Search Results for: paige, peanut

Some Days You Gotta Dance

September 4, 2012 by randomblogette · 16 Comments

As you all know my little Peanut has become quite the little dancer. I am such a proud mama when I watch her on that stage. She lights up and dances her little heart out. I just love watching her dance, but when I watch her dance I have this ache inside of me. It took me a while to figure out what that ache was all about. Once I figured out what it was, I knew what I had to do.

What was that ache you ask? That ache was my little dancer inside weeping because she was no longer on that stage. She wanted to be up there again. She didn’t care how old I was. She didn’t care that it had been 15 YEARS since I had been on that stage. She wanted to be there and she didn’t care.

These are my actual dance shoes from 15 years ago.

But… I cared. My body was no longer a dancer’s body. My body wore the scars of a rough pregnancy 7 years ago. It has packed on and lost several pounds over the past 15 years. It has become lazy and stressed. It was no longer a dancer’s body. I was no longer that fit 17 year old that danced her heart out on stage.

That little dancer inside me just kept nagging at me. At first I pushed her down. Way down so that I couldn’t hear her cries anymore. Way down so that I didn’t think about her. Then I would walk back into that dance studio where I danced for 12 years and she would reappear, scratching and clawing her way out.

I thought to myself, what would Paige think?? If I decided to strap on those dance shoes again and take that stage, would she be upset with me? Would she feel like I was stealing the spotlight from her?

I decided to ask her how she felt. She did not hesitate at all. She said that she loved the idea. She couldn’t wait to see me dance again. I was floored. I never expected that reaction from her.

That was my sign. That was what I needed to hear so that I knew that it would be ok. I needed her to tell me that it was ok. I needed her to reassure me that it was the right thing to do. She did just that. I would’ve never realized that her approval would be that kick in the rear that I needed.

So here I am, anxious for my first dance lessons after being gone for 15 years. Tonight is the night. Tonight is my first lesson after all of these years. I have so many emotions inside of me. I am nervous, excited, anxious, and scared. I am so terrified that I will fall flat on my face. I am terrified that it will be like, hey look at that old lady trying to relive her youth.

Is this all just a big mistake? Am I kidding myself that I can do this again? I guess that I will just have to find out. I promise to keep you all posted. Fingers crossed!

Filed Under: All About Me · Tagged With: dance, Just Dance, Reliving my youth

The Best Things Happen While You DANCE!

June 20, 2012 by randomblogette · 7 Comments

I have to brag today. I am so proud of my little peanut for being such an amazing little dancer at her June recital last weekend. Last year we had some issues, involving her not wanting to do her jazz dance, so we dropped jazz for this show and stuck with tap only. I think it was the best decision we could have made.

Paige danced flawlessly (well for the most part) and we were so proud of her! Watching her dance on stage just makes my heart melt and makes me so proud. I would be proud of her even if she didn’t dance but I am even more proud of her that she chose to be a dancer on her own. And she loves it!

One of the best parts about dance recitals is getting flowers!

I was even able to get a video. Shh…I wasn’t supposed to be taking it during the recital but I am a rebel like that! I still purchased the video as well so I guess that makes up for it.

Watching Paige dance is one of the most amazing experiences in my life. She enjoys herself (even though I can turn all dance mom every once in a while), she is good at it, and she is following in my footsteps. I am one proud mommy!

Filed Under: Peanut · Tagged With: Best Things Happen While You Dance, D&D Dance Studio, dance, I need to dance again, Tap Dance

Lands’ End National Swimsuit #Confidence Week – Do You Have Swimsuit Confidence?

May 24, 2012 by randomblogette · 24 Comments

Last year I showed you my swimsuit confidence. This winter I found my sexy and showed you a glimpse into my Boudoir photo shoot. Slowly but surely I have become to accept my body. It is hard but I should be proud of it.

I am proud of my lumps and bumps. I gave birth to a beautiful little girl and I have helped a troubled little boy turn his life around and become the son that anyone would be proud of. I am proud of myself. There, I said it. I am proud of myself.

And I am confident.

I am confident in my parenting. I am confident in myself. I am confident in my body.

I have Swimsuit Confidence.

You will not see me hiding under a large t-shirt or under a cover up. It will all be out there for anyone to see and I am ok with it. If you are not ok with it then you can just look away.

Paige is ok with it too!

Paige and I have Swimsuit Confidence, do you?

Check out some more ladies with Swimsuit Confidence over at Curvy Girl Guide to learn more about the Swimsuit Confidence movement!

Updated: Many have asked about my swimsuit in the photo above. It is from Kohls from 2-3 years ago. I did not receive a free swimsuit from Lands’ End even though I would love to have one if they want to give one to me! This one could not contain my rack anymore after this photo was taken. =(

Filed Under: Beautiful Me, Embrace Your Body, Flab to Fab · Tagged With: Embracing My Body, Land's End, letting it all hang out, Swimsuit Confidence

My Daughter Told ME I Need To Exercise

April 20, 2012 by randomblogette · 7 Comments

I have been trolling along with my weight loss, making low-cal recipes and trying to “move” as much as possible. I even lost an extra 6 lbs during my 9 week weight loss challenge at work. I was so proud of myself that I was keeping up with everything. Then it stopped.

I started going back to my nightly snack attacks with Dave. He is not really helping the situation by buying me amazingly yummy pints of ice cream (yes even with my lactose intolerance I love ice cream – it is worth it). I am totally failing and I know it, but I am tired and ice cream makes me happy.

The other day Paige and I were standing in the kitchen making dinner and she looked up at me. “Mom, you really need to start exercising again!” she shouted.

I stopped and just looked down are her adorable little face and ~~resisted the urge to drop kick her across the room~~ looked at her perplexed and asked why in the world she would say such a thing. She replied, “Well mama you used to work out all of the time and you weren’t so tired.”

Image Source LMAO! I had to use this pic. I couldn’t resist.

Touche my little Peanut, touche. It was true. I had so much more energy and was not nearly a tired when I used to work out all of time. I think it is time to get back on track and stop being such a lazy ass. I know I keep saying that but when your little one throws it in your face then it is a big wake up call.I have stayed at exactly the same weight without exercising but I know that if I just workout a few times a week again I am going to feel so much better.

Later I found out that the real reason she wants me to start working out again is so that she could go to the YMCA again and hang out in the Kid Zone and go swimming in the pool. Whatever gets me going back to work out is fine with me.

Are your kids very honest too?

Are you looking for some motivation to keep on track with your new healthy lifestyle? Looking for some tips to start a healthy lifestyle? Check out our private Facebook group, Flab to Fab with The Random Blogette & Babe’s Rockin’ Mami. We are a judgement free zone. We have nothing but support and love for all of our members.

Filed Under: children, Flab to Fab · Tagged With: Flab To Fab, Flab to Fab with The Random Blogette & Babes Rockin Mami, Shit Kids Say, Working Out, YMCA

Yummy In Everyone’s Tummy – Chicken & Broccoli Noodle Casserole

March 29, 2012 by randomblogette · 2 Comments

Technically it is my turn to have someone post their weight loss story today, but I had some miscommunication and it didn’t happen. Instead of someone’s story I am sharing another yummy recipe with you! Enjoy!

It is rare night in the Weiden household when everyone enjoys a meal. Usually one of us is not happy with dinner and usually it is my little Peanut. Sometimes I wonder how she survives since she is such a picky little eater.

I really never know what she is going to decide that she likes on any given day so it is trial and error, and it is exhausting. When we finally find a great tasting, healthy meal that we can all agree on it is like the Heavens open up and angels sing.

One day when I was perusing Skinnytaste’s recipes I found a yummy looking recipe for Chicken & Broccoli Noodle Casserole. I knew that Paige would not even want to try this but I was so wrong! She devoured it…after I picked out all of the broccoli, of course.

Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole
Skinnytaste.com
Servings: 6 • Serving Size: 1/6th • Old Points: 6 pts • Points+: 8 pts
Calories: 313 • Fat: 9.9 g • Protein: 27.2 g • Carb: 31.2 g • Fiber: 4.4 g • Sugar: 2.6 g
Sodium: 256.7 mg (without salt)

Ingredients:

6 oz Ronzoni Smart taste noodles (or no-yolk)
2 tsp oil
4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
12 oz fresh broccoli florets, chopped
1 tbsp butter
1 medium shallot, minced
3 tbsp all purpose flour
1-3/4 cups fat free chicken broth
1 cup 1% milk
12 oz cooked shredded chicken breast
4 oz shredded reduced fat sharp cheddar (Sargento)
cooking spray
3 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
2 tbsp seasoned breadcrumbs (I used whole wheat)

Directions:

Cook noodles in salted water until al dente, or slightly undercooked by 2 minutes. Set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook on medium heat until golden, about 1 minute. Add the broccoli and a little salt, sauté and cover the broccoli for about 3 minutes on medium heat until the broccoli begins to soften. Set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375°. Lightly spray a 9 x 12 casserole dish with cooking spray.

In a large pot, heat butter over medium-low heat, when melted add the shallot and cook until soft, 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and a pinch of salt and stir well, cooking an additional 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.

Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until well combined over medium heat; whisk well for 30 seconds, then add the milk and bring to a boil. Simmer on medium heat, mixing occasionally until it thickens (about 6-7 minutes). Remove from heat and add reduced fat sharp cheddar and 1 tablespoon of the parmesan cheese; mix well until the cheese melts.

Add the shredded chicken, noodles and broccoli to the sauce and mix well until evenly coated.

Pour into a casserole dish and top with parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Spray a little more cooking spray on top and bake for about 20 – 25 minutes. Place the casserole under the broiler a few minutes to get the crumbs crisp and golden (careful not to burn).

Check out Skinnytaste for some great step-by-step photos!

I really think that this is a fabulous recipe. We have added it to our monthly rotation. I would love for one of you to try it and tell me if you think it is as fab as we do! Here is a quick shortcut. We used canned shredded chicken. I know it sounds gross, but I promise that it is just as good. Also, it cuts down the prep time and that is always a plus in my house!

Do you have any tasty low-cal or low-ish calorie recipes that you would like me to try out, or you just want to share? Join our Flab to Fab group and join in on the conversations!

Filed Under: Flab to Fab, Food, Health · Tagged With: Flab To Fab, Flab to Fab with The Random Blogette & Babes Rockin Mami, Healthy Food, Let's Dish Thursday, recipes, Skinnytaste, Yummy in My Tummy

This Is Why I Am Exhausted…

March 27, 2012 by randomblogette · 13 Comments

This is why I am exhausted…

Emotionally and physically.

Sometimes I wish we can just take the pain and sickness away from our kids so that they do not have to suffer.

Fevers of 104 suck!.

And then we have our new mascot. The nebulizer!

Yes! The mask is a fish face. Kudos to Dave for picking out something cute. He got major bonus points with Paige for that.

After 3 nights of little or no sleep we actually had a full night of sleep for once. Those nebulizers work miracles.

I am praying that this is the end of the endless sickies for my little Peanut. Every time we think that she is getting better she ends up sick again in the following week.

Updated: So when we woke up this morning Jacob was sick too! Severe congestion and a nasty cough. I am so over this! Looks like I have another day off work of taking care of sick kids!

Have any of your kids been sick more than usual this year?

Linking up with…

And Wordful Wednesday with Parenting By Dummies!

Filed Under: iPhone Photo Phun, iPPP, Peanut · Tagged With: #iPPP, Peanut, The Sickies, Wordful Wednesday

It’s Been A Week!

February 12, 2012 by randomblogette · 7 Comments

For those of you that did not know, Dave had hernia surgery last Monday. This is quite an experience for both of us. Usually it is me going into surgery, not him. It was one of the longest mornings of my life.

4:00 am. I can’t sleep anymore knowing I have to be up in 30 minutes. I lay in bed and look at my phone. I know that this is supposed to be a simple surgery but I always think of the worst possible scenario. Dave like to say I am quite the pessimist. It isn’t that, it is just that I have to think of all possible scenarios.

4:30 am. I am up and moving. Packing my bag to keep me busy. Laptop, phone, chargers, paperwork.

5:00 am. Make the kids roll out of bed and head downstairs. We have to leave by 5:30 to drop my kids off at my parents’ house. Poor kiddos. My poor parents!

5:35 am. Already made it to my parents’ house. There is no one on the road this early.

5:50 am. Check in at the hospital. So ridiculously tired. I feel so bad for the chick behind the desk. She looks exhausted.

6:00 am. We take our seats in the surgical waiting room. A few minutes later another family sits down near us. We later become BFFs.

6:30 am. Dave is taken back to get prepped. I am now alone with my new BFFs. Nice people, just a little trashy, but nice. We realize that it is a small world and that they are part owners of a bar where Dave sells wine and beer.

7:00 am. I am finally able to come back and see Dave before he goes into surgery. I unselfishly threw out my half full can of Diet Coke because I am told that Dave is thirsty. You are welcome dear. See, I will do anything for you.

7:05 am. Took this awesome picture of Dave. He is such a good sport.

7:30 am. I am sent back to the waiting room as my love is wheeled off to surgery. The nerves really set in now and we all know what that means… I feel like I am going to poop myself. I distract my stomach by giving it a special treat. There just happens to be a Starbucks right next to the waiting room. The yummy smells are too much for me to deny. I indulge my nerves with a yummy Apple Cinnamon Scone. It’s funny because I didn’t know that scones were supposed to be so soft and heavenly.

8:00 am. I know that his surgery could take at least an hour but I nervously watch the surgery update monitor.I found out later that it was not being updated properly. Oh well.

Shortly after 8:30 am. Dave’s surgeon takes me into a consultation room and explains that the hernia was really bad (as I expected) but everything went perfectly which was so great to hear. He told me that they were waking him up and I should be able to see him very soon.

9:45 am. Finally buzzed back to go see Dave. He is doing surprisingly well. He didn’t understand why his throat hurt so bad. I forgot to tell him how they have to shove a breathing tube down your throat when they put you under. Oops!

10:30 am. We are released to go home.

11:00 am. We are safe and sound at home. I drove about 10 mph through the neighborhood so that the bumps didn’t hurt him too bad. He made fun of me the whole time. Jerk.

After that it was a whole lot of resting. The rest of the week went pretty well. The kids were helping around the house, but Paige just didn’t seem right. She really hasn’t seemed right since her last bout with strep.

She is fabulous even when she is sick.

Well, apparently either she never got over her original case of strep or she magically got it again within 2 short weeks. We had to take her to the doctor again on Friday. Thanks to my mom for picking up Dave and Paige and taking them to the doctor since Dave still can’t drive yet. I owe my mom big time!

So now we have Dave healing up and Paige trying to get healthy. Please forgive me if I seem insane. Lack of sleep can do that to a person.

Filed Under: children, family, Health · Tagged With: Dave, family, health, Paige, sickies, Strep Throat, surgery update

I Just Didn’t Feel It Sizzle!

November 15, 2011 by randomblogette · 15 Comments

After dinner I have been letting the kids each have one piece of Halloween candy. I take their Halloween bags, spilling over with candy, out of the cupboard and let them choose which one they want as long as it is a small piece and not a ton of pieces. You know, the fun size candy. It’s not like they need a ton of sugar since they are insane without it.

The other day Paige decided that she wanted Peanut M&Ms. This is odd since she hates peanuts. It is also ironic since her nickname is Peanut. The following conversation took place the other day after dinner.

image source

Paige: Mom I just didn’t feel it sizzle.

Me: What do you mean sizzle? It is a peanut m & m. It has peanuts in it.

Paige: But I didn’t feel it sizzle.

Me: I don’t understand why you think it should sizzle.

Paige: Look mom! (She points at the bag of candy.) It says fun sizzle!

Me: NO! It says fun size, not sizzle.

At least she’s pretty….

Filed Under: children, family · Tagged With: Peanut, peanut m&ms

Easy Bake Oven Farts

October 18, 2011 by randomblogette · 13 Comments

Did you know that Easy Bake Ovens give you the farts? Neither did I!

Now let me start from the beginning…

This past Sunday I was alone with the kids all day while Dave froze his ass off and got drenched during a ridiculously cold and rainy Gold Tournament. I am still not sure who got the better deal, but I am thinking it just may have been me. I did my best to ignore the kids and try to get some work done. I actually let them use Paige’s Easy Bake Oven as long as they promised that they wouldn’t make me eat any of it. That stuff tasted like crap.

Thanks Google Images

The kids actually behaved all day today. It was so odd. I actually felt like someone had replaced my kids with well behaving ones. It was so odd, but very enjoyable!

During dinner that same night Paige kept farting. It was kind of ridiculous. At first we all laughed but finally I was getting grossed out because she couldn’t seem to help herself.

After dinner I made her jump in the shower with me. She still couldn’t stop farting and it was driving me nuts. I asked her what the hell was going on.

Me: What is your problem?

Paige: I have farts mom.

Me: Well duh my dear. Why are they so bad. Do you have to poop? I just don’t get it.

Paige: Well mom they are the Easy Bake Oven Farts.

Me: Umm, what?

Paige: Didn’t you know mom? Easy Bake Ovens give you the farts.

Me: Really? I just had no idea.

Paige: Yeah mom. They’re the Easy Bake Oven Farts. I was like curse you Easy Bake Oven and curse you Perry the Paltypus!

Oh Peanut you are just so full of surprises!

Do you ever just laugh at the ridiculousness that comes out of your kids’ mouths? I swear this stuff happens every day.

Filed Under: Peanut · Tagged With: Paige, Peanut, Perry The Platypus, Phineas and Ferb

#Pinterest Weekly Meal Plan – Week 3

October 14, 2011 by randomblogette · 4 Comments

Another week, another Pinterest Meal Plan! The weather was surprisingly warmer this week but that didn’t stop us from eating some very hearty meals.

Monday – Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff

This was a very hearty meal. We served it over whole what egg noodles with Hawaiian rolls. Paige is not a fan of noodles (except for Macaroni and Cheese) but she did enjoy the beef and the sauce. My hubs was super happy that there was not a drop of Sour Cream in the recipe. He is not exactly the biggest fan of cream cheese (if it’s white and creamy he doesn’t want it in his mouth) but he actually liked this. Jacob pretty much eats anything.

Dave also made this on the stove instead of in the crock pot so I am not sure if it really changes it at all. We were having a rough day and totally forgot that this was originally a crock pot recipe. We even gave the leftovers to my mom for her and my Grandma to have for lunch. My mom LOVED it. I will definitely make this again. I will make it in the crock pot, though, because the meat was slightly tough and I am sure that after simmering in the crock all day.

Source: The Crockstar via Pinterest

Tuesday – Slow Cooker Jambalaya

We love Zatarain’s Jambalaya, so when I saw this recipe for a homemade jambalaya, I had to make it. I used to work in a cajun-inspired restaurant so I have that experience to help me judge other cajun recipes. Yes, I know that a restaurant in Ohio may not make it exactly as a chef would in N’awlins, but that is all I have to go on until the hubs finally wins the lottery so we can go there.

I have to say that this was pretty darn yummy. The whole family enjoyed it. I was surprised at how easy it was to make.

I also saw that Plain Chicken has a recipe for a Creamy Jambalaya Pasta that I need to try next!

Source: Plainchicken via Pinterest

Wednesday – Taco Soup

This was more like a chili than soup. It was very yummy and flavorful. I even picked up some Texas Toast Tortilla Strips in Chipotle Cheddar for a topping. If you have not tried these tortilla strips yet, you need to run out and get them! They are great for a salad or a soup or anything where you need a crunchy topping.

Source: Ezra Pundcake via Pinterest

Thursday – Brown Sugar and Balsamic Glazed Pork Loin

OMG PEOPLE! This stuff was amazeballs people! I seriously could’ve devoured the whole thing by myself. This roast was so delicious! I am not kidding. I just can’t say enough about this roast. You all need to try it. We had a small amount leftover and I decided to use it on a hamburger bun so that it would be like a pulled pork sandwich.

Source: C&C Marriage Factory via Pinterest

Friday – Penne w/Artichokes

Uh yeah. This was a total fail on my part. I thought that I had a box of penne and when I pulled it out it was just a half box. I did notice that I had some linguine so I figured that would be good enough. Well, I have no idea what the hell happened but the pasta all congealed together and it did not work. I did taste the artichoke mixture and it was good, but I probably will not try it again. If you are a big fan of artichokes and tomatoes you will definitely love this.

Source: Chico’s Kitchen via Pinterest

Saturday -Easy Mexican Casserole

This was very yummy. I probably would use Doritos or some other flavored tortilla chips. It didn’t wow me or anything but it definitely was not bad at all. I will probably try it again with the flavored chips and I am sure it will be even better!

Source: Sing For Your Supper via Pinterest

Sunday – Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

Holy chocolatey peanut buttery goodness. These things were ridiculous. Ridiculously amazing! It was like a piece of fudge wrapped in a peanut buttery cookie. Yup. Diabetes cookie as my boss called them. Of course I made a double batch and took the second batch to work and they were devoured.They were super rich though. I think next week I need to make something a little lighter.

I had some issues with baking these. I had a hard time figuring out if they were done or not. I ended up cooking the second batch about 15 minutes longer than the recipe suggested. They both tasted delicious!! If you do make these just use your best judgement.

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything via Pinterest