Well, ok

Had heard the rumors but was hoping it wasn't true.

But this little message popped up when I went to open Google Reader today:

"Google Reader will not be available after July 1, 2013"

Good grief! Now what?? Currently undergoing the task of archiving all my subscriptions to cross over into Feedly. We will see how it goes.

:/

For reals google? For reals?? What is next? Gmail?? Blogger?? Hyperventilating! :(

2013 Easter Bunny Express

Our little miss loves trains! We have tracks that run near enough to our house that she can hear when one goes by - and loves it! For Christmas we had thought about getting tickets for the Polar Express train - but with so much going on during the holidays - we didn't.

But I just read about the White Water Valley Railroad Easter Bunny Express - and we got tickets! So excited to bring my little one up close and personal with a train! No more crying at the crossing arms asking "where's it going??" as the train whizzes by - nope! We will be ON a train! Yay! So fun!

Here's more information from off their website:

Easter Bunny Express - Saturday March 30, 2013

The 13th annual running of the Easter Bunny Express will depart from our Connersville Grand Central Station and make 4 round trips south to the Easter Bunny Patch 2 miles away. Don't forget your Basket. Come and meet the Easter Bunny and hunt for his Golden Egg. The egg hunt is open to ages 8 and under. Reservations are recommended. Prices are $9.00/person 2 and up. Train departs at 10am, 12pm, 2:30pm & 4:15pm. Train operates rain or shine.

Policies

* Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable * Trains operate, rain or shine * Tickets will be available for pick up at the Connersville Station on March 30, 2013

http://tickets.whitewatervalleyrr.org/events/view/17

http://www.traintraveling.com/events/easter-trains/midwest.html#indiana

If your little one loves trains too - there are events all year long to check out! From mother's day to Christmas and more! http://www.whitewatervalleyrr.org/excursions/


Connect with Indiana railroad info on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/indianarailroads
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whitewater-Valley-Railroad/111349705554052

Make and Take at the IMA

Adding this to our  list of fun (free) things to do around Indy

Make and Take at the Indianapolis Museum of Art

Every Saturday in March, noon-4 pm / Every Saturday and Sunday beginning in April, 1-4 pm

Star Studio
Free

Each month drop by the Star Studio Classroom to find new art-making projects inspired by works of art on view at the IMA. Projects are designed to be accessible and fun for museum visitors of all ages and all levels of art-making experience.

March / Dot, Dot, Dot
Collage circles of transparent papers, to create a colorful two-dimensional contemporary design.

April / “Architecting” Origami
Design and build an origami home using specialty patterned papers. Visit the historic Lilly House and Gardens to learn about furnishings and decorative arts from the 1930’s.

http://www.imamuseum.org/familyactivities/make-and-take

Rear Facing Carseats Past 1 Year

Saw this new Graco Snugride Rear Facing Carseat on Cool Mom Picks! We had our little one rear-facing until she was just about two years old.

She honestly never complained about having her legs squished - which they weren't really, and all the studies and research around rear-facing accidents with older kids etc shows it is safer, etc.

But for those who were concerned about the leg-room - this might be the way to go!

Finally, a rear-facing car seat that won't squish your toddler's legs - See more at: http://www.coolmompicks.com/2013/02/graco-snugride-rear-facing-car-seat.php#sthash.wkQba3fO.dpuf

Pinterest

I just had a jaw dropping moment ya all. I don't know why or how it didn't dawn on me before or how I didn't notice this in my stats but I have stuff being pinned from my blog.

Jaw.hits.floor.

See I am humble blogger, a sometimes sorta flaky blogger - one month I blog like crazy and then the next 3 I am a no show. It's life, right? Especially with a two year old!

But wow, thanks for the love everyone! :)

Beaming blogging gal over here. :)

And for those curious - here it is - my source page! Eek!!

http://pinterest.com/source/squirrelchatter.blogspot.com/

New Airwick Scents

It isn't everyday you hear someone rave over an airwick scent. Most are pretty ho-hum if not down right awful. The safest bet is always vanilla or vanilla cookie or something along those lines. I hate when our house smells a little stale - drives me nuts. And there's a few trouble areas I like to have plug ins by - like the cat litter box or the dog crate.

I have officially found two exceptions for the run of the mill ho-hum airwick scent - oh my these are good! :)

Both are National Park Limited Editions

American Samoa Ofu Island - Sweet Coconut and Island Palms

Grand Canyon - Cactus Flower & Warm Breeze  

Both are oh so good!

Community Offerings and Opportunities

I am always pleasantly surprised to find new things happen in my community. Such an abundance of classes, events and fun things to do no matter how old or young you are. Now these opportunities may not be hitting-you-in-the-face-obvious - you sometimes have to search them out - but still very awesome. Part of the frustration and surprise. We are a get-out-and-go type of family so these are always right up our alley.

Some recent things we have found are:

• Song and Dance classes offered at one of our local community centers for 2-3 year olds
• Aquatots Swim classes for under 4 year olds at a local middle school
• Yoga Preschool Classes for 3-5 year olds at a local library
• Free Outdoor Summer Concerts
• Free Easter Egg Hunts
• Ballroom Dancing Classes
• Composting Classes

In the past we have enjoyed:

• Free gardening classes at a local library
• Free sewing classes at a local library
• Free ornament decorating session at a local library around the holiday time where Delaney and I could make and take home an ornament
• Going Green classes at a local library complete with "green" freebies like CFL lightbulbs, water reducing showerheads, outlet insulators and more!
• Adult Easter Egg Hunts
• Rentable Plots at Community Garden
• Perrenial Plant Exchanges
• The lists goes on and on!

So fun to get out of the house, meet new people, and learn something new!

Do you know about the local resources right under your own nose? Go check out your local library's and community center's or YMCA's websites (and in the next town or two over) - you might be surprised what you find!

Greenwood Community Offerings
Greenwood Library Calendar
Franklin Community Offerings
Franklin Library Calendar
Indianapolis Libraries' Calendar

Monday Meal Plan

Ok, so here it goes my sad attempt at a meal plan. :) I think we are finally to the point of using up the random leftovers in the fridge that we can think about actually making a few dinners again. :)


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Monday: Ravioli Filling Stuffed Shells with Marinara Sauce
(finally using up leftover ravioli stuffing from the heart shaped ravioli I made on Valentine's Day)

Husband is Home Tuesday: Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup
(we have had this once and loved it - well over-due for a second attempt - will try to add the rice in a little later into the cooking process so it doesn't over cook and crumble into bits like last time)

Wednesday: The Worlds Best Chicken and Salad with Oriental Dressing (apple bee's copycat recipe)

Thursday:  Leftovers
(Will either be a date night due to an awards ceremony or an eat at home might if the husband has to work)

Friday: Chicken Parmesan Wraps or Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders -- with more salad

Saturday: Leftovers

Sunday: Crockpot Beef Stroganoff or Marsala Chicken & Mushroom Casserole

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Recipes on the Rack: Recent recipes I have found and saved away to try.
Marsala Chicken & Mushroom Casserole
Chicken Marsala
Crockpot Beef Stroganoff
The World's Best Chicken
Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders
Enchilada Pie
Chicken Parmesan Wraps
Oooey Gooey Cheesesteak Sandwiches

Possible Repeats: Good enough to try again and sounds good
Taco Stew
Black Bean Quesadillas

Stuff we need to use up: 
Hamburger buns leftover from a fantasy baseball draft the husband went to (maybe homemade sloppy joes??)
Pulled Pork - will get frozen for later probably
Half a jar marinara sauce
Half a jar spaghetti sauce
Half a package wonton wrappers
3/4 block of Fontina Cheese
Lettuce

Freezer Meal Items Stashed Away:
1/2 a pan of cut into single servings homemade lasagna
Tortellini Soup
Pizza Crust

Meal Plan Confession/Phobia

While I love the idea and love seeing what are on other bloggers' meal plans...I am not good at doing my own...for one I never stick do it...like not even remotely close. A lot of reasons factor into this - life in general being the main one. :)

Some crazy event occurs and we end up having to run around town, or my husband is home and wants to make something totally different or suddenly whatever on the meal plan doesn't sound appetizing at all, or my little one falls asleep on my lap after we get home from daycare/work and I cannot move for fear of her waking in a grumpy awful mood, or she is already in a grumpy awful mood and the meal plan requires too much prep to do while holding/entertaining a toddler  - so pizza goes in the oven or we eat leftovers.

And really we somehow always have to many left overs when I attempt a meal plan - maybe because we are just a family of 3 yet and the #3 is only 2yr and doesn't consume that much of dinner yet - so cooking different meals every night of the week for 2.5 or really like 2 1/4 essentially...yields lots of leftovers that we either eat every single night of week it feels like (and still have some leftover) or we freeze a portion of it for later use...(i.e. we forget it about it and then realize one day that we have 4 months of leftovers stocked up in the freezer and won't need to cook at all for 2 weeks straight). :)

For us a meal plan goes something like this.

Sunday: Make Something for Dinner
Monday: Leftovers
Tuesday: Make Something for Dinner
Wednesday: Leftovers
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: Frozen Pizza/Wild Card Night

For reals.

But seriously I LOVE other people's meal plans - they give me so many ideas for what to do for dinner - love the internet for that! :)

Here are a few of my favorite meal plan resources: (besides Pinterest)

Queen of Free
http://www.queenoffree.net/2013/02/monday-meal-plan-2-10-13/

Amy's Finer Things
http://amysfinerthings.com/menu-plan-week-of-february-17

At Home with Kim Vallee
http://athome.kimvallee.com/2013/02/weekly-meal-planner-week-6/


I keep my recipes organized in evernote - it is a truly awesome tool!

King Arthur Flour Sweet Victory Challenge at the National Maple Syrup Festival Ticket Giveaway!

To celebrate ramping my blog back up here in the last couple of weeks I am giving away 2 bracelets for entry to the upcoming King Arthur Flour Sweet Victory Challenge at the National Maple Syrup Festival in Medora, Indiana - taking place during weekends in March! Sweet, huh?!

I have always wanted to go - such a great excuse to get out the house for an awesome family outing (there's a petting zoo, we'll get to learn how syrup is made, eat some awesome food and so much more!)  as the weather starts to warm up for spring and who doesn't like maple syrup?? Especially the real stuff.

Here's a little more info: (the tickets are good for either weekend)

http://nationalmaplesyrupfestival.com/



The 2013 National Maple Syrup Festival will take place during the first two weekends in March:
Saturday, March 2nd and Sunday, March 3rd
Saturday, March 9th and Sunday, March 10th


The festival is located at:


Burton’s Maplewood Farm

8121 W. County Rd. 75 South


Medora, IN 47260

View in Google Maps

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cute Toothpaste for Kids

Jack n Jill Natural Toothpaste

This is cute - that is all :)

P.S. Upon further investigation they have a really awesome little toothbrush that we are going to try out for our toddler - will see if it helps with the terrible toothbrushing time we experience every night.

Valentine's Week Activities for a Toddler

I scoured the web and found a handful of Valentine's Day activities that caught my eye enough to want to tackle with my toddler (2 yr old) this week. :)

Here is what made it onto my list for this year!

(from Babble.com)
Valentine's Day Thumbprint Cards
- ink from Joann for $2.49 / paper on hand

Thumbprint Valentine's
(from BlissfulandDomestic)
- includes printable template

Paper Tube Love Bug
(From Sheknows.com)
-for use up some of all the toilet paper rolls I have been saving up :)

Lollipop Flowers
- From spoonful.com

Valentine Lollipop Butterflies
- From Skiptomylou


And the grand finale!!!

Bird seed hearts!
- from intimateweddings

Toddler Tales: How to Remove Non-Washable Marker from Skin

A trial by error experiment.

So recently my daughter got a ton of markers for Christmas and her birthday. She had been pretty good with them, until we were looking through pictures together and she noticed the picture from Halloween where we used little face paint crayons to draw a kitty nose and whiskers on her face. She decided then and there she wanted to do that again - but not remembering where we put the face crayons, my husband suggested using a marker. Yup, we painted her up like a cat - then each of us got drawn up as well - all fun and games - all fun and games...till two days later when you suspect your toddler is quietly drawing with her art set (which includes markers - of course) - then she comes up to you (I was typing up a reference letter for our daycare provider) with an open marker in hand pointed at your face with full intention of drawing on your face too - dear goodness this child had her face all sorts of pretty. :)

Here's evidence.

And here is how we removed it...le sigh.
- Place child in the tub for a warm, sudsy bath.
- Put baby oil on a cotton ball and gently scrub the skin.
- Use Clearisol or any other brand you have on hand if you have any face wipes scrubber things to gently scrub the skin.
(only if your child's skin isn't terribly sensitive - would not recommend for ages younger than 2)
- Alcohol based anti-bacterial (no water) hand soap - pump a little onto your finger tips and scrub.
- If you can locate the rubbing alcohol in your home - put some on a cotton ball and scrub.

The marks were barely there after this! :)

The markers in question were not specifically labelled as being washable of course - I don't think any of the ones she has are - except some fun window ones - or it would have came off much easier with just soap and water I am sure.

What doesn't work suprisingly:
- make up remover
- exfoliating face scrub
- soap and water

What To Say

To follow up on my post about what NOT to say when someone you know is experiencing a miscarriage - here is a list of some things you CAN say...or least some things that helped comfort me. I am sure everyone is different, etc.

1. I'm here. (if you want to talk, if you need anything, etc.)

2. How are you doing? How is your family?

3. I wish I could take away your pain / my heart breaks for you
I don't know why but this feels good to hear - maybe it is because that person is actually acknowledging the pain...not dismissing it - they are reaching out and letting you know you are hurting - when life goes so fast it feels as if you are sitting still in pain and grief while everyone else is announcing pregnancies and enjoying life- you are hurting...and that hurts...so just acknowledgement helps. I guess...not good at this still. But trying.

4. Ps 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

5. Want to talk?
Be available. Reach Out. Listing your phone number in an email or message - encouraging to call if they need to talk. Offers of meeting for coffee to talk etc.

6. Peace be with you.
 This one of the worst thing - it lies dormant for a bit - then something happens, like the holidays, or someone announcing a pregnancy or an email subscription announcing how far along you would have been you forgot to cancel. And it comes back...and you are left without peace...so wishes for peace, that you will find it, obtain it, etc.

7. You are not alone. (We/I are going/have went through this too) These stories that came pouring out to me from my friends on Facebook through private messages each were like a healing salve on my heart and soul. I am not alone...this happens...can happen...to anyone.

Here is one word for word - that helped so much - you know who you are:

"I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. I have been there and know how hard it is to manage, especially because many people don't recognize what a difficult situation it is.

I am sending you the warmest wishes of comfort and self-care during this time, along with hope for what comes next - next week, next month, next year."

 8. I can't even imagine.

9. Praying for you. Thinking of you. My thoughts are with you.

I'm an Auntie!

Technically I have been an auntie through my hubby's side of the family - but now I am a true blood auntie! :) My little sister had her baby Thanskgiving Day - November 22! She was due Nov. 12 and that was pushed back about a month from her original due date! Poor thing was waiting and waiting and waiting!

Miss Delaney and I checking out her new cousin - Abigail Lynn!

Delaney was so cute meeting her new cousin for the first time - even got a little upset when she started crying - like she was worried that something was wrong. So sweet. :) (as you can see she is still wearing her tutu - we do wash it I promise)

The Tree Is Up!

Little miss helped us hang ornaments this year...last year and the year before were more a spectator sport for her but now she is part of the hang and knew what to do! She catches on to things so fast! :)

Helping hang an ornament.

And of course playing in the tree box.

Sneaky Like That

Yes, I kinda snuck that news sort of in there in between regular ho-hum, normal, everyday posts. Because that is how it is it seems in real life. It happened. It's there. But life is moving forward at full-speed...so on we go with a few less thousand tears and a whole lot more pain and one more cutie to meet when we get to heaven.

We were not exactly planning baby #2 like we had been with Laney when I was mapping out ovulation dates and logging my basal temperature everyday but were not avoiding it either. We wanted it to happen - would joke and nudge each other with the idea of it. Another baby. And then it happened! The shock, the excitement and happiness - and scariness - yup even with #2 you have that "oh sh@#" moment of "what have we done??" thought. :)

Had plans on a Thanksgiving announcement to the world that our little one would be becomming a big sister. That would have been a little early still yet - 10-12 weeks. With Laney we didn't tell everyone until 16 weeks.

I was checking out pinterest and Etsy and crafting up a cute "Big Sister" shirt. :( The shirt is still there - in my sewing corner, along with the piles of fabric that would/will make up the letters once cut out - and then will be sewn on with cute button embellishments.

We started having some issues at 6-7 weeks. About 4 days before our first scheduled appointment at the OB. At first I thought it was nothing to worry about - but the doctor wanted to see me anyways. I still refused to believe it was bad news - even with all the "I'm sorry's" from the nurses and staff. I kept thinking there was a chance - maybe it was early yet - that was why there was no fetal pole - maybe if I take the progestrone tablets my levels will rise to where they should be and all will be fine. My first set of numbers were optimistic - I even heard a glimmer of hope in the nurses voice.

But the second test - which I took Saturday but didn't get back until Monday was the final close. The numbers were dropping, not increasing...so from there it was a series of blood draws and calls with the results until my numbers were back down where they wanted them to be. Such a painful, tortueous thing to have to go in every two days and relive it all over again and again - seeing happy, pregnant ladies in the hall - I was supposed to be one of them - and get stuck with a needle and just...ugh.

We were advised by the doctor to wait till I have one normal cycle before we attempt to try again...

Mommy and Daddy miss you very much little one!

What Not To Say

There are just things you don't way to people going through certain things...and maybe they don't know not to say it etc. So may this serve as a PSA of sorts.

What Not to Say to Someone Who Has or Is Experiencing a Miscarriage

1. What happened?
This is the #1 thing already haunting the person - "what did I do or not do that would of caused this??" and of course the very first thing out of the doctors mouth is "do not torment yourself with what you did or did not do...nothing you did or did not do could have prevented this, etc - it just happens...a genetic or chromosomal defect maybe but nothing you did" - there is no way of knowing what happened. And much of the emotional damage is from that very question already haunting every thought - was it because I didn't slow down enough, rest enough, because I drank too much pineapple juice, or forgot to take my prenatal?....please do not ask that question. It is the worst. It hurts. Because we don't know what happened, the doctor doesn't know what happened...it just happened....just do not ask that. Please. I have already had at least three people ask me that...

2. It didn't hurt did it?
Because the baby was so small...(holds up hands to indicate how big baby would have been at 6-7 weeks) Not a nice visual for a person going through it thanks...and yes it does hurt - physically, emotionally, mentally....anguish.I shouldn't have to tell you that or anyone that - to relive or account for how I felt physically during one of the most heartbreaking times in my life. Yes this did happen to me...f.o.r r.e.a.l.


2. It was all meant to be./God's plan./Etc
While it is the truth and I am sure God does have a plan for me, and my little ones here and in heaven, but the timing of it all - just hurts - and you are already running so many things through your head subconsciously that it is near torment - and to think that the pain is a part of God's plan can make you a little resentful at first...because we will never know the extent of God's plan while we are here on earth...we will never know why.....and that hurts as there is no closure...seemingly no reason.

4. How far along were you?
I know people want to know the story - and I want people to know - but this question makes me feel as if it doesn't matter as much - like the story is less painful if it happened earlier rather than later. It just left a bad taste in my mouth and hurt my heart...I was 7 weeks. But that doesn't make it any less painful or stressful. I still lost a child. My soul still aches at the loss.

Price Match Pledges

I am partially writing this so that I, myself will remember, and partially to get the word out so more people know. :)

Jo-Ann Fabric and Bed, Bath and Beyond both "gladly accept competitor's coupons for products also available at those competitors. If you find a lower price at any of our competitors, we will meet that price." (exceptions may apply - of course)

Little side notes to save in the memory bank when out shopping this holiday season and beyond.

Glasses

Ok, seriously, when did it become fashionable to wear "bling" - hearts, butterflies, flowers, sequins on the sides of glasses for  grown adult women?? I can see tweens/teens/college age - but to wear to work...I dunno? And I don't mind it as much on my sunglasses - but everyday frames? Maybe I am just an old fogie when it comes to glasses...

Finally deciding that it is time to buy another pair of frames and lenses after having my current pair since high school - 10-11 years ago we are talking. They are in decent shape but have seen better times - times before a toddler/baby manhandled them to the point where they no longer stay on my face or stay level across my face. Le sigh.

I have had them adjusted and refitted once since Laney was born and they asked what I did to them - they were so twisted at the oddest points. I have a toddler - no other explanation necessary. :)

My doctor has always said during an eye exam that my prescription hadn't changed enough to warrant buying new lenses, etc. So I took his word for it - heck contacts are expensive enough and the way insurance works it is typically an either or decision - use up your allowance towards contacts for the year or towards frames. But this year we are in a unique situation where we already got contacts in the summer/spring and then my husband got a new job and the new benefits for 2012 haven't been used yet.

And after our trip to North Carolina where I experienced dizziness from trying to drive at night with my glasses instead of my contacts - and could not see the road signs when I needed to etc to navigate through unfamiliar territory it became clear - new lenses are needed.

It doesn't bother me at all to wear them during the day or even driving at night in my regular stomping grounds where I don't need to try to read road signs quickly and from far away etc. I know where I am going here - and my prescription isn't very different still.

I was just so shocked at the selection - granted I am shopping at Target Optical - not Ossip. But nearly 90% of the frames were blinged out and bedazzled in some way...I found a pair though no worries! :) Just haven't got them yet - the whole new insurance thing is a bit more complicated as I have found out - of course our new one considered Target Optical an Out of Network Provider - goodness. So some research and calls are necessary and possibly a reimbursement application if we get that far - I hope we do because I did finally find the perfect pair! Here's hoping!