Monday, August 31, 2009

Rich & Easy Clam Chowder

Fall is in the air...which will too quickly be followed by winter. Thought I'd post this yummy recipe. Best of all, it's one of those wonderful slow cooker recipes that you put on and get to forget about.

(click on image for printer friendly recipe)

Rich & Easy Clam Chowder

3 10 3/4 oz cans cream of potato soup
2 10 3/4 oz cans New England clam chowder
1/2 cup butter
1 small onion, diced
1 pint half-and-half
2 6 1/2 oz cans clams, minced

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker.
Cook on low 2-4 hours

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Truth

Okay...this is going to be the day that I spill my guts and share all that I haven't thus far!

First of all, I've been kind of vague about that fact that I'm a born-again Christian...don't know why! Maybe I've been a little afraid that someone would read my blog and decide that fact made it un-readable. But it's the truth. So from here on out, don't be surprised if you read something that God has been teaching me, or if I quote a verse that has been helping me of late. There's even the possibility that I might write a prayer for the day...who knows...just saying that I need to make Him more the center of my life, and that being the case, my blog is probably going to reflect some of that because I write in it pretty much everyday.

Politics. Some friends and family have said they need to be off limits, that I need to start another site if I want to rant and rave about anything political. I don't believe that I rave or rant...I have opinions (as do all of you) and I think that it's okay for me to share them. I also genuinely believe that someone has the right to disagree--they are welcome to politely post a comment in response to something I say. As a matter of fact, I welcome your comments.

I can't hardly stand watching the news these days because it makes me mad and scares me to some extent. But here's the truth...I like Glenn Beck! I think he's pretty smart, really cynical, and not afraid to tell the truth. I also like Sarah Palin. Have I agreed with everything she has said/done? Nope. And that's okay. Mike Huckabee was probably my pick in the last joke of an election. Since I turned 18 and had the right and privilege to vote, I have voted for Bill Clinton once, George W. Bush twice, and John McCain. (I had to vote for John McCain even though I wasn't crazy about him because I differed so severely in his opponent's beliefs---not because I loved John McCain). My points is, I don't say I am a Republican. I vote for who I believe will do the best job, regardless of party affiliations. I am a Conservative that believes in the rights of the people. Our government was created to "protect the people" and that's it. Period. We need smaller government, not larger.

The name of my blog is "Such Is Life" and life encompasses not just my family, my job, my feelings. It is something so much deeper than that. It's also my spiritual journey/beliefs, what's going on politically, and who's going to be our next American Idol (nope, I don't miss an episode--thank goodness for my DVR). The last little bit was added to let all know that this isn't going to be some sort of radical religious site or a right-wing conservative nut job site either. It should be a well balanced spot that addresses multiple topics every week.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Date Night

Hubby and I went to Red Lobster tonight for crab legs, shrimp and lobster. Stimulating conversation, no kids...perfect!

By the way...for those of you that are seafood lovers and like the yummy food at Red Lobster, they have a site that shares recipes and tips for cooking seafood. They'll also deliver fresh seafood straight to your door. If you click on the picture below it will take you straight to the "New Chef's Kitchen".

Helen Keller

When one door closes another opens. But often we look so long so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us. --Helen Keller

Something free!

Raising my 4 sons is giving away a $20 gift certificate to CSN Office Furniture after winning a FREE office chair herself. Please be sure to check out her blog by following the link!

Printable Recipes

Every recipe I post will have a link that takes you to a printer friendly page!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Broccoli and Green Beans

Waterless Cookware...truly an amazing invention. For those of you who haven't ever seen it, you can cook all food literally without water. Posted here are pictures of the frozen green beans and broccoli I made tonight for dinner (yes, I really did cook). First of all, how cool is it that I can pour two different veggies in one pan without them getting all mixed up? Second, think of all the nutrition that I didn't boil right out of the food?? I also have the electric skillet that is filled with some sort of oil in the center. I can slap any kind of meat down minus the cooking oil and it doesn't stick/doesn't burn. Seriously. It's also wonderful with pancakes. They actually turn out looking like they do in the pictures. We were fortunate to be able buy these pans a couple of years ago from Salad Master, but I was just researching online and there are lots of different types of these pans for a much more affordable price. I don't know what kinda of warranty/guarantee that comes with these other brands (Salad Master has a fabulous warranty) but if there's anyway you can try these pans out--I definitely recommend them. You can also find used ones on e-bay most of the time for a better deal!

Confessions of a Computer Junkie

I must confess that over the past couple of years I have spent way too much time in front of my computer! A little over two years ago my 10 year old nephew introduced me to (I'm really embarrassed to admit this) Runescape. I can't imagine the amount of hours that I put into this game! My armor is from Barrows, I have the most expensive shield--I did get it from killing a black dragon, that is my abyssal whip, my dragon boots, my neitznot helmet, and you can't see my cape. I'm actually a member of an adults only clan and I would visit with people all over the world on Ventrillo. That was the fun part! I'm a level 117 which isn't too bad, but geez. It's unbelievable how much time I gave up with my family to play on this game. I realized how crazy it was several months ago when I was fletching (making bows and arrows)--I'm at level 90, which is about 5 million experience. To get the skill cape I need level 99, which is about 11 million experience. Sanity finally and quickly overtook me and I'm seriously considering cancelling my membership. I was a Runsecape addict and I'm happy to say that I've given up this addiction. Looking back, I believe it was a form of escapism, but I actually desire spending time with my hubby and children now instead of killing dragons and questing. Seriously...this is quite a step for me!

True Story About Cheap Food

It ain't cheap!! That's just it...it used to be cheap, but it isn't anymore.

I remember when I worked at McDonald's back in high school. I was able to purchase a Big Mac Value Meal for under three bucks. We won't discuss the 1170 calories that goes along with one of these meals... The kids and I went to Taco Bell the other day and our total bill was like $15. That's crazy! That's nuts! I went to Burger King and ordered a Whopper with Cheese Value Meal with a drink and paid almost 6 dollars.

My hubby and I have gotten where we'd rather go to one of the "nicer" restaurants like Applebees, Chilis, etc. We're able to get a much better meal there and it usually costs around $30 for all of us...if...we don't get drinks. Soda, tea and lemonade is up to about two bucks now and that's just beyond wrong! Jared used to be happy eating a kids meal somewhere but now he gets done and asks what else he can have. He's almost nine and I can't imagine what his appetite will be like by the time that he is a teenager.

There's also the fact that my family and I have eaten out so much that nothing ever sounds good. We all call out different eating places and I can guarantee you that someone isn't going to want to go there. Once we get somewhere that we can all agree on our order is often wrong or something is undercooked/overcooked.

Anyhow, my schedule drops down to part-time in a couple of weeks and our goal is to stop eating out or limit it to special occasions. Other people do it...we can do it too. I just have one really simple question for all the amazing mamas that actually cook every single night. Does the kitchen clean itself?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Footprints in your heart

"Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart" — Eleanor Roosevelt

This is Slick


Meet Slick, the newest addition to our family. He's really cute and fun to watch. He has this little squeak or whistle sound he makes when you bring him a treat. We got him as an early nine year birthday present for Jared. Jared is really doing a wonderful job about feeding and watering him daily while making sure his water bottle is full with vitamins added. He plays with him quite a bit and the best part, is that he's not a nocturnal creature--he's awake during the day.

This little guy was actually purchased to replace our lost kitty, Panda. I tried several cats before coming up with this small, caged critter; however, I have recently acquired the ability to pick the worst behaved animals. I brought two cats home the first go...siblings, a little male and female, Jasmine and Ace. They were beautiful exotic short hairs. Between the two of them, I almost had no skin left, and the kids couldn't get near them. Thus, I gave them back to the breeder. Next, a gal from work gave me a little male (she paid for the neutering) and I thought I was getting a fabulous deal. Mason was a little lover but he had this thing about peeing in my laundry baskets. No, he didn't have a UTI because we checked. One evening I found where he had peed in my clean white clothes. I kind of had a problem with that and the lady that gave him to me took him back as well. I got the next little fellow at one of the shelters here in town where they had already had him neutered. Max also loved to be held and petted--you could hear his little motor running from across the room. His problem was pooping on the carpet and his love of plastic. He liked to pee on my bathroom rugs or any plastic bags that kid toys came in (like the Lego bags). I gave him to a lady that could keep him outside--her kids fell in love with him.
So this post in is memory of Panda, our 17 pound ball of fur that loved to be held like a baby. I have picture after picture of him with the kids. Whether they were dragging him around or dressing him up he never cared. He loved them no matter what. What a great cat. This post also celebrates Slick because his presence has helping the kids cope with the loss of their best cat.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Casseroles

I love casseroles! It's probably because you can't get much more fattening and they're just too easy. Whether you're a SAHM, a working mom, a single mom...or not a mom at all, that's just too irresistible! I thought I'd share a couple of casserole that are my favorites.

Firecracker Casserole (click on link for printer friendly page)
1 lb ground beef
1 med chopped onion
2-3 tsp cumin (I prefer more)
2 cans Ranch style beans

Brown beef with onions. After drained, add cumin and beans. Pour into baking pan.
Add layer of flour tortillas. Then add layer of your favorite cheese...Mexican cheese, colby-jack, cheddar...

Mix small can of cream of mushroom soup with can of Rotel. Pour over top.

Bake one hour at 350 degrees. I usually add a little more cheese to the top about 15 minutes before it's ready.


Chicken tetrazzini Casserole (click on link for printer friendly page)

Approx. 18oz cooked spaghetti noodles
can of chicken broth
1 small can cream of mushroom
1 small can cream of chicken
cheddar cheese
shredded chicken ( You can use canned chicken if in a hurry. I usually boil three breasts and shred the meat.)
1/4 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste
1 small onion chopped

Add all ingredients together in pan. Bake at 375 degrees, 45 mins-1 hour

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Hypothyroidism

About eleven months after delivery of my little girl, I went in to see my primary care physician and jokingly told him that I thought I had congestive heart failure. He looked at me strangely and he asked me why I would think that. After telling him that I didn't really believe that, but there was just something wrong, I explained to him how I had significant shortness of breath when walking into the hospital from the parking lot. I also had pitting edema (swelling) in my legs. Although I had lost down to about 168 pounds (yes, I know...that's still too much) after having the baby, I was up to 197 pounds. I remained totally exhausted a great deal of the time and my immune system was not doing a very good job. He said that he wanted to check my thyroid...and then I waited.

I'll never forget the morning that he called. "It's not all in your head." When I asked him if I had hypothyroidism, he explained that I had pretty significant autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) brought on by my last pregnancy. But I was thrilled...there was a reason for my exhaustion, for my depression, for my apathy. I was started on thyroid medicine and within a few weeks I felt so much better. I routinely follow up with my endocrinologist because, believe me, I don't want to go down the road I was on before.

Hypothyroidism. A disease that changed my life. A disease that is typically very easy to treat. It's estimated that millions of people have this disease...ten percent of all women...and have no idea. I posted a link that explains more about this disease.

So arm yourself with knowledge about this disease...and so many others...it could ultimately save a life!

Saturday, August 22, 2009

My Greatest Struggles

Impulsive. Regretful. Discontented.

All adjetives that describe my greatest struggles. This is usually how it works...I decide that I want something and I do everything that I can to make it happen. Shortly thereafter, I figure out my impulsive actions were a mistake and I'm not really pleased with the results. Ultimately, I regret doing it to begin with.

This scenario has followed me throughout my growing up years and into my adult life. It's something I despise about myself but find it very difficult to change as well. One of my sisters has worked in the same place for the past 20 years and I find myself wondering how in the world she has done it. How does she put up with the politics? How does she keep her mouth shut when she sees inappropriate, unfair, unprofessional things going on in her workplace? How is it that she always appears content, if not happy, in her now?

Last spring we moved our family to the sunny state of Florida. I think we were searching...for something...
We put our four bedroom home up for sale in the Midwest and it sold for asking price in about a month. Not too bad when one considers the housing market at that time. I quickly and effortlessly found a job (with a moving bonus) very near the ocean and it seemed like everything was falling into place. I moved down before everyone else and found a house in a really nice neighborhood with really friendly neighbors. Once I started my job I realized my folly. I hated it...I despised it...I cried before I got to my car every night after my shifts.

"For I have learned in whatsoever situation I am in, therewith to be content" Phillipians 4:11. I would run this verse through my head over and over. Every morning as I walked into work I would see the palm trees outlined by the sun rising up over the water. The hospital sat right on a bay and I would ask myself "What is wrong with you"?

Of course, we would go to the beach...it was gorgeous! The sand was white and powdery (yes, we were on the Gulf Coast). I loved driving by the bays and seeing all the sailboats. The dolphins would actually come into the swimming area of our favorite beach and you could watch them from the shore.

But I did it again! I wasn't happy. I wasn't content. I started complaining. I started manipulating. I started plotting. How do I get back home? And I won. Four months later, we were back in the Midwest.

My most recent failure is beating myself up. We're now renting a nice house very near where we used to own. My kids are happy--Jared was able to go back to the same school he had started in. But I frequently think about what we gave up. Moving 1000 miles is expensive...our savings and profit from our house is gone. We still have credit card debt from our little four month excursion. And I feel stupid...I feel like a failure. I try to blame it on someone else...why couldn't I have loved my job??

Four months after we got home I left my husband. There was no infidelity. I somehow convinced myself that things would be better if I was by myself. I quickly figured out that the grass really isn't greener and that I'd messed up again. My hubby and I are back in the same house and things are going better, but it's just one more regret to add to my list. I've moved four times in 17 months and that makes me feel sorry for myself as well.

I love the Serenity Prayer. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to accept the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Life is a work in progress. Sometimes, it can be wonderful. At times, it can kick you in the butt. We reap what we sow...but if I can learn from the mistakes that I have made then I'm becoming a better, more complete person.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Chocolate Chippers

My first posted recipe...I'm gonna start with a classic. But honestly, they are the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever eaten in my entire life! They are a beautiful golden color and sooo chewy. I also love this particular recipe because it only makes about a dozen good sized cookies. I will also mention that I always bake them on my baking stone. I love it because it's about impossible to burn them.

Chocolate Chippers:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda


Mix the first ingredients together. Add dry ingredients (mixed together also) slowly. Then add chocolate chips. Bake 10-12 minutes at 375 degrees

Enjoy!

Click here for a printable recipe: Chocolate Chippers

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Wise Lady

I've mentioned her in another post. I don't know much about her, although I planning on learning more...but she seems like she must have been a woman of wisdom!

"Nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent." — Eleanor Roosevelt

First Day of School


Wow! I just dropped my baby off for her first day of kindergarten. Don't get me wrong...I'm not sad. I did have a few moments when we first got to the school where my eyes were a little teary just because they're growing up so fast. The thought did cross my mind that the short period where they want to spend time with mommy and daddy will end before I know it. Overall, I think I have this overwhelming feeling of happiness. For one thing, her and bubby had used up all their patience for each other over the summer and were driving one another crazy. Second, I have about six hours to myself today. What will I do with the time?

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Loneliness

Loneliness

A complete emptiness in your life

A void that seems unfillable

Groping in the darkness for something you know is there

but cannot be found

Silent pictures passing before your mind

with no words to express their meaning

Infinite wishes that can never be granted

Eyes forever looking upon an image that isn't there

Voicing your feelings aloud

with no one there to listen

Walking towards a light that dims when you get near it

A form of destruction surrounding you from all angles

and every direction


I found my poetry book from high school the other day. I actually wrote this in February 1992...can't help but wonder what was going on in my life at that time. Of course, it made me stop and ponder where I am currently as well. As wives...as mothers...as sisters...as daughters...we are pulled in so many directions. Sometimes I feel like I'm play acting and going through the motions. Sometimes I don't think I'm doing a very good job.


When I get in these introspective moods I can really feel so sorry for myself. But I know that I can look around me and see that my life isn't too bad. My hubby always says "Thank God for my problems" and he is so right. I don't have to look far to see that I'm truly blessed.


I just finished reading The Shack. "Papa" or God talked about how we are so busy worrying about the past and everything that we have done wrong, or just too afraid of the future, that we forget to be happy in the now. One of Eleanor Roosevelt's famous quotes-- "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'." What a smart lady!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Life

Life just keeps going, going, going...sometimes I wish I could push the PAUSE button...

Saturday, August 15, 2009

It's the weekend

It's the weekend!

Hubby is home, kids start school next week, little sis is here with us...and there's so much to do!
The house is a mess (I never did get around to cleaning it last week) and I think about all that I should do. Clean bathrooms, mop floors, vacuum, clean out the garage, go through the storage building and get rid of stuff, and then I think. It's the weekend. I have two days off and then I work a 12-hour shift on Monday. Life is short...have fun...there's always cleaning tomorrow, or Tuesday, or Wednesday, after the kids are at school. I read about some of these super moms on here and I'm amazed. I want to be like them! But I'm me...I like to procrastinate. I probably won't clean today...or tomorrow...hopefully, hopefully, it'll get done next week. I'll keep you posted.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

Kill them with kindness

I try to make my workplace as pleasant as possible. I smile at people, ask how there day is going, help others when I can, and try to be encouraging to my co-workers. Why is it that some people (women in particular) "eat their young". I've seen it happen over and over...new employee enters the unit, workplace, etc. Older employee tries to make life as difficult as possible for that new person. Is it some sort of ritual? Is it some sort of hazing? Does it make them feel superior? Life is hard enough at times. A new job is considered one of the top stressors that a person can have. It's unfortunate that there are so many negative people in this world. Thank goodness that there are plenty of pleasant, optimistic, half glass full kind of folks as well! As for the rest of them...my mom always said "Kill them with kindness".

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Joy & Cindy

My daughter, Joy and my little sis, Cindy. They are both such little stinkers--as this pictures demonstrates!

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Fed through mommy's belly button...


My kids love to get their scrapbooks out. Joy said to me multiple times today "Mommy, I want to look at pictures of when I was a baby." Here's a picture of them looking at Jared's book. As I was fixing dinner I heard Jared tell Joy that "Look Joy, this is a picture of right after I was born...you know, we were fed through mommy's belly button." Kids are so funny! I've told him several times that he was fed through his belly button by a special food bag...that must be hard to remember!

People are truly amazing!


We recently went to dinner with another couple. We went to one of those great restaurants that fills you up on appetizers and then brings out the entree. Anyhow, as we were enjoying all the yummy pre-dinner food, my friend pulls a paper plate out of her purse and slaps it down on the table. I was so embarrassed. When the waitress got to the table and asked what the paper plate was for, my friend stated that she wanted to eat the appetizers and share the entree with her spouse. The waitress explained that even if she didn't order her own meal she'd still have to pay like $9.99 or so. My friend was pretty upset and it just made me think...people are truly amazing!

Monday, August 10, 2009

The weekend is over

Thank goodness the weekend is over. As a nurse, I'm not only taking care of my patients but I'm also supporting the families as well. Often, it's the families that can almost suck you dry. Not always...at times we have the most wonderful families that develop into your friends as well. Right now I'm just gonna be thankful for my time off and hopefully, enjoy my family.

Unfortunately, the 12-hour shifts kick my butt! I didn't get up until about 11am. I have great kids that know I'm in there if they need me, but are pretty good about letting me have some time to recuperate. After I got up we all headed to daddy's office and then went out for Japanese (which is the kid's ultimate favorite). Well, it's probably one of mine as well. They have two sauces for dipping: ginger and seafood. Personally, I don't like the ginger sauce and the seafood seems like some kind of Thousand Island that's better then the original. It's probably more fattening too, and chances are that's why I really like it so much. One of the chefs recently asked me (as I asked for a refill of seafood sauce) if I'd just like a straw. I just can't help it....it's too good.

Now I sit here, looking around the house, and thinking of all I should be getting done. It's about dinner time and I'm thinking that spaghetti should be yummy and easy. As for the house, there's always tomorrow!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

The Hubby

So...
One 12 hour shift down, one to go! Too bad there's HIPAA and all that confidentiality stuff or I'd have some interesting stories about work today!

My hubby was at home all day with the kids. I called him on my way home just to visit and I ask the question, "What did you do today?". (There really was no expectation intended...I was asking what he and the kids did today). He starts telling me that he folded the rest of the towels, put them away. He also did one load of laundry, unloaded and reloaded the dishwasher. After that he cooked one pound of ground chuck and put it in the fridge. So, I'm thinking to myself "Wow! This is sweet!". When I walk in the house there are dirty dishes all over the kitchen counter. Two towels were laid in the middle of the living room floor where he let the kids have a "picnic" and watch I-Carley during dinner, and the towels were put away...but plenty of other stuff was all over the place. The other five pounds of hamburger still needed to be cooked.

I know that he did more today then a lot of men do and what I didn't write in the first paragraph is the rest of the day he played with the kids. He's a wonderful daddy in that he always makes times for our two little ones. It is not uncommon to see him playing Transformers, Star Wars, or with Legos. I've seen him play Barbies and I've watched him get his fingernails painted after having makeup put on his face.

I wrote in a previous post that he was out of town this last week. Jared and Joy were missing their daddy soooo much. Jared wrote a letter welcoming his daddy home. It's just too darn sweet and I have to share it! He is really a fantastic daddy...as this little note shows!












I also wanted to share something I do which has been so helpful when cooking and made things so much faster! I was talking about six pounds of ground meat earlier. I buy it in bulk, cut up an onion and then cook it all in a skillet. I buy quart size freezer bags as well as gallon size freezer bags. I divide the cooked meat in approximately one pound portions and put them in the quart size bags. I then place all of them in a gallon size bag and place them in the freezer. When I want to make spaghetti, chili, or any dish that takes cooked hamburger it's ready to go! Saves time and it's easy!

Friday, August 7, 2009

I'm pooped!

I'm pooped! My schedule got changed at work and somehow I wound up on every other day this week. Twelve hour shifts just bite, but when you add in the every other day thing...it just plain stinks! This is my weekend to work...thank goodness I only have to do every 4th weekend. I just started a six week schedule and I told my nurse manager that I was going to go part-time. I'll be sharing how that goes. We have to cut down big time and eating out will be for special occasions. It's my goal to eventually post recipes--especially those really fast yummy ones, or better yet, crockpot recipes. I'm to bed early tonight...keep your fingers crossed that the Intensive Care Unit is a peaceful place this weekend!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

He's still my little boy...

My husband is out of town for the week and each of the kids gets to sleep with mommy one night. Joy, my five year old, got to keep me up a great deal of the night on Tuesday. How is it possible for such a tiny little body to take up so much of the bed?? My almost nine year old, Jared, gets to sleep with me tonight. He is growing so fast and is becoming such a little man. He is now embarassed to hold mom's hand in public. If I give him a hug or a dreaded and disgusting kiss, he wants to disappear. I keep telling myself that he secretly likes it...at least a little bit. Tonight reminded me that he is still my little boy, at least for a while longer. Not only is Jared filling daddy's vacated spot, but also Bernard, his Build-a-Bear monkey and every other stuffed animal he could find in his room. His half of the bed was lined with his coloful army of critters. He told me "Mommy, a boy needs his toys to sleep." So, off to bed I head...mommy, Jared, Bernard and the rest of our vibrant friends.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Memory Lane

One of my good friends introduced me to
scrapbooking. No telling how many hours I've spent staring at a set of pictures while arranging, rearranging, and arranging again. All of my friends fight to NOT sit next to me because somehow my supplies spread and swallow up the whole table. My pages have evolved over the years and where I once used only white backgrounds they are now a rainbow of colors. Eyelets, string, glue, Cricut, templates and more now seem mandatory. When I finish a page I want to be emotionally attached and feel proud of my accomplishment. Of course, there have been times when I have wished that I'd never started this very large endeavor. But I remind myself that my chidlren love to sit and look at all the pictures and that I have left them a legacy of sorts. Funny thing is, I don't really do it for them...I do it for me. As I go down memory lane looking at all the pictures of when they were so tiny, when they took their first step, or how they looked on their birthdays the nostalgia is overwhelming. I look at how young hubby and I were...not to mention how much thinner and I find myself being thankful for all that I have and how rich my life really is. It is so easy to get caught up in "everything else" going on that we forget to stop and cherish what we have. Sooo...do me and yourself a favor...go give your little ones a big hug (thought my eight year old would fight me) and be sure to tell the important people in your life how important they really are to you. You never know...it may be the last chance you have and you might just get warm fuzzies!

Beginnings

I’ve thought long and hard about talking about my life…might be cathartic. It seems like most people these days have a Facebook account and I’ve been reading everyone’s posts. Or I get those silly little “notes” that everyone is passing around and they tag you so you’ll fill it out as well. I frequently ask my husband if everyone is seriously this happy!! Of course, what if everyone was honest? I'm sure that most of us would be unpleasantly surprised to find that all is not what it seems in most people's lives. But honestly...I'm not a negative person. I'm not necessarily a half glass full kinda gal either. My mom always says that "You're just Elizabeth" and "What you see is what you get". In other words, there is basically no speed bump between my brain and my mouth. If possible, I think my mouth actually goes faster than my brain.

Anyhow, stay tuned. I'm sure that I have lots to say and now that I'm in my mid-30s I find I have more than enough life experiences to add to the mix.

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