The Mommy Games

I’m a Runner

Apr182013

I’m a runner. Many of you already know this, but after the events on Monday, I feel compelled to not only proclaim it on my blog, but to scream it to the world. I have never before been more proud of my sport than seeing the amazing way the running community has come together in this time of tragedy. I get chills just thinking about it. We are a tough, committed, and loving group and I feel so blessed to be a part of this incredible way of life. Running embraces all abilities. It changes lives. I don’t think there is any way to measure the amount of joy, health, and healing the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other has afforded its participants, and those who love them.

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· Filed Under: Running · Tagged With: boston marathon, running

The Best Apps for Toddlers

Apr172013

The ipad is an incredible tool. It’s helpful and fun for adults, but if you’ve ever seen a young child use it, you will instantly understand the potential this tool has for not only entertainment, but also for learning. Most of the time, my 2-year old can navigate a new game and learn it without ever needing an explanation from me. Since they can use their fingers, most children find playing with the ipad pretty intuitive. I personally still consider time spent playing with any electronic device as “screen time,” and limit it in the same way I do the TV, but I will readily admit that my toddler seems to actually come away from playing with the ipad having learned something.

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· Filed Under: Mommy, Mommy Must Haves · Tagged With: apps, best apps, child, games, ipad, letters, reading, toddler

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Apr122013

Brussels sprouts are one of my go-to veggie sides, so I thought I would share one of my favorite ways to prepare them before they are totally out of season. Anything that involves bacon is usually a hit in our house, but I was still surprised to see my toddler gobbling these up. He’s exceptionally weary of anything green (he seriously will pick out tiny little pieces of herb from his soup!), so the fact that I can get him to eat a relatively large helping of these without promising to deliver 5-hours worth of Thomas on the tv makes this a win in my book. These are also a guaranteed hit with adults and instantly elevate a casual weeknight dinner. Hope everyone has a fabulous Spring weekend!

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· Filed Under: Recipes, Sides · Tagged With: bacon, brussels sprouts, side dish, vegetable

Brandon 2.75 Year Summary

Apr92013

These last few months have been a mixed bag with Brandon. It’s been surreal to watch his personality develop and how he really has grown into a little person. He will make jokes, sing out loud, crack himself up, comfort you when he thinks you’re sad, and even play with his little brother and friends. Being able to interact with him and actually have fun with him has made my life as a mother more fulfilling and interesting. I now have a little sidekick. At the same time, they don’t call it the terrible twos for nothing. We have our share of tantrums and upset moments, and Brandon has become all too familiar with “time out.” Learning how to control his emotions is something we work on daily, as I suspect most toddlers do, and it’s encouraging to see him make progress, however slow that might be.

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· Filed Under: Mommy, Our Family, Toddler Summaries · Tagged With: 33 months, schedule, toddler

Glazed Meyer Lemon Tea Cake

Apr52013

I love having a snack cake around the house. It’s perfect for dessert after dinner, an afternoon snack, a quick (albeit unhealthy) breakfast, and if you have one around to serve unexpected guests you automatically look like Martha Stewart for having something so fabulous baked up and sitting prettily on the counter. And this is just the cake to kick-off Spring. If you’ve never used Meyer lemons in baking before, you most definitely should grab a few before they’re all gone (the season is pretty quick). They are more mellow than a regular lemon and a flavor that is uniquely their own. Once baked, this cake is topped with a warm dessert wine glaze that seeps into the cake, and when cooled, adds an extra sweetness and richness without being sticky. A great twist on a classic lemon cake!

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· Filed Under: Recipes, Sweets · Tagged With: cake, dessert, lemon, meyer lemons, snack

Let’s Get Organized: Grocery Shopping

Apr22013

Look for my “Let’s Get Organized” posts on the 1st Tuesday of the month. You can find previous months HERE.

If there is one chore I’m not super fond of, it’s grocery shopping. I would be forever grateful if the ingredients I needed would just plop themselves into my fridge (wasn’t there a ride at Epcot that promised this would happen?!). I am not one of those people that loves to peruse the market or store, figuring out what’s fresh and looks great for dinner that night. Firstly, because I usually have the kids with me, and even on their best behavior, I’m only going to subject them to so much time confined in the stroller. Secondly, aside from basic things like tacos or steak, I generally follow a recipe and I simply don’t have the mental capacity to remember all the ingredients I need for a dish. Aside from the logistics of actually getting to the store, there’s also an art to grocery shopping so that you leave with just the right amount of food. Buy too much, and food is bound to spoil. Buy too little and you will inevitably be met with the innocent (yet irksome), “what do you mean we don’t have anymore cereal/bacon/beer/etc.” from your well meaning husband.

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· Filed Under: Mommy Know How, Organization · Tagged With: groceries, lists, organization, planning, shopping

Honey Roast Pork Tenderloin with Apples

Mar282013

Can you believe Easter is this weekend?! I feel totally caught off guard, partially due to the early holiday this year, but also due to the lingering cold. Going to church Easter Sunday in boots and sweaters just doesn’t seem to jive in my mind. I do, however, feel totally re-energized from our days at the beach and am super grateful to my mom and dad who watched the boys for us. I love my kids, but days when you aren’t called “mommy” are priceless in their own ways as well.

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· Filed Under: Dinner, Recipes · Tagged With: apples, dinner, Easter, honey, pork, roast, tenderloin

Slow Cooker Beef Stew

Mar192013

Spring is only a few days away, but it is still seriously cold here. Like, stay-in-bed-all-day kinda cold. The only thing good about this never ending winter weather is that we get to keep on eating hardy, warming dinners like this beef stew (and that we get to hide all our winter eating under big comfy sweaters). You are going to love this recipe. It uses frozen vegetables, so you can get it into your slow cooker with barely any prep time. And the end result is a bit lighter and definitely more flavorful than your typical beef stew, all without even having the brown the meat. We loved it over rice, but you could do mashed potatoes if that’s more your style. If you are still dealing with the cold, put this one on your list to make soon!

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