Ma Whats For Dinner?» kids

Binky Fairy – Part Three

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:28:11 +0000

As you know,

Super Coop turned 3 last week.

And in the grand Fitzpatrick tradition.

It was time to say goodbye to the bink via the Binky Fairy.

After quite a few tears…

Coop has held up like a champ.

Here he is proudly displaying his gift from the Binky Fairy.

Not familiar with the Binky Fairy?

Check out how we roll…

Bye Bye Binkies!

On each Fitzpatrick boys 3rd birthday the fateful day arrives.

The day the Binky Fairy comes to town.

Now it’s a simple enough idea. By three years old you’ve had your binky long enough and it’s time to send it off to another deserving little boy or girl who doesn’t have a binky.

We start prepping the story long enough in advance that everyone is well versed and knows what is expected of them.

Doesn’t mean it goes off without a hitch though…

So first the brave little three year old must gather up said binks…

Now you must gather up balloons left over from the joyous birthday celebration of the day…and attach all binkies to the end.

Now be brave young warrior and offer up your binkies to the Binky Fairy in a sacrifice of great importance.

See the Binky Fairy lives in the land of Stufftakorkenett when she oversees the production of the rare Binky Tree.

The Binky Tree needs brave little boys and girls to surrender their own binkies to be planted in vast valleys where they grow into Binky Tree orchards.

There the Binky Fairy watches over them to protect them from the dreaded monster…Chuzetollup

Chuzetollup never rests and is constantly on the prowl looking for binkies and toys to chew all up.

If the Binky Fairy is successful, and success only comes from the strength of little boys and girls who don’t cry without their binkies, then the Binky Trees can grow big and strong by morning.

And when the tree is grown it flowers into wonderful toys that will be returned by the Binky Fairy as a thank you to the foot of brave children’s beds.

So be strong young warriors and surrender the binks. Make the sacrifice and good fortune will be yours…

What brave boys they were….

I think I’d rather have my binky.

Thanksgiving surprise

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:14:08 +0000

Have you ever promised your kids something…

Then hoped they’d forget about it?

That doesn’t work with my oldest.

Nope, can’t put anything past Keegan.

Kid’s like an elephant…

He NEVER forgets.

So a few months back when he asked for a specific hair style.

One that I wasn’t so much a fan of…

I got sick of arguing.

I said OK…

But not till after school pictures.

So this week, guess what I had to hear all week?

Yup…It’s haircut time.

Keegan’s way.

So here he is.

Not so bad right?

Wait.

Yup…

Kid’s sporting a hawk.

Not a faux hawk.

But a Mohawk.

My mother in law is going to freak at Thanksgiving.

As are all the other parents in his class.

Because guess what?

They all want the hawks too now!

I must admit…

He does look kinda cute.

And he reminds me of one of my favorite characters from back in the day…

Remember this guy?

Any big surprises at your Thanksgiving table this year?

No kids allowed? The Brat Ban

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:00:00 +0000

Have you heard about this?

It’s the new movement swelling to ban kids…

Ban them from restaurants…

From movie theaters…

Even from airplanes.

Yup…

So to save you from this…

There will be no more love at Mickey D’s!

No!

Not that Mickey D’s!!!

This one….

This is McDain’s Restaurant of Monroeville, PA

Where they proudly serve billions and billions…

As long as you’re over 6.

If you’re not…

Well you’re out of luck.

Yup, it seems the “Brat Ban” movement is growing and taking aim at small kids.

And before you jump all over this and scream…

“That’s just not right!”

Wait a second.

They may have a point.

What???

Is Ma agreeing with the child free sect and over the hill geezers that clearly forgot what it’s like to be a parent?

Well, sort of…

But not entirely.

First of all, I respect any business’s right to uh…

“Reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.”

If that someone happens to be my absolutely adorable 2 year old…

Well then clearly your heart has turned to stone and nothing I can do will help you.

Just kidding…

Seriously, if that was the case then I will happily take my money elsewhere.

Now…

Back to agreeing with that proud Child Free lot…

I hear you…

And I agree.

I don’t think that a restaurant is a proper place to be for my 2 year old…

On a Friday night…

At 8 o’clock.

My 2 year old is home sleeping.

As is my 5 year old, and the 6 year old…

And I’m usually there with them.

But if by chance I’m not…

If I’m out on say…

A date night…

With the hubs…

Uh yes.

We look surprisingly like Tina Fey and Steve Carell when we go out.

If I am out at said eatery on a Weekend night later in the evening…

Then I certainly can understand not wanting to hear a screaming toddler.

Or get a chestful of spaghetti after a young child throws a forkfull across the joint.

No…my kids didn’t do that…

I did…

As a baby…

In Little Italy…

I’m a fun date.

Anyhow….

I totally understand not allowing children into restaurants, movies, etc. later in the evening.

But banning them all together?

Really?

I think that’s a step too far.

I think it might be time for us as parents to step back and take a good look at what we’re doing.

Yes, we live in America.

Yes, it is a free country.

Yes, you should be allowed to bring your kids anywhere you want, anytime you want.

And if you want to bring your kids to a 10 o clock movie and then out to dinner afterwards then have at it.

But if your kids get cranky and you start getting looks…

Well then?

I know my kids and they get cranky later…

And hungry.

So when I take them somewhere nice to eat you can bet your buttered biscuits that we roll early.

Really early.

Like 5 early.

Early bird special early.

And if they act up…

Which they do from time to time.

It’s out the door you go and wait in the car.

Not alone mind you…

But you don’t behave that way in a restaurant.

So I get it…

I know it’s nice to have the kids with you…

Out as a family…

But it’s also nice NOT to have them with you.

Especially if they’re not yours.

Like that nice couple sitting next to you.

So have a heart and leave the kids at home on Date Nights.

So that this Brat Ban doesn’t spread any further…

Like the Whole Foods in the midwest that has “Child Free” shopping hours.

Or the movie theater ban.

Or the airplanes.

What’s next?

Parks?

Sidewalks?

Trains?

What do you guys think about the “Brat Ban?”

So not cool

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:00:17 +0000

Look at my little man…

My oldest boy, at all of 5 years old, made me bawl like a baby the other day.

Why?

He’s growing up.

Yup…

It’s true.

See, we’re standing at the bus stop the other day when he drops the bomb on me…

“Ma? Can you maybe just give me a hug?”

Of course I’ll give you a hug…

“No, Ma…JUST. A. HUG. Like no kiss before I get on the bus.”

“It’s so not cool, Ma…”

Is it really happening already?

Mad Props to Mommie

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:00:06 +0000

Admit it…

You’re hungry.

Looking at that skillet full of cheesy, pasta goodness is making you think about dinner.

It’s ok…

Same thing happened to me.

This is of course ages ago when I first stumbled upon one of my favorite gals out there in bloggyland.

In case you haven’t yet, meet Julie from Mommie cooks

And that pan filled with deliciousness was what I saw the first time I laid eyes on her site…I was hooked.

And I finally made it.

The boys loved it.

Big thumbs up.

Even Keegan ate some spinach.

You have to try her Gnocchi Skillet Dinner

1 Pkg of Gnocchi
1 Pd of Ground Turkey or Italian Sausage
1 Onion, Diced
3 Cloves of Garlic
1 Can of White Kidney Beans
1 Bag of Fresh or 2 Cups of Frozen Spinach ( I used fresh)
1 28 Oz Can of Marinara Sauce
1 tsp of Basil
1 tsp of Oregano
1/8 tsp of Crushed Red Pepper
1/4 Cup of Vegetable Broth
2 Tbsp of White Wine
1 Pkg or Marinated Mozzarella or 2 Cups of Shredded
Salt and Pepper to Taste

Cook your gnocchi up according to package directions. While your gnocchi is heating up, grab your turkey or sausage and cook it up along with the onion and garlic on medium high heat. If you choose to go vegetarian, simply leave the meat out and add in a tablespoon or two of butter with your onion and garlic.

Once the meat is cooked through, turn the heat down to medium and add in the beans and the spinach.

Cook the beans and spinach until heated through and then add in the marinara, basil, oregano, crushed pepper, vegetable broth and white wine.

Stir it all together, let the dinner heat up one more time and throw in some salt and pepper to taste. Finally place the mozzarella on the top of the skillet dish, put the top on the pan and let it sit for about five minutes until the cheese is melted.

That’s it! It’s easy, delicious, and there’s enough for leftovers. I even followed her recipe and didn’t let my recipe OCD take over. It was worth it! Thanks Julie!

I was also thinking it would be great to make this dish with some stuffed tortellini? Maybe some 4 cheese or roasted mushroom? Mmmm! What do you think? I may try it soon.

And don’t forget about our Apple Recipe Contest!!! Leave us your favorite Apple Recipe Here for a chance to win a copy of our cookbook of your very own!!!

Keegan’s Mashed Potatoes

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:03:01 +0000

You know that I’m a huge fan of mashed potatoes, well who isn’t, but I was shocked to hear from so many of your about how your kids wouldn’t try them.

WHAT????

What kid in their right mind would not want mashed potatoes and all that yummy creamy goodness?

Then I stopped to think for a second and I realized that for quite some time my boys wouldn’t try mashed potatoes?

WHAT????

How dare you scoff at a potato! A mashed potato!

You are Fitzpatricks for the love of all that is holy.

Your people have survived against all odds with the help of the magical pratties!

WHAT????

So I tried to remember how I got them to eat them for the first time, and I realized it’s the magical practice that I have leaned on time and time again…

I called the boys into the kitchen when those little beauties came out of the water and asked them to make them with me and decide what goes in them.

Now they are “their” mashed potatoes.

Now they take ownership and pride in their potatoes.

Now they will actually try them and realize that mashed potatoes are nothing but GOOD.

Here is Keegan’s recipe. Keep in mind that these measurements are an estimate. He got a little crazy with the parmesan cheese.

1 lb baby red potatoes, mashed (You could use any kind of potato, I just don’t like to peel them.)
2 T chicken stock
2 T cream
2 T sour cream
2 T unsalted butter
1/4 cup parmesan cheese (though something tells me Keegan threw in closer to a 1/2 cup, he kept saying, I think it needs more cheese, mommy.)
S&P

Toss all ingredients into a large bowl. Let the kids have fun mashing those potatoes! Mix well, let the kids get creative about what they’d like to add. Dish it out and let them enjoy trying their delicious masterpiece!

I’m changing my name

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:04:37 +0000

Hello there to my fellow blog hoppers!

If today is your first time here in The Fitzpatrick kitchen, welcome, welcome, pull up a stool…

What can I get you?

I’m Alex…

Otherwise known as Ma…

Yup, Ma, What’s for Dinner?

Nice to meet you,

I’m changing my name…

No not the blog name, not even my real name. It’s Ma I want to lose right now. Or any variation thereof…

You know…

Mom?

Mommy?

Mama?

Mooooooooooooooooooom?

Mamamamamamamamamamamamamamamamamamamamama!!!!!!

It’s all I hear….

ALL

DAY

LONG.

Nonstop. Mama, can I have a drink? Mama, can I have a snack? Mama, can we go outside? Mama, can we go to the park? Mama, Brady hit me. Mama, Keegan kicked Cooper. Mama, Cooper ate dog poop. Ok, so that last one I may pay attention to…

If you’re a mom you know what I’m talking about.

I can’t get anything done around here.

If I’m making dinner it takes me an extra 45 minutes because I have to stop 72 times to get a snack, fix the Wii, tie a shoe, change a diaper, wipe a nose, change a shirt, or wipe a butt.

If I’m doing the laundry it takes 2 hours to fold one hamper of clothes because I have to open a juice box, make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, find a Batman action figure, locate the DS in the couch, clean the crayon off the wall, and clean the pee off the other wall because little boys have terrible aim.

So I figure, if I change my name, maybe I can get a little work done? Maybe I can sit and have a cup of coffee? Maybe I can do my nails?

If I change my name someone else named Mama will wipe some butts.

But then someone else will get the snuggles…

and the kisses…

and the loving looks…

Someone else would get to tuck them in, and wipe away tears, and read bedtime stories.

Hmmm, on second thought, maybe I’ll just keep it.

It’s a pretty good name.

I kinda like it.

It’s grown on me.

It suits me.

Alright, I love it!

And seriously, who wouldn’t want to wipe these butts?

Have a great weekend!

Lots of yummy love,

Alex aka Ma, What’s For Dinner

Case of the missing Toothbrush

Alex aka Ma, What's For Dinner — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:00:41 +0000

Help a mommy out…please!

Notice anything strange about this picture? I mean other than the retainers that a thirty-something mom wears every night like a teenager prompting the hubs to giggle like a high school boy everytime I have to take them out to give him a big smooch goodnight. Come on…look close…anything missing from this shot?

Where the HELL is my toothbrush?????

I’m not sure which commandment says that the second you become a mother you need to surrender anything that is yours. If you have kids then you probably know that nothing is your own anymore, not your french fries, not the book or magazine you’re reading, not your blanket, not the TV show you’re watching, certainly not your ice cream and apparantly…not even your toothbrush.

Now this is not another instance of my kids taking my stuff. Which, I admit, I have begun to get used to. As much as it pains me to surrender my last spoonful of Light Jamoca Almond Fudge with whip cream to eager little faces, my thighs appreciate it. Though I never get to eat a meal in peace I try to promote their little fingers reaching in to try things on my plate like brie or salad or even spinach. Especially Brady, we call him the seagull, he’s like the birds at the beach who reach for your sandwich when you turn away for a second and scurry off with anything and everything he can grab. But if you read this blog you already know what a menace he is…

This however is not another swift move by the seagull, it’s not another case of detective Keegan hiding some brush of mine on his make believe mystery case. It’s not even a case of the little man Coop just looking for something to chew on because he’s teething. No, no, no…

This is much more devious…

This is the work of an adult…

Who should know better…

Who has alternatives at his disposal…

This has the hubs written all over it!

How do I know you ask?

Because I have been fighting this battle for more than a decade…

and I’m no closer to winning the war.

See?

This has been happening forever. I kind of feel like my toothbrush is sacred. You know? I mean you’re scraping food and plaque off your teeth, kinda gross. I don’t want to share anyone else’s used food or plaque…even my adorable hubs…

But he seems to not have an issue with this and if he can’t find his toothbrush at arm’s reach, he’ll use mine. My sink is closer to the shower where he usually brushes his teeth. So everytime he takes my toothbrush, I open a new clean one…

Hence we have millions of toothbrushes AND NONE THAT I CAN USE!!! Because he takes them all into the shower and then at night, instead of taking the extra step into the shower to remove the 900 toothbrushes he has brought in there, he will take the brand spanking new toothbrush that I just opened, and used, from my sink and now we begin the vicious circle all over again!!!!

AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

I mean really?

Any thoughts?

Happy New Year Reader Appreciation!