10/27/12 - Spaghetti Casserole

Today was a great day!

Olivia slept with me last night. Since we had such a late night, I wanted to make sure they could sleep in a little. They were up and at it around 8:30, so pretty good! Christian had to work today, so it was just me and the girls. We played for a while, had some breakfast and just spent the morning goofing off around the house. The animals basked in the warm sun all morning, and everybody seemed pretty content. Of course, that only lasts so long...the girls started getting pretty crabby and fighting with each other a lot, so I put them down for their nap a little early.

While they napped, I did a little picking up in the kitchen, played on the computer for a while and relaxed. Much needed down time! As soon as they woke up, I got them dressed and we left on a quick run to the store. Both of the girls fit into their Halloween shirts from last year, and Amelia can wear another of Olivia’s old shirts, so I wanted to get Olivia one more to wear this weekend. So, we stopped into Walmart to see if they had anything cheap. They did, and it’s super cute. They also had some other toddler clothes for really cheap, so I got her a couple more regular, long-sleeved shirts. I think if we get her a few more things for Christmas/her Birthday, she’ll be good for the winter. Now, I just need to figure out who needs boots, snow pants and winter coats! Ugh, it’s never ending!

Christian arrived home while we were heading out, so he showered and cleaned up a little. Then, we got to work on today’s Halloween fun. First up, we made some Halloween Cookies. Pumpkin Spice cookies with whipped frosting and sprinkles. OMG, they were to die for. Definitely taking those to work to get rid of them before I eat them all! Next, we built our spooky gingerbread house. Olivia was SUPER into it this year, it was really fun, and turned out really cute! We had dinner, followed up by some hot apple cider and pumpkin ice cream. Such a perfect day!

We gave the girls their baths and sent them off to bed,  then settled in for a couple of movies and some popcorn. We watched “Think Like a Man”. I wasn’t sure what to expect – but it was REALLY funny, and had some really sweet moments. I liked it a lot. We figured, it’s Halloween, so we should follow it up with a scary movie. We watched “Paranormal Activity 2” (for some reason, we don’t have 1 or 3…). It was definitely creepy. Not scary per se, but it really felt like you were watching real people, on real cameras and seemed so real. Crazy. I was creeped out sufficiently when it was over. I really want to see the other movies now though!

It was late, and it was a long, exhausting day at that point, so we made our way to bed. Love this time of year!

Rico’s Update for the Day – He’s doing well. He’s still not eating a ton, but seems to be getting more energy and personality every day. We’re continuing to mix his prescription food with some fancy feast. He’s still not really too interested in it. We’ve also continued to let him eat some dry food to make sure he gets some nourishment. We’ll have to cut that out soon though.

Tonight's dinner was a Spaghetti Casserole.

Ingredients:

• 8 ozs of Angel Hair Pasta
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 13 oz Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 8oz can of Tomato Sauce
• 1/2 Can of Cream of Mushroom Soup
• 4 ozs Sour Cream
• 1 cup Shredded Colby-Monterey Jack Cheese

Sides:

• Frozen Garlic Bread - baked according to the package
• Frozen Corn - heated according to the package

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 350.
2. Cook pasta, according to the package. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain. Stir in the spaghetti and tomato sauces and remove from heat.
3. Drain the pasta. Combine the soup and sour cream. In an 8" baking dish, layer the meat sauce, the pasta, the soup mixture and the cheese.
4. Cover, and cook for 55-65 minutes, until cheese is melted.

This one was just a pretty standard spaghetti casserole, just what you would think. Though, using the angel hair pasta gave it a little different texture, which we really liked.

10/26/12

FRIDAY!!! YAY FRIDAY!! I feel like I haven’t worked a Friday in forever, so that, plus our ultra-late night last night, made for a long day.  Luckily I was really busy though, so that helped. Christian continues to work a ton of over time (except, he did have to leave early [aka, on time] yesterday and Tuesday). We’re just plugging along!

After work, I picked up the girls, brought them home for a quick snack, then got them into their Halloween costumes. Tonight, we were off to a Halloween Party at an indoor playground/community center in Edina – Edinborough. Christian met us there, and we met Bella and her mom, Sara, there so the girls were really excited about that.  They had some trick or treating, some carnival games, a bounce house, face painting, toys in the gym and, of course, access to the indoor playground. The girls had a ball, and were exhausted by the time we left. We gave them another quick snack before bed, and they passed right out. Christian has to work tomorrow, so we made our way to bed, pretty much right away, as well.

Rico Update for the Day – well, he still isn’t eating a ton, but he’s getting much more active every day. Today was the last of his pain medication, so I’m hoping that he’ll feel better after that and won’t be so “sedated”. I mixed together his wet and dry food today at another attempt to get him to eat. Didn’t really work. He’s still so apprehensive about his wet food.  I would think most animals would prefer wet to dry food – I suppose it’s habit and what he knows though. Hopefully we can figure it out soon!

Here are some pics from the party….

10/25/12

Today was a pretty good day. Work went well, the day flew by – even though I actually have to work tomorrow, it still went by fast. I left early to pick up the girls and bring them in for their flu shots.

Amelia’s teacher said she told her all day long she wanted to use the potty. She would sit on it, but wouldn’t actually go. That sucks, but at least she’s showing interest there. When I picked them up, I told them we had to hurry and get to the doctor. Olivia assumed I meant the “kitty doctor”, and I just let her believe that to avoid any possible argument. We finally loaded into the car and were on our way. Olivia knew right away when we pulled into the lot where we were, and she was annoyed. She asked me “what do you have to have done, mommy”. LOL. I explained they were getting their flu shots today, and they were both fairly unhappy with me. I distracted them by “racing” them into the building and directing them to the fish tanks. The nurse called us back right away and the girls were having a grand time playing on the bed and goofing around. Things got serious when the nurse came back with “stuff” though. I opted to get the flu mist for both of the girls this year. I asked Olivia if she would go first…she quickly said no, and volunteered Amelia. Great big sister right there…She did let Amelia sit on her lap though, which was cute. Amelia of course acted like she was being tortured, but quickly got over it when the misting was complete. Olivia seemed grossed out and confused by the whole process, but she did well. And, we were done. We were in and out in about 5 minutes, so YAY! Christian also got his flu shot, at work, today, so we’re all flu shot protected now! Woot!

Right from the doctor’s office, I stopped home to pack the girls a bag, and we were off to my mom’s. Tonight, Christian and I are heading to the Vikings game with his friend from work, so my mom is taking them overnight (since she has them tomorrow anyway). EXCITING!!!!

I dropped them off, raced home to get ready – arriving at about the same time as Christian. He showered and got ready, and we were off to pick up Lorenzo. We fought the rush hour traffic into Minneapolis, split the cost of parking at a close lot, and made our way into the dome. I just LOVE going to Vikings games. It’s such a fun experience, and nothing beats the energy of it. Lorenzo splurged on tickets and we got to sit REALLY close, right behind one of the end zones. The Vikings ended up losing, and really didn’t play well at all (ugh), but it was still a great time! So exciting to be there, and to be so close, was like a dream come true!

Of course, it was bumper to bumper chaos trying to get out of the lot/out of Minneapolis. But, we made the best of it. We finally got out of the chaos, stopped for some gas, dropped Lorenzo off, and made our way home. Of course, I passed out immediately. Work, is going to be ROUGH tomorrow. Definitely worth it though!

Rico Update for the Day – he seems more like himself every day. Today, I mixed his prescription food with some fancy feast wet food to see if the taste and scent of that would get him to eat more. He did eat more than he has been, so that’s good, but I still had to give him some dry food too. Hopefully we can get this feeding stuff figured out soon. At least he seems to be getting better and getting back to himself.

Here are some pictures from the game!

10/24/12 - Southwestern Skillet Macaroni and Cheese with Glazed Baby Carrots

Today was a pretty low key day. Just the usual, work, home, dinner, play, baths, bed. Pretty exciting!

Amelia did use the potty at school though, which is good. They bring her to the potty throughout the day. Sometimes she sits, sometimes she refuses, but today was the first time she actually went. YAY!

Today’s Rico Update – He’s doing well. He’s still not taking to his wet food, so I’ll have to do some research on how to transition him to it. He is perky though, has more energy and more personality. Still pretty low key, but he seems like he WANTS to do more, which is good.

Today’s dinner was Southwestern Skillet Macaroni & Cheese with Glazed Baby Carrots.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Elbow Macaroni
• 1 pound Ground Turkey
• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tsp Ground Cumin
• ½ tsp Salt
• 1 14½ can of Diced Tomatoes, with their Juice
• 1 8oz Can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 4½ can of Diced Green Chiles
• ½ cup Water
• 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

• 1 package of baby carrots
• ½ jar/6 ozs of Orange Marmalade

Directions:

Pasta

1.      Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to the package. Drain, and keep warm.

2.      Spray a large skillet with nonstick spray. Add the turkey and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally. Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chiles and water. Simmer, uncovered for 10 minutes. Add the macaroni and cheese, stirring to combine.

Carrots

1.      Place 1” of water in a large saucepan; add the carrots. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes.

2.      Drain the carrots and place in a large serving bowl. Stir in the marmalade and serve with a slotted spoon.

10/23/12 - Sloppy Joe Hot Dish

Today I only made it about half the day at work. I was too worried about Rico being home alone all day, with nobody to keep an eye on him. So, I packed up some work and brought it home to work from there for the afternoon. Rico wouldn’t leave my side, he seemed really happy to have me home. I feel like I made the right decision, he seems happier, and more like himself, and was full of cuddles. So, that was heartwarming. As I was typing away, he kept reaching out to hold my hand, and it just felt like a sign... 

I did have to head out and meet Christian at school for the girls’ fall conferences. First up we met with Amelia’s teacher. She just ADORES Amelia and is excited to have her in class full time now. She said Amelia has a huge personality, and is so helpful. She likes to clean up, and tries to get all of the other kids to help too. She was really happy with Amelia’s development and where she’s at right now, and is really impressed with her vocabulary and the way she speaks. Really, nothing was too surprising, but it’s great to hear form her teacher.

Olivia was up next. Her changes since spring were amazing. She’s really grown and thrived in this setting. She is meticulous and devoted to finishing any project she starts, she loves group time and has been participating really well. She’s doing really good with letters and numbers and is doing great all around. And, she just loves her personality. She said Olivia is the first to greet her with a big hug every morning when she gets there. She’s always helpful with cleaning up and listens really well. She welcomes any new kids to class with open arms, and plays with all of the kids in class. She’s doing great, and I’m so proud of her!

Now, if only they could listen that well and be so nice to each other…at home. Ah, one can dream.

We made our way home after conferences, ate some dinner and had a relaxing day. Rico isn’t really taking to his food – I set him up in the kennel (with a bed and his litter box) with some water, a small amount of his new wet food and a small amount of his normal dry food, jus thing we could get him to eat something.  He wasn’t really interested in his wet food, but he did eat a little of the dry food. I guess that’s progress.

Tonight’s dinner was Sloppy Joe Hot Dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 8oz package of refrigerated Crescent Rolls
• 1 pound of Ground Beef
• 1 15oz can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 envelope of Sloppy Joe Mix
• 1 cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Sides:

• Garden Salad

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 425

2.      Unroll the crescent dough into two rectangles; sealing the seams and perforations. Roll out each rectangle between two pieces of waxed paper, to fit a 11x7x2” baking dish. Grease the baking dish and place one rectangle inside. Bake for 5 minutes.

3.      Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef over medium heat until no longer pink, and drain. Stir in the tomato sauce and sloppy joe mix. Spoon the mixture over the baked dough, sprinkle with the cheese and top with the remaining rectangle of dough. Bake for 155-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

This one was pretty good, and quick, which is nice. It just didn’t have quite the taste I was looking for though. I think it would be better with just some good ol’ manwhich or something, or even adding some herbs and spices to the mixture.

10/22/12 - Lemon Pasta with Chicken

Rico was back to the clinic, bright and early this morning. Christian dropped the girls off at his parents’ house so I could bring the cat in and focus on that. He seemed to have even more personality this morning, and his catheter bag looked WAY better than it did before, so I’m hoping these are all good signs.

It was hard to focus at work, but it was also a good distraction. Everybody was really caring and understanding about what was going on, which was a big comfort. I did leave early to do our grocery shopping and start dinner so I would be ready to pick Rico up at closing time again.

Christian picked up the girls, we ate, and then Amelia and I left to pick him up. The vet seemed really optimistic. They took him off the catheter around lunchtime, and he was doing well with it. She said she felt him shortly before we got there and his bladder was a little hard…but she squeezed it and it released, so that was good. She said to just keep trying that for a while. He’s on a prescription food for the next month, and then she wants him permanently on wet food. He’s on pain medication through the week, and they administered a long-lasting antibiotic already. She did recommend x-rays to make sure there weren’t any kidney stones or anything materialistic blocking him, but we just couldn’t afford it. We just have to hope for the best. They ran his blood work again, and everything came back at normal levels, including his kidney enzymes, so that is really promising. He is supposed to go back in a month for a check-up, so hopefully everything goes well. I’m really nervous to have him at home and not really know what’s going on.

In the end, we spent about $1,000 on his procedures and care. I never in a million years thought I would spend that kind of money on a pet. It still sounds crazy, and ridiculous when I think about it. But, something just came over me when we brought him in. I just knew we had to do something, we had to save him. I don’t know, being faced with the decision, I guess you just have to trust your gut. Money really is just money in the end, and I have to remember that. Just another hurdle to get over! In the end, this guy spent the evening cuddled in my lap, and that brought me a lot of comfort in our decision...

We again had Rico stay in the kennel, one last night, to keep him relaxed and low-key. He’s still not really eating, but hopefully soon. The girls had their baths and went to bed shortly after we got home, and we all called it a night.

Tonight’s dinner was Lemon Pasta with Chicken.

Ingredients:

• 1½  cups Uncooked Medium Shells
• ¼ cup Bread Crumbs
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Pepper
• 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cubed
• 6 tsp Canola Oil
• 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup reduced-sodium Chicken Broth
• ¼ cup Lemon Juice
• ½ Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Sides:

• Frozen Garlic Bread – cooked according to the package
• Green Giant Veggie Steamer – cooked according to the package

Directions:

1.      Cook pasta, according to the package. Meanwhile, in a large plastic bag, combine the bread crumbs, garlic poweder, salt and pepper. Add the chicken, and shake to coat.

2.      In a large skillet, coated with nonstick spray, sauté the chicken in 4 tbsp of the canola oil until the juices run clear. Remove, and keep warm.

3.      In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring until blended. Gradually stir in the broth and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until thickened.

4.      Drain the pasta, toss in the lemon sauce. Serve with the chicken, and top with the parmesan cheese.

This one was nothing super fantastic, but it was a good, simple meal to have on hand.

10/21/12

Well, day 2 of Rico chaos. The girls actually slept in a little bit this morning, which was welcomed. As soon as we were all up, Olivia and I got ready and brought Rico back to the vet. He didn’t eat anything all night (not really a surprise), but drank his whole bowl of water. Hopefully that’s good. There was still a lot of blood in his urine, and he was still very lethargic this morning. But, seemed a little interested in his surroundings. And, cried on the car ride, which he usually does, but didn’t do yesterday, so that seemed good too!

Christian and Amelia made breakfast while we were gone, and we ate right away. I got right to my Sunday cleaning chores…laundry, dishes, kitchen clean up, sweeping. The usual. We had some lunch, and the girls went down for their naps just as the Vikings game started up. We sat, relaxed and watched the game together. Another win, YAHOO!! I sure hope the streak continues and we have a great season!!

When the girls woke up, we stopped at a local gardening market to pick up some carving pumpkins. We had a buy one pumpkin, get one free coupon, and this place is actually really fun. They have a TON of pumpkins to choose from, so we wandered around for a bit, picking one out. They have goats to feed (who, apparently were the only goats in the world that weren’t hungry) and a big pumpkin jump house for the kids. The girls got their play time in (PS, the weather was AMAZING), we bought a couple pumpkins and we were off.

The clinic closes earlier on Sunday, so we had to pick Rico up. They said he was still responding well. They lowered his pain medication dosage, and thought maybe that was making him more tired and mellow. He was drinking well, they did an IV flush and got some fluids in him. He showed some personality (and REALLY perked up when he saw us), so they were really happy to see all of that. His urine is still pretty tinted and cloudy, and he’s definitely nowhere near back to normal, so they want him back in the clinic tomorrow (which, they expected all along). Hopefully tomorrow will be it though!

We picked up some Pizza Hut on the way home because we were all in the mood for some bad, greasy, fulfilling food tonight. It was delicious, and it hit the spot. Rico stayed in the kennel again (still hooked up to the catheter), but was moving around and definitely interested in what was going on around him. Stress, to the max! I’m not sure what we’re going to do financially about this yet…I haven’t even started thinking about that. I’m hoping we don’t have to dip into our line of credit! I JUST paid Christian’s off on Friday and we were finally clear, and just down to the tires. Money, evil.