Latest mommy challenge-Vegetarianism (sort of)

You might remember my interest in vegan eating last year. I tried and adopted a few recipes, which is more than I can say for other family members (namely the youngest, pickiest one), so I kind of let the whole idea slide somewhat even if I have continued to educate myself in the blogosphere. For the past couple months, biggirl has been leaving most if not all meat in her plate. It has been frustrating. To some extent, I understand. On the other hand, I am wondering just how much of all this is just about making a statement and showing that she is the boss of her... you know, mild teenage rebellion. Anyways, I have had it with wasting money to put meat on her plate. I have a love-hate relationship with meat. I can't see myself ever giving up filet mignon, but the last time I cooked a whole chicken, I thought taking it apart was pretty gross. Okay really, really gross. Soooo, I have promised to try and cook vegetarian meals 3-5 times a week, just to see if her plate will get emptied. So far, so good. The problem is that I have to serve up meat for hubby and babygirl and, most of the time, babygirl won't even try the vegetarian preparation. This week, we've had brie, spinach, and walnut bowtie pasta and a lentil mushroom gratin. They were both good, not great. A little dry to tell the truth. But both recipes have potential. Funny thing is that it's not that babygirl isn't into vegetables, she just likes plain, no-fuss, raw vegetables. She will devour those like most would eat up a bowl of chips. Bottom line, it's going to take some adjusting. However, I must say that I feel great after eating a vegetarian meal. Join us on this semi-vegetarian adventure and don't hesitate to provide any tricks, suggestions, or recipes you many have to keep us on track!

And then she was 9

A Friday night fondue supper, a kid-based shopping spree, and supper at my mother's completed b-day celebrations for our now 9-year old. Hopefully, the start of her 10th year of life will be smoother than the last couple days. The parties, excitement, and late nights have turned our normally intense babygirl into an impatient firecracker. Of course, it doesn't help that I am having her participate more in little, tiny tasks that can make a difference in our home... and for ME! I know it's my fault, I've always been the kind of mom to put the girls' dishes away for them, same goes for their coats when they get home, and putting their socks in their sock drawer and so many more small yet time-consuming things when you add it all up. Now that they are 9 and almost 13, I want to turn things around a little. We've been working on this for quite some time (we're talking years really...) with biggirl and I still have to tell her to do it or put up with her dirty dishes, boots, and coat lying around (among other things). So, I guess I feel I should get a head start with babygirl and if I'm lucky they'll both get it at the same time and it'll be a done deal. (ha!) The problem is that it's just so much quicker for me to do it for them and it really does require a lot less energy versus having to hassle them about it and then be on the receiving end of their pre-teen and teen attitude. Oh my the attitude! Now there is one thing I cannot stand. At. All. What's a mom to do? It's unacceptable, rude, horrible, frustrating, and insulting. It drives me absolutely crazy. I sooooo don't deserve it. One day, they'll get it. Right?

A spa in my kitchen

I went all out this year and purchased babygirl's bday party. What I got: 2 hours of nail painting, makeup, and hairstyling for eight, yes eight 9-10 year olds. It was great and I am so glad that my investment saved me 2 hours of entertaining, because the 90 minutes in which this task relied solely on me were l-o-n-g. To keep them busy, I had planned a juice bar, a sundae bar, and cake pops. What I hadn't planned on is how many glasses they would go through : one for juice, one for milk, and then one for water...that's 24 glasses in very little time, which equals a countertop full of glasses to wash at the end of the day. Thankfully, that was how hubby decided to participate. Bless him! I guess he felt guilty when he saw how tired I was when they all went home and he had spent the afternoon watching TV (being a dad is so easy sometimes!). Note to self to purchase disposable glasses next time I am inclined to host a party involving kiddos who can't for the life of them keep track of their glasses.

Babygirl was happy and probably just as tired as I was at the end of the day. Mission accomplished for phase 1 of her bday. More celebrating to come later in the week...