365 Days of Writing Day 3: Themes

If this week had a theme to it, what would yours be?

I believe it would be rush week. No, not in the idea of rush week for a fraternity or sorority... you outgrow that when you graduate college. More in terms of so many things to do and so little time to accomplish them..

We are in the process of putting everything back where it should be after getting new carpeting in our basement. As a part of that; I have decided we need to purge old toys that our boys have outgrown and clean up their wardrobe so that we have only the items that fit them going forward for the summer.

Let me tell you, this is a daunting task. The furniture and things are back in their places, now begins the task of going through the items that we don't want to move back until we are certain we have nothing that is not being used in the mix. Old, outgrown, broken, forgotten. Whatever the case may be... they are going to be gone through and we are going to only move back the things that we really honestly need.

This has spurred into other areas of the house. We went through the toys upstairs and purged broken toys and toys that the boys no longer use. Next we go through bedrooms and purge old clothes and items we no longer need.

Lord willing, this and that quilt I have in the finishing stages will be finished soon.

365 Days of Writing Day 2: Strength

In what way are you strong?

strong

strôNG/

adjective

1. 1.

   having the power to move heavy weights or perform other physically demanding tasks.

   "she cut through the water with her strong arms"
2. 2.

   able to withstand great force or pressure.

   "cotton is strong, hard-wearing, and easy to handle

   
   

I didn't always think I was strong.

It wasn't really until I had to go through one of the most emotionally trying times of my life that I learned the contrary.

When I was 23, my eldest brother passed away from testicular cancer. They told us it was "curable". We'd read hosts of information that supported this. Yet, he relapsed from remission after a year and a half... and lost his battle at the tender age of 33 years.

We screamed it wasn't fair. We cried. We begged the doctors to tell us it wasn't true. But nothing could bring him back. One of the most beautiful people I had ever met in my life was gone forever.

In that time, there were plenty of emotions. There were plenty of times I wanted to just scream at everything and everyone I came across. Instead, I buried myself in distraction. When it came time for his funeral, I wanted to read something he had written. I was told by nearly everyone that I wouldn't be able to do it. I told them "watch me." (Yes, I had a back up plan, but I was more than determined to get through that damned writing.)

I read the poem. It broke my heart reading through those words while standing before his casket. But I did it. I said my final farewell... and realized that I had tapped into a strength I had never previously realized I possessed.

It was that moment that I realized strength is deep within the depths of each of us. We just don't really know how to tap into it. It sucks that it took losing such a great influence in my life to make me realize this. 

But it is what it is.

Sometimes, you just have to stop, breathe, and dig deep within. It all works out in the end.

365 Days of Writing Day 1: They Call Me Mama

Write about something presently in your life that is "worth it".

The dictionary defines worth it as such:

worth it

phrase of worth

1. 1.

   informal

   sufficiently good, enjoyable, or successful to repay any effort, trouble, or expense.

I am truly blessed in every sense of the word. I have a great job with amazing coworkers. I have a supportive and truly loving family. I have a beautiful home filled with love. I have dependable transportation. I have food to feed my family.

I have always been blessed.

But there are two things in my life that are worth everything to me. They are worth every emotion, every inconvenience, every late night. They are worth the pain required to bring them here. They call me mama.

Once upon a time, we were not sure if we would be blessed with children. It was through loads of appointments, rounds of shots, the support of family and friends, numerous ultrasounds, and the kindness and support of a few amazing doctors that we found luck in bringing two beautiful little boys into this world.

These two little angels test the boundaries of my tolerance and understanding. They bring a new perception to most things I thought I had perfected. They teach me just how much love the human heart is capable of.

They love me, despite the faults I have. They are patient with me through my learning. They know exactly how much I need them and are not afraid to let me know they need me as well.

They give me light in darkness. Hope in hoplessness... and they show me just how much the Lord trusts me.

I am forever grateful that the Lord chose me to be their mama. I pray nightly that He help me raise them and allows me to see them grow into men bearing His likeness.

They are my life. They are my heart. They are my very soul. 

Project Life, Week 1

There was a time when we thought biological parenthood was going to be something we would not get to experience. Not for lack of trying, but due to some complications. At the time, the only option we were aware of was adoption...and we were somewhat accepting of that option. But the thought left us feeling incomplete.

 A little research led us to the reproductive endocrinology clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. We scheduled an appointment, and found out there was an option for employees to get assistance. Jackpot! We were anxious to sign up.

A long process ensued... a journey including many appointments, a barrage of shots, a retrieval procedure, and a "transplant" procedure. Then anxious waiting and hand wringing, culminating in the conception of our first son. Once he neared his second birthday, we decided we'd try again... and were successful in the conception of our second son. They are 27 months apart in age.

Elation is truly an understatement. I honestly feel like I am walking on clouds every.single.day.

I don't just believe in miracles blindly, I have physical evidence they exist. I get to watch two of the most amazing miracles grow and explore their world. Any amount of time I spend with them is cherished... and I love being their playmate. They are literally the best things that have ever happened to me. For them, I thank God every single day.

Life's greatest miracles are beheld in the sending of God's angels to dwell among us.

Disney Cruises are like....

I often joke with friends that going on a Disney Cruise is the only time you walk into a situation reluctantly and walk away needing a 12-step program for recovery.

Flash back to 2006. My parents had planned a family vacation to Walt Disney World. We were all excited and happy to be getting away together. After a few weeks, the trip had morphed into a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas followed by playing at the parks for a few days.

Wait, what? I don't want to be on a floating vessel for any amount of time. Isn't it dangerous? Will I get sea sick? The barrage of questions ensued as our brakes were applied. We'd gone from ecstatic to a feeling of instant trepidation.

We were gently encouraged. My parents kept telling us all would be ok. "You'll love it." They'd say. "You'll see."

So, begrudgingly, we packed our bags and were off for a stop in Orlando on our way to Port Canaveral.

We got on the ship... the Disney Wonder... still leery. We didn't know what to expect, but we were sure, at least in the back of our minds, it would be riddled with thousands of small children and the adults would be bored to tears. Because Disney is geared toward families and children, after all.

By the night before disembarkation, we were excited to go to the Magic Kingdom... but we were also sad.  A looming dread came over us as we knew we would be disembarking the next morning. We were genuinely bummed.

As soon as we got home, we were in search of our next trip. Longing to be on the cruise ship again... searching for the smell of the ocean as the wind blew through our hair. Having flash backs to one of the greatest vacations we'd experienced to date.

Yep... we were addicted.

Now, 9 years and 6 cruises later... we are hopelessly addicted to the DCL fleet... longing for our next cruise like an addict longs for their next hit.

Seriously... there should be a 12-step program to help with the withdrawals. But, then again, if you participated in a program, the objective would be to get over the experiences ... and that would be impossible. So... how about signing up for our next adventure instead?

Project Life

I have decided to delve into a project of sorts.
A few years ago, I purchased a project life binder. I have every intention of completing it one day... when life slows down a little bit. However, in the mean time, I have decided to try to do an online version.

I will be sharing details... photos... and perspectives of day-to-day life... giving a glimpse of what life looks like for a working mother of two.

So... let the fun begin!

Once-a-Year Cheesecake Ice Cream

6 ounces cream cheese, preferably preservative-free, softened but still cool
¾ cup superfine sugar (I used 1/2 cup of granulated fructose)
1 cup cold sour cream
1 cup cold heavy cream
Pinch of coarse (kosher) salt
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract


Chill a medium mixing bowl and the beaters of an electric mixer. In the bowl, beat the cream cheese at medium speed until soft and smooth. Gradually add the sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the sour cream and then the heavy cream. Add the salt, lemon juice, vanilla and beat the mixture just until thick and smooth. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or until very cold. Wash and dry the mixer beaters and chill again.

Using the chilled beaters and gradually increasing the mixer speed from low to medium, beat the cold ice cream mixture until loose and creamy, about 3 minutes. Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer's instructions. Serve immediately, or pack the ice cream into a covered container and freeze for up to 24 hours. Allow the ice cream to soften in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

In order to fill the container in the photo, I had to do two batches - essentially doubling the recipe. I mixed the batches separately so that I wouldn't have extra sitting around. It took the ice cream about 35 minutes to set properly. Once it set, I mixed the second batch - pulling the ingredients directly out of the refrigerator and skipping the step where you're supposed to cover and refrigerate until very cold - it didn't affect the texture of the finished product at all doing so.

Between the layers of ice cream, I placed ground up cinnamon graham crackers and chocolate teddy grahams crackers. You could also put chopped up berries of your choosing, but I skipped that to allow more flexibility. It goes well with cherry cobbler...

For those who are sugar conscious - whatever the reason may be - I substituted the granulated sugar for granulated fructose. I have an exchange list for the measurements if you're interested - just let me know.



Recipe from Food & Wine Magazine