Snow Daze

Well, we got an inch or two of snow today, so school was cancelled. Our "wise" weathermen, predicted 6-9 inches. The Minnesota girl that I am loved the snow. I love looking out my window and seeing everything dusted in white. I also love getting bundled up in my warm (and extremely unflattering) down jacket, ski gloves and LL Bean boots and heading outside. We built a great snowman (if I can figure out how to post a photo, I will) and just played and played. My little guy is fascinated by the snow and even more by the snowman. He keeps wanting to look outside to make sure the "man" doesn't up and leave. Very cute.


The big down side of having a snow day is that my house turns into a disaster area. Truly it does. Remember that my cleaning lady was here on Sunday. You wouldn't be able to tell now. Little guy has Little People and trains scattered throughout his room. My middle guy has various cables and cords (ones from old phones and stereo equipment that should have been thrown away years or even decades ago) woven across his room and is "fishing" for stuffed fish. My daughter has clothes, American Girl dolls, crafts, books and Barbies littering her floor (I shouldn't be too harsh on her though, she has watched/played with little guy a lot). Plus, there are shoes, dishes and various clothing items in the family room and dishes stacked in the sink (OK, that's my doing, but still).

Hubby was able to come home from work a little early (5:30, but it's the effort that counts) to take the kids sledding. I'm not sure who had more fun. I stayed home to make dinner. As I mentioned, I'm like getting bundled up in a coat, gloves, boots. I DO NOT like wearing snow pants, nor do I like it when my pants/jeans/whatever I'm wearing on the bottom get wet from the cold. I guess I like the cold and snow, but I like it on MY terms.

My first tennis match of the season is a week from tomorrow. Because of the weater on Wednesday, I never did make it to the drill. I saw my captain that day and told her that I haven't played at all, and she kind of freaked. She gets a little stressed about team tennis. I'm hoping that the snow melts and I can at least get on the ball machine this weekend, otherwise I'll be in TROUBLE!

To everyone out there who is also having a snow day with their kids today: Stay safe, warm and sane!

Vera Bradley Sale

Hi! I just wanted to let you know that several Vera Bradley patterns are retiring and that www.verabradley.com is offering those items for 25% off. I am looking at the dog collars. I have 2 dogs: 4 year old goldendoodle and almost 13 year old yellow lab. My yellow lab really, really needs a new collar. But, although I love her (after all, she was the one who originally made me a mom), she's really old for a lab. Ugh. She's sitting right here looking at me, so I'm feeling really guilty for having these thoughts. Maybe neither dog will get a collar.

Anyway, I have several Vera Bradley items. I love to buy them, but tend not to use them that often (the patterns tend to clash with the patterns that I'm wearing -- make sense?). The items I use most are my umbrella, belt and make-up bag. My unpreppy daughter likes her little purse (thank goodness), and I have used Vera Bradley bags as diaper bags for 10+ years.

If you love Vera, be sure to check out their web site.

Bloomies

Oh how I love a good deal! Today my black Lacoste polo that I ordered from Bloomingdales for 40% off arrived. Love it! It will be perfect for Florida. I'm going to pair it with my white or stone capris and Burberry espadrilles! Tres cute!

World's Best Roast

Jeez, I was reading my post after I put it up and, boy, don't I sound whiney?! Yikes! I hope I don't sound that this in real life, too. (That would be horrible!) Anyway, I forgot to add that I made my favorite roast beef recipe last night. It came from one of my dear friends in Virginia, whose mom got it from a chef in DC when she took a cooking class with him. It's called Braised Anise Beef. Instead of making it on the stovetop, I make it in the Crockpot. It's perfect for cold winter days!

Braised Anise Beef

4 lb chuck roast (honestly, I never pay attention to the size; use whatever you can get)
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
Large pinch of 5 spice (found in the Asian section of most larger supermarkets)
1 clove garlic (I use 1 tsp. minced garlic from a jar)
2 cloves star anise (has to be star anise, not regular; look for it with Hispanic or Asian spices)
1/4 cup water

Put the chuck roast in crock pot. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients. Pour over roast. Cover and cook on high for 6-8 hours (during that time do not remove the lid). When roast is done, remove lid and disgard star anise. Shred meat in the crock pot (or remove cut off excess fat and return to juice). Serve on sliced crusty rolls with a green salad.

Here's the salad that we always have with it (it's a Junior League fav):

Sensational Salad

1 bag romaine lettuce (or two large heads)
1 bunch parsley, chopped
1 cup grated Romano cheese
1 (4 oz) package blue cheese, crumbled
Ground pepper to taste

Sensational Salad Dressing

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup olive oil (Extra virgin, of course)
2 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)
1 1/2 Tbsp white vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced (or 2 tsp minced garlic from jar)
1 tsp salt
Ground pepper to taste.

Whisk salad dressing ingredients together. Pour on salad ingredients and toss (Note: You probably will only use about 1/2 the dressing.)

Bon Apetit!

Phone Calls

Hola! What a busy couple of days it has been. I can't believe I forgot to post yesterday. My hubby was contacted by a headhunter regarding a job opportunity in Minnesota! I'm really excited! I'm reading the book "The Secret" right now, so I believe that my positive thinking and visualization is going to help us fulfill our goal of returning to the land of 10,000 (frozen) lakes. His experience probably has a lot to do with it, too. I really do believe that we will be back in Minnesota within the next year. I really do.

My family and most of my friends are still in the Twin Cities area. I miss them dearly, although some of them (mostly my mother) drives me a little crazy. I love my mom, I really do. But she can be pretty self centered. Case in point: She calls to ask me how the appointment with the school went on Monday. She pleasantly asked how it went and I think I was able to say it well, then nothing else. Instead she proceeded to tell me about the weather, about lunch with so and so, how she went to the supermarket, what she had for lunch, that she was washing her hair that afternoon (happens 1x week - weird), then all the ailments of her friends and last the latest news about our old neighbors children (the "children" are 37 and 35). I try not to get upset about it (it really pisses my sister off). I tend to just say oh, aha, great on a regular basis, then tell her one of my kids needs me and then say good-bye. Even though she's like this, she's all I've got since my dad died years ago. Lately I've been thinking of mortality and it really freaks me out to think that in 20 years, she probably won't be around. I guess this is another reason that I'm anxious to get back home.

Well, we had a meltdown with my 10-year-old yesterday. She forgot to take her ipod out of her pocket before it was washed, and as you can imagine, it doesn't work anymore. She freaked out. I felt bad for her. Everyone who is anyone at school has an ipod (not a generic MP3, but the real thing). She got this one for her 9th birthday and loved it. However, part of me is glad that she had a harsh lesson in responsibility. I swear kids these days -- especially in my demographic -- get handed everything on a silver platter. I think it's good for her to want something. We are having her do chores and help with her brothers as a way to earn money. We head to Florida in March, so she (and me too) really wants to have a new one by then.

I am making burrito pie for dinner tonight. It was listed on yahoo one day and the photo looked appetizing. I'm hoping the kids will eat it (oldest should, middle and youngest, probably not). Otherwise, they'll get our backup protein: meatballs. Yikes, I just looked at the time, and I have to start making dinner NOW.

Have a great night!

Manic Monday

Well, I was so nervous about my son's school meeting this morning that I hardly slept last night. I blamed it on my husband's snoring (really, that's not quite fair b/c he doesn't snore that loud, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it). He told me that it was anxiety and that I should get a script for it. I have a Dr's appointment in March, so I may just do that. I could definitely stand to be a little less tense these days. Anyway, the school meeting went FINE. Actually, nothing new was really mentioned except the fact that they want him to be evaluated by a PT and OT. By law in 60 days we should be able to know whether he can get special services.

After the meeting, I felt exhausted, but decided to list some items on ebay. I LOVE ebay. I mostly use it to get rid of my daughters outgrown (or these days unwanted) Lilly Pulitzer items. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Lilly Pulitzer. My daughter does not. :( She used to humor me by wearing them for church or to the club, but now all she will wear are jeans (except for the adorable Lilly jeans that I bought her), Abercrombie and Limited Too. Trendy and trashy. UGH! Today I was listing shoes and some of little guys outgrown smocked rompers. Speaking of ebay, I just got an adorable CK Bradley tote for my daughter in the mail today. She OKed it, so I'm delighted. She may not dress preppy these days, but at least she's carrying preppy accessories!

Finally, I received my team tennis schedule today. I play on one of my club's 3.0 women's teams. I'm a little nervous. I literally haven't picked up a racket since early November, and I just found out our first match is February 8. YIKES! I guess I'll be drilling tomorrow in the cold.

Well, middle son should be home from school soon (he takes the bus twice a week), so I've gotta go. Bye!

Beautiful Weather Today

OMG the weather was FABULOUS today! After a week of horrid weather and below freezing temps, today's 65 was glorious. Our cleaning lady came around 9:oo this morning. Usually, we would consider going to church while she's here (BTW, she normally comes on Mondays.) However, today was our annual church meeting, so we didn't go. (Yes, I know its our responsibility to go and vote, blah, blah, blah. But, church+meeting+luncheon=3 or more hours . I'm sorry, but with the weather so nice and church so long, it just wasn't going to happen. Our God is a forgiving God, so tonight I will ask him to forgive my family for this.) Instead we went to a national military park. I actually love these places. I think its so cool how we are walking through the same woods and even along the same paths where thousands of soldiers fought and lost their lives. I would never visit the park on the anniversary of the battle or when it's dark though. I believe that those woods must be haunted. For the most part, the kids enjoyed the adventure, too. My 10-year-old girl wasn't completely delighted about going off the path; however, nothing we do lately is right, so I think she would've hated anything. My middle son, who loves nature and the outdoors, was mildly impressed. We bought him a hiking staff at the visitor center, so he was pretty satisfied. Our little guy hated the visitor center (we watched the welcome movie before heading outside), but loved running around and looking at the cannons.

When we got home, our cleaning lady was gone and the house was spic-n-span. Heaven! My husband and I are terrible housekeepers. So, we savor the first few hours of clean after the cleaning lady leaves. (After a few hours, the kids mess it up and it starts to smell doggy again.)
Since we didn't want the kids messing things up, we MADE them play outside for a while. My middle son thought this was torture. (He loves nature and the outdoors, but only on his terms.) My daughter was grouchy about it (of course) until I gave her a money making opportunity: pick up the dog poop in the back yard for 10 cents a pile. She made $12.50. Gross! I can't believe there was that much crap back there. Oh well, money well spent. Hopefully, she'll save the money, although she keeps talking about buying another Webkinz - ugh!

Tomorrow we're meeting with school officials to find out whether my middle son is eligible for special services. He has ADHD, ODD and anxiety issues, which makes school challenging for him. I suspect he has a learning disability. He also may have Aspergers (his psychiatrist wants tests done). He's a really bright kid, but has a difficult time reading and writing. He also has some social/behavior issues. I just want him to receive whatever he needs to make school enjoyable and effective.

Well, that's it for today. It's now 10:34 p.m. and officially 4 minutes past my bedtime.

Good night.

Gotta Love Belk

Well, I accomplished almost everything on my list today. Laundry folded, check. Put away, half-check (still need to put away little guy's). Kohls return, check. Library, check. Belk, big ole check! I think we set a new savings record for this fine old department store: $1,244! We only spent $298 (before taxes). Highlights of our shopping spree include: $175 men's cashmere sweaters for $25; $160 Lilly Pulitzer sweater set for $47; and a $200 men's blazer for $27! I tried on the black/white skirt and halter cashmere sweater, but it didn't look right on me (I'm too busty). Same went for the strapless red dress. Oh well. I'm waiting for some of their spring merchandise to go on sale. I LOVE the navy zebra stripes and the navy, pink and green silk sleeveless tunic. TTFN!

Saturday To Do List

Good morning! I'm trying to decide what to do with my day. When I worked, I was a list maker. However, since "retiring," I rarely do lists. In retrospect, I think this has been a mistake. Personally, I find that when I do make a list, I feel a little more in control of my day. So, I'm really going to try to make "to do" lists again. Here's my to do list for today:

• Fold laundry (I've got a ton of clean clothes in laundry baskets in my room)
• Put away laundry (I HATE doing this chore)
• Pick up/help pick up kids' rooms (cleaning lady is coming tomorrow instead of Monday)
• Return Christmas gifts from Kohls
• Check out the sales at Belk (FYI -- Belk now has a FANTASTIC Lilly Pulitzer boutique in their store, and the stuff goes on sale ALL THE TIME. Right now they have the cute black/white skirt and red, sleeveless ruffle dress from their holiday 2007 collection for 40% off, plus another 30% off -- can't beat that!)
• Box up and PUT IN CAR clothes to be donated to Salvation Army
• Return library books -- due today!

I should add play with each of the kids; however, I feel kind of guilty putting that on paper like it's a chore.

Also, you will notice that I am not including anything about doing the dishes, although there are dishes piled up in the sink and clean ones in the dish washer. This is officially my husband's chore. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that it will get done. Another item not listed is dinner. I do 96.5% of the cooking in my house. However, we're having bean soup tonight and that's my husband's specialty. Yum!

Vineyard Vines Sale

Attention all preppies: Vineyard Vines is having a winter sale right now. Lots of great sweaters, polos, shirts, pants, etc. Unfortunately, there aren't any men's ties on sale. Oh well, that's what ebay is for! Happy shopping!

www.vineyardvines.com

411 on Me

Hi, everyone! I can't believe I actually did this. Wow! I feel sooo savvy. After reading an article in my newspaper about moms blogging, I thought I'd give it a try. So, here it goes...

First, you may be wondering why I chose the Pink and Green and In Between as the name of my blog. Well, I am preppy. My closet is filled with Lilly Pulitzer, J Crew, Lacoste and RL. My favorite shoes are a pair of brown Gucci loafers. I love plaid, argyle, fair isle, rugby. I play tennis at the country club. You get the idea. However, the ladies I hang out with are not preppy. They are very fashion forward. They wear the skinny jeans, mile high heels, tunic tops, funky jewelry. And they look gorgeous! So, when we go out for Ladies Night, I put away the chinos, loafers and twinsets and put on my trendy clothes (I know you died-in-the-wool preppy girls are rolling your eyes at this. Oh, well). Thus, I added the "In Between" to my blog name.

Next, I thought I'd tell you a little bit about me. I grew up in Minnesota, attended college in Wisconsin, got married when I was 26, and have 3 wonderful children ages 10, 7 and 2, plus 2 big goofy dogs. My husband and I have moved several times for his job over the course of our marriage (we're currently in house #5). Just before my second child was born I quit my career in public relations to be a stay-at-home mom. We currently call Arkansas home, but are actively trying to make our way back to Minnesota.

Finally, I thought I'd get down in writing what I hope to accomplish on the blog. First, I'd like to get a written record of what happens in my family's life. I would also like to use this as a type of therapy for me for when things aren't going my way. Last, I would like to offer bits of information that I find helpful to those in the blogosphere.

Until next time...