Random

Warning-these are very random-

• One (and only one) perk of living in the ghetto (a term used by others who live here) of Pasadena is that it takes us about 15 minutes to walk to Target. We've walked there 3 times, so far. It was our P.E. for today. This Target is 2 story and I can never remember where things are there. It's always packed and it's NOT a super Target, which I'm reminded of every time I go there. I scored my first deal for 2010-$1 for 2 64 oz bottles of Juicy Juice. I made up for that deal by spending $4 on Coke.
• Pretty much every night is family night at our house. We're always together, always doing something. Tonight, I had planned to center the night around KU basketball. The girls wanted chili dogs for supper (why I had to buy Coke, you can't have a chili dog with water, yuck) Well, we can't find a channel that will cover the game, so Avery asked to watch Shrek instead. So, we'll do dog and ogre night tonight. Maybe throw a little Wii in the mix.
• My i-phone has saved my life during this move-I don't know what I'd do without it. I text my dear friends Rachel and Sally at least weekly, and my sister and mom daily. I love taking pictures with it. And, I've actually read the bible every day this month (shocking-lol) I also just got a home budget app that I'm actually looking forward to using.
• The "free" computer we got from Cava is the slowest computer on the planet. I only use it to print coupons. And that's because the "free" printer we got isn't wireless, so it won't sync with the best computer ever, my (our) mac.
• When Avery began homeschooling again, we had to basically start at the beginning of 1st grade curriculum. So, we spent the week before Christmas taking a ton of assessments and trying to figure out where Avery fits into the flow of studies. So far, we're 50% thru the 1st grade and she's complaining about how easy everything is. So, here's the dilemma. Do we move forward and go ahead and just finish 1st, and move on to 2nd grade now (she could probably do this by Feb) or, do we take it easy and not put a huge priority on school right now and let her go at the "normal" first grade pace. Back in Wichita, Avery went to 2nd grade for both Reading and Math. She's never been tested for giftedness, and I don't think she is (what do I know), but she is extremely smart and learning comes easy for her. The neighborhood where we are looking for homes has an excellent school system, so we plan to enroll her there next fall. I just want the rest of 1st grade to be good for her and I want her to continue to thrive in school. I don't want her to be bored and for things to be too easy for her.
• It's hot here-I know those of you reading this in Ks are rolling your eyes. It's just weird. I've planned to eat some soups this week and bought the stuff to make potato soup, chicken enchilada soup, and chili-but it never sounds good because it's so warm out.
• When we do actually get a home, and Kevin starts commuting, we'll need a 2nd vehicle. So, do we go hybrid or not?
• Spending 20 minutes at the park on any given day tells me why -on the application for Kevin's position here, they asked that he speak Korean. He doesn't, but, I'm sure it would have been helpful. And I can see why they would ask that...
• My wedding ring is too big. I need to have it sized down. Of course, my fingers will probably swell soon, but it's always turning or falling off. Maybe I just need a new ring...
• I can't believe I'm going to be a mom of 4 kids. I'm not old enough. My first trimester, I didn't really have any sickness or anything. I was in such shock and denial and with so much stuff going on, I tried not to think about it. Now, my clothes aren't fitting, I'm hungry, and I'm starting to feel pregnant. When he/she comes, we'll have had 4 kids in 4 different towns, in 3 different states. And, we're done-seriously. Done.

Transition

We've been in a state of transition since June, really. Last May, Kevin got the first call asking to apply for a new position at Fuller. Since, then, 2 thoughts have constantly been on my mind-1) if we stay in Wichita, and 2) if we move...

I fully supported Kevin in this decision. I was totally on board. I was so excited to move and start a new life in California. I knew the girls would grow to love living close to the beach. McKenna was born to be a surfer girl :)

Now, I feel so guilty about the relationships and new friendships Avery and McKenna made from August until we moved in November. They both just started school and were getting into a schedule and meeting new friends. Then we moved.

Now, we're in Pasadena, with the hope of moving to Valencia(about 30 minutes away). I'm homeschooling Avery. While I know it was the best decision, I have very mixed feelings about it, a whole other post, perhaps. And, the original plan was to find a preschool for McKenna, but when we decided to look at homes in Valencia, we decided not to put her in preschool, not knowing when we'd find a home and have to pull her out.

So, the girls are slowly starting to make friends again. But, they don't understand that when we finally find a house and move, we probably won't see these friends anymore. I don't want to find a doctor here, because I'll have to find a new one when we buy a house and move. I don't want to make friends, just someone else I'll have to say goodbye to when we move, again. Transition sucks. I feel like my life is on hold, yet has to go on. I hate this feeling. It's hard to be depressed when you have to take care of and school 3 kids under 6. But all I want to do is cry and stay in bed.

And, if this move and adjustment wasn't enough to deal with, I'm also adjusting to a VERY unexpected pregnancy. I'm 15 weeks along, and I think the reality has finally hit me this week. My jeans don't fit anymore. They fit last week just fine. I'm hungry most of the day, but nothing really sounds good. Sushi (actually California rolls, ironically) sounds good, but I can't afford to eat it every day, nor should I. I'm already starting to have some ligament pain. Ugh. I just didn't see this obstacle/blessing coming at this point in time. I'm surprised by what God thinks I can handle...

Everyone we meet says how much they love Pasadena. Really? I must have not seen the best this city has to offer, yet. I don't see much good about this place. The view is beautiful, the weather is nice. However, this town isn't very kid-friendly, everything is more expensive here (except avacados) and we're living in an apartment that no amount of comet or 409 can clean. I don't get it.

But, life goes on. Meals need to be made. Diapers need to be changed. Fun needs to be had. And KU basketball must be watched. So, I will try to enjoy life in the midst of this transition. I will try to make memories with my family. I will try to be a better wife and mom. I. Will. Try...

Fruit Salad...

This is the best fruit salad. My grandma Staggs used to make this and I loved it as a kid. Now, my girls love it when their grandma Keating makes it.

8 bananas, mashed

1 lg can or frozen OJ, thawed

1 lg can crushed pineapple (drained)

3/4 cup sugar

1 jar maraschino cherries, halved and drained well on paper towels

Mix all together and place in a freezer friendly container and freeze. Can be made several days ahead. Remove from freezer to soften to serve.

I resolve...

I spent some time going over my resolutions for 2009. I think I kept up with most all of them, except the tv one. Kevin is to blame for that, he bought a bigger tv.

Highlights of 2009

• Avery said a highlight was when Marla and Phil got a trampoline for Reese and they got to jump on it.
• We started a basement remodel, which came to an abrupt halt when the Fuller job became a possibility
• We paid off all debt, except our student loans and mortgage. We'll be paying those stupid loans 'til Avery's in college. Ugh-
• Avery started 1st grade
• McKenna started Preschool
• Watching Presley grow and learn
• Kevin is now Dr. Osborn!
• Got to spend lots of time with family and friends

Goals for 2010

• both Avery and Kenna said they want a home. While it's not really a resolution, we all want one really bad!
• Rework our budget to accommodate this new life
• Start 2 new savings acct for-new (to us) vehicle, travel back to Ks
• Figure out a workable schedule/routine for our family that will soon be 6-this would include chores, boundaries, consequences, rewards, time management, etc...
• Get more organized system for couponing, and use it-a lot.
• Get more organized. Period.
• Be intentional about family night. Plan to have a scheduled family night once a week.
• Find a babysitter, so Kevin and I can maintain our date night schedule we established in 2009.
• Figure out plan to work-out. I miss the Y, and U-verse. Bad.
• Do family devotions every night. The girls got a new devo for Christmas, so we'll plan to use it.
• Stay on tract with my personal bible reading/devotion time
• Be a better mom and wife. I haven't been so good lately...

I am praying desperately that we'll find a house we love (and can afford) and that we'll grow to love life in California. This transition has been rough and I don't know when we'll find a place to truly call home. I hope I can be a better model for the girls, and a better support for my husband. That I'll look on the bright side more often, than not. That I'll cry less. That 2010 will be the best year for Osborn abode!

Happy new year to you! What's your resolution?

Christmas Breakfast

Our traditional breakfast on Christmas morning is always a breakfast casserole of some sort and bubble loaf. The casserole usually changes, depending on what everyone is in the mood for, but the bubble loaf is a given. This year, I used this recipe for the breakfast casserole, and it was so good. I'm definitely going to make it again, soon. Instead of the cubes of bread, I used a bag of seasoned croutons (I always use croutons in any breakfast casserole, it's usually cheaper and always easier). I also used wet mustard, instead of dried.

And here's the bubble loaf recipe.

1/2 package, Rhodes frozen rolls

1 cup chopped pecans

1 pkg butterscotch pudding, not instant-must get the cook and serve

6 T melted butter

1 t cinnamon

1/2 c. brown sugar

Spray bundt pan with pam. Place pecans in pan. Place frozen rolls over the pecans. Sprinkle the pudding (dry) over the rolls. Mix melted butter, cinnamon and brown sugar together. Pour on top of rolls and pudding. Let stand overnight or 8 hours. Bake 30 m. at 350 degrees. I usually place the pan on a cookie sheet to catch any spills. I also cover with foil the first 20 m. Remember, if you cover with foil to spray the foil with pam so it doesn't stick.

This is a very easy sweet roll recipe. I make it several times a year. Enjoy!

Food cravings and recipes

When I was pregnant with Avery, Kevin and I were vegetarians, and all I wanted to eat was a hamburger. That's it-no pickles, no ice cream, just a hamburger. I slowly introduced meat back into my diet during that pregnancy. McKenna's pregnancy, well, I really can't remember, I think I just ate everything in site. Presley-I could have eaten McDonalds every single day of the whole pregnancy and been satisfied. I was always craving a cheeseburger from there. Every. Day.

Now, what am I hungry for, you ask? Sushi. That's right. California Rolls with soy sauce, ginger (which Dillons had and Ralphs doesn't btw) and wasabi. We had some last week, and since then, that's all I've wanted to eat. I got some yesterday, had to share with Kevin. I could have eaten the whole thing by myself. And today, I wanted more! Crazy...Although, I'm also growing very fond of CPK pizza-pepperoni and hamburger, nothing fancy. Kevin has so far ordered BBQ chicken, Carribean jerk Chicken and Chipotle chicken, which I have yet to try. They just don't sound good.

So, while I'm on the subject of food, I thought I'd share the beef tenderloin I made on Christmas. Beef tenderloin is my absolute favorite and this was the first time I've made it. I used my mom's recipe, which I think is Aunt Marlene's recipe.

1 beef tenderloin, trimmed of fat

2 packets of Dry Good Seasons Italian dressing

1 cup ketchup

2 tsp mustard (wet)

1 tsp Worcestershire

1 1/2 cups water

Place tenderloin in a large zip lock bag. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over tenderloin. Seal bag and marinate overnight in refrigerator.

Remove from marinade and pat somewhat dry. Place on foil lined roasting pan or 9x13 pan and bake at 425 (uncovered) for about an hour. May need to cook longer depending on size of the tenderloin.

Let set 20 minutes before slicing.

We always serve horseradish sauce with the tenderloin-

Mayo

Sourcream

Prepared horseradish-you should find this in the refrigerated section-in Ict, it's by the refrigerated pasta and sauces, in Ca, it's by the hotdogs.

Salt and Pepper

Mix about equal portions, start out with 1/2 cup each of the may and sour cream. Add about 2 TBSP horseradish and salt and pepper. This is really just an eyeball and taste method.

I'll post the frozen fruit salad recipe soon.

Merry Miscellaneous

Well, yesterday went much better than I expected. With the help of Skype, we were able to see both sets of families and talk multiple times with them. The girls had a great Christmas! Not one fight or disappointment. With the exception of 2 blown breakers, the first at 6:30am, the day was awesome. We had to forgo heat to enjoy our Christmas tree lights. The food was great, I must say, and it was a really good Christmas for us. We really have no plans for the next week, other than find some new/cheap places to enjoy around here.

• At lunch yesterday, I asked the girls what their favorite gift was. Avery said all of her clothes (she got a lot) and McKenna quickly said the m and m's she got in her stocking. From the looks of it, Presley's favorite is her new Tinkerbell chair that's just for her. My favorite gift was getting to experience Christmas with my love and my girls. And, considering all of the compliments he made, I'm guessing Kevin's favorite was the food that was consumed yesterday. And the fact that he got to spend the whole day in his sweats!
• We shared some big news with everyone. This will be our last Christmas with just the 5 of us. Baby #4 will be coming in June, much to everyone's surprise, including ours!
• We watched lots of movies-Elf, Grinch, Home Alone (McKenna's new favorite), Christmas Story, Christmas Vacation, and SNL's Christmas special (after the girls were in bed, of course)
• I thought I'd be celebrating this Christmas with my new CA driver's license, but no such luck. Can I tell you how much I hate the DMV and got a taste of how things run when the government is in charge. It sucks. We needed to have either birth certificates or passports to verify id-social security cards and current driver's license were not accepted. I also needed my marriage certificate. Kevin couldn't find his birth cert. so he took his expired passport and they accepted it, no problems. I took my original birth cert. and a certified copy of our marriage license and was denied. They want a seal on the marriage cert. No where online did it state that. I've been married for 12 years and had 3 kids with me. I was furious, to say the very least. I studied so hard for that stupid test and was ready for it to just be done. I hated being at that place. It was crowded, dirty, and gross. And, I plan to write a heated letter to Arnold about my experience there. So far, California is NOTHING like his commercials describe.
• So, I have yet another appt. with the DMV on Jan. 12. My new sealed marriage cert. should be here by then and I'll take the stupid test and declare it will be the last time I set foot in that horrid place.
• I am so ready for a permanent place to call home. I'm ready for Central heat. A garbage disposal and dishwasher. An extra toilet. A fridge that holds more than 2 days worth of food. A bug/spider free place. Carpet where your feet won't turn black if you decide to go barefoot. 3 prong outlets. A laundry room. The simple things you take for granted until you don't have them. Maybe next Christmas...
• This apartment looks like a bomb exploded. Today, we are cleaning and finding room for all the stuff we got. We may need another storage unit :)
• The things I was thinking about last Christmas are so different from what's on my heart today. If you would have told me last year what we'd be doing this year, there's no way I'd believe it. NO WAY-

I hope you had a very Merry Christmas! May this season be one of family, joy, laughter, and making great memories for you and your loved ones.