I feel a recipe is only a theme, which an intelligent cook can play each time with a variation.

“Noncooks think it's silly to invest two hours' work in two minutes' enjoyment; but if cooking is evanescent, so is the ballet.”

-Julia Child

I'm still learning and finding my "niche" in the kitchen. Still find myself missing some of the necessities that I should've remembered while I was at the store. haha. Like running out of taco seasoning on taco night or almost running out of whatever it may be. The good news is, I'm able to improvise. Then it occured to me that everyone's "staples", kitchen essentials... are probably different. My must haves used to include meat (pork, ground beef, chicken and steak), tuna, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, hamburger helper, seasoning salt, ground beef and different kinds of pasta. NOT exactly healthy- just quick, easy and kid and husband-friendly. I rarely used flour or sugar or seasonings of any kind, I never would've considered adding some sort of soup mix (pouch form) to my food. There are a lot of essentials that I keep around... but the things I had never really considered before are must-haves now. I try to keep fresh veggies and/or fruit around, but that's difficult to always have, since you'll run out of some things faster than others. My kids would eat an entire cantaloupe in one day if I'd let them, but it takes a whole week to finish a bag of baby carrots. I cannot wait for summer when the fruit is fresh and not ridiculously expensive! I'm having to use frozen strawberries for my strawberry shortcake tonight... not ideal, but it's better than nothing. [By the way, this is a light, relatively healthy dessert that is still to die for!] I (except this week) ALWAYS keep taco seasoning and stand 'n stuff shells on hand... just in case I'm feeling lazy or don't particularly want to cook. I'm working towards whole grain shells, but Rome wasn't built in a day. That's a 10 minute meal that's always a family pleaser. I still keep hot dogs and mac and cheese because, hey, my kids are 2 and 3 1/2. It's not all they eat, of course.. but, it's sometimes necessary with our schedule.

 I always have to have ranch packets in the pantry- dip for veggies (light sour cream is a must have), sauteed mushrooms or seasoning meat or potato dishes. I always try to keep crescent roll dough because it can also be turned into just about anything- dessert, lunch, snack or dinner side. Plenty of snacky stuff- applesauce, whole grain goldfish and things of that nature. But then I find it's a slippery slope and anything can be considered a staple. I have almost a half dozen in every category except "bakery". ha... when you love to cook, you "must have" a lot of things. This is why I always make a list... it keeps me from making unhealthy choices, helps me remember things (since I'm already juggling toddlers and coupons) AND it's proven to save money. I am completely in love with the steam-in-the-bag veggies! They're fresher that way AND easier/less expensive than cans. They save me from dirtying another pan at mealtimes, and I'll take it if it simplifies my evening routine by even 1%.

Seasons also have a huge impact on our necessary items. During the holidays (Halloween-New Years), I find myself using a lot more baking items- flour, sugar, cinnamon, chocolate chips seemed to be on my list at least once a month this past holiday season. During the summer, sandwiches, salads or just raw foods (things like fruits, vegetables, nuts) that don't involve cooking indoors. We try to grill a lot during the summer and even fall. I'm never as hungry (or as inspired to stand over a hot stove) when it's 100 degrees outside. As opposed to Mid-January when it's 1 degree outside and I am looking forward to that bowl of hot chicken noodle soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.

None of this even taps into kitchen utensils or appliances. I got a laugh out of a "Brothers and Sisters" episode where Sally Fields mother informs her that she's not ACTUALLY cooking because she's got some many small kitchen appliances and gadgets. I happen to love my Ninja blender, my disney princess waffle maker, apple corer and my countertop griddle. I truly believe we would eat out constantly if not for the crockpot. But most of the others, I didn't use enough to justify keeping and had to say goodbye. I sold my standing mixer (and I kind of miss it, I won't lie), automatic can opener (because, let's face it... it's lazy and it takes longer) and even the deep fryer. They're just not things I use frequently enough to clutter my already minimal cabinet space with. If I had the room, I'd want it all. :)

So what are your must haves? The kitchen essentials you couldn't get through the week (or even day) without? Perhaps a coffee maker? Smoothie blender? A lot of people rely on their microwave or a toaster oven. I'd never thought about it till this morning, but we almost have just as much of our own style in the kitchen as we would with what we wear.

Feel free to share... I really am curious!! :)

Moving on is simple, what you leave behind that makes it difficult.

"Friendship must never be buried under the weight of misunderstanding."

"We all lose friends.. we lose them in death, to distance and over time. But even though they may be lost, hope is not. The key is to keep them in your heart, and when the time is right, you can pick up the friendship right where you left off. Even the lost find their way home when you leave the light on."

I think I have somewhat reached one of my goals for my cooking challenge. Instead of scrambling at mealtime (for lunch) and just giving up and eating out, I am able to get creative and put together meals that my children enjoy, and that I'm proud of. Especially since we discovered that there's a serving of vegetables in their ravioli. ;) Seriously though... last night could've been dreadful. I wasn't hungry at dinnertime and didn't particularly feel like cooking a full meal. I decided to make tacos... started to brown the meat only to discover that I didn't have (or couldn't find) my taco seasoning. Seriously? So... I seasoned it myself with what I had and it was a success. They actually ate it better than when I DO use the pre-made seasoning AND I didn't use all the extra salt. We haven't had fast food (I'm proud to say) in almost 2 weeks. I'm a big time "on the go" person so even though it's generally some sort of chicken with apples and water for them, it's still food that I haven't prepared and have no control over what goes into it. It's not exactly cost effective when it comes down to it either, it all comes down to impulse and convenience. I'm thankful for what I learned and that the kids seem to be really enjoying and appreciating the home cooked meals. K actually ate roast last week- he thought it was steak and I didn't have the heart to correct him. Especially when he asked for seconds. Emily would eat my scrambled eggs every day if I put them in front of her... which is HUGE because until last October, I couldn't make eggs at all (except boiled). I think I've hit a plateau... which means it's time to start REALLY trying new things and leaving my comfort zone.

I'm starting to feel restless. I'm ready for an adventure... I want to do something new and exciting. I'd love to do something fun with the kiddos, but I also sort of feel like they're old enough to stay with grandparents for a couple days... I'd like a small getaway with my hubby. We've been married over 3 years, together for 4 and known each other for 5 and we've still not had anything like that, not even a honeymoon. I want to do something we will both enjoy- but my secret vote is for the wizarding world of Harry Potter. I've been a fan since middle school and who doesn't love amusement parks? It's on my bucket list regardless. Something I MUST do before I die.

I think it's time to snap a few pics of the kiddos in their matching KU outfits. :)

Thought for the day:
When something upsets you, take a few hours... or even days to calm down, cool off and clear your head. Then go back to the problem and evaluate the situation again. It's amazing how much things change when you're not filled with emotion and/or adrenaline from the stress of whatever was troubling you. Things tend to be a lot more promising- or at least seem more possible. Some things happened recently that were hurtful (to more than just me) and very difficult. Upon further consideration, I've realized that now is just not the time- but that I DO believe there will be one soon. I needed to see things logically and for what they were. To accept my mistakes and those made that were not my own. None of it is as big now as it seemed then. Finding myself much more at peace with the entire thing... and able to let time heal. Closing yourself off and not facing a situation was MY easy way. Don't take it... it leads to nothing but more hurt and regret. Leave yourself open to new possibilities and allow your loved ones to help you. You'll be glad you did.

Ready, set, snow!

My hilarious furbaby just ate a hot tomale (red cinnamon candy) and is trying to impress me with his fresh breath. hehe. My sweet little Mack-y-poo... what would I do without him?

The only thing that could've made these last few days better is, of course, my husband. As long as the roads are clear (or as long as I'm not driving in it), I am loving all this snow! 4 more inches tonight- there was some pretty heavy snow driving home from my dad's.Everyone's complaining, but... you live in the midwest. Comes with the territory. :) It's been a nice family weekend... we went out for daddy's birthday dinner and then played a domino game I hadn't played in at least 8+ years. Much, much fun! So much that we did it again tonight- except my dad and his fiance cooked a dinner that was, hands down, 10 times better than Outback last night. The kiddos have loved all the grandparent time and I'm sure that went both ways. I should really take advantage of living so close to my family while we do. So, effective immediately- that's added to my 2011 "resolutions". You don't need a "new year" to change your lifestyle, by the way. Carpe diem. Do it now... at 11:15 p.m., 2 a.m. Set a goal and make it happen, I dare you. :)

Friday afternoon was another snow day play day since I wasn't up for it Thursday. Everything is just beautiful and quiet... and when it's actually snowing, it's almost enchanted. I had almost forgotten until I got to relive it with my kiddos. I really wanted to make a snow fort, but that isn't happening with 2 kiddos. Which is why I'm so psyched for tomorrow afternoon... We're teaming up with my friend across the street and her kiddos to make one! Yes, I'm giddy. I won't lie, I'm not ashamed.

Thought for the day:
Be an adult, but enjoy things as if you were a child again. See them with fresh eyes and appreciate them. My kids get excited over goldfish crackers and playdoh. I wish I were as excited about anything as they get when I let them bake with me or play in the snow. It's really sort of beautiful... and I want to be just like them.

Photos from our snowday!!

Just the driveway. Oh, my aching back. haha.

For my love! <3

Hiding from little man- he was all about the snowball fights.

My turn!

Precious snow angel.

He wanted to make a mini-snowman. Snow.. baby?

We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance.

If you don't like something change it; if you can't change it, change the way you think about it.  ~Mary Engelbreit

I woke up today and I just felt good. Good about where I am and where I'm going. I've been focusing on so much negative these last few days (and probably weeks) that I wasn't seeing all the blessings that were right in front of me. Things aren't easy right now, but it's not the end of the world. One way or another, we WILL work through it, and I'm sure we'll probably learn some things along the way. The bad things are temporary... but so are the good things. Which is why, I've realized, it's so important to cherish them.

I hate that my husband is not here with us right now. I miss him more and more each day that passes. I want to hug him and cook for him and just be together. I even miss picking up after him (but, that's between us and if confronted, I will deny). haha. However, he has a duty and an obligation to the military and to our family. We have food, clothes and a roof over our heads because of him. Our children don't have to go to daycare and be with a stranger, because of him. They can nap in their own beds (if ever they should choose to do so, lol. not lately), play with their own toys and if they need or want their mama, I am right there. We don't have to worry that they're being mistreated or wonder if the care provider has a hidden agenda. It's difficult, but it's temporary. And this time will make me appreciate having him home that much more.

Em is becoming so strong willed. I can see already that her teenage years are sure to be interesting. The smarter she gets, the more challenging she becomes... our little hard headed child. She wants to jump on the bed and spin on the computer chair... I think she's figuring out how to milk the "baby of the family" thing. Okay, she thinks she's figured it out- I think her charms work better on daddy. When I get on the computer, she rushes up and gets in my lap and says "Daddy?" Skype fascinates her. It makes me happy that she'll have the relationship with her daddy that I have with mine. It's one of the things I wanted most for her.

Speaking of my daddy- Happy birthday wishes! I'm so fortunate to have been raised by him.

K is good. Learning his letters, writing his name... it's slightly devastating to me that my baby will be old enough for Kindergarten next year. He's turning into such a wonderful big brother also. Going to the gym (daycare) and being in their Bible class has allowed me to see different sides of him. He really does look out for her already... how would I have ever known that at home when they're fighting over a toy or just annoyed by one another? I'm so proud of my little protector. :)

I haven't had soda in 3 days... and surprisingly, haven't even missed it. That plus only having an appetite for cereal and yogurt, I'm starting to lose weight and notice a difference. Clearly I cannot just live on yogurt, water and cereal... but eating LESS and not drinking caffeine has made a difference. I shoveled the driveway yesterday after the snow plow had gone down our street and created an over knee-high snow bank at the end of it. My back was feeling back to normal and now it's a little sore again, but still no where near as bad as it was.

I've got some new recipes on the menu for the next week or so. Slow cooker chicken noodle soup, a new beef stroganoff and a side dish or two. It's hard to continue trying new things when I don't have much of an appetite, but I'm sure once I start my regular exercise again, that'll change. Hello crazy metabolism. I am so excited for all the fresh fruit that will be back in season... these winter months are so long without it.

Thought for the day:
Don't let anyone or anything get you down. Everything happens for a reason and it's our responsibility to find and pursue the best possible outcome for ourselves and our loved ones. When one door closes, a new one will open. Never, ever lose faith.

Wherever I go.

Love like crazy.



New year, new outlooks. I'll be the first to admit that in high school, everything that came along that didn't go my way was a "crisis". Or at least I thought (and acted like) it was. I got older... and bigger things happened that also felt like crises. I was pregnant and unmarried. We got married and he had to go away for a 2 week "AT"- the longest I'd been away from him. 5 months into our marriage, we were pregnant again. All of this happening in our first two years together. I was raising a toddler and a newborn baby... more crises. We find out he is deployed within the U.S. but we still have to stay behind for as many as 17 months. That was the biggest yet. Family in the hospital, K having severe allergies. All of these things could be considered "big" and certainly challenging. But all of them are temporary. People and (some) relationships are temporary, but memories are not. Take the good and leave out all the rest. Life is too short to do anything else.

I'm so over it. It's time to enjoy life... everything will have its challenges, but there is good in it also. My husband and kids have been the biggest blessing. I had to put in the blood, sweat and tears to get to where I am now... and I appreciate it more as a result. K had a nightmare last night... at 3 in the morning I hear him whisper "Mommy, mommy, I'm scared. I want you, mommy. Please?" I went in there and picked him up.. gave him a hug and told him I loved him and that he was safe with me. He was back asleep within 30 seconds. There are no words to describe how amazing that is. Just because you're here, I know I'm safe.  I did that. I promised them the day they were born that I would always be there for them... I guess I've fulfilled that thusfar. It's only going to get more difficult, but I'm blessed to have that opportunity. I hate not seeing him every day, but I am so proud of what he is doing and who he is. I'm lucky to have a husband who is loving, honest and faithful. Who doesn't blow me off for video games or his friends. Who loves and adores his children and has just as much fun going to Disney on Ice as a family as a football game with his friends. What would I do without my amazing family? So from here on out... I'm going to find good in every situation, no matter how challenging it may be. Everything happens for a reason and there is always meaning.

Life is too short to:
Complain
Take life for granted
Take people for granted
Miss an opportunity
Not better yourself
Not forgive
Not to experience new things
Say "I'll do it tomorrow"
Not enjoy what you do
Not do what you enjoy
Not to cherish the people you love
Not tell the people you care about that you love them
Be close-minded
Not slow down and appreciate what you have
Be healthy
Make a difference

Life is too short and I'm not going to waste another minute of it. I'm not going to sit back and wait for life to happen... it IS happening and I refuse to let it pass me by. I'm not going to take the things i have for granted... these two precious little gifts and my second change to re-live everything through their eyes. Today... the magic of snow. Teaching them things and remembering how exciting it all was- and still is if you stop to really think about it. I have a great family and good friends... I just needed to be reminded of that. It took a long chat with a good friend to open my eyes. I don't need anything to be forever... because right now things are pretty freakin' good.

It's pretty simple... be a best friend. Tell the truth. Overuse "I love you." Never let your prayin' knees get lazy... and love like crazy.

There's no business like snow business.

Snow used to immediately stress me out... it's wet and cold and dangerous to drive in. But today it made me feel calm, happy and a little bit giddy. Almost makes me want a Christmas do-over (minus the gifts and hoop-lah)... dinner, hot chocolate, playing in the snow and snuggling under the blankets. We did all of the above except a large meal, it was chicken noodle soup a la Campbells with grilled cheese. Fancy, right? I'm still trying to cook new recipes- but I will NOT be setting a goal for this year. Tomorrow is a garlic cheddar chicken recipe, pretty excited about that one.

I somehow managed to injure my back while sleeping... go figure. Didn't hurt when I went to bed but was throbbing when I woke up. I still managed to shovel my entire driveway and get the kiddos outside for some fun and a photoshoot. I love the way the world seems to stop when there's a ton of snow on the ground. Everyone re-thinks whether they REALLY need to leave the house or not... it's peaceful and pure and beautiful. Not to mention (yes, I'm a weirdo) that it makes for gorgeous photographs. It makes me miss my husband even more since it's always our "family" thing... but there's always later in the year.

Here are some photos from our snow day adventure!

Great, great day.