Friday, October 29, 2010

TGIF and HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!!!

Happy Friday Everyone!

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.  I have a lot to do today, to prepare for the big party this weekend.

What is one of my favorite things about Halloween?

THE BEST HALLOWEEN SONG AND VIDEO OF ALL TIME:


(Click the link below to get into the HALLOWEEN SPIRIT!!!)


Comment and tell me that you watched it and what your favorite part of the video is and I'll count it as an entry in my $50 Gift Card Giveaway! 

Have a SPOOKTACULAR weekend!!!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Peanut's "New Cry"

After a difficult couple of days (post-6 month shots), Peanut is having trouble sleeping.  This is really hard for Mom and Dad, because she has been sleeping ALL NIGHT since she's been about 10 weeks old.

Are we just spoiled?  Is this what we have to look forward to for the next 4-20 teeth???  OR...

Is this still a reaction from the shots?

I swear, she flinches and winces like someone is hurting her when she wakes up.  Is she having a terrifying nightmare with big, scary nurses and huge needles coming at her?  Or is this another case of Mama being too dramatic?


Of course, I feel so bad for Peanut.  My heart just breaks when she cries her "new cry."  Yes, babies develop a "new cry" when they start teething.  If you think I'm crazy, you just wait.  It's no longer the gradual build-up from soft to loud cry.  It goes to full-on, "I need something NOW cry."  For some reason, it just sounds like a SADDER cry too.  :FROWNING AND YAWNING:

Please say a little prayer that Peanut's teeth will HURRY UP AND COME THROUGH!  (Thank You!)

In other news, we are hosting a wedding reception for my sister and brother-in-law on Saturday.  I have a lot to accomplish today and tomorrow, but we are all really looking forward to the party.  It's a costume party, by the way.  I'm still trying to finalize my costume.  Guess what Peanut's Mom will NOT be for Halloween?  (See scary nurse picture above...)

I will have many fun pictures to post after the weekend.

What are YOU going to be for Halloween?  Comment and tell me and you'll receive an entry to our giveaway!!! ($50 Gift Card to Wal-Mart of Target...your choice...to be drawn on Wednesday!)

Please refer a friend to follow us...and comment that you did so!  Each referral will count as an entry!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Giveaway To Be Extended 1 More Week and "Wordless Wednesday"...

Happy WINDY Wednesday Everyone!

In a previous post, I announced that I would be drawing for my giveaway TODAY.  I am trying very hard to get as many followers as I can, so I am pushing the giveaway deadline to Wednesday, November 3rd.

UP FOR GRABS:  YOUR CHOICE of a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart or Target!

TO ENTER:  Please become a "follower" of Bringing Up Peanut and leave me a comment.

FOR EXTRA ENTRY:  Find us on Facebook and LIKE US...and please make sure to comment that you did so.

YOU MAY REFER A FRIEND TO THIS BLOG AND/OR TO OUR FACEBOOK PAGE AND COMMENT ONCE PER DAY THAT YOU DID, FOR AN EXTRA ENTRY!!!

PLEASE HELP US GET SOME FOLLOWERS!!!

This was meant to be a "Wordless Wednesday", because Little Peanut has a fever of 99.9.  She had her 6 month well check and shots yesterday, so she is not feeling the greatest.  I will leave you with a picture from the other day, our at-home 6 month photo shoot...

Have a wonderful day!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Belly Laughs!!!

Today, Little Peanut has her 6 month and shots... ='(

Today, I just have to share a video of her brother making her laugh REALLY HARD...it's so adorable!

Enjoy!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Monday, October 25, 2010

It's Already Been 1/2 Year???

Good Morning!

I hope you all had a great weekend.  We were busy, busy, busy...preparing for the big costume party wedding reception for my sister and brother-in-law (this Saturday already)!!!

We have a happy Daddy, with big wins from both the Badgers (on Saturday) and the Packers (last night)!

Today's big news???  MY PEANUT IS 6 MONTHS OLD!!!  Already???  I know people say it all the time.  I say it all the time.  Life just goes by too quickly, especially when you have kids.

Here is a newborn picture of Peanut (1 week old)...


Peanut (her real name is Braelyn, by the way) was JUST BORN.  Now, she's babbling and teething and eating baby food and getting ready to crawl???  It is very difficult, because it's a happy AND sad feeling.  Happy, because she makes us so happy with everything that she does.  We laugh all the time because she is just so funny.  I love to see what each day brings, because she's changing and growing so fast.  I love to hear her babble and giggle.  She has the most precious little voice I've ever heard.  I love to see her whole face light up with the biggest, prettiest smile you ever did see...especially when her brother gets home from school and Daddy gets home from work.  Happy, because we are so blessed with a healthy, perfect little girl.  Happy, because life is just better with her here.  I can't really remember (or maybe I don't want to remember) what life was like before Peanut arrived.  Everything is just better...

Why the sad feeling?  It makes me sad that time goes by so fast.  Babies don't stay little very long at all.  As I said a million times, my firstborn is in middle school.  In no time at all, I will have to send my baby girl off to school too.  I am terrified of that day.  Okay, I have to change the tone of this.  I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking of it.

What is Peanut up to these days?

Well, she is working very hard at getting her first 2 teeth in.  They seem to be taking forever.  She is a tough little girl, but they do bother her from time to time.  She likes to bite on her hand, her blanket and her teething doll that Aunt Jenny bought her.  She doesn't care for teething rings and plastic teething toys.

She is very smiley and gives her biggest grins to Mommy, Daddy and her brother, Dylan.  She is shy now with strangers and is very selective with who is able to hold her.

She is starting to creep backwards.  She can roll from tummy to back, but will not do it often, as it scares her.  I KNOW she can roll from back to tummy, but again, she's a little scared to roll.

She can sit for short periods of time unassisted on the floor.  I know that it's only a matter of a week or two and she'll be sitting by herself all the time.

She LOVES Dora the Explorer and will watch an entire episode.  Some people do not agree with babies watching TV, but when Mommy needs a shower, this works great.  She sits in her bouncy seat right outside the bathroom door and watches Dora.  I can see her the whole time and she is content.  Dylan watched Dora when he was little and I think it's a really great show.

She has not shown preference to certain foods yet.  Most baby food, she'll make a face for the first few bites, but then will eat most any kind.  She seems to like pears a little more than the others though.

She loves going places and riding in the truck.

When she gets frustrated or mad, she will scream so loudly (and high-pitched) that I am sure my eardrum will explode.  She is my little Irish Girl.

She already likes to drink water out of a sippy cup!  My advanced little Peanut...

She is wearing size 6-9 months.  She continues to be in the 80th percentile for weight and height.  She is just a little smaller than what Dylan was when he was her age.  I understand that it's common for girls to be slightly smaller than boys when comparing siblings.

She loves her Daddy to sing to her.  It's the sweetest thing.  She could listen to him for hours.  I love that she loves music.  I will start her in some sort of lessons early, such as piano (but only if she wants to, of course).

She could be carried around by her Mama, looking at everything for hours.  She is a very intelligent little girl and loves to have constant interaction.

My, how she's grown...here is a recent picture of Peanut (at 5 months)...


Today (and everyday) hug and kiss your "babies" and tell them how much you love them.  Hold them close just a little longer.  They grow and change so fast...

Have a great day everyone!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

P.S. This song has been in my head all morning...please listen to it...so true...I love you so much, my Little Peanut!!! 

"Let Them Be Little"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ipi8aIBrAY

Friday, October 22, 2010

Get a FREE 8 x 10 Collage from Walgreens!

Happy Friday Everyone!

No recipe today...we had Chris's favorite meal last night, TACOS.  I will be cooking and posting up a storm this weekend, though.

I saw this cool link on one of my favorite Mommy Blogs, http://www.dealwisemommy.net/ .

You can get a FREE 8 x 10 Collage Print from Walgreens, good through tomorrow!

The shipping would be cheap, but if you have a Walgreens near you, like we do, just indicate that you'll pick it up at the store and it will cost you nothing!  LOVE FREE STUFF!!!  Just follow the link at the bottom of this post.  I'm off to do some cleaning...we are hosting a wedding reception for my sister and her new husband next weekend! 

Have an awesome weekend!!!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

http://photo1.walgreens.com/walgreens/storepage/storePageId=SpecialOffer?ban=b3_h_ph

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Mom, What's For Dinner?

Good Morning and Happy Thursday!

As I mentioned yesterday, I will be dedicating part of this blog to food.  Is it a good fit?  Of course, one of the most important roles we have as adults/parents is providing a healthy home life and cooking is a huge part of that. 

I have always tried to cook as healthy as possible on a budget.  I spend a decent amount of time reading blogs and checking "food" websites for new ideas, so if nothing else...maybe this will help to give my readers some ideas of what to have for dinner.

A couple of weeks ago, I made the REAL "Pigs in a Blanket."  I asked Chris, "Do you know what a real pig in a blanket is?" 

He replied, "Isn't that a hotdog wrapped in a biscuit?"  Yes, that is what most of us know them as.  The authentic "Pig in a Blanket" is actually a mixture of ground beef (or pork) with a tomato-based sauce, wrapped in a cabbage leaf.

Now, please keep in mind that I like to cook without measuring very much.  I have always cooked that way.  I also like to cook meals that can be made for 2-3 people, or as many as 10-15.  I have a huge family and we like to get together and EAT.

Back to the "Pigs"...

What inspired to make these?  Cabbage was on sale.  Yep, that's it.  Well, plus I had a craving for them while pregnant with Braelyn.

Ingredients Needed:

1 Medium-Large Head of Cabbage (As I said, depending on how many people you're serving)
1-2 Pounds of Lean Ground Beef, Ground Turkey, Ground Pork (I used beef)
1 1/2 - 2 cups of Instant Rice (Cooked)
2 Cups Spaghetti or Pizza Sauce (This can be adjusted, depending on how "saucy" you like your PIAB (Pigs in a Blanket)
1 Medium Diced Onion
Optional:  Canned or fresh diced Tomatoes (I could add tomatoes to almost anything)
Optional:  Diced fresh bell pepper
Pepper

Directions:  Remove core from cabbage.  Place whole head of cabbage in a pot of water.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 30 minutes.

While cabbage is simmering, brown ground meat and diced onion (and optional bell pepper) in a frying pan large enough to add additional ingredients.  In a small pan or microwavable bowl, cook instant rice as directed on box.  After meat is fully cooked, add cooked rice, HALF of the spaghetti or pizza sauce (1 cup, you'll need to save the other cup for the end) and optional diced tomatoes and bell pepper.  Season to taste with pepper. *NOTE: You will hardly ever see added salt in my recipes.  I have never really cooked with salt.  I used to do medical transcription for a Nephrologist (Kidney Doctor) and he always strongly suggested to cook without adding salt.  There is enough sodium in the sauce that we are using, for example.  You certainly can salt to taste, if you would like.


It is not necessary to heat meat mixture after ingredients are blended.

Next, drain hot water off of the cabbage and replace with cold water.  Let this sit for 5-10 minutes so you do not burn yourself while handling it.

When cabbage has cooled somewhat, begin peeling off the layers of leaves and stack on a plate for easy assembly. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  You will need a large cake pan (or glass casserole dish or small roasting pan) to bake the pigs in.  Coat pan with cooking spray.

You're ready to assemble!  Much like a softshell taco or burrito, place one medium scoop of meat mixture onto center of cabbage leaf.  Roll by first folding in ends and then each side, again, like a burrito.  Place seam side down into pan.  Continue with each cabbage leaf until all meat mixture is used.  (I sometimes have leftover cabbage, but you can certainly store in a plastic container or Ziploc Bag in the fridge for future use.  Do not store more than a few days, though.)


Pour 1 cup of water over the Pigs.  This will help to steam the cabbage during the baking process so the Pigs are nice and tender.  Take the 1 cup of reserved sauce and pour over the cabbage rolls.  Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes.



Traditionally, these are known to be served with mashed potatoes.  I thought they would be "filling" enough and did not wish to add the extra carbs or calories, but potatoes are definitely a nice way to compliment them on a cold, winter day.

Whew!  That was a longer post than I thought it would be!  Please don't forget to sign up for my giveaway!  After becoming a follower, you can enter once per day by clicking the "Top Mommy Blogs" icon at the top of my blog...but be sure to comment that you voted so your entry is counted.

Have a wonderful day!!!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

(Photos By Christopher Hanson)  Thanks Honey!!! =)

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Finally...Our VERY FIRST GIVEAWAY!!!

Happy Wednesday!

As promised, I am pleased to announce my very first giveaway!  Today is also the day that we will go "live" on Facebook!  I am on a mission to get as many followers that I can.

I asked Chris (Peanut's Dad) what would be a really good first giveaway...and he suggested a $50 gift card to your choice of either Wal-Mart of Target!

SO...in order to enter, you must be a follower of my blog and then comment on this post and tell me what store you would like your gift card, if you win.  Winner will be chosen a week from today, on Wednesday, October 27th, by http://www.random.org/ .

For extra entries, vote for me on Top Mommy Blogs (website icon at top right of my home page) and leave a comment that you voted.  You may also get an extra entry by finding Bringing Up Peanut on Facebook and "liking" us.

Good luck everyone!!!

Starting tomorrow...what we're eating on a daily basis, with recipes, photos and cooking tips.

Have an awesome day!

Jaime (Peanut's Mom)

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

A Smile From Peanut to YOU!

Oh my gosh...I almost forgot to post this absolutely adorable picture!!! 

Onto the next...

Hi Everyone!

What a busy fall season!  I am both sad and happy to announce that I have just resigned my position as Marketing and Member Accounts Manager with the Chamber of Commerce.  There are a ton of internal issues and I was really unhappy the past 2 years. 

I have been working from home part-time since Braelyn was born and was told that I had 2 weeks to come back full-time or else I would be terminated.  That in itself made me realize that I was never treated as well as I should have been.  It was a very easy decision to say goodbye.  It was time.  I will miss many of the good people in the organization, however.

My mind is full of potential income opportunities.  I have been home with Braelyn the entire (almost 6 months!) of her life so far and I hope to continue that trend.

I awoke this morning to many ideas that could work and still allow me to stay home with my Peanut.  I will have a better idea in the next few days...

I really would like to get more followers for this blog.  I know many people read it, but do not sign up as a follower. 

What will motivate my readers to follow me????  A GIVEAWAY!!!  Yes, I will post my very first giveaway tomorrow...so stay tuned...

Have a beautiful Tuesday...more tomorrow...

Jaime