Sharing is Caring

I love going to the library. I don't know if there is anything behind this but the fact remains the same, I love libraries. (Bookstores and anything like it) I just enjoy being around books. One day I would LOVE to be able to have a home library, for right now the local public library will do.

My current bedside reading selection: Northanger Abbey- Jane Austen, Emma- Jane Austen, The Everyday English Handbook, and the February copy of Family Circle. 

I call it my bedside reading but the truth is I even carry a book in my purse with me when I go out. I just like to have some form of literature close to me at all times. My mother used to take me to the library once every week when I was a kid, then in Highschool I was never in class (always went to the library instead). Now my husband tries to take me once a week if I can get my selection of books read that quickly. This past week I haven't had much of a chance for reading (teething baby) So this week my mini goal is to set aside some reading time. Even if it just means reading bible stories with my little one. 

Another goal I am trying to work on is no more "pre-made" food this week. This means fast food, prepared foods in the deli section of the grocery store, and any fully prepared meal that would cost too much money. I am trying to cut costs. So In addition to this blog I have started another : lachatoninthekitchen.blogspot.com I am hoping this blog will keep up my interest in the kitchen as well as provide some ideas for anyone else who needs to get inspired to throw together a quick, easy, affordable meal. Feedback appreciated.

As far as writing goes today I am being strict with myself. I am reading the intro to my book today, then I will try to write a little something in my composition notebook. I will not look over it until tomorrow. 

Cleaning, todays chore is to get that hallway done (I hate looking at it) Random things piled up, its getting on my last nerve. I am finally realizing the work of a homemaker is never done or noticed. No matter how much you clean the same spot the next day the mess will be back as long as you have a husband and kids (lol) Luckily love creates great patience. 

THANK YOU for joining me on my journey to gray hair today :)

5 Easy Salads to Keep in the Fridge During the Week

Exerpt from my new blog : Lachatoninthekitchen.blogspot.com

(1) Zesty Egg Salad

Ingredients: 1 Dozen Eggs, Zesty Relish, Mayonnaise, Salt, Paprika

Directions: Hard Boil 1 dozen eggs. Let cool to a warm temperature. Shell the eggs. Take a knife in hand and slice the eggs medium-thin. Then Cut the egg in half holding the slices in place. Place in a bowl. Add 1/2 tablespoon of zesty relish, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 dash of salt, and 2 dashes paprika. Mix together thoroughly. Add more mayonnaise until desired consistency is reached. Chill in fridge.

(2) Pasta Salad

Ingredients: Italian Dressing, Shredded Cheese, Pasta, Pepperoni Slices(optional)

Directions: Boil the pasta to preferred texture. Drain and run under COLD water until all pasta is cooled. Use Italian Dressing to coat and soak the pasta (Greek, Caesar, and Parmesan dressings work great too). Add cheese(shredded, or crumbled feta, cheddar, and mozzarella are great choices). Cut the pepperoni Slices into halves and add to bowl. Mix thoroughly and keep refrigerated!


(3) Fishy Salad

Ingredients: Macaroni noodles, Salmon(or Tuna) Canned, Mayonnaise, Salmon seasoning (99cents at some grocery stores)

Directions: Cook the macaroni noodles al dente. Drain then run cool water over until all noodles are chilled. Drain again. Open two cans of chosen fish and drain fluid. Mash up the fish then dump into bowl with noodles. Add 3 helpings of mayonnaise and mix all together. Then sprinkle seasoning over the top and mix in. Chill and serve.

(4) Fruit Salad

Ingredients: Can of pears, Grapes, 2 Sliced Apples, Sliced Strawberries

Directions: Pour contents of can of pears into a container, add separated grapes to the bowl. Peel, core, and slice two apples and add to the bowl. Slice the strawberries thin and place in bowl. Mix together. This goes great topped with nuts, or whipped cream. Keep in Fridge.

(5) Cucumber Salad

Ingredients: 2 cucumbers, 1 tomato, Ranch Dressing, Minced Garlic

Directions: Peel and slice 2 cucumbers and place in bowl. Dice 1 tomato and also add to bowl. Cover in ranch dressing and mix together. Add in 1 spoon of minced garlic, mix in thoroughly. Keep in Fridge.

A look into the past, Will it inspire me?

Today on my journey to gray hair...

 
It has been another day of very minimal rest... Oh poo! Last night I just couldn't seem to have a truly deep sleep. So now today I had a lack of energy but I wouldn't be ME if I let that hold me back. Today was still a productive day even if I had to kick my own butt into gear.

My little one had a lot of fun. She got to hang out with Daddy, play dress up, visit grandma, have a fruity feast, sleep in mommy's arms, and even have a very special bible story time with her grandma before heading back home. She loves spending time with her grammy, its so sweet! 

I got more enjoyment out of it than either of them. It was a nice day for our little family. I got to cook for my mother, and husband which was great (I don't find the time or energy for that very often). We managed to spend an ENTIRE daytime away from our computers, cell phones, and video games. It was truly just a great time for me. I love spending time with my family. My daughter loves everyone so much it feels great to see that huge smile on her face and watch her bask in the excitement.

I have now opened my grammar book, I only skimmed it. That is something though... right? :) Tonight I will be cracking it open again and actually reading some of it. After watching Pocahontas with my baby, making hubby's night meal since he is working grave yard, and straightening up in the play room. 

My day was great, I took yet another step forward in both of my goals. I also took a small bit of time to look at some of my projects from the past to remind myself of the goals I reached then, and to inspire myself to continue on my journey. To recap my goals are : 1. To relax and enjoy my time with my family (keep anxiety at bay) 2. To learn to write a book 

Some of my completed goals:
In the genre of mixed media art

Love Stinks - Pat B

lilly (theology sketch)

teenage girls room

tattoo for a friend

self portrait

art class interpretation of an apple

  

If I had a roll of quarters...

Today on my journey to gray hair...

I still have yet to open my grammar book, but it is out on the  table in a basket I put together.. 
In this basket 1. Two 3 ring binders 2. 4 differently colored highlighters 3. 2 pens 4. a set of colored pencils 5. a composition note book 6. a 70 page note book 7. a glue stick 8. skull candy headphones 9. a set of patterned computer paper 10. a construction paper pad 11. a grammar book (small) 12. a stapler. So that is my first step I gathered some supplies to work on a project.

So the mini goal I am setting is this week I would like to work on writing a paragraph. Just one paragraph. I will write it, and edit it, then I will use that paragraph to inspire me to create something else out of it that can go in my three ring binder. Today I feel accomplished because I was able to make this decision and I was able to gather supplies to work on it.

 Today has been a relaxing day with my daughter, we hung out in our pajamas and had a warm and cozy movie day. I popped in some old vhs movies and she loved it! We also were learning where our bellies are. Then tonight we danced. We are making dinner for Daddy tonight, so that will be an adventure (I should make a mental note to get her a play chefs hat) 

House work was at a minimal today to make more room for play time :P I folded laundry and thats about it lol. Tomorrow I am going to focus on the hallway and bathroom. I figure one room a day and a day as a break in between should make me alot less anxious. So far it actually is helping. I feel alot more relaxed, and The house didnt turn into a hurricane mess just because I didnt try to get a million things done in a day. My hubby will be happy to see I just hung out today lol. 

Well this has been my day on the journey to gray hair, and once again it has been a positive one! 


Here's a thought... If you had a 5 dollar roll of quarters what would you do with it?
I would update my dishes (my daughter likes the 50 cent princess stickers on the tuperwear)
I would drive a race car with the lil one ( 1.00 ride at the mall)
I would split a frozen yogurt with her (2.50 for a small)
and I would sneak the rest back in Daddys wallet for another day
  

I'll remember you...

Oh the places I have been, Do I grow from them? To reminisce is to dwell, some say. I cannot say I agree. I think about it often. Places, People, Things I have seen and experienced. Why do I have to be "living in the past" to talk about them. Yes, with this assumption of dwelling, I do not agree...

My husband and I often talk about the past. We have been in and out of each others lives for many years, since we were young children. Now that we are eternally together neither of us could be happier. We share everything; our tears, smiles, laughter, children, ups, downs, experiences, life lessons. He completes me as I complete him. Talking about our past is our way of recognizing all of the things that brought us together and made us the people we are today. We don't dwell on ex- relationships, or regret mistakes, or talk about what we should have done differently. What happens is, that we take the time here and again to remember the moments that molded us into the adults we are now and how those moments changed our lives enabling us to be together and be the person the other needs. I love him, I always have since our younger days, and I always will. I am very lucky to have gotten to trade lunches in school, build model rockets, take his little sister for a walk, stay up all night talking on the internet (when not every one had a computer), have my heart mended by him, as well as help mend his, with this man... He is one of the three greatest blessings in my life and I enjoy his prescience in my life each day.

My daughter is many things. An angel, a ballerina, a princess, an artist, a singer, a mess maker, a comedian, and all the very best parts of myself. I was in a dark place full of anxiety and patterns before I had my little girl. From the moment I found out she was growing in my womb my entire life changed. I was needed, and soon I would be loved with a love so powerful nothing else could compare. The pure, innocent, perfect love of a child. My darkness shed immediately when I heard her little heart beat for the first time. Tears poured down my face in the Doctor's office. This little one inside of me, she was my angel and I knew that, I think everyone in the room did. The Nurse practitioner even hugged me and told me I was going to be an amazing mother. That moment I knew, this was my answer.... this was my calling... this was my life. My little girl, she is the reason I am here to be her mother and give her the best of everything this world has to offer. When she was born it was the greatest day of my life, my greatest accomplishment. Holding her in my arms I knew I could finally be proud of who I am. I did this, I created this angel, and when I raise her, I will be the best mother I can be. I remember barely being able to sleep that first night I called the nurses 3 times to see my baby girl, my world. Now I am with her (inseparable) day in and day out. I would not change it for the world

My little boy, he is not here yet but Valentine's day is just around the corner. My son, I am so excited to meet him. His big sister hugs him and tells him stories, even feeds him cheerios (hands them to my belly) every day. He is such a loved little boy. His daddy is so proud of him already, just as he always has been of our daughter. He wants to teach his little man everything about the world. I have never seen him so motivated. He is already an amazing father, but now its like a refreshing of his flame, re lit and ambitious. This little boy isn't here yet but he already brings so much excitement and wonder to our families world. We all love him so much, I can not wait to hold his little body in my arms, to stroke his hair and cover him with kisses. He is my angel too. I am getting greedy with age, sorry God I wont be giving these angels back!

My inspiration.... My family is such a great support system. My daughter acts like I am the greatest person alive which fills my heart with such a joy each and every day. My husband tells me how wonderful I am and supports all of my dreams. He encourages me to go after them daily. My son he is my fresh breath of life, my reminder that all things are possible. 

I have played rockstars, watched movies, remembered, recognized the inspirations in my life, and its only 12 o'clock. Id say today has been a pretty darn productive day as far as my goals are concerned.  

Mommy Earned a Decaf

Today on my journey to gray hair...
            This morning started as per usual. Cheerios for my daughter, french toast bites for mommy. During this time I got online to check out my emails, online order (items for a certain little boy); check out a few of the online communities I belong to; and just plain finished waking up. 

              When my darling hubby woke up things got a little loud. Baby girl had fallen asleep in her high chair so when she heard daddy rustling she was up and ready to play. This girl can go from 0 to 10 in a matter of seconds. I don't know how she does it but it amazes me every time. 

             He headed off to work just to have to run home because he forgot a necessity, but at least this means I get a break from his complaining about me nagging him before he leaves. LoL. 

              My little one went through every emotion today, but my favorite had to be the dancing. I put on a kelis album and she played ballerina for a while. Seeing as she just recently learned how to stand up her dances are the absolute cutest thing I have ever seen in my entire life. 

               There was a slight disturbance in our peaceful day come 7:30 - still occurring as I type. My daughter truly is an angel. I love her, appreciate her, adore her in absolutely every way a mother should. She is my world, my heart, and my soul. That said... sometimes she can be a bit of a brat.  She gets in these moods where she absolutely must see what mommy is doing. If I am on the laptop and she cannot see the screen she will scream, if I shut the laptop she throws a full on tantrum. The only option is to set a window up on half my screen that is some kind of movie/cartoon playing so I can get my things done and she can feel like shes getting her things done too. I put her next to me in the high chair and give her small amounts of cheerios at a time to snack on during her late night movie fest. 

                She only does this on nights that her daddy has work. Its like she wants to wait up to see him off. Its kinda sweet really. He gives her kisses and leaves and then she is out like a light the rest of the night. However, I suffer through her choice in shows. She only ever wants to watch Flawless, a princess movie that recently came out. I have probably watched it 100 times this month. 

                 I have been put on a restriction from coffee but I think mommy earned a decaf tonight!

                 Tomorrow I will be hitting up the library to get some books to aid me on my writing abilities. I better brush up if I want to write a book, but right now I have a date with a cup of decaf, baby girl, and rocko's modern life.

Why keep a blog?

This blog is being set up as my daily update for myself more than for anyone else. If you would like to follow me on my journey to gray hair then go for it! More power to you. I am merely setting this up as part of my daily routine. I am trying to keep myself on track with my goals and Blogging makes sense. What a great way to see where I am at, and for my friends and family, and followers to see where I am at without me having to answer the same questions all day everyday. It gets kind of boring. 

So why keep a blog at all if I am not inviting anyone to it? And what are these goals I need to keep track of?

Well for starters, I want to make sure I don't just fall into a pattern of existence. I want more, I want to enjoy my husband, enjoy my children, and enjoy my life. I also want them to enjoy it all with me. So one of my goals is to be a present, attentive, and lively mother. No boring old routines, but ones that are able to be enjoyed each day. One of my wind down times from playing princesses and being my households maid is that I get to come online and see whats up with my friends, what other moms are doing, and talk to other moms about what I am doing. You'd be surprised how much tension it relieves in the house and how much more fun your conversations with your spouse are when you've already wasted your stories about what you found in the dryer that day on someone else (who actually wants to know) lol




Another goal I would like to work on is writing a book. My book will be for personal gain solely. I am not writing it to sell or because I think it could sell, it is just something I have always wanted to do so guess what.... IM DOING IT! I am hoping that by forcing myself to read my blog from the previous day each morning that it will help me stay focused as to where I am at with this goal. 



 So here I am on my journey to gray hair... thank you for joining me.