The Teen, The Tween, and The Big Kid

A few days ago I was babysitting my little nieces. It is hard to believe that they are almost two. They giggle, love hugs, and think I’m pretty darn funny. They also made me realize that my kids are not those tiny little kids anymore…

My teen rolls his eyes at me, and twists away if I try to hug him. My tween can be an emotional roller coaster, who is getting pretty good at ignoring me. My big kid thinks I’m unfair, and she doesn’t like that I’m the boss, because she should be the boss, of everything. She is also my most headstrong child. A trait that will be fantastic later in life, but right now is quite a challenge.

It feels strange to me entering this next stage of motherhood. I’m used to having tiny little ones running around. I also have to say it is quite bizarre to have a teen the same height as me. Especially when I have to tell him “no more youtube, go to bed already”. Sometimes, I feel like I don’t know what to do, but I’m working on it.

Some things are still the same though… Appetites, voracious and still very, very picky. Tantrums, yep they still have them, and holy moly they are brutal. Messes, yep, those still haven’t gone away. They are also outgrowing shoes, clothes, and socks at record speed. Did I mention groceries… Seriously!?! Time to start a farm in the backyard.

Looking at these three it feels like life is moving in fast forward. I’m not ready for them to grow up all the way just yet, but I really am proud of the super cool people that they are growing into.

 

 

June’s Monthly Menu

Summer has arrived. I’ve been pretty much living in the kitchen ever since the kid’s last day of school. I can’t believe just how much they are eating right now…

I’ve got my dinner menu planned, but I’m going to be a bit flexible when it comes to take-out. It’s Summer, and I need a little bit of a break too.

  • 6/1/2017: Steaks, Sauteed Veggies, and Pasta
  • 6/2/2017: Popcorn Chicken and Fries
  • 6/3/2017: Waffles, Bacon, and Breakfast Potatoes
  • 6/4/2017: Grilled Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Dinner Rolls, and Chocolate Pie
  • 6/5/2017: Snack Dinner
  • 6/6/2017: Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/7/2017: BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Potato Chips
  • 6/8/2017: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/9/2017: Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Potato Chips
  • 6/10/2017: Sausage Biscuit Sandwiches, Hash Browns, and Apple Slices
  • 6/11/2017: Pot Roast with Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 6/12/2017: BBQ Beef Sandwiches and Potato Chips
  • 6/13/2017: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/14/2017: Grilled Chicken, Veggie Rice, Corn Salad, and Homemade Breadsticks
  • 6/15/2017: Crunchwraps, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/16/2017: Panko Chicken Tenders and Mashed Potatoes
  • 6/17/2017: Pancakes, Bacon, and Apple Slices
  • 6/18/2017: Panko Fried Chicken, Fries, and Chocolate Bundt Cake
  • 6/19/2017: Bacon Sandwiches and Homemade Potato Chips
  • 6/20/2017: Chicken Burritos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/21/2017: Burgers, Hot Dogs, and Cherry Jell-O Cake
  • 6/22/2017: Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/23/2017: Snack Dinner
  • 6/24/2017: Monkey Bread, Bacon, and Hash Browns
  • 6/25/2017: Marinated Steak, Mashed Potatoes, and Dinner Rolls
  • 6/26/2017: Panko Chicken Tenders and Tater Tots
  • 6/27/2017: Steak Soft Tacos, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/28/2017: Grilled Chicken, Veggie Baked Beans, Pasta Salad, and Homemade Bread
  • 6/29/2017: Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, and Salsa
  • 6/30/2017: Panko Chicken Sandwiches and Tater Tots

Time to get to it!