winning at dinner!!

Most of my adult life I have been less than a domestic goddess.  I have muddled my way through boxed meals, calling my mom ( miss her much!!) , my cousins (thanks Bob and Amy) and just guessing about everything from measurements to the status of various spoiled foods... I even asked my dear cousin Bob to come SMELL the burger I was thinking of cooking!!  He was smart enough to decline and I am pretty sure I threw it out! Anyway, over the last few years I have been slowly working my way up to actually being able to cook.  It all really started when I was on maternity leave with my daughter Mackenzie.  I would watch Rachel Ray and Food Network.  Rachel gave me the epiphany that I DID NOT HAVE TO MEASURE STUFF!!!!  Now I can bring a dish to pass (I used to bring ice or cottage cheese....I think I even brought a bowl of corn to a function once!!.... seriously!) and we rarely eat anything from a box.  Well last night and tonight I totally "winged it" and I think I WON!!!  It was a kinda complicated hodge podge of chicken and fresh veggies but it rocked and even the kids ate it!!  I am hoping that I can get to the point where I can record a basic idea of what my random recipes are and can share them with my Blog friends!

play date etiquette

Who knew that there was such a thing as 'play date" etiquette?  Well, I guess there is but I think the world needs a refresher course.... I am new to this whole play date thing since my oldest is only 6 and is just getting into the groove.... so.... here is what I think all moms/dads/ caregivers should know about play dates.....
1.  if you call and initiate the date.... you host it.  Don't call and set up a date and then drop your kid off unless the other mom prefers it. Ask. Don't assume.
2.  front load your kid on a few things like they will have to clean up a bit before they leave and they cannot swear at other people's houses.  OH!  And keep your clothes on!!
3. Be sensible about the time.  2 hours is a play date.  3 hours is a long play date.  4 or more hours is babysitting and requires a fee.
4. remind your kid that the adult who is hosting the date is the one in charge.  Period.

Very simple and I am sure there are more but given my experience this week, those are just the ones that pop out at me.

‘Too School For Cool’ week, Part II

So in case you didn't know I am a first grade teacher and a mom! This little snippet from a friend's blog really "hit the spot" on my teacher bone!! (and my mom one too!)

‘Too School For Cool’ week, Part II

well.... here it goes!!

Here goes nothing friends!  I have thought about this for a few months now.... I just recently found the joy of reading blogs... and as I read them I thought "I could do this!" But then I got hung up on the whole title, and what to say, etc etc etc.  If there is one thing you will learn about me, it is I am RANDOM.... and more than a little ADD in my thought process.... so I couldn't choose a title about one topic.... I just can't stay focused on one thing that long!  SO I thought I should start a "practice blog" and see where that takes me....anyway... I guess the best way to start this whole blog thing is to introduce myself.....
I love to laugh and make people laugh. I don't like people who don't get my jokes or find me funny. I have an amazing husband and two incredible children. My husband is my true soul mate and he holds my heart in his hand. He is a true gentleman and makes me laugh always. My husband and children have provided me the strength I needed in recent hardships. The loss of my mother was the most painful and devastating experience of my life. There will always be a void in my soul and some bitterness from the events that followed that sad event. I am doing all I can to fill that void and heal from the bitterness I have a huge family and with that comes a lot of love and heart ache. I have a lot of nieces and nephews who I love fiercely. I would do anything for each and every one of them. I think I am a bit overbearing to them and I know I have high expectations, but I hope they see in themselves what I see. I know I don't see or talk to all of them as much as I would like to but I hope they know how important they are to me. My friends are my second family and my life line. I have so many I could easily call my best friend, and again, I have learned a few lessons on loyalty from them. All in all, I am a very lucky woman and I thank God for the love and laughter in my life.  I look forward to sharing my thoughts, hearing your thoughts, and just enjoying the experience ahead of me!