning it up again.  A weekend with Cruz and his dad.

 

...Happiness is a Friday afternoon post parent-teacher conferences.  An early pickup, a happy baby boy, and an overdue request for Size 3 diapers :)

...Happiness is a Thai Chicken Pizza at Doey Joey's.  The sweet and spicy peanut sauce reminds me of one of the first 'cool' meals Beau and I cooked together in our hilariously bad kitchen at 'the duplex.'  Thai chicken, marinated in a sesame peanut sauce, sprinkled with cilantro, and wrapped in crispy lettuce leaves.  They were amazing, even though they took us two hours to make.  We tried them a couple summers later.  They took half the time, and tasted half as good.  Skills and expectations...skills and expectations...

...Happiness is 'Cruz at PLAY.'  He is an explorer and a discoverer.  We spent a large portion of Saturday morning unpacking toys I had purchased for him and 'put away' for just the right day.  He was mesmerized by the blocks, but still sees everything as a teething device.  

 

...Happiness is a 'sitter.'  Still not too fond of the falling over thing, so we surround him with soft objects like pillows, blankets, and Ron Sockos.  He can sit for pretty long periods of time before falling like a Jenga puzzle.  You never know which way he's gonna go, but it's similar to the last second shot in a basketball game in the fact that it seems to occur in slow motion.  

...Happiness is a home-cooked meal.  Chicken roll-ups, my favorite green beans with basil and cherry tomatoes, and some good ol' Stove Top.  Happiness is eating our dinner to the tunes of 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,' thanks to Cruz's jumper.  We don't even notice the sounds as we inhale the food in front of us :)

...Happiness is reusable grocery bags.   I'm a fan.

 

...Happiness is the best baby toy on the planet.  There's a reason this, and Sophie the Giraffe are on Amazon Baby's Bestseller List.  This toy gets us through tired baby diaper changes and the Nose Frida snot sucker experiences. 

...Happiness is devouring a bag of Whopper Robin Eggs.  I have a love/hate relationship with all that is Easter candy.

...Happiness is sweet baby feet that blend together with plush baby blue like cookies and cream.

...and a kitty who timidly wants in on the Sunday afternoon action (or is just vying for a spot in the sun).

...Happiness is a baby in bibs.  A baby who is working on those teeth as if it was his job.  Before I had kids, I always said I would never be a mom who let her children run around with snotty noses...

...then I had kids :). 

 

 

...Happiness is watching Michael Scott's proposal to Holly on The Office.  Either motherhood has made me more emotional, or that was a tear-jerker!  Definitely one of my top five best TV moments...ever.

...Happiness is this...

...and this...

 

...Happiness is a Sunday morning in pajamas, a Sunday afternoon in pajamas, and a Sunday night in pajamas.  

 

Have a good week :)

Exploring Twitter

For quite some time, I've been a slightly intrigued by Twitter.  I owe it to The Regis and Kelly Show.  A couple summers ago, I was an avid fan of the show (ok, more like an avid fan of Kelly's shoes), and watched and laughed along at their process learning how to 'Tweet.'  I was slightly intrigued, enough so to log on and make my own account.  My Twitter circle consisted of four other people: Regis and Kelly, Ashton Kutcher, and Oprah, and the virtual friendship was unfortunately a one-way street.  It was kind of cool that I knew what Ashton and Demi were doing on the weekends, and whether or not I needed to DVR Oprah's show, but other than that, I just didn't see a whole lot of value.  At this time, I saw Twitter as nothing but a place to let the world in on ridiculously random information no one really cared about.  

Hence the typical Facebook statuses...


"(Insert Junkie #1) is going to bed."

"(Junkie #2) hates two-faced people."

"(Junkie #3) is depressed."

Although I guess you could consider this all 'networking,' I found this practice boring, and somewhat awkward.  I'm all for the connections and accessibility F'book has to offer, but it seemed like it was becoming a place to stalk people you would never pick up the phone to call, or an easier place to break up with your boyfriend.  

Then, Megan, a teacher at NU, asked me to 'publish' a blog post for our school's faculty blog.  Thinking this would be a post read by my fellow colleagues, my husband, and maybe my mom, I typed, proofread, and hit the send button without dwelling or stressing.  "It's All About the Questions," examines my use of essential questions when planning and guiding my 10th grade language arts curriculum.

Megan, as well as Bridgette, aka, Twitter extraordinaire, immediately 'tweeted' my post, and within literally minutes, it was out there for the world to see.  Megan's tweet ended up posted on a Twitter page entitled, "Tech News Daily." A principal she knows then shared it with her language arts teachers.  Within a half hour, I had reconnected with a fellow English major from my days at UNI, an English teacher I've gotten to know via ICN in my former Master's classes, and some great reading material from other teachers in my field.  Now this is what I call 'networking.'

So, I am now an official member of Twitter.  My twitter name is ajorgensen13.  I am currently overwhelmed, as I have no idea how to 'RT,' or re-tweet, but hope to play around this weekend.  I'm already seeing some really neat things that could happen if I would open this up to my students in the classroom.  I'll be sure to blog about my trials and tribulations in the Twitter world, and have posted a sidebar on the bottom of this blog to track my tweets.  And if you already call Twitter a home, followers and navigation guides are welcomed and encouraged :) 


P.S. Did you know Brad Womack and Emily Maynard from The Bachelor each have a Twitter???  Have I convinced you in its worth yet???  Just sayin'...

A New Hobby (Obsession)

Well, cross it off the list...I have officially discovered the world of homemade baby food.  And let's just say, I don't think our son will be short on fruits and veggies anytime soon. 

I went overboard.

Instead of a new purse or a coat, some clothes or a Kindle, I chose to spend my Christmas money on a Beaba Babycook.  At first I was a little skeptical, as it cost a pretty penny for the cute little appliance; however, after seeing one for real at Williams Sonoma, I knew I had to have it.

It's brilliant.  An adorably tiny little device that steams, purees, defrosts, and reheats veggies, fruits, pastas, and meats into perfect little portions of tasty baby food.  I pick out some veggies, preferably whatever is going to be our supper on any given night, dice 'em up, and throw 'em in the steamer.  Turn the switch, throw in a load of laundry, play peekaboo with Cruz, and in fifteen minutes time, I have freshly steamed veggies.  Then, with a two minute pulse and some tasting (just to make sure it's smooth enough), I pop it into individual portions of an ice cube tray.  It's so fun, so easy, and so yummy.  Who would've thought I'd be licking the remainder of Cruz's baby food?!  Delicious!

When it comes to cooking, I tend to go a little overboard.  When I can't decide which sides to make for a get-together with family, I choose to make them all.  I boil a pound of spaghetti when we really need half, and mash eight potatoes for the two of us.  And since I haven't done much hosting since becoming a mom, I think I found my new 'food drug.' 

My audience for the day...

I started with carrots.  Moved on to apples.  Continued with pears, and ended with a trio of 'root' vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips.  It smelled like Thanksgiving in my kitchen and I filled four entire ice cube trays with baby gourmet. 

This week, I have big plans.  Big plans that involve broccoli and potatoes, green beans and tomatoes, turnips, apricots, and maybe even an avocado.  Baby guacamole.   

Did Cruz enjoy his first taste of 'people food?'  Did he squeal and smile and open his mouth like a baby bird, waiting anxiously for the next bite?  Or did he make a sour face and gag, spit his carrots out and turn his face away when the spoon got close?  I guess you'll have to stay tuned to find out!

Ten Things...

Ten random thoughts on this day in March...

1. Today is Brooke’s birthday. Today is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Beau read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish to Cruz this morning before school. I wanted to make cupcakes and celebrate the Zooks and Wumps and Sam-I-Ams in true birthday style, but realized my time was better spent reading and cuddling with my little bookworm.  Cruz loves his Dr. Seuss and I look forward to introducing him to Horton, the Lorax, and that mean-old-Grinch when he gets a little older.

2. If there’s a mental picture I could freeze in my mind forever, it would be yesterday. A picture of my son, sitting up big and tall, strapped in a four-person plastic stroller, going for a walk at ‘school.’ He was much smaller than the other three riders, but that didn't seem to phase him.  He looked SO FUNNY strapped in that little seat, and best of all, he flashed me the most adorable smile when he spotted me.  It was his first, "Mom, look at me!" smile, and I melted onto the floor in a puddle of love.  A-DOR-A-BLE.

3.  Bless you, NU Panthers.  For the fourth year in a row, the boys basketball team has made it to the Iowa State Tournament, meaning that our Spring Break starts a little early and our 'school days' consist of a trip to Des Moines to cheer on our boys, followed by a yummy lunch with fellow teacher friends.  The energy around school is pretty high right now, and the 'Dog Pound' is getting pretty comfy in those front seats at the Des Moines Event Center. 

4. This morning, Cruz decided to serenade me on my way to work.  He's usually incredibly quiet in the car; however, this morning, I was fortunate enough to listen to him sing/talk/growl the entire way to work.  And trust me, that sound is better than any Cee Lo song on the planet.

5.  Last night, I 'forgot' to bring my school bag home.  And Cruz and I?  We played.  We cuddled.  We talked, and giggled, and sat face to face during tummy time.  Some nights, I want to be Superwoman; some nights, I just want to be 'Mom.'

6. Today is day TWO of my water binge.  I upped the ante, however, and am committing to drink 64 oz. of water a day.  That's eight, eight-ounce glasses of water, the recommended amount for us according to Mayo Clinic.  It may sound easy for some, but for me, it's going to be a challenge.  I'd much rather down a Diet Mountain Dew than a glass of H2O, and usually only crave a glass of ice water after a great run or a hot day outside (to which none are going to occur in what looks like the near future).  Fortunately for me, I've been battling a sore throat and frequent 'tickle' in my throat, so water has not been far from my reach this week.  

7. My 10th graders would be the first to admit they can be quite the unruly bunch.  So this afternoon, after giving them a day away from class to help the kindergarten class roller skate in the gym, I was shocked and humbled to see them in this environment.  Watching them help lace skates, secure helmets, and get started on their feet was amazing.  I didn't know what was cuter...the kindergartner or the helpful 10th grader.  I was proud of them and kicked myself for not having my camera.  I could have watched them shine in this light all day long.

8.  Shamrock Shakes have arrived at McDonalds.  I rewarded myself with one today after finishing my 64 oz. of water.  Just when I thought the Shamrock Shakes couldn't get any better, the McCafe did it.  Now, in a clear plastic frappuccino cup, with more than a dollop of whipped cream and a perfect maraschino cherry on top.  It was pretty, refreshing, and kind of made me feel like I was drinking a frozen grasshopper at work.  

9.  I am longing for Spring more than I ever have.  I am suffocating and need fresh air, a clean car, and walks outside.  And more than ever, I need a shopping trip.  I need Express and American Eagle, Gap and Ann Taylor.  I need to forget about Baby Gap and Focus on Big Gap. 

10.  This weekend, I'm going to begin my new culinary endeavor of making my own baby food.  I'm ready for my baby to try some carrots and parsnips, apples and pears.  After all, we all need a little color in our lives...

101 Things...

I came across a blog the other day that created a list of 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days.  And for a goal-driven, list-maker like myself, I was thrilled to embark on a new challenge!  Beau was instantly apprehensive, as he thinks I already give myself enough to do; however, I reassured him that my list would only include things that would bring me happiness, as well as things that really need to be done anyway.  Call it a realistic Bucket List of sorts. It took me about twenty minutes and dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings to come up with this list, and by the time I was done brainstorming, I had more than 101 things!  This list carries no burden whatsoever, but I promise to track my accomplishments right here.  

Start Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011

End Date: Sunday, November 17, 2013

Cruz will be three years old!

1. Sort my linen closet

2. Experiment with chalkboard paint

3. Lose some weight

4. Take Cruz to Wrigley Field

5. Start my own veggie and herb garden

6. Host a cocktail party at our house

7. Get something published

8. See Jack Johnson in concert

9. End every night in prayer

10. Buy a fun summer dress

11. Eat a bucket of crab legs on the beach…with my hands

12. Go camping with my boys

13. Finish Cruz’s baby book

14. Take a photography workshop

15. Play in the rain

16. Pay off debt

17. Blog every day for a month

18. Finish my self-mission statement

19. Organize picture files on my desktop

20. Read a book...for fun.

21. Sponsor a little baby from Mozambique

22. Buy (and use) reusable shopping bags

23. Speak at a national convention for teachers

24. Finish our basement…for the third time

25. Go on a spontaneous, unplanned weekend getaway with Beau and Cruz

26. Reconnect with a friend I haven’t seen in years

27. Build a sand castle with Cruz

28. Join a small group at church

29. Buy a funky pair of sunglasses

30. Spend an afternoon in the library with Cruz

31. Perfect a pie crust

32. Learn to love running

33. Finish my DIY letters for Cruz’s room

34. Go to an IKEA store

35. Create a new photo wall display

36. Learn to crochet...seriously this time

37. Create my own blog domain

38. Attend a Blogher event

39. Go sledding

40. Learn to make my own baby food

41. Flatten my tummy

42. Invest in a smart phone

43. Go on a technology fast for one week

44. Get a Caribbean body wrap at Jiva

45. Have a picnic in Millennium Park

46. Donate blood - after giving birth, I think I could round up the courage to accomplish this!

47. Give up pop for an entire month

48. Drink 32 oz. of water every day for a month

49. Buy a new set of furniture

50. Sort and develop an email inbox system

51. Buy Cruz a radio flyer

52. Read the New Testament – start to finish

53. Spend a day doing ‘nothing’

54. Go to a drive-in movie

55. Replace Beau's Impala

56. Go on a trip for our five year anniversary

57. Go on a girl's weekend

58. Buy a little fishing boat

59. Sort and clean out kitchen cabinets

60. Finish the Hunger Games Trilogy

61. Write a new unit for each of my classes

62. Plant some tulips

63. Master homemade pizza

64. Buy a bike seat for Cruz

65. Go apple picking

66. Keep indoor plants alive

67. Buy new towels for the bathroom

68. Attend a marriage retreat with Beau

69. Teach Cruz to take regular naps in his crib

70. Redo the living room

71. Host a tried and true barbecue at our house

72. Get a makeup lesson

73. Buy a funky pair of high heels

74. Learn how to do a side French braid

75. Carry Cruz around on our shoulders at the zoo

76. Go to Target Field

77. Go tubing with a group of friends

78. Spend an entire day at the park

79. Roast marshmallows by a fire

80. Beat Beau at a game of Scrabble

81. Get better at sending cards

82. Family pictures

83. Build a piece of furniture to hold our electronics

84. Create a new photo wall display in the living room

85. Plant a tree

86. Visit a state I’ve never been before

87. Learn how to make an Old Bay Shrimp Feast

88. Buy a new watch

89. Stay in our wedding night suite again

90. Go fishing

91. Baby in sink picture

92. Buy a new purse

93. Start a college fund for Cruz

94. Ron Socko pictures

95. Clean the garage

96. Dance until my feet hurt

97. Clean out my closet and donate clothes to Goodwill

98. Go to a flea market

99. Go to garage sale-ing

100. Resurface something from the garage sale or flea market

101. Start a Twitter account

And because Cruz decided to take a THREE HOUR NAP in his crib this afternoon, I decided to cross #1 off my list!

Hello, (room for) towels!  Now I just have to finish that load of laundry...