ABC's of Motherhood

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B is for "begin again"

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As a mom I make mistakes--

I raise my voice in impatience.

I brush a child off when they want my attention.

I say things I don't mean.

Sometimes mommy's need a "do over."

I have tip toed into my son's room after he went to bed and whispered an apology more than once.  The next day always goes better.

The great thing about this is there is no age limit.  Even if your children are adults you can begin again.  All it takes is a little help from Above!





Things I'm Happy For This Saturday 4

A Warm House--it's 19 degrees outside brrrrrr.

A Good Breakfast--my husband makes better eggs than I do.

Snow--we have about 3 inches, and it makes everything so pretty and white.

Empty Hampers--my laundry is caught up, and that's a rare occurrence around here.

Naps--I'm going to celebrate the fact that it's Saturday by taking one a little later today. :)

What are you happy for today?  ( Happiness is a choice ya know.)



Lentil Chili


I used to be afraid of lentils.  They looked complicated, and way too "healthy" for me to cook with.

 I was wrong.  There is nothing complicated about this recipe, and it's perfect for a busy day. 

It can be made on the stove or in a crockpot, but if you use the crockpot make sure that yours will bring food to a simmer.

1 onion diced

1 pound of ground beef or turkey

10 cups water

2 cups dry lentils

2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

2 cups salsa ( I sometimes eliminate this if I'm serving it to someone who doesn't care for extra "heat")

2 quarts tomato juice

Brown beef or turkey with chopped onion.  Add lentils and water.  Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.  Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer 15 minutes more.  Serve with crackers. 


This is a very large recipe!  It makes two meals for our family, but it is excellent the second day.

Tea

I am a die-hard coffee drinker who has a collection of tea pots.

Makes no sense, I know.

Lately though I haven't been sleeping very well.

I don't drink coffee after noon--so I knew it wasn't that.

I decided to try some tea in the evening.

My favorite is Bigelow Sweet Dreams.

It's a mixture of chamomile and mint.

Helps me wind down at the end of the day, and sleep better at night.

What's your beverage of choice in the evening?

ABC's of Motherhood

I've decided to have a theme for Monday's.  Partly because Monday is a difficult day for me, but also because it's a good way to start the week.  I am going to work my way through the alphabet with something that applies to mothering that starts with each letter of the alphabet.

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A is for attitude.

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Over and over I've noticed that my attitude sets the theme for our home. 

When I am positive and upbeat my children are too. 

When I am grouchy and tired they snap at each other and grumble their way through the day.

I realize that not every day is a good day, and plastering a smile on your face like a clown will not automatically make things better.  However, when I feel myself spiraling into a "funk" I try to slip away from the situation and give myself this pep talk.

" I am the only one who can change my bad attitude--blaming it on someone or something else doesn't help--choosing to be happy in spite of my circumstances DOES!"

Things I'm Happy for This Saturday 3

Appliances--while I sit here and blog several of them are doing my work for me. :)

Sunshine--It is absolutely gorgeous out today.

Chamomile Tea--Nothing like a good nights sleep after a cup of tea.

A Clean House--Why oh why does that make me so happy?

A Good Book--There's one waiting on my night stand for me to read

Your turn!!!!  What makes you happy today?



Chocolate Cream Pie

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 Tablespoons baking cocoa

3 cups milk

4 egg yolks

4 teaspoons vanilla

Mix sugar, flour,salt and cocoa in a heavy saucepan.  Whisk egg yolks, and milk in a separate bowl.  Gradually whisk the milk and eggs into the dry ingredients. Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until boiling.  Boil 1 minute and take off heat. Add vanilla and stir. Pour into baked pie shell.  Gently place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the pudding.  (This prevents a "skin" from forming on the top.) Chill 3-4 hours.

I know it's much easier to make a chocolate pie from instant pudding. 

 However, you should try this recipe. 

 It has a rich chocolate taste that no pudding ever does. 

Besides, it uses up 4 eggs. :)