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Off Balance

June 7, 2011 By: Stephanie4 Comments

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Remember that exciting family news I told you I’d share in a few weeks? We’re pregnant! We were so NOT trying to conceive, but it’s a happy (and slightly terrifying) surprise.

So things have been a little off-kilter around here. Eddie started a new job and is hardly ever around during the week. Two toddlers and a pregnant lady make for an interesting team. I feel like a bi-polar mom lately. One day I will take the kid’s berry picking and can my own homemade jam, the next day I have no intention of getting anyone out of their pajamas. There is no middle ground. I’m either in Super Martha Mommy mode or a top contender for Worst Mom Ever. Some days I can achieve both on the same day.

Mom Thoughts

Today, for example, started out with me turning on the sprinkler for the kids to run through in the back yard, coming in for lunch and homemade rice Krispie treats, getting both kids to nap at the same time (!), Nick using the potty (!!!) and taking the kids to the neighborhood playground after their nap.

I was all I’m totally awesome at this, we are so going to be fine adding another one.

Then I burnt out after learning there had been a mistake with our new insurance and trying to make the phone calls to fix it. By the end of the day, my kids had watched 3 full-length movies and I was yelling irrationally and driving to McDonald’s, willing myself not to puke, not wearing a bra, and in my 13-year-old cheerleading t-shirt from high school with two barefoot, screaming kids. I might have eaten a BigMac and a McChicken sandwich. (And cursed the universe for not allowing me to eat honey. Stupid no unpasteurized foods rule. French fries dipped in honey are amazing and it is totally unfair to take them away from me right now.)

Then I was all I totally suck at this, what the heck were we thinking?

But then we came home and when the kids sat down to eat their nasty, processed chicken nuggets and french fries they both reminded me, separately, that we couldn’t eat before we said our prayers. So right now I’m leaning toward fairly confident in our ability to handle a third without messing him/her up too badly.

We’ll see.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate On a Stick

June 2, 2011 By: Stephanie4 Comments

3 ingredient fudgepops.

I think it’s safe to say that hot chocolate season is no longer upon us. It has been as hot as 95 degrees here this week! So instead of letting that hot chocolate mix sit in your pantry until next year then finding it has expired and having to throw it away, let’s turn it into a yummy summer treat, shall we?

These popsicles are SO easy.

They aren’t particularly healthy, but they are a fun teat and they only have 3 ingredients. 

The recipe for the mix is modified from my homemade pudding:

For easy home made fudge pops:

1/2 a cup of hot chocolate mix/powder. (I used Nesquick)
2 tablespoons of corn starch
2 cups of milk

Whisk chocolate and cornstarch together to blend, then whisk in milk.
Microwave for 3 minutes, then stir.
Microwave for 1 more minute, stir
Microwave for 1 last minute, stir.

It will thicken a bit, but not to a pudding consistency. (We need it to be pourable.)

Let the mix cool for a few minutes, then pour into popsicle molds and freeze overnight.
Any excess chocolate mix can be folded into Cool Whip for an easy chocolate mouse.

The customers were happy with the results:

 

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

June 1, 2011 By: Stephanie2 Comments

It’s a miracle. My garden has officially survived for almost 2 months!

This is the first time in the history of my adult life that something I’ve planted has lived.

Although I know it is about 0% me and 100% the week straight of rain followed by the week of 90+ degree sun, we are actually starting to see fruit! Also, apparently the secret is raised garden beds. (and not living in Florida anymore)

So far I have 7 little baby green tomatoes poking through, quite a few blueberries, and a few peppers starting to flower.

This little guy won’t be seeing fruit for a few years, though.

A friend of mine asked me recently how I find time to garden, blog, serve at church, etc. with two toddlers. Umm…I let my kids run around in their underwear and play with sharp objects?

True story.

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Welcome! I’m Steph.

This is a little corner of the internet we like to fill with honesty, heart, and humor. Read More…

Cover for Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

Stephanie Giese is an indie author based in Florida. She writes stories about realistic problems with humor, heart, and sass. Her work has a strong focus on mental health and consent. Her North Bay small-town romance series is set for release in 2025.

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

3 months ago

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
I know it’s a small thing, but I believe small things can add up to big changes. my entire North Bay series, including Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base, is free on Kindle from Jan. 30-Feb. 3. Please take the funds you might have spent on my books this week and reallocate them toward the areas in our country that need them the most. Follow creators like Dad Chats who can direct you toward practical needs local to them. I hope my quirky romcoms can bring you some comfort and joy during difficult times, and I hope together we can take small, practical steps toward big changes. ... See MoreSee Less

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Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese

3 months ago

Binkies and Briefcases with Stephanie Giese
I know there is an overall feeling of helplessness in our country right now. So many of us are at a loss for what to do beyond making phone calls and social media posts (which are still important, but can feel like not enough). I believe strongly in the power of small things adding up to big ones. As one person, I might not be able to do much, but what I CAN do is use my voice and my books to work toward the change I’d like to see. That’s why, for the next five days, from Jan. 30-Feb 3, I’m making the Kindle versions of my entire North Bay series (Out of Left Field, Right as Rain, and Way Off Base) completely free. Art has power, and I do hope these comedies can bring you some comfort and joy in difficult times, but most importantly, I also hope you’ll consider redirecting the funds you might’ve spent on my books and donating instead to one of the many charities working tirelessly in our cities right now. If you are located in an area like Minnesota or Portland, please use the space below to make people aware of the organizations in your area that need help. ... See MoreSee Less
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