Organized

I am organized, some people might say to a fault but I think it is wonderful. Being organized keeps me focused and less ADD. My whole life in on a time schedule. My husband calls me the schedule Nazi but I promise it makes our life run smooth and my daughter calm and happy. Don't believe me... here is a play by play of today and yes I keep everything I do color coded and updated in my ical ( mac calender) and yes I do this a week in advance ( 0n Sunday nights) and yes I am flexible on somethings... ( not so much on others... like naps and bed time)

7:00 AM Taylor up

7:30 AM to 8:00 AM Taylor Breakfast

8:15 AM to 9:15 AM Taylor Guided playtime

9:30 AM to 11:30 AM Botanical Gardens (tunes and tails)

11:30 AM to 12:00 PM Taylor Lunch

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Taylor Nap

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM Ashley: make dinner, one load of wash, empty dishwasher,

sweep and mop kitchen floor, clean both bathrooms, post on pickled bean

3:00 PM to 5:00 PM Mommy Group from

5:00 PM to 5:30 PM Taylor Blanket time

5:30 PM to 6:15 PM Taylor Dinner

6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Bath time and Stories

7:30 PM to 8:00 PM Taylor Bed

8:00 PM to 8:45 PM Dusty and Ashley Dinner

(** Blanket time and guided play are things I do from babywize... just in case you thought I was crazier that before.. there is a method to my madness)

To my delight Taylor has started to become organized... a little me :) Every other day I give Taylor time to free play. She can hand in her room and do what ever she wants. Her new favorite pass time is arranging her babies on my bed so she can read them a story. ( as seen in the video last week) She will even gather her babies and take them room to room and prop them on a wall so they can watch her play... she is so cute. Here are some pictures..

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Dressing

1 bunch fresh basil, stemmed and leaves chopped (about 2 cups)

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic

2 teaspoons Whole Grain Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Pasta

1 pound wheat pasta: cooked until tender

1/2 cup salami, cut into strips

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese cut cubes

2 handfuls green olives chopped

1 can quartered artichoke hearts

1 small can water chestnuts chopped

½ red onion sliced

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Vinaigrette: In a blender, add the basil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt and pepper. Blend until the herbs are finely chopped. With the machine running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth.

Salad

Add cooked pasta with other ingredients and toss with Basil Mustard Dressing. Place in refrigerator for at least one hour.

The dressing is sooooooo good... I have a jar in my refrigerator at all times. You will love it. Try it, Try it!

This Week for Dinner

Here are some pictures from last weeks dinners...

Tuesday: Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, Wild Rice and Green Salad

Wednesday: Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff over egg noodles and steamed green beans

Saturday: This is what we gave the kids... Slow Roasted Chicken, homemade mac and cheese, steamed peas and blueberries.

This week for Dinner...

Sunday: Leftovers

Monday: Shredded Beef Enchiladas, Spanish rice, black beans and tossed salad.

Tuesday: Baked Wheat Penne, Smoked Sausage and mushroom casserole. ( This is a new recipe, it sounds wonderful... I'll let you know how it goes!)

Wednesday: BBQ Chicken Salad, Corn and croissants

Thursday: Stuffed Peppers and garden salad

Friday: Skyline Chili!!!

Saturday: Out for dinner with friends for Sacramento

Baby Co Op & best husband in the World

I have the best husband in the whole world. We have a babysitting co op. ( friends that switch off babysitting each week so you can actually have a real relationship with your spouse) Last night was our night to watch the kids and what a wild ride it was. We had so much fun and Dusty took control of the whole night. I was in charge of dinner and bath time but other than that Dusty was manning the troops. He is truly a wonderful father. Here is the video... pictures to follow.

I'm sure you have seen this..

I saw it on the today show last week... I needed a little pick me up this afternoon, and this sure helped. LOVE THIS so I wanted to share.