farewell

I've decided to retire See Mommy. See Mommy Run. If you don't know where to find me online, drop me a note and I'll send you details. I'm here. Just not HERE.

i am...

...exhausted. I can barely keep my eyes open. Getting through the simple tasks of taking care of the kids (even with 1 now in school) is hard. I'm tired. I can't focus. I feel like I could curl up in bed and sleep for a week. Maybe two. This isn't normal, is it? I mean I get tired but sheer exhaustion, daily, for weeks? I posted on August 20th that I was running on fumes. I still am. And I wonder when the fumes will run out and I just collapse. But I can't collapse. I just can't.

final check-in: down & dirty in 30

Up .3 for the week. Up 2.3 for the challenge. Apparently I forgot to mention to my body we're supposed to be going in the opposite direction. I could get all crazy negative and beat myself up but I won't. I refuse to do it.

My team on the other hand? They ALL lost pounds - 22.6 to be exact. I'm VERY proud of them! Go Exotic Gangstas!

cutest lunch ever

This is probably my favorite creation of the week - cause it's so stinkin cute!


mini sausage biscuits, cheddar cheese stars, a bear with pistachios, fruit leather strips and strawberries

kid tested, mother approved

Pizza Pepperoni Pasta

3 cups uncooked whole wheat spiral pasta
1 lb lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, chopped
2.5 cups garden-style spaghetti sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp pepper
3 TBSP grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz sliced pepperoni (I found that 2 ounces was more than enough for our tastes)
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions.

Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook turkey and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, basil, oregano, Worcestershire sauce and pepper; set aside.

Drain pasta. Transfer to a 13x9-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Top with spaghetti sauce mixture and pepperoni. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.

Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through.

1-1/4 cups = 299 calories, 10 g fat, 5 g fiber (using the full 4 ounces of pepperoni)

Source: Taste of Home Healthy Cooking Magazine - Aug/Sept 2010 Issue

sometimes we just need a reminder

tomorrow

Tomorrow my boy starts 1st grade. 1st grade!!! I'm going to miss him so much during the day. While summer is hectic and really takes its toll on me I'll miss his constant chatter and hearing/watching him make his sister giggle.

I am entering this school year prepared with the health of my son at the forefront of my mind. The only thing that changed last year (other than moving half-way across the country) was a solid diet of school lunches and going to Kindergarten all day. He has really gained a good bit of weight in just one year and that concerns me. I did the school lunch deal because I *thought* it was healthy and would be a good option for him. I was wrong. This year I am packing his lunches so that I *know* what's he's eating. I decided that I would share with you because if you're struggling to pack your own child's lunch you might find an idea that you want to use and the more kids that eat healthier lunches the better, right?

Here is tomorrow's lunch. Turkey and cheddar sub, granola bar, strawberries and fried apples (leftover from Cracker Barrel). The bread I used to make this more of a sub and not a sandwich is Arnold Fill 'Ems Sandwich Thins (whole grains, no trans fat, no cholesterol, no high fructose corn syrup, 100 calories and, best of all, they taste good.). The container is a Ziploc divided container.



Compared to his options for school lunches - either a Meatball Sub with Cheese on Roll, Peas, Mixed Fruit, Milk or Chicken Patty on Roll with Lettuce & Mayonnaise, Peas, Mixed Fruit, Milk - I think his meal from home (checking in at around 550 calories) isn't too bad and in my opinion seems far healthier.

What do you do? Send your kids packing or let them buy at school? Any ideas you want to share with me - spill the beans, peeps!

Two sites that have inspired me in my quest to pack healthy lunches for my son are another lunch and Mommy Needs Cake. Please visit them for lots of great ideas! (Not a sponsored post.)