tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-352030082011-07-07T22:52:09.502-07:00Fun, free spirited, black sheep, obstinate and insecure, a little crazy...trying hard as hell not to kill my familyTarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-42951314429259473972011-03-22T12:41:00.000-07:002011-03-22T12:41:44.222-07:00

Things have been so kooky in the last 6 months.  Good kooky...rather great kooky. I have teamed up with my dear friend, Amy, on PhoenixBites as a staff writer.  The experience has been nothing short of amazing.  I have met some really incredible people and the food...let's be serious.  i like to cook and my pants size shows that I really like to eat.  The food that I have been blessed to partake

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-85644495738714123622010-10-03T18:18:00.002-07:002010-10-04T14:38:52.454-07:00

Last weekend I spent 8 hours cooking.  Yes, 8 hours.  We still have a ridiculous amount of food to go through, so I suppose it was a smart move. With me working now, meal times have been interesting to say the least.  I decided to make a whole ton of food to make it easier on all of us come mealtime.  So far it was a huge success. Here what happened: Meatloaf Jambalaya Apple Pie Pork Chops

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-49597268615029414062010-09-01T12:10:00.002-07:002010-09-01T12:11:37.696-07:00

I have a really amazing friend, Amy McCollum, who has a great website.  She runs Phoenix Bites and does it very well.  She has a plethora of information about Phoenix restaurants and foodie events.  She even interviewed Chef Beau MacMillian, so she's obviously a big deal!  Head over to check out her great site and if you feel so inclined my review of my new favorite sushi restaurant! Hope you

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-87306611106795561852010-08-27T12:07:00.001-07:002010-08-27T12:08:29.557-07:00

I wish I liked you, really I do. I wish I could disregard the things you said, the things you did...but I cannot. Your words and deeds were ugly.  Unforgivable.  Despicable. You would like me to see a sincerity and kindness in you...I can only see the opposite. How is it possible for someone who made a choice to be a parent to throw that choice back in the child's face?  I have a father who

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-20193577382765511362010-08-18T14:02:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:02:28.820-07:00

I know - I have super sucked at the blogging bit lately.  Not that you asked, but, what with my little Aido starting Kindergarten a month ago, starting to ease Cole into the care of another, the crazy drama of people who would like me to call them family and me desperately searching for a job I have been a wee bit overwhelmed with underwhelming results. Aiden is doing fabulously in school.  He

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-6525426132184387522010-07-20T11:19:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:35:39.946-07:00

Never, ever on time, I know! Monday - Daddy grilled some burgers, super tasty but no pics Tuesday - Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta Wednesday - Peachy Keen Chicken Thursday - Chicken Paella Friday - Asian Noodles Saturday - Chicken Parm Sunday - Home made pizza Should be an interesting week...last week with all my babies at home.  Aiden starts Kindergarten on Monday and baby Cole will be starting

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-7878900637844002142010-07-09T16:06:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:41:31.094-07:00

So today while waiting for my nurse to come, yes I am that cool, I got a phone call from the baby's doctor.  It's time for his 9 month old check up.  Seriously???  What has happened to my tiny baby?  9 months already?  Sounds like a bad joke to me. So we start to make an appointment and she says, looks like he will be 9 months on the 26th - do you want to come in that day? Sure, why not...then I

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-77021878038303240102010-07-09T15:26:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:36:29.207-07:00

Last nights dinner...another huge success!  I am on such a roll that I am scaring myself.  I fear that I will not be able to keep this up and we will have to turn back to a life of frozen chicken nuggets and canned veggies! I am sure everyone - minus Aiden - hopes not! Grilled Steak with Basil Puree over Tuscan Beans 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/4 cup EVOO 3 garlic cloves 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. fresh

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-44409047812265152002010-07-08T10:55:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:39:51.997-07:00

Last nights dinner was ridiculous.  To tell the truth, it was no Beef Wellington, but for 387 calories, it was robust and ridiculously satisfying. Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Blue Cheese 3 Tbl. EVOO 2 tsp. cider vinegar 2 large garlic cloves, chopped 2 tsp. chopped fresh marjoram 1 tsp. salt a pinch of red pepper flakes 3/4 lb. cherry tomatoes 1 lb. farfalle pasta 1 cup baby arugula 2 oz.

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-63477761904329341492010-07-08T10:37:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:37:20.068-07:00

So last night's dinner was my homage to Chef Gordon Ramsey.  I super love him.  I love the yelling and the drama, because it's really not necessary but definitely fun to watch.  I'm not right that way. Typically Beef Wellington is made with a large beef fillet and then later portioned out.  I chose not to do things this way.  We had separate smaller fillets and I thought it would be fun to make

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-24804598305345088202010-07-06T12:32:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:35:58.145-07:00

That's right, I did it again.  I don't like to conform to rules! I have been a bit incapasitated lately and haven't had the time or energy to post anything interesting.  I had a very lame and horrific surgical "procedure".  I am almost completely healed and hoping to get back to my version of "normal". Here is this weeks meal plan: Monday:  Asian Salmon Slider with Citrus Yogurt sauce This was

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-21776758024321089622010-06-15T12:03:00.003-07:002010-07-20T11:41:57.187-07:00

When I was growing up things were weird.  Things were not normal - in the sense that I am still not sure at 35 what normal is supposed to be.  I bounced around from family member to family member for reasons that I still don't understand completely and at this point in my life really no longer matter.  Everyone has to arrive at a point in their lives where you stop looking for reasons or excuses

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-61608141664951143112010-06-14T12:26:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:42:43.969-07:00

So, I have been a major blog slacker.  Not that anyone is hanging on my every word, but life has been happening and I just haven't marked out the time to write anything.  Little Cole has been growing a little more every day.  I believe he is on the verge of crawling...as soon as he figures out how to life up his chubby little knees from the ground he will be unstoppable.  Aiden has been "

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-78951804074352920902010-05-19T15:01:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:40:17.731-07:00

So, I am super lame and started my menu week a day late.  It happens! We were scheduled to have Deli Style Chicken & Orange Salad with French Bread.  I could have bought a loaf of bread at the store...but where is the fun in that?! The French bread was super easy...with the help of my trusty breadmaker! 1.5 c water 1 Tbl veggie oil 2 Tbl milk 4 c flour 2 tsp sugar 2 tsp salt 2 tsp active dry

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-61267014662180104532010-05-19T13:10:00.002-07:002010-07-20T11:35:58.145-07:00

Yeah - so I actually created my menu plan on Monday night but haven't gotten around to posting it on here until now.  As a result of another blogger's inspiration I tried to create a weeks worth of healthful and enticing meals...because, as poigantly as Kendra says, "You can't not eat!!" So here we go: Monday - This was a fend for yourself meal...I cannot even remember what I had! Tuesday -

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-56097678954052191272010-04-03T11:47:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:39:09.488-07:00

So, it has come to my attention that this whole staying home with the kids thing is fun and all but I am in dire need of adult interaction.  I recently met up with an old (old, as in from a long time ago not aged) friend from middle school for a play-date with her daughter.  In our talks she spoke of her playgroup and how much she has gotten from it and suggested that I give it a whirl. I was a

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-28459753649497824012010-03-23T13:53:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:40:44.290-07:00

This is my last post for the day...promise! So - what do you think of when I say Bacon?  Piggy goodness right?  Now Waffles?  Breakfast goodness?  Thought so. Someone had the ingenious idea to put the two together.  I must say - in our house...anything with Bacon is a home-run.  The husband once made a bacon log.  That's right, sausage wrapped in bacon and then more bacon.  He has made it twice

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-51877788612233171892010-03-23T13:38:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:44:49.160-07:00

I have seen this on so many of the blogs that I follow, I can't even begin to think of where I saw it first.  I am pretty sure it was here though. This dish was really simple to make and ended up much better than I had initially thought. Here is all you need (plus 2 chicken breast and 2 cups of chicken stock): Use the salt and pepper to season your chicken breasts.  Then add those to 2 cups of

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-55143877801960567052010-03-23T13:26:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:40:44.291-07:00

So, anytime the husband is away I get a little freaked out.  For no reason, really.  We have an amazing security system and a gun (so don't get any funny ideas).  I just don't like it when he is away and I have trouble sleeping.  This leads to very long nights watching far too much tv to distract me from the fact that I am on my own. That being said - much of the late night television watching

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-90400396133307973882010-03-23T13:03:00.000-07:002010-07-20T11:43:10.938-07:00

My poor kitchen has taken a beating this past week.  The husband was away for an entire week...which led me to be very bored and walking a thin line between sane and ridiculously crazy.  My remedy...make a whole bunch of stuff and take just as many pictures! There was an egg inspiration.  A late night watching the Food Network inspiration.  Of course there was a blog inspiration as well. First

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-37214235702143860512010-03-19T14:29:00.001-07:002010-03-19T14:29:31.274-07:00

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-78032831355846079652010-03-18T11:15:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:40:44.291-07:00

This morning, with sleepy eyes and hungry bellies, I started the day with a quick perusal through my favorite blogs for some divine breakfast inspiration.  I happened over here and saw that she was looking for some inspired and inexpensive egg recipe ideas.  After staring into what feels like the abyss of my fridge, I remembered something I whipped up a month or so ago and was received with high

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-73017292872508846702010-03-14T16:23:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:44:21.308-07:00

Yesterday was Thing One's 5th birthday. I can barely believe that I have only known him for five short years. He is such a neat kid. I realize that any parent will say the same of their child...but make no mistake, he is one of the neatest people I know. He has this huge personality - so much so that when I was pregnant with Thing 2, I was sure that this poor baby was going to end up just

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-4476591691233323842010-03-02T22:44:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:44:21.309-07:00

I did it!  I went site stalking and found some delightful decorating ideas and became a big ol' copycat!  I saw this great idea and the husband ended up having just the right amount of scraps in just about the right sizes.  Thing One was quite happy to help, and of course have his picture taken.Then, I remembered having seen "House Rules" canvases on a number of sites, so I came up with this:

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-29640101769787007702010-02-25T12:08:00.002-07:002010-07-20T11:44:21.309-07:00

Well, actually - feeling like I wish I was creative.  My late nights have left me surfing the internet looking at all the amazing crafting blogs.  I wish so badly that I were capable of coming up with at least one amazing thing.  Instead, I have decided to "borrow" other people's creativity in the hopes that after enough stolen projects are completed I will spark the crafty section of my own

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-91746793448653899152010-02-24T10:58:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:41:57.187-07:00

It seems interestingly odd to me that one of my last posts was about the FirstBorn being in big trouble...and we find ourselves there again.  I got notification via FaceBook of all things, that the boy is now in jail.  I am waiting to hear from Beth, the adoptive mother, sometimes this morning for all the details.   It's so hard to think that someone that I had a hand in creating has found his

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-73275847666921484422007-07-23T17:48:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:41:57.187-07:00

I had a baby boy when I was very young, 17. He was eventually adopted, as I didn’t know what I was doing and had no right testing out on him. He was beautiful. And I have missed him everyday that he has been gone. His adoptive parents and I had created a spoken agreement, of what each of us wanted and needed in order to proceed with the adoption. For a while all things were heeded, but

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-33007418778736323742007-07-16T22:14:00.003-07:002010-07-20T11:41:57.188-07:00

I have many books that have been recovered from my very own child hood. These were saved by my mother, after having been shared with a set of cousins and my younger half-sister. I now have these wonderful relics of my youth to share with my son. One of my favorites from the bunch is called A House is A House For Me. It tells of all the great things that can be houses or live in a house.

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-17721148418601744832007-07-13T13:42:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:39:09.489-07:00

So it’s been a ridiculously long time since I have been here, done this. In the time that I have been gone (not that anyone was keeping track), I have gotten married, celebrated my son’s 2nd birthday, been on a fabulous honeymoon cruise, had a ginormous party to celebrate said wedding and oh, yeah, gotten a wonderful new job (that actually happened prior to all the other things I mentioned). My

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-1161121588361309402006-10-17T14:38:00.001-07:002010-07-20T11:39:09.489-07:00

How does it work? How does a precious little boy go from sleeping all throughout the night - to deciding that 11:30 is a completely appropriate time to wake up and party? The past few days have been torturous and exhausting. I love the little guy - but let's be serious, I love everyone a lot more with at least 5 hours of sleep. Saturday night I had to sleep on the floor in his room with him.

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-1160776613959574202006-10-13T14:45:00.001-07:002010-02-25T21:52:22.305-07:00

I realized just how sneaky little boys are. And how frighteningly so! Last night after dinner, I put the wee one in his pack-n-play (what a horrible mother!!) so that I could go to the back bedroom and check a few things online. He was quiet - seemingly happy and content. I wasn't back there for more than 10 minutes when I hear footsteps hurriedly coming down the hallway. Let's all keep in

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-1160623207893699622006-10-11T20:19:00.001-07:002010-02-25T21:51:31.509-07:00

So - Baby Daddy had to go to Illinois for his Grandmother's funeral, which is sad. I was pleased initially - at the thought of only one boy to cook for and clean up after. That was until the colds came in. The wee one and I are now fighting a mighty virus. For me - not that big of a deal, as I know to drink liquids, get rest and all of that. Poor tiny man, at 19 months doesn't have all of his

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35203008.post-1159479299493299362006-09-28T14:32:00.001-07:002010-02-25T21:51:09.045-07:00

The boy was hurt. Bad. In all our outlandish attempts to keep him safe and warm and fuzzy - he was hurt. The handsome young man who's alabaster skin had only been marred by daunting bruises and the occasional mosquito bite - now has stitches and a scar somewhere in his future.On Monday night as we were all gathered around the television to watch a friend of a friend appear on the lastest edition

TarynTulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03283527241568970552noreply@blogger.com1