"Turkey for you and turkey for me!"

I have a dilemma!

    This years turkey will be the third or fourth turkey we have prepared. We have tried a few different methods. Last year with a medical grade serum bag.... (Yikes! Um, what? From the hubs work! Insert image of "Frankenturkey". Anyway, they actually make fantastic bags for brining, and of course.. Thank goodness! Medical purposes!) We brined for the first time. Delicious moist and flavorful! Really splendid! My hubby usually gets a turkey from work. "Frankenturkey".  I hit a few different stores looking for the right spices and ingredients. Intent upon recreating the juicy goodness of last years bird. Bought them all. Got home. Saw turkey was pre injected.

Great! Commence hair pulling!

    I just spent half my paycheck on spices. Good grief. I have been trolling the internet for rescue. Someone to say "Yes! Proceed with your dream of turkey that falls off the bone! Brine your already salted turkey! Rejoice with a triumphant leap from the table as they shriek Eureka!" High fives all around! Tears of joy! Victory! Random, vivid imagination. Oh how your dreams change as you age. Laughing. Out. Loud.

    Determined am I! I think Tom will get a bath anyway. I think he will spend a luxurious 24 hours in chilled apple cider. Floating amidst fleshy pomegranate kernels. Orange peel swirling around our esteemed guest. Steeping in spices and crisp fall apples...

Because I'm Fairly certain last years turkey was also pre injected!

In addition to my usual determination I am also an:

op·ti·mist

  (ŏp′tə-mĭst)

n.

1. One who usually expects a favorable outcome.

    The cheesecake turned out silky smooth. No cracks on the top. Buttery golden. Happy birthday to my Grammie. Baby girl made the most beautiful place cards for the guests. Rolls are rising as we speak. The people I love, and who love me will gather to give thanks. At this time next week Thanksgiving 2015 will be on the books. What will we remember?

How is your turkey day prep coming?

A Family Favorite! Easy Peasy Sweet and Sour Chicken!

    The baby is eating eggs and crunchy, crumbly toast in our bed, my side this time. The washing  machine is whirling and twirling around the first of at least five hundred loads of laundry. The gorgeous fall sun is warming up the house and soul. Kiddos are off to school, besides the one littering the bed sheets with tiny toast crumbs of course. My amazing guy is out the door for the day. Its just me, my coffee, Dr. Meredith Grey (How did life exist before Netflix anyway?) poised to take on the day!

    Ahhhh! The quiet lull in between the summer and the holidays. A few quiet weeks between mayhem. Local pumpkin walks with toasty mittens and melty hot chocolate. Leisurely afternoons with my best girls. Perhaps that's really why I prefer Fall? Besides the warm aromas. Crisp morning air filling your morning run lungs. Beautiful scenery..... and on and on. Fall really is special. Last week as we bribed and begged with the little one to smile and pose one more time for the 2015 family photo spectacular, I mused about the year that has so quickly passed us by. Time as usual is flying by.

    All we can do is cherish today. Savor these minutes that will come, and most assuredly go.  Sit down together at the family dinner table and remember this day, this season. The times their faces aren't glued to their phones. The statistics on family dinners are amazing. After the world has its way with your family, welcome them home with a favorite. Enjoy the quiet times in between the whirlwind of life. Here is one of our favorites. From our family to yours!


                                                      Sweet and Sour Chicken

    You will Need:
For the sauce
* 1 cup sugar
* 1/2 cup vinegar
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice
* 1/4 ketchup
* 1 T soy sauce
* 1/2 t salt
* 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
* (optional) diced onions and peppers

For the chicken
* 4 chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
* 3 eggs slightly beaten
* 2 cups flour
* salt
* pepper
* olive oil

Directions:
Pre heat oven to 350. In a large skillet heat about a tablespoon of olive oil. In batches, dip the chicken pieces in the egg first followed by the flour. Make sure the pieces are well coated. Place them in the large skillet season with salt and pepper and allow them to brown, flipping occasionally. After browned place in a baking pan in a single layer.

       Allow the crust to set for about 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, mix all of the ingredients. Heat the sauce over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and sauce is bubbly. We prefer a little extra sauce. This sauce will thicken in the baking process. If you would like a little extra sauce for dipping, simply double or repeat the sauce recipe.

    Once sauce is prepared pour sauce and pineapple chunks over chicken. If you doubled recipe, only use half of the sauce over the chicken. Place chicken in the oven and bake for one hour. To keep the chicken coating crisp, allow the chicken to bake for at least 35 minutes before flipping. While the chicken is baking start your rice cooker!

 Enjoy! I'm off to fold laundry. Sweep the bed. Snuggle a lil one while we work on the alphabet. Perhaps grab a shower.... Bring it on Tuesday!

A step back.... Before moving forward

    My teenage step daughter just finished "The fault in our stars" late last night. I awoke to a lengthy hand written note on my bedside. How I wish I had not been so very tired, and had passed out the minute my head hit the pillow. On the other hand she is a talker and we would have been up all night discussing life's injustice! She wrote "It has changed my life!"

    It has been quite a while since I last visited my little corner of the web world! A lot of events and... Life have transpired the last few months. Frustrated emails from "Pinners" brought my attention to my long neglected blog hobby. My domain name had expired and in the mix of small tragedies, and momentous victories I had toyed with shutting everything down. My tutorials and project pictures unavailable from a parked domain. I simply did not have time to sit down and give any more of myself. It has literally been eons since my last project, and I am feeling it. I long to feel my own identity again. Indulge in favorite past times. Relax and breathe... All the little things we give up to serve and care for others.

    Life has changed my life!

    As I read over the words that my step daughter had written regarding her feelings, one line stuck with me. "They did not focus on the negative! They knew they were dying. Yet they chose to focus not on how they were dying, but on how they would live until they died!" Apparently she bawled in her room for a good while grasping to understand the new understanding she had found. 

    Isn't it funny how in the least expected ways we become "aware" 

    In a way we are all living in the same predicament as Hazel Grace and Augustus Waters. We are all living until that fateful day. Service to others has changed my life. Embracing friends who have lost all. Encouraging family members who are so close. Will you be happy with your decisions?

    I miss blogging. I miss the community. I miss the inspiration. I miss the freebies! I want to be an inspiration, to share what I learn... I am ready to reclaim that stupid old dresser in our bedroom. Ready to gain my clarity and courage again. Feel as if I can breathe again. Ready to live out the summer of 2014 with all its intent. Chasing little blonde pigtails through soft green grass. Watching from a safe distance as a young lady gains her confidence.This little family has been hard at work. Together and individually. We are ready to get back to "normal"

    New perspective, lessons learned and love in our hearts. It is time to move forward to whatever the next chapter holds!

   

    

The gift of service.

    I was running around frantic! Somehow in between my other daily responsibilities I had found myself overwhelmed with the "task" of service. Several hearts were in need of mending. There were dinners to be made. Babies to hold. A run to be ran. A pile of laundry to the sky. An after school play. Somewhere in the madness and anxiety I found peace. I felt that even though my load was... well, overloaded! Everything would be fine. Silently praying I began to reflect on the wonderful gift of service. I began to really focus on how and who I was blessed with serving on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon...

    Nearly eight years ago I took a leap of absolute faith! With nothing to lose and everything ahead,  I packed up the sparse items my daughter and I owned and set on a grand adventure. Thirty miles away from home our new life began to form. These were tough days. Going back to school in my late twenties with a baby in tow was nothing short of a miracle. We were able to qualify for housing, and I was not allowed to hold a job at this time because I was the recipient of a generous state program that paid my tuition in full. We had to survive on a government stipend that was under $400.00 a month.  My objective was to complete school as quickly as possible and become employable. At times I felt as if the weight of the world was upon my back. I knew however this was the only way to make a better life for the two of us.

    Not long after we had moved into our apartment we began to experience the humble service of others. I would often return home late in the evening, sometimes just long enough to give my sweet girl a bath and kiss her goodnight. On our porch I would often find small packages of toddler clothing. Or bags of food items, blankets and toys. Twelve days before Christmas a baby doll and a hand mixer, the first I had ever owned and a dolly she has to this very day. We had nothing, yet because of the kindness of others we had it all! The gifts continued throughout our time in that apartment and I learned a very wonderful lesson from our angels. I may never know who these silent angels were. Keeping watch over us, but I vowed when I could, when I had enough to give....

 I would! Not once. Not twice. Every chance I got. I would serve those in need. I would show my gratitude.

    Fast forward several years, my husband and I are sitting close together fidgeting on our couch. Across from us the Stake President! In our home to commend us for an act of service we had just completed. "We just did what anyone would have done." I offered meekly. Knowing in my heart of hearts that is simply what we are meant to do. Take care of one another...

    Back to the eye of the storm within my kitchen. I felt a warmth spread through me as I recounted the many times I have been blessed by service. Knowing that I posses the power to serve. That it is indeed a gift. Understanding the power of being a blessing in someones day. The blessings that come back three fold.

    We are all capable of great service. As mothers we serve our families daily. Its the warm batch of cookies awaiting school children. Their arms around your waist. The prepared dinner for the returning husband, a kiss upon his cheek as he teases you about your yoga pants. The clean house full of love. Or perhaps a disastrous house that you didn't get to because you were too busy playing peek a boo and painting tiny toe nails.  As friends we serve as a patient heart willing to listen. Help me to understand. Let me take your kids...

Sisters, Brothers, Aunts and Uncles, Neighbors, cousins...

    Service does not require an invitation, but rather intuition. Who will you bless today?

Fall Feelings!

    I am antsy to get my Fall fingers busy! Unfortunately life has been a little too crazy lately! My patience will have to remain intact until next week! My final race of the season is Saturday! It is bittersweet! I have had a triumphant year, but I am ready for a break! My hometown beckons with its annual celebration, and family will join together on Saturday to pay tribute to our amazing legacy!

Next week its so on!

   Until then enjoy this post from the archives!

    After a weekend of sight seeing I had to get home and create! I was feeling a little burned out and not looking forward to the tasks at hand! A trip to the city set me straight! I received so many curious emails and a comment or two asking about the original picture I posted showing the Fall leaf mobile I had created. I am flattered and feel sort of silly because it was so very easy and cost me nada...

Anthropology! 

One word for love! I immediately fell in love with their display! How clever! I came home from our trip craving a new project! My husband, who is a geologist was not as enthused as I hoped he might be about hanging a rock mobile from our ceiling?! Men! 

So many things I would love to tackle!

While it is not rocks...

The leaves add just the right touch!

    I found some old white string and dismantled an old garland I had stashed, the challenge was trying to figure out how to hang the leaves above the stairs to create the cascading look....Last year for my Coke can Snow flakes.. 

    I used handfuls of thumbtacks to hold them to the ceiling....

  Facing that prospect again, and possibly sudden death as I leaned out over the banister?! I looked around until I found this old wire basket we used for Baby K's socks! It was perfect! I think this would look amazing with real leaves...I was just to antsy to go get some:) I also love the look of the string! It creates a great contrast! So there it is ladies!

Easy Peasy! I want to see your creations!

The first official project of 2013!

 Because I do not have enough to do....

    In between taxiing kids around and everyday life in general I decided to indulge my curiosity in a little project I had had my mind on for some time! We have never had a backsplash in our kitchen and I have pondered on this..... I did my research and then some! I have watched every tutorial and read every bloggy experience, even the horror stories! I finally found the courage to experiment! I found this to be a very tedious yet enjoyable experience! One that ended in victory! We all sit at the counter to "oooooh and awww!" our beautiful new space! We absolutely love it! 

Supplies:

bravery

sponge brushes in various sizes

ruler

grout line stencil tape

painters tape

various colors of paint 

water based polyurethane

deep breathing

small paintbrush for touch ups

 Start by painting the background the color you wish your "grout" to be. For best results allow to dry for at least 24 hrs. Then you can begin the design process one of two ways.... build your design by sketching it out on paper and then transfer the design to your intended space. Do this in sections. If you have a good eyeball and imagination you can begin by building your design directly onto the wall, also by section. Whatever is easier for you!

    Once you have your design sketched out and in place...take a deep breath, stand back and let the admiration begin! Before you begin anything, make sure you have grout line stencil tape in your possession! I looked high and low for this tape! It is hard to find! Use the stencil grout tape to tape over your pencil lines. Be sure to press the tape firmly into place. Yes, this is a pain in the rear! Think happy thoughts! It will be so worth it! Use scissors to cut your tape for sharp precise lines. Use the painters tape to protect the outer borders and cabinets.

     Many tutorials include adding dimension to your tiles by using drywall compound after this step. If you choose to do this, work by section to apply the compound and remove the tape promptly! Do not let it dry under the compound! Once it is all dry, re apply tape and follow the next few steps... DIY Network has a wonderful tutorial for using drywall compound Faux tile backsplash We obviously chose to not use the dry wall compound....

Ready to paint?

    Find a few shades that coordinate with your colors. These small color samples from valspar are perfect! For under three dollars they are just right for a project of this size! Dip your sponge into one of your colors. If you start in the middle of a taped off tile when your brush is wettest, then work out to the taped edge with a drier sponge it will cut down on paint bleed! To achieve the faux tile look apply a few different colors....

and blend!

 Work in sections...

 to apply your paint. As you finish a section, remove the tape from where you began. This will help you avoid removing more than tape! Don't be afraid to be creative! I really enjoyed shading random areas a little lighter here, a little darker there! Also different pressures on your sponge will create different effects! Experiment! Continue working by section until you have completed your backsplash!

Viola!

After you have removed all of your tape it is time for touch ups! By using a drier sponge around the tape lines I was able to significantly cut down on bleed, however I did still need to correct a few areas. What do you think? Once your tiles are complete and have dried for 24 hours apply a water based polyurethane to seal and protect! This will also give the illusions of glossy tiles! Now to the repainting of the rest of the kitchen!

Ready to try this? Good luck!

Movie night....er nights! Confessions of a book nerd!

The Saga ends!

    Last night was a late night for this lil group! The night all Twilight fans have been waiting for finally had arrived! Breaking Dawn was awesome! Of course there were a few cheesy parts, Aro gives an all new meaning to creeper and the baby Renesmee was strange to say the least! Overall, however it was probably, in my opinion... the best out of the series! It was a little sad to see it end, but eager to purchase the box set for the girls!

    It had been a looong time since I had been to a theater! I think Hunger Games was the last theater movie....Three very active full time kids, a job or three, a gorgeous husband, and life in general will do that for you! I found myself in eager anticipation of a handful of upcoming films! Les Miserables looks divine and I cannot wait to see it on Christmas day snug in the home of my heart! The cast looks amazing! This classic beloved tale has me antsy! Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, and Hugh Jackman.... phenomenal! I have the Liam Neeson and Claire Daines version of Les Mise on my Kindle Fire and watch it religiously!

    The teen saga era remains ever popular, even for us old ladies! Halfway through  Dream Dark, the Beautiful Creatures series has me hooked! Following Link and Ethan as they return home and Link begins to understand the gravity of his situation! I cant read fast enough!
 
     Oz great and powerful! Looks fantastic as well, and I have already found my next series for in between gym meets and homework! The Mortal Instruments series! Has anyone read this series? The angle that caught my eye? The Nephilim! I loved Danielle Trussoni's Angelology from cover to end! Peaking my interest in the subject! Another reason for loving the SoulKeeper series, which by the way would be a fantastic movie! I need to take a deep breath and finish my current reading list! It is just a great time to be in love with books! So many great and wonderful reads just waiting!

   
    Anyway! Yes, I am book nerd! I am currently single handedly supporting Amazon through my book purchases:) What films are you anticipating! Stephanie Meyers The Host is set to be released soon!

 What books have you hooked?

Joining the dark side...

Fall is everywhere!

    The urge to succumb to the season is hard to resist in many aspects! Today feels like the day to make some changes to my tresses! Trade in the highlights for rich chocolate and vibrant reds! 7W is my go to color, but this warm tone contains beautiful caramels that fade quickly! Great  for that sandy blonde base when adding a platinum highlights over it throughout the summer...not so much for keeping with the rich Fall tones! 

Reds are tricky!

    Versed hair stylists with clients (or themselves:) enamored with red know and feel this frustration! Keeping a rich red vibrant can be as easy as washing less, waiting to wash newly colored hair, and by using a gloss or color depositing shampoo. Try washing with cold water to keep the cuticle sealed.

   You can also ask your stylist to add a base for your more vibrant tones to grab onto! Blondes coming over to the dark side.... be sure to request a filler to add any missing pigment! 

    If I were younger, and braver I would love to try something like the picture above! I also think the Ombre hair color technique is awesome! It looks amazing on everyone else, but I am not sure how it would look on me! Think I will stick to the Jessica's! I love this color!  Her eye shadow rocks as well! Wish me luck!

What are your Fall hair traditions?

I am truly sorry....But!

Can we get to Winter already!

If the slipper fits...

                                           Fall 2012 Shoe Guide - Runner's World

     I have recovered from my race exactly a week ago today! I feel great and even more encouraged to pursue my fitness goals! My desire to complete the annual 10K race in my hometown has been a long time goal of mine. Years ago a much more naive me believed I could just step on the race course and complete a race...just because! My last place status was the largest slice O humble pie ever! I have wanted to prove to myself ever since that I could do better, accepting the fact that some effort is in fact required!

    A older and wiser me now knows and respects the many obstacles a runner must face in training, during a race, and the recovery. Weeks ago when I began training I joked with a friend how I only had a few minutes to myself each day in between naps, diaper changes and SAHM life in general... "I get five minutes to think each day, and now it is to exercise! I hate exercising!" Funny how the course of training has changed my attitude and having completed my goal has me thinking of life in race form. Sometimes it is just plain hard and we wonder what the heck we are doing! We start out slow carefully approaching the task at hand, then we pick up momentum and gain confidence, finally with the end in sight we know we have survived!

    I have enjoyed the feeling of well being immensely. My body now looks forward to training. I am encouraged to set my goals even higher! This morning my daughters and I wandered out to the road to watch the TOU runners pass by.... I felt it in my heart that I wanted to be a part of what they were doing! Perhaps if I stick to my guns next year will find me in marathon shape?

     Now if I can just get my feet recovered! Rigorous weeks of training have left my feet hammered! I had two pairs of the wrong shoes to train in! I went through the usual breaking in of blisters and debilitating shin splints! The use of potassium daily seemed to help. I am also now in the market for a new running shoe! I found this awesome tutorial on how to determine your arch type:

The Wet Test

Perhaps Santa will come bearing Saucony this year!

Maisha Mazuri...

  100% of the proceeds from the sale of this single will go to the Forever Young Foundation in Ghana. Single available soon on iTunes

"Life is a gift receive it" Alex Boye'

    I learned a good while ago that my situation does not allow me to get too personal in the blog world, tender hearts deserve to be unprovoked. This actually turned out to be a blessing. My trials and my heartaches are not out there for the world...neither are my immense joys and glorious triumphs. So suffice it to say I do not often share personal details here in Blog land...

    This morning, this first day of school however I have been moved to express my heart and all the strange and new emotions I have been discovering as a mother in an awkward situation.

   If you know me or have been a follower for a while you know we have a Brady Bunch thing going on here! A literal Yours, Mine, and Ours. "They" say it takes seven years for the typical blended family to, well...Blend!  For the first time in what will be seven years in December since we became a part of each others lives... I feel as though we are functioning as a "normal" family. Standing by one another, rejoicing the joy and feeling sorrow for the pain. Supporting the positive connections our children have with all who love them.

    We are never ever without tribulations. It feels as though we get one situation under control as another prepares for it's debut. Thankfully these are the times we become stronger. Raising a child from a previous relationship is challenging in every way. It became apparent some months ago that my husband and I were left with no choice but to take drastic measures against my daughters natural father.

    Have you ever had to sit your most precious possession down and break her heart right in two. I have, and I remember when that little girl was me. Scuffed up sneakers and tears on the front porch waiting for a father who never came... By the end of September the adoption of my daughter by my husband should be finalized. 

    I was speaking with a friend about the goings on in the adoption when she casually said "It must be wonderful to know you have the power to keep her away from her father and his choices!" I could not respond for the lump in my throat. My sweet baby! The little girl that was by my side for many years as we faced the world alone just her and I. The precious little one who was comforting me, little fat hand patting me on the back and telling me "Mom, I OK!" after putting her bottom teeth through her lip. The sweetest gift I have ever received...

   It is not as gratifying as one may think to have this "power" it is in fact heartbreaking, because her father cannot make positive choices in his life, I have to be the bad guy. Since he refuses to look his child in the eye and without any doubts make his life a safe place for her...well, you get the picture. I do not want to take her father away from her. I do not want to replace him, nor does my husband, but it is up to us to protect her after all these years of disillusion. I want the world for all of my children  I bawled like a baby after my step daughter got on the bus this morning...turning around to wave with that quiet smile. This morning I felt my heart strings being tugged by the crooked smile of my toddler. Laughed as my new to the fourth grader nervously approached the school... my world

   Last week we learned that my daughters father had been sentenced to spend the next several years in prison. Can you imagine how that must feel to a wide eyed little girl who does not have the capacity to understand the gravity of the situations revolving around her, or why! Wondering if it is her fault. Could you find the words to explain to a child that they will not be seeing their parent any time in the near future all due to the choices he has chosen. How unfair to do this to her. What was he thinking! Does he have any clue what he will miss? Does he care? He was transferred from County jail to the State prison on her birthday....

   My angel has remained strong through this enduring process. We have done our best to protect her from the unnecessary details and focus on the positive aspects of the situation. She was all grins and giggles when we were able to register her for school with her new last name. The odd one out for years finally will have the same last name as her family. She is a shining example to me of how strong the heart can be, putting on her brave face and facing the day one step at a time.

    It is in times like these that we need a hero...

    My daughters love affair with Alex Boye' started immediately upon hearing Peponi She sat mesmerized watching as he sang his heart out atop the Red Rocks. More often than not we  listen to Peponi repeatedly in the car arriving at our destination feeling absolute peace. The man is truly gifted!

    My amazing sister Maggie had a symphonic fundraiser and through much hard work pulled off a night that will not soon be forgotten. Alex Boye' was the Emcee. My daughter was elated! However that Saturday morning was a disaster. We had to fight tooth and nail to get out the door in one piece and very nearly did not make it to any of the events planned for the day. You see our first stop of the day was to tour the newly built temple in my hometown, so of course it was a rather difficult morning. If the Lord works in mysterious ways you better bet his counter part does as well! For the first time in months my husband and I had been bickering endlessly!

   We drove separate cars so my husband could return early with Sweet Baby K. Thirty miles and over the hill. I had my daughter in my car, and I knew I needed to tenderly approach her about her father. I had been putting it off for days. The soft, sparkling tears rolling down her face said everything she could not...

    The night was going strong and the symphony was a success! My daughter had met Alex and was on cloud nine. Little did she know her favorite song would have a special dedication. "To a cute young girl" I scoured the crowd looking for her to be sure she heard Alex. I could not find her anywhere! Right before panic set in I spotted her front and center. Sitting on the grass cross legged and starry eyed...Stopping to pose for this picture and to autograph our CD's, Alex's performance was show stopping! He brought tears to our eyes with his rendition of "How Great Thou Art"

   We laughed till we cried when the local Boy Scouts got on stage! And since then have been known to bust out a "I'm a funky Weebalo!" while in Wal Mart... It was an amazing night that changed a little girl forever. Curious to know more we did a little research and found that the story of Alex Boye is an amazing one, littered with heartache, sacrifice and great triumph. To be in the presence of this man is to feel the Spirit so strong and true...

    Since last Saturday I have caught my heartbroken little girl smiling and humming softly to herself. Someone special took the time to make her feel special in her time of need and it shows in her every move. It has made me stop and think of how the "power" of kindness, generosity and genuine heart can change someones life. You may never even know that you made a difference, but those few kind words, that shared friendly smile, the encouraging pat on the back may change the perspective and heart of someone you had no idea was in need....

Thank you

    

    

A Wednesday full of words..

We are a little like Ellen here...

A little dance ritual to start our day! Every morning after juice and kisses it is time to hit the floor! Baby K loves to dance! What is on our playlist? The usual! This morning Karmin got us rocking into a good day! I was watching my loves twirl around thinking how perfect these moments are...

Everyone should stop and dance!

                                                                          Loressa

The road ahead...

    Do you ever look down the road ahead and wonder if you have the strength. Do you ever look back at the winding path twisting up behind you that lead you to this current place and think it a miracle...

   "The right thing"

    I am always learning from life and never questions its lessons. If I look back on a mistake and there was a lesson to be taught I never regret its place in my life. Suffice it to say I have never made the same mistake twice. It is funny how at certain times in life you assume you know all there is to know. That you know your heart inside out....

   That is usually when the hand is dealt. The time when you truly have to dig deep and resurrect your old ferocity and combine it with new strength you never knew....

    For the last eight and a half years I assumed I was doing the right thing. Assumed I had it all figured out. Turns out I knew nothing. I gambled with the most precious gift given me, believing it was for the best. Now as I face the road ahead it is with all the courage I can muster. All the hope I can surrender...

   This is the right thing to do

   It just took me a little longer than it should have to learn what it was I needed to do. That is the silver lining I suppose. I have eight years of experience leading me to this all consequential decision. It had to take this long for the pieces to fall into place. It needed years to grow and flourish into fruition...

    Life is never easy, but with our eyes and hearts open we will continue to learn and grow from Life's Curious Wisdom...

Loressa

   

Whats cookin?

    My brain is anxious! I cannot wait to get my hands on some phyllo dough! My mother brought over the tastiest little creations! Move over baklava! 

Gonna try this one first! Got any great phyllo recipes?

Spicy Sausage phyllo bundles

Hot Italian Sausage- 1 lb. bulk

Green Bell Pepper- 1/4 cup, chopped

Onion- 1/4 cup, coarsely chopped

Prepared Spaghetti Sauce- 1 cup

Ricotta Cheese- 4 oz. (1/2 cup)

Green Giant Mushroom Pieces and Stems, drained- 1 (4-oz.) can

Dried Oregano Leaves- 1/2 teaspoon

Frozen Phyllo (filo) Pastry Sheets- 12 sheets (18x14-inch), thawed

Margarine or Butter- 1/2 cup, melted

Directions

GETTING READY
1) Preheat oven to 350°F.
2) In non-stick, sauté sausage, bell pepper and onion until sausages are browned,
3) Pour off the fat.
4) Stir spaghetti sauce, cheese, mushrooms, and oregano in the sausage mixture, until well combined, set aside.

MAKING
5) Spread filo sheets and cover with plastic wrap or towel.
6) Arrange 1 filo sheet on working table and lightly smear with margarine.
7) Place 2 more filo sheets, brushing each with margarine.
8) Using a sharp knife, slice all layers of filo sheets to make 12 rectangles.

FINALIZING
9) Drop 1 tablespoon filling in center of each rectangle.
10) Gently bring the filo corners together to seal and form bundle.
11) Do the same with remaining filo sheets and filling.
12) Arrange the bundles on ungreased baking tray.
13) Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown.

SERVING
14) Remove the pan from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.

                                                                                Loressa

Eight tips to surviving the outdoors with your toddler...

 

Because sometimes the real danger is the screaming toddler in footed jammies!

    As a mother of three, two of which I raised up from newborn I am not immune to all nighters! Three insanely long nights in particular stick out in my mind...The first two would be the deliveries of my babies. My babies take a long time to get here. Seventeen and fourteen hours of anxious anticipation!

    The third insanely long night of my life? 

    That would be the first night my family of five crammed into our new camping trailer for what we hoped to be a restful nights sleep....

    Sweet baby K was convinced that camping's sole purpose was... baby torture! As we listened to her scream, a scream that was not from this earth I felt my last nerve snap! Wondering if this was what we were in for...long nights of  sleepless screaming! It is funny how dedicated we become when sleep training our little ones. Training them to have the confidence to sleep in their own bed and to fall asleep on their own...

    Take them away from their comfort zone and all that confidence is lost as they try to figure out why, and where, and what the?! 

    But dedicated campers and parents are we! Here are eight tips to make your camping trips a little easier this summer season!


Tip one: Get your toddler used to the idea of sleeping in your tent or trailer! Baby K and I took a nap in our trailer yesterday. I let her lay by me and look around. Once she was drowsy I slipped her into the small bed we had crafted for her of the side of our bed.

Tip two: Camping only toys! Grab a tote full of your baby's favorite toys and store them with your camping gear! Toys that she only plays with while camping. This builds excitement as she looks forward to the next time she plays with them!

Tip three: Let her explore! This is hard for me as I am a helicopter mom of sorts! Dress her  in long pants, light long sleeved shirts with shoes and socks then let her roam safely  within eyesight! The new sights and sounds will fascinate your baby and wear her out!

Tip four: Anticipate getting no sleep! If you are prepared to comfort fears and anxiety you will be a much better parent at three in the morning. Lay down in the afternoon with your child and gear up for whatever your baby has in store!

Tip five: Recruit older siblings and the hubs. If you are like me you have the main responsibility for baby. However, I am also fortunate to have an amazing husband and two older kids that are just waiting for me to hand over baby. Hand her over for a hike with daddy while you prepare meals then switch off. Help your husband relax too! He will also be a much better parent and support system at three in the morning!

Tip six: Breath! Your little one will soon get used to the idea and learn from your reactions whether camping is a good or bad thing! Smile! Relax!

Tip Seven: Pack for safety as well as comfort! Recreate the creature comforts of home and pack small travel size portions of baby's favorites! Remember pain and allergy relievers!  Our Sweet baby K was cutting top molars and we were so grateful for infant Advil!

Tip eight: Remember fire precautions! We got in the habit of not even allowing our little one to play near the unlit fire pit. That way when we did roast hot dogs she already knew it was not an area she was allowed in. Use caution with hot dogs and warm foods.

    Enjoying activities year round with our families is indeed a privilege! Learning the little tricks of traveling with kids is worth it's weight in gold!

How do you survive summer travels?

A nearly wordless Wednesday...

       Bloggers Blahk! Otherwise known as writers block...

    I have been suffering from bloggers blahk! This morning as I put in my time on the treadmill, watching the Cool T.V. out of the corner of my eye and wondering if Phil Collins watches the video for I Can't Dance with amusement like the lady in the Prego commercial "What other questionable choices have I made?!"... Wondering and laughing out loud I wished that the time would pass me a little quicker which also lead to the random thought "Maybe if I just stay on the treadmill time will slow down?" Is it just me or do the minutes literally crawl during a workout?

    Anyway my original wonderings on the treadmill were in regard to my lack of posts lately...    I do not know if I am suffering from writers block really or if I am just "In it" Have you ever seen the movie Garden State? It is one of my favorites. I also helps that I adore Zach Braff....In the movie "Large" is trying to see life and it's meaning while dealing with the loss of his mother. While he is home for her funeral he meets Sam played by Natalie Portman. This is where the phrase "In it" came from.

"In it"

   In my head trying to figure out and solve the dilemas of my little world Trying to understand with an open heart the intentions of those around me. Fighting to see reason. Hoping to in my own little way contribute to the happiness of the hearts around me while keeping every piece of me intact...


Feeling a little like this...

"Are you Mom enough?"

    By now we have all seen the controversial Time magazine cover. By now we have also had time to ingest and form our own opinions...

     Jamie Lynne Grumet a 26-year-old mother from California has forced us all to take a look at our definition of being "Mom enough" What exactly does that mean anyway? Mom enough... While the title of the article was sure to evoke anger over the implication of  a sea of unfit mothers the message is simple. A mother exercising her right to do what she feels best for her child. If she feels that nursing her child to the age of six and possibly beyond... is that not her choice? If her child shows signs of emotional trauma she will have to then also make decisions for her child's welfare and well being...

    While I think that the door for judgement was swung wide open by herself and others who subscribe to attachment parenting...is OK to let it become such a controversial issue?  Invading our homes with ferocity. Are you mom enough to not be bothered by what the world thinks? Being a mother is a certain special life calling. Having worked outside of the home full time and now being a WAHM has changed my perspective a whole hundred and eighty degrees. Each day right or wrong I do what I feel is best for my children albeit I will not be contacting Time magazine to encroach on my personal life and choices...

    Who are we to tell a mother that she is wrong to attachment parent. Does it have a direct impact on your life? It is time we settle down and worry about the happenings inside our own homes. Nursing is a bond that cannot be described until you have experienced it. My goal was to BF Sweet baby K to six months. Six months came and I simply could not break this bond. The most beneficial time for a child to nurse is the first year of life. Although physically I was miserable my heart settled for another six months. I wonder if this is the reasoning for attachment parenting.... It is more about the parent than the child?

    A week shy of her first birthday my baby was weaned. I rode a roller coaster of emotions. While believing that I would dance with joy around a burning pile of nursing bra's....I cried. I had to fight my own emotions for her to succeed, because I felt it was the best for her. I was mom enough to put my own heart aside so our emotional bond could grow in other ways.

    If attachment parenting works for some...so be it! It does not work for me and I shudder now at the thought or rather reality of the possibility of extended nursing.

What are you thinking about this issue?