Don’t Take For Granted What Is Right In Front Of You

March 20, 2016

I think it may be a bit ironic that on the first day of Spring (Happy Spring, friends) I am sharing a picture of snowfall. But, it is actually quite perfect because it sums up life… which is in one word, unpredictable.

All over social media many were cursing the return sight of her, and by her, I mean snow. Many the same people who in October could not contain their excitement and were the first to post her grand appearance, as we do when we finally see a long awaited friend. But, now after a few months of hanging out with her, we are done and ready to move onto bigger and better things. Spring, but let’s be honest, it is really Summer.

But, how can you curse her sight when this is what you see? She is beautiful.

Last evening as Nathan, Lo and I were heading back down this very road to our home, and, yes this is our road to our home. I know, we are lucky. My husband stopped the car and said to me, “Get out and take a picture.” Actually, he said, “Get out and take a picture. This may help us sell our home one day.”

While I chuckled, the point was in that moment he saw the beauty of life and its unpredictable ways. It hit him so hard, that we pulled over and stopped the car.

To be honest, I was so caught up, in the backseat of the car, sitting next to Lo and playing on my cell phone, that I would have never looked up to see the beauty let alone capture this photo to share.

Which leads me to say, Don’t take for granted what is right in front of you.

The unpredictability of this life is what the ride is all about.

We live in a highly-connected, super sensitive, ultra-demanding society. And, sometimes life has a way of casting bigger shadows for the smaller, more irrelevant things. How have we lost touch so much that we devote our attention on the very things that can mean the very least? Can you relate? Because I can.

I jumped out of the car when my husband asked me to because immediately upon looking up and removing my nose from my phone, I too saw the beauty before my eyes. She is beautiful and so are so many other glimpses of nature, human interactions or signs from God. But are we looking and taking it in? Probably not. I know I am guilty of this.

I fail each and every day as I drive my hour commute to look out the window at the beauty of the mountains, the rolling hills, the views and the four seasons that we are blessed to call home. I take all of that for granted until a stranger comes into town and remarks on such.

I fail every day to really look at my baby who some days is cranky, yet most pleasant as she playfully entertains herself on our bed as I rush to get ready and grumble about the stress ahead. I take for granted her being, the very present, the happiness she brings to me. The fact that she should be the very reason none of those grumblings even matter.

I fail every day to see the beauty in our messy home. I trip over toys, pick up random socks, always see dishes and never have an empty hamper. I always see our home as a chore. I take for granted the roof over my head, and more poetically the character our home is in our family’s story.

I fail every day to see the commitment and love my husband has for our home, Lo and me, as he contributes and helps so much because he knows my work life, and how it disrupts our personal time and this so-called “work-life-balance”. He knows, yet I fail to see that he is that… my balance.

I fail on so many occasions and on so many examples to see what is right there in front of me. Slapping me in the face, saying “Look at what I have placed before you. Take it in. Hold tight. Relish.”

I complain. I whine. And, if you ask certain people, I am sure they will say, “Yes. All the time.” I try to be positive, but I circle back to our highly-connected, super sensitive and ultra-demanding society I mentioned above and realize how quickly my positivity turns to negativity on any given day.

So, I have to say thank goodness for the unpredictability of life. They can open our eyes, wake us up, take our nose out of our phones. And, they can make us realize that sometimes the very thing that we view as a negative can really be a great positive in disguise. Just, like this Spring snow.

Here she is today. I snagged a few pictures this morning too from our back deck.

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Banana Bread Pancakes

March 19, 2016

Hello. Good morning! If you dislike bananas then I am sure you are hating on my Blog and my posts these days. I am sorry. This “I love Bananas” insanity has to end soon, right? I mean, come on. How many recipes can one do with ripe bananas? A LOT! Seriously, a lot I tell you. I mean there was THIS and THIS and now this. And by this, I mean keep reading below.

I don’t like waste I tell ya. If I can stop the madness before it hits the trashcan or the backyard for the birds (do birds eat bananas?) then I try, really try to salvage. And, as I have said in every gosh darn banana post that has come before this one. It always starts with three ripe bananas.

Lo loves bananas. Although, I suppose you would never know considering ever darn weekend there are ripe ones on our counter which leads to me becoming a crazy baker. It was just her and I this morning and I decided to treat us to something special and homemade.

These are super easy and quick to whip up! Believe me. She cried as I arranged all my ingredients so I plopped her up on the counter and let her watch me make breakfast before her eyes. It was actually a really nice morning and moment for the two of us.

Unfortunately, I do not have a photo to prove this all occurred, as I juggled flour, measuring cups, a toddler who was exploring cabinets and a hot skillet. Sounds safe, huh?

All was well. And, now as she naps, I blog! Have a great weekend!

BANANA BREAD PANCAKES

1 Cup of Flour
1 Tbl of Sugar
2 Tbl of Brown Sugar
2 tsp of Baking Powder
Pinch of Sea Salt
1 Egg
1 Cup of Almond Milk or Milk
2 Tbl of Melted Butter
½ tsp of Vanilla
2 – 3 Ripe Bananas, mashed
Cinnamon to Taste

Heat your skillet to low to medium heat. Spray with non-stick spray. Mix all the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl mix your wet ingredients – egg, milk, butter, vanilla and bananas. Add in your dry ingredients and stir. Do not over stir. Add cinnamon to taste. Add batter to your heated skillet. I use a 1/3 of a cup to portion. Once the edges start to firm, flip your pancake and cook other side. Once both sides are golden brown, plate and serve with toppings. In our home, we stick with good ol’ butter and syrup.

Enjoy!

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Easter Basket Ideas For Toddler Girls

March 13, 2016

Gone are the days of leisurely roaming in and out of stores and outlets, with no schedule but my very own. I use to take my sweet ole’ time as I looked for the best sales. I would throw items in my cart for an afternoon of Fitting Room therapy. Yes, I actually enjoyed Fitting Rooms.

Just the opposite, gone too are the days of having a to-do list a half a page long and a mere hour to accomplish. I could whip into a parking spot, jump out of the car, rush in and out of stores and off to the next stop without even thinking. It was like I was a contestant on Super Market Sweep (remember that show?). And, if I was on the Interstate, just near my Exit, and remembered I forgot something at the grocery store, I would turn my car around without blinking an eye.

Today, life mimics the later of the pre-baby shopping scenarios. Merely because shopping consists of rushing and tackling to-dos. The major difference is I no longer can tackle the same lists in an hour, with my little sidekick. Instead rushed shopping trips are part of a well-strategized plan that is centered on Lo’s nap and dining schedule. We must plan which stops are most important, knowing that depending on her mood we may have to abandon our shopping experience.

The last time I ever tried on something in a Fitting Room, Lo was a mere 3 months old and I remember cooing and signing nursery rhythms as she playfully starred from her stroller. I often spoke up and said, “You are being a good baby!” just so anyone sharing the Fitting Room with me did not think I was a complete lunatic. And, now if I am on the Interstate and remember any item except for milk or diapers that I forgot at the grocery store, I take my chances.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because we spent an hour and a half in WalMart shopping with Lo for her own Easter Basket gifts. I felt like a bit of a jerk just blatantly using her for her reactions to know which toys to buy. I failed! I came out with one toy and two knick-knacks for the basket, so I decided to regroup and refocus on smarter choices. After some serious web surfing in the evenings, when she was tucked in bed, I rounded up some of my favorite Easter Basket Ideas for Toddlers, to share with you.

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Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches

March 12, 2016

Remember that time I decided to make Bloody Mary’s and garnish with a Grilled Cheese? Oh, you don’t? No, worries! I am here to remind you over and over. It was my “think outside the box” grand idea, that I am sure has already been claimed.

So, I will take another chance on some creative food therapy. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches. I know. You are thinking, “Mind Blown!”

It always starts with three ripe bananas. Always. I look over at these three lonely, spotted amigos on my kitchen counter and I think, “I cannot let you go to waste. I will not let you go to waste.” And, then begins the baking.

I contemplated Banana Bread. You know the safe route. But, honestly, my sister-in-law Amie makes the best and has set the standards so high every time I make my own, it never compares. And, I sit in the kitchen eating my dish daydreaming that it is hers.

Anyways, I found This Recipe and thought, why not? I changed it up slightly and then had the idea to make Ice Cream Sandwiches.

Let me tell you… this does not disappoint! So, ripen those bananas and scoop out some ice cream, we have dessert to make ya’ll!

CHOCOLATE CHIP BANANA BREAD ICE CREAM SANDWICH:

3 Ripe Bananas
1 Cup Sugar
1 Stick of Butter
2 Eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 Cups of All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp of Baking Soda
Pinch of Sea Salt
1 1/2 Cup of Chocolate Chips
Vanilla Ice Cream

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add eggs, vanilla and bananas. Mix in the flour, baking soda, and salt, until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Place in refrigerator for 30 minutes. Spoon onto a baking sheet. The batter will be wet. Bake for 12 minutes, until the edges begin to turn a light golden brown. Remove and let cool.

For ice cream sandwiches, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to bread and top. Wrap in wax paper and freeze before serving.

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First Family Road Trip to Splash Lagoon, PA

February 29, 2016

I am kicking back, relaxing and reflecting on the fact that we successfully researched, scheduled, traveled and experienced our first family vacation and guess what? We are actually not sleep deprived! Well, who am I kidding? We have a toddler so we are always sleep deprived, but honestly, my daughter slept better in the hotel room than her own crib. I told my husband, I am moving in or buying black out curtains and a really loud heating system.

By the way, the picture above? Yep! Only picture of our little family from the whole long weekend in Erie, Pennsylvania, centered around Splash Lagoon. Must. Get. Better. At. Photos.

We did not go on this little weekend alone. It was a joint weekend away that we shared with Nathan’s sister, Amie, her husband, Corey, and their four daughters, all under the age of 7. Yes, four daughters under 7. And, yes 5 children under 7, accompanied by 2 adults. We were outnumbered.

That whole concept at first was a little overwhelming. As we traveled by night, in a snowstorm, to our hotel, I am sure we weren’t all thinking, “Oh, this is going to be one expensive disaster.” No, not at all.

But, seriously, how can it be a disaster with these cuties?

So, we checked in around 7 pm, snapped an obligatory “group photo” for memories and decided to order in. The great thing about Splash Lagoon is that it does have three connecting hotels, as well as a connecting Sport Bar / Restaurant and a handful of local area restaurants that will deliver directly to your hotel room. It was super efficient and convenient.

Our first night in the hotel was perfect! Lo did so well. It helped too that our Hotel Rooms each came with a kitchen efficiency which included a mini refrigerator, freezer, microwave and sink. I was able to pack bottles, snacks, meals, etc that I need for our bedtime routine.

Our rooms were not side by side but close enough that we could bounce from each family’s room. Friday morning we got up and prepared to spend the day at the indoor waterpark.

These photos are terrible quality but I had to show off the excitement and the toddler’s new swimsuits. I bought them Here and would highly recommend this suit. Lo is fearless which makes me a nervous one in the water. She tried to swim out of my arms and face plants over and over trying to dunk her head. Semmer down child or I will have to start drinking at 9 am.

Anyways, Splash Lagoon was great! It occupied all of our children’s attention given their differing ages. This included us adults who built up the courage to tackle some “big kid” slides. To break it down a bit, the park includes multiple age appropriate pools, hot tubs, or play areas. There are water fountains that come out of the floors and water features with buckets and waterfalls in the pools. Slides for parents to take kids down, even for Lo! It may not have been pretty each time, but we did it and had fun.

They had a pool of basketball hoops and floating basketballs, a lazy river (we spent enough time to prune up!), more slides than you have time to wait in line and ride and a giant tree house that releases gallons of water over your head! Don’t worry, an alarm sounds minutes before so you can run to the action or if you are like me, scream like a child and run (no, walk super fast) to steer away.

After a few hours of play, we pushed the little ones to their nap time. I mean, seriously look at those eyes?

Not his. Hers.

We had passed test #1 with bedtime the night before but test #2 came in the form of our first hotel room nap experience. Lo is pretty routine with me and needs her crib at home. So, I was fearful that I would have one cranky baby who would refuse to go down. Little did I know high chlorine waters, mixed with hours of play does wonders. Test #2 success.

Lunch followed our nap, then we changed swimsuits. That is when I caught this little moment.

Someone likes herself!

We headed to one of the largest indoor wave pools I have ever seen, complete with wall murals, palm tress and large airplane style propeller ceiling fans that I am sure has something scientifically to do with the waves but I took it as recreating the sea breeze in your hair.

The lifeguards were on point. I got the whistle blown in my ear when I tried walking into the pool with Lo with no life vest. To be clear there were no waves and I was going to sit on the “shore.” They did provide complimentary wave pool life vest for the kids and good thing too because once the waves started I realized their concern.

We had reservations that evening at 5 pm (late night – whoop whoop!) at the connecting Sports Bar and Restaurant, Hooch & Blotto’s. The restaurant offers bowling complete with menu and craft beer options. Sold!

We ordered beer for the adults, juices for the littles and pizza for all. And, somehow among the missed afternoon nap (ouch!), free-range of bowling balls, 7 other lanes of restaurant guests, bowling lanes that just welcomed children to walk straight down to play with pins… we made it work, and work well. Heck we even tried to get another hour on the lane! Darn Birthday Party guests.

My daughter even made her first spare. Just kidding, no one can make splits!

Since, we only had an hour reservation, we took the kiddies to the arcade at Splash Lagoon to blow off some additional speed before bed.

I know, we acted liked we owned the place!

It was zero fun for us adults. Zero.

My daughter learned a valuable lesson on this trip.

1 ticket gets your nothing, NOTHING, at any arcade. Sorry about your luck, kid!

Full Day #2 in Erie, PA was reserved for sightseeing.

We packed the kids in the car, swung through a Krisy Kreme doughnut for the kids (yeah, right, it was totally for us Moms!) and headed to Presque Isle State Park. We are outdoorsy people so it was cool to see the Bay frozen in spots with ice fisherman and the island’s Lighthouses, but if it wasn’t 28 degrees out we would have explored more.

We did get to walk part of the sandy beaches of Lake Erie and see the ice. I could imagine that summers would be a blast, and apparently the beaches of Presque Isle turn up some great sea glass!

We met a Ranger who shared that the park receives more visitors per year than Yellowstone!

Afterwards, we stumbled upon this gem, The Brewerie. This Brew Pub opened in 2006 and is situated in the historic Erie Union Station which opened in 1927. The food was great and so was the building. It was actually fascinating. We snapped the picture below just to prove that we had accomplished this much of our trip so far and were actually SITTING down for lunch. No takeout, no drive thru, hello, new, children, we like you. We think we will keep all of you.

The guys then departed us to explore the area and waterways in the region a bit more, so Amie and I took the kids downtown to The ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum. Children 1 and under are free and general admission is $7. It is a super affordable experience and engaging for the children (and us Moms)! Our 5 littles had so much fun!

The OldTowne Village was my favorite, I mean the kids!

They even had a mini Wegman’s complete with a Meat Counter, Sushi Counter, Produce and Bread section, coffee station, circulars and check out.

We learned about Aerodynamics. Just kidding. We pushed plastic balls across the floor.

I would highly recommend this museum! Mommy approved.

The day ended with a return to our hotel, nap engagement which failed miserably in both hotel rooms and a return to Splash Lagoon for an evening swim, treetop canopy tour and a wild animal show.

Super pale. I know!

When Sunday morning arrived, Lo be like, “No! I don’t want to go.” I agreed.

It was a great weekend! I highly recommend all the locations highlighted in the blog post. I also highly recommend letting your guard down, quit worrying and have fun. I think all 5 of our kids surprised us with how well they handled the hotel, the water park and the whole trip.

If you have any questions, please leave them below or email me. Glad to assist with recommendations, etc.

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10 Reasons Why A Vacation Day At Home Is The Best

February 25, 2016

I only have so many vacation days a year. And, like most of you, I value those days. Saving them for when I really need them. If you are like me, you can get very particular on when to take a day for fear that an unknown circumstance or opportunity may pop up in the future and you will think, “Why did I use my day, then?” But, let me tell you, be selfish and take a Vacation Day that is solely for you but not for travel. It will help you clear your mind and possibly cross things off your ever growing list.

Quite frankly, I think Vacation Days at home are the best and here are my 10 reasons why.

1. Breakfast with your Kids
There is something about sitting down with your child and eating together that is bonding. I realized that Lo and I eat breakfast together one day a week, Saturdays. That is it. And, that is sad. She is usually with a babysitter at breakfast time and weekends, we are always on the go. Rush, rush, rush! So taking a moment to enjoy each other is so fulfilling.

2. Time to Regroup
Our home is suppose to be our sanctuary and “safe” place. After hectic schedules, stressful meetings and looming projects, sometimes the last thing we want to do is waste our vacation days on stressing ourselves out even more with a trip. And, while a getaway can sound divine, if you are traveling with littles, you may just be adding to your headache. A day at home can be what you need to decompress and get your mind back on track.

3. Take Care of Ignored Projects
Maybe it is the piling laundry, the heaping dishes, a piece of clothing that needs returned and sent to the Post Office, a hallway closet that is busting at the seems, a vacation day at home can give you the time to take care of things that have been neglected or typically wait for the weekends. I read once that you should do all your chores during the work week so weekends can be truly reserved for relaxing and fun. That is is great except sometimes the work weeks are so crazy, that these things truly add up. And, weekends, can sometimes feel like an extension of the work week.

4. Invest In Your Relationships
Being able to rock my baby girl to sleep for each nap is what vacation days are made of! Hands down. No more needs added to this list. All relationships in our lives need time, maintenance and care. Sometimes we get so caught up in our professional relationships that we fail our personal. I swear my little girl giggles and smiles more on a random Wednesdays than on Saturdays. Maybe it is my mentality that this day is a treat to us both.

5. An Excuse For PJs All Day
And, maybe I should add no makeup too! I love not having to make a fuss over what I am wearing and how I look. Now, I am not saying lets just be a slob but what I am saying is no hose (ah, yes!), no heels, no curling my hair and no eyeliner. It is a free pass to not have to worry about dress codes, uniforms or formalities. Get comfy and be you!

6. Make Time For Your Hobbies
We work so hard, so many days of the year, and sometimes our passions in life, like our hobbies, well, they get neglected. My hobby is writing. It is therapy for me! Typically I have to sneak it into my schedule or rush through it in between chores and responsibilities. Sometimes enjoying our hobby can make us feel guilty and that is sad.

7. Treat Yourself / Children
Make time for that much needed pedicure or manicure or schedule an appointment to get in with your stylist. Or, if you have a little one or ones, like me, take the time to schedule a date or a special activity. Baby Lo and I scheduled a lunch date to Chick-fil-A. While that may not seem like much, let me tell you, being able to spend time with her, during a day and time, that I would typically be engrossed with work projects, was such a treat!

8. Sleep
When you ask someone who looks fabulous in their 50’s and 60’s “What is your secret?” Among water and sunscreen, the third magic word is “sleep.” While I am not saying sleep in until 10 am, if you can, do it, but for me and many other parents, sometimes a Vacation Day at home means you can turn the alarm clock off and you can capture an extra 30 minutes in the morning. Or, gasp, take a mid-day nap with the kids. Oh, who knew becoming an adult and parent would be so exciting? But, let me tell you something. On the random days I get a nap or an extra half hour, I am like giddy kid!

9. Explore Your Local Town / Neighborhood
Because we are so busy our family does one of two things – we either get away, away or we are home enjoying the same ol’ favorites. If you force yourself to take a day off and stay home, it is a great excuse to explore local parks and forests, find great activity centers for kids or even try a new restaurant.

10. Give Your Brain A Break
Turn off your phone and turn your back to email. Focus on you, your family and your comfort place. Your brain needs a break!

So, that is my stance folks! Sometimes money is tight and timing is off and a vacation in the tropics with your toes in the sand, may only happen once a year. Therefore, use those Vacation Days! They are there as a benefit and they are yours. Taking a break, unplugging and stepping away is healthy and necessary. While I would not turn down hearing crashing waves, I know sometimes the best Vacation Day I can take is one at home, especially with my Lo.

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2 am Confessional

February 17, 2016

It is 2:30 am. And, I cannot sleep.

Maybe it is stress? Maybe it is the fact that I am fighting sickness? And, maybe it is that cold medicine that I took to fight the sickness, that sometimes has the opposite effect on me?

I have been tossing and turning all night. Waking every half hour and looking at the clock. I actually awoke once and read 12:25 am and instead of my normal feeling of jubilee for more time in bed, more time for shut-eye, I actually sighed like, “Really? Only 12:25?!”

By 2:00 am, the baby awoke from her sleep and cried out for her lost pacifier. I swear yesterday we had 15 in the house, just lying around. Tonight 0. I searched high and low. Literally. Under couches, under beds, finally finding 1. Just 1. Returning to bed, I tossed. Mind racing. I checked Twitter. See look. Proof that at 2:00 am I was reading articles and posting to the web.

Deep down I knew what was happening to me, but I fought it and made excuses for my reckless sleep cycle.

The truth is, I know He is trying to tell me something these days. And, by He, I am referring to God.

I can’t quite figure it out but it hits me and is unlike anything else I can explain.

“Get up and write!” I heard it loud as day in my head.

Fighting to stay in bed, in the warm comfort of my sheets and blankets, I laid there. Squeezing my eyes shut like a child trying to go to sleep. I tossed and turned and fought back, “No, you are crazy. It is 2 am. I cannot get up and write now?”

“Go write. It will clear your mind.” I kept hearing this over and over in my mind. So, finally, laying on my belly starring at the headboard (gosh, I remember LOVING belly sleeping. I lost that urge when I got pregnant with Lo and had to develop a new sleep structure.) I thought, “If you want me up, get me up.” A few seconds later, Baby Lo started to cry, and cry and cry. Lost pacifier recovery mission part two. Okay, I am awake and up.

So, I did what any normal person would do whose alarm starts at 5:30 am for the day. I made a cup of Chai tea and started to write. Now we are up to speed.

I don’t know what I am doing these days. I don’t understand what I am looking for, but I know I am looking, no, I am searching.

This is all super funny to me right now in a serendipity kind of way, because I stumbled across this picture earlier last evening and posted it on my Instagram feed. (I know two hyperlinks to social accounts. Super sly.)
I had no idea when it spoke to me earlier that it would be a 2 am topic of discussion. I shared part of my story on Instagram, part of the bigger picture that I still am uncertain of. My nagging feeling. This voice inside my head. Questioning myself, but in a soul searching and not harmful way.

I know He is telling me something, yet I cannot quite put it together. I feel the need to inspire as the picture above so simply states. I feel the need to contribute to society more, yet don’t know how.

We go to church. We pray. We teach our 14 month old to clasp her hands and say “Amen” before every meal. I hold her at night and pray on her behalf and then usually, and honestly, fall asleep each night in the middle of my own prayers, but through all these “good Christian” ways, I never have felt more connected to God, other than Lo’s birth, than I do when I encounter these moments. The moment I know He is speaking to me. The frustrating thing for me is I don’t know what to do. And, I am someone who needs to know what to do.

So, I sit here crying, drinking my tea, questioning even sharing this post and hitting save and closing the laptop and walking away. Maybe just writing is the therapy I subconsciously needed? But, then I think back to 15 – 20 minutes ago, when I heard, “Go write!” And, I think of this yearning to do more, give back, find my purpose in this world, inspire and think maybe someone else is up right now too and needs this? Who knows?

I do not know His plan. I do not quite yet know what He is telling me. These gut feelings that seem to creep in and present themselves.

Maybe these little moments are just little crumbs leading a trail through the forest, and one day I will come out to a clearing and finally see.

All I can do is listen, act and trust in Him.

This tea is mighty fine and calming and I am questioning the cold medicine, but for now, I am going to shut this computer down, hit post and return to bed.

Thanks, friends.

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Happy Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2016

Let all that you do be done in love. Corinthians 16:14

While we all can get caught up in the over-commercialized, forced nature of today’s holiday, I ask you to dive a little deeper. Today does not have to be the “Marketers Holiday,” that I so often hear people describe it as. Coming from a professional marketers mindset, we are successful when capitalizing on emotion. That is how we (us, Marketers) sell and get you to buy. So, understanding that, know that today is what it has become because of the root of today… love. The emotion. It was and always has been an easy sell.

I have never been one to believe that today must only be celebrated if you are “in love.” While, having a honey bunny helps, I think love comes in many forms. We can love our co-workers, our parents, our nieces and nephews, our siblings, our grandparents, our spouse, our children, you get my drift. Love comes in many forms, has many layers, has many feels and really has no boundaries.

I don’t think a Valentine’s Day has gone by where I have not at least called my Grandmother to tell her “I loved her,” or sent my mother some flowers or chocolates. And, those are all people who exist outside the walls of my own home.

Spreading love is to spread happiness and cheer. So, today, to you, my sweet Blog readers, because you know I am so very passionate about this little corner of the web I call my own and I feel all gushy for you. I send my love and gratitude for being a part of this blogging journey.

And, my funny little Valentine and I have one request. Don’t look at Valentine’s Day as a holiday exclusive to those who have a ring on their finger or a new love interest on speed dial. And, equally, don’t try to get gratification from today from only your significant other. Today is about loving all and being happy. While many people get frustrated today even exists, I get frustrtaed that we only use today as a platform for what we should be doing everyday.

So, go forth and buy the person behind you their coffee, say “Happy Valentine’s Day” to a stranger, call your grandma, call up an old friend and treat yourself, too! Because to give love is to also love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day! Sorry this is short and sweet but some chocolate and coffee and a sweet little baby in red funny glasses is calling my name!

Much love.

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Our Marriage Foundation

February 9, 2016

Ten years ago when we started a courtship (is that a word anymore?) we were very young, wild and free. When I think back to those early years, fresh out of college, renting an apartment, living among piecemeal furniture and hand-me-downs, going out late regardless of the day of the week, making time for friends, eating grilled cheese and burning meals… I smile. It was a chapter in our lives that I can only describe as fun and carefree. Many days, I miss it. Many days, I look in the mirror and miss her and even miss him. We were different then. It was pre-career demands, pre-mortgage and bills, pre-who will handle our health insurance, pre-should we stain the deck this year, pre-what the hell is for dinner tonight and pre-who is on the next shift with a teething baby. Pre- all the stresses of “real adulthood” moments that seem to magnify when you start a family.

But, we always knew we wanted a family. He more than I most times. I went through a phase of, “I am a career girl.” I could not fathom how the two could mesh, a family and career (honestly, some days I still don’t understand). It was always he who pushed for a family, and he who patiently waited for it to finally happen.

The day the pregnancy test showed a positive sign, I cried. And, it was not happy tears. It was scared shitless, panic, omg how did this happen so fast tears. I hate to admit it but I went through a wave of emotions because I was so certain I was not ready. What had I done? What had we done? Will everything change?

Well everything did change.

There will be no sugarcoating here. Things changed even while Lo was growing inside me. Immediately, we began caring about someone other than ourselves and each other. Once Lo arrived, our little home was picked up, flipped upside down, twirled as if a giant held us within his palm and placed us back down.

Things were not easy. Some days it felt as if we were pushing each other a part while trying to fight to stay on the same page. It was a huge adjustment. Trying to live the same life, while managing the same stress, all while caring for a new person. Whew!

What I have learned over the past year, as a new parent, is that the foundation of parenthood is our marriage. And, even past that, through having a baby, marriage is really all about teamwork and partnership.

Tonight, as I was bathing Lo, it hit me. While some days he frustrates the living hell out of me and some days I whine that he just doesn’t get it, in reality he is the best teammate I could have asked for.

During the workweek, he picks-up Lo from the babysitter (AKA MiMi, AKA my mother) which allows me to work longer hours these days. By the time I arrive home he is prepping her dinner, which allows me to get in a few snuggles before I can start our dinner while he feeds her in her highchair. Once she is done eating either we trade off dinner prep while one or the other cleans-up and entertains Lo, before sitting down and eating together. I typically do bath duty next, while he does the dishes (he also reminds me daily of this). Once Lo is out of her bath and I am dressing her, he is usually a step behind with blanket, bottle and binkie and kisses while I move on to bedtime routine. Some nights I come out to him lazy on the couch and I want to scream because I just wrestled an alligator to sleep but most nights, actually a majority of nights, I come out to the kitchen cleaned up and I am free to pour a glass of wine and blog. 🙂 Thank you, dear hubby!

Then it is just a musical chairs of alternating turns caring for Lo until she finally falls asleep. Looking at each other while she screams from her bedroom, reassuring each other it is okay for her to cry another minute or two and then giving the nod when one says, “I will get her.”

I could go through the same routine for our mornings. Now through the night, well, Daddy could do some work. Ha!

But, my point is even when we are both so frustrated from a bad day at work, family drama, long commutes, whatever it may be, when we get home and are together, we tend to be a well-oiled machine. We can be screaming mad, throwing fighting words or just holding grudges and mildly speaking and we work together to care for Lo, our home and each other like we have the same brain. It is scary. It is teamwork. A true love in partnership.

And, it is far from perfect! Dear God knows our struggles. Some days we downright suck at being married to each other. Believe me. Although, the last 14 months I have learned so much about him and our marriage and his commitment to our marriage and our team. Just like players out on the field, all working together for one common goal, the win, so are we, together, play-by-play, in tandem.

So, back to ten years ago, when I think of us… he missing the gray on the side of his hairline and I definitely missing the signs of wear in the form of wrinkles around my eyes and forehead. Honestly, ten year ago Ashli and Nathan were thin and super tan. Well at least that is how I envision us dammit. Yes, we were carefree. Yes, we were balls of energy. Yes, we flew by the seats of our pants and were spontaneous, and yes, I miss those two young cats from time to time. Although, while we were fun we were also selfish. And, while we lived under the same roof and managed many of the same things we do today, we still roamed through life on our own schedules and with our own cares.

This team we have now, developed as we added players. 🙂 I know, cute huh?

One thing those two young, tan souls don’t or will ever have on these two, tired partners is the underlying care, understanding and love for each other that came with becoming a family. For that, for him, for Lo. I am so thankful for.

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Super Bowl Game Day Dessert

February 7, 2016

Today is the BIG day all you Beyonce and Coldplay fans! By the way, I am going to go ahead and call it now… Beyonce uses this moment to announce she is preggers again. Rumor has it she is. Let’s see if I am right.

No, no, who am I kidding… it is all you Little Monsters grand moment / evening when Mamma Monster sings the great National Anthem. Should we gamble? A subtly dressed Lady GaGa or do we think she will come out with a dress made of chicken wings (ya know – the official game day food)?

Maybe the BIG day is solely excitement centered around commercials (I fall into this category). While everyone is shushing during game time, and jumping up to refill their plates or hit the bathroom during the commercials breaks, I am the complete opposite, “Sit down you are blocking the TV.” or “Are you kidding me, Budweiser went with Clydesdales again!?” (Just kidding… we all know they have to, come on!)

Or, maybe it is all about the food (again, my category). It is a night of vegging out and eating junk (okay, healthy eaters quit reading now).

Since, I never even mentioned football, you get where my mind is this evening. If I am disinterested in the two teams, then I tend to not really care what happens during those four quarters.

However, as a former cheerleader and in the great spirit of the game and competition, I will play along and I will make corny “football” themed food.

SUPER BOWL GAME DAY DESSERT:

1 Bag of Pretzel
2 Bags of Rolo’s
M&M’s and Reese’s Pieces

Unwrap the Rolo’s (most tedious part of whole recipe). Spray baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line the baking sheet with pretzel squares, top each with a Rolo and bake for 5 minutes. Just enough time for the Rolo to start to melt. By melt I mean when you place the M&M or Reese’s Pieces, they push down, smashing the Rolo without all the caramel spilling out. I always pop the baking sheet in the freezer for about 3-5 minutes to stop the melting.

You can use this recipe for any event. Pink and Red candies for Valentine’s Day, Green M&M’s for St. Patrick’s Day, you get my point.

I themed tonight’s dessert Broncos vs the Panthers. They are playing right?

Have a great Super Bowl, Friends! May the best commercial, I mean team, win!

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