Goal #95: Create 10 things found on craft blogs (6-8/10) & Father's Day

When Jimmy took Ryan up to Baltimore I had Jess over to paint. I had found a project HERE via One Pretty Thing. The supplies were cheap and the painting turned out well, I thought. Easy, easy!!

Here's Jess'. I loved the colors she used. She plans on putting this in her daughter's room.

I made a few camera strap covers recently. I made one for my friend who is a professional photographer but I forgot to get a picture of it before I gave it to her. Here's the one I made for my camera. It is very comfortable.

I tried another tutorial but the strap was too small. I remade it 3 times making sure my measurements were correct but it was still too small so I found another tutorial.

Camera Strap Cover Tutorial

I didn't make it "patchwork" like the tutorial showed or do a lens cap pocket. Maybe another time...

And lastly, I bought some giant cothespins at A.C. Moore to decorate for Father's Day. Then I found this tutorial but instead of using scrapbook paper I just painted them. The one on the left is meant to be set upright on Jimmy's desk and the one on the right has two strong magnets on the back so he can put it up on his board at work to hold photos or whatever he wants.

http://www.craftcritique.com/2007/05/altered-giant-clothespin.html

I bought a new frame (50% off at A.C. Moore for $14, ahem! Can't beat that.) and put Ryan's birth announcement (left) and Lucas' birth announcement (right) and a picture of the both of them in the middle. We also gave Jimmy a new belt since the one he wears he's had since high school and it's time... He got a new Tervis Tumbler and a facial and massage from Bloom Skin Spa.

Jimmy fed Lucas while I made us all breakfast (with help from Ryan).



We love you Jimmy! You're the best!

Goal #62: Get a hummingbird feeder

A month or so ago I finally bought a hummingbird feeder. I found this nifty little hanger that goes on the window. We have two regulars that hang out and we can watch them through the kitchen window. I can't believe how expensive hummingbird food is. I, of course, make my own for pennies.

4:1 parts water to sugar
boil for 5 minutes
cool completely
add a few drops of red food coloring

Goal #23: Take Ryan Kayaking

Yesterday we decided to take Ryan out to the lake and put him in the kayak for the first time. We bought him a new life vest so he could pass his infant life vest down to Lucas. Ryan was so excited to go on the boat. He just kept repeating "Boat, boat, boat!" and pointing to it. It sounded like "Bo" though. We knew what he was saying.

Ryan loves his life vest. He didn't want to take it off in the store when we were trying it on him.

Ryan did good in the kayak for the most part. I saw him try to stand up a few times. I never heard him crying so that was a good sign that he was enjoying himself.

Ryan acted like he wanted to play in the water but once Jimmy started swishing him around he freaked out. I was going to take a turn in the kayak with him but he was done with the water for the day. Maybe next time we'll take both kayaks and take Lucas out too.

Goal #91: Get a First Aid Kit for the Car

So with all the park play dates and what not I decided to go ahead and get the 1st Aid Kit to keep in my car. My child is very accident prone. I'm pretty sure most toddlers are unless they just sit around and don't do anything. I have yet to see a toddler without bruises up and down their shins. Ryan is constantly falling down. It's like he forgot how to walk!! 

I hope I never have to open this!

Goal #11: Try 75 new recipes (23/75)

A few weekends ago Jimmy was going to make pancakes but we were so low on syrup that he almost didn't. I had a container of fresh strawberries in the fridge so I found this recipe below. It was great! I added a little cornstarch to thicken it.

Strawberry Syrup

www.allrecipes.com

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

1 1/2 cups mashed unsweetened strawberries

In a saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil. Gradually add strawberries; return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over pancakes, waffles or ice cream.

Goal # 53: Cook 3 things from every cookbook I own (13/Haven't counted yet)

My friend, Jessie, came over for dinner this week and I made this dish. Both my older son and her daughter ate most of their dinner. I don't think either kid ate much of their turkey though. To my surprise Ryan actually ate his mushrooms!

Since this is a sauceless pasta dish for lunch the next day I added a pat of butter, garlic and onion powder and more salt and pepper before heating. It was so good! I should've added those things the night before.

Farfalle with Turkey Sausage, Peas and Mushrooms

Everyday Italian
Giada de Laurentiis
Clarkson Potter Publishers Copyright 2005

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey sausage, removed from casing
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 10 ounces cremini mushrooms, coarsely chopped
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, defrosted slightly
• 1 pound dried farfalle pasta
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Grana Padano cheese

In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil.

In a large saute pan over high heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season turkey with salt and pepper. Add turkey and saute breaking any large lumps until golden brown. Remove meat from pan and set aside. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to pan and heat. Add chopped mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, about 5 minutes. Add the peas and saute for 4 minutes. Return the meat to the pan and cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

When the pot of water has come to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain in a colander. Return pasta to the pot and add the meat mixture. Combine thoroughly and gently cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Drizzle in remaining olive oil. If the mixture is dry, do not hesitate to use more olive oil if necessary. Check the seasoning. Turn off the heat and add the grated cheese. Stir well and serve in large bowl.

Food Network Kitchens Note: Grana Padano is a hard, grainy cow's milk cheese similar in flavor to Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Goal #16: Spend 1 Night Away from Ryan

I guess this goal wasn't as hard as I thought it was going to be. I was in the hospital with Lucas one full night. Jimmy came home and took care of Ryan then. I guess being all wrapped up with the new baby and the buzz of the hospital, nurses coming in and out, and just trying to recover and get up and down on my own kept my mind off of Ryan and missing him (and Jimmy).

Jimmy is taking Ryan up to Baltimore for one of our goddaughter's graduation from high school. I will be here with the baby and my thoughts. I'm sure it will be harder this time. I know I'm going to be tearful when I have to say goodbye to them at the airport. Shoot, I'm tearing up now...I know Jimmy will take good care of him. He better!!!!

At least my nest won't be completely empty. I have this sweet little boy, Lucas, to keep me company. I've got a lot of things planned for us to do! Mostly unfinished crafts, some shopping, and cleaning. Father's Day is right around the corner so I need to get on that...