Passing on the Love

Thanks to Lola at Lola's Diner for this award.


I am passing this award on to:
La Tonya at Che'Demi's Boutique
Lisa at Work at Home Mom Revolution
Nicole at Moms Home Run
Denene at My Brown Baby
Diana at Diana's Daily Ramblings


Happy Holidays and Best Wishes.

Jitterbug- music for hip kids

I recently came across this cool website that has music videos for kids. The site is called www.jitterbug.tv and it has cool monkeies, rhinos, and iguana's just to name a few. The videos had Madison up dancing and learning about all kinds of animals. There are Greek and French lullabies and lots more. I think this a pretty cool site and it was created by a couple of dads with toddler daughters of their own. Check it out, it will give you a much needed Momma break. You can sit down and watch the kids laugh or join in with the dancing and singing.

Peach Cobbler

This is a holiday favorite for my family. It is the easiest peach cobbler recipe I have ever heard of and the crust is to die for. Enjoy!!!!!

1 stick butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 c. milk
Canned Fruit - peaches, raspberries, cherries
cinnamon (optional)
nutmeg (optional)
1/2 c sugar

Melt butter in cake pan or glass baking dish in oven. Heat the can peaches and season to taste with nutmeg and cinnamon if desired. Mix sugar, flour, baking powder, and milk. Pour over butter. Do not stir. Pour fruit over top. Sprinkle with second 1/2 c of sugar. Bake 30-45 minutes at 350 degrees.

Just what the doctor order

My two year old caught a bug and had a bad night. My niece brought home something from the school and Madison was stuffy all night. Since I am away from home I didn't have the usual vaporizer, vapor rub and such and found my self in Walgreens at 2:00 AM and again at 4:00 AM (I bought the wrong thing the first time). In the end I returned to the remedies my mother used when I was a child, a good old vaporizer, but I was amazed at all the products that are out there for small children. What happened to a cup of chicken soup does the trick? This made me wonder, what are some of the remedies you have heard over the years with your children or just heard people try? Do they work or not? One I have frequently heard is to blow in your child's mouth to push all the mucus out of her nose when it is congested........YUCK, but I have heard it works.

Holiday time for Momma

With all the crowded malls, list to Santa, planning a holiday meal and changes in the economy, finding time for ourselves this season maybe a little harder. I came across a beauty college in Los Angeles, called Marinello where the students provided massages at a discounted rate. They are working towards their license hours but provide wonderful treatments at less than half the price. This way we can take 30 to 60 minutes out while the kids are at school or with daddy and enjoy a relaxing massage. Some of these schools even offer hair and nail treatments but I know that as women we tend to be a little more select when it comes to letting others do our hair (or maybe that's just me).


Here are some links that can help you find locations in your area or try a google search of massage schools in your area:

www.atlantaschoolofmassage.com
www.avalonmassageschool.com
www.SpaBeautySchools.com



Enjoy the time to your self

Pecan Pralines

Pecan Pralines

Okay I was not a big praline person until I tasted this recipe this week. What can I say I am home for the holidays and people just keep bringing food by. This is a simple recipe and a great addition to the holiday table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups pecan pieces and halves
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 3 tablespoons chilled butter, cut in pieces

Preparation:

Combine sugar, milk, and water in a 2-quart saucepan; heat to boiling stirring constantly. Cook until mixture reaches soft ball consistency (235°).Remove from heat; stir in pecans, vanilla, and butter. Immediately drop by tablespoons onto wax paper. Let stand until firm for 1/2 hour. (The trick is to make sure that temp stays at about 235°)

Blog Face Lift

FYI

Momma Momma got a face lift today thanks to the wonderful design skills of Sheila at Designs by Sheila. She has really affordable custom blog templates and she works really fast. I thought as we enter the new year it would be exciting to have a new look......


Check out her site at
http://designsbysheila.blogspot.com/

If that were my child I would........

How many times have you heard this before? This probably should have been one of my first post. This evening I attended a school play with my two year old. Like most small children, after a day at church, in dress shoes all day, and an abbreviated nap, it became obvious after an hour and a half that she was cranky. Like most mothers who have had two year old, I was not surprised when it became evident that my daughter was ready to go at intermission and I had come prepared to make an early departure. I did all the typical toddler mom things, brought snacks, sat in the back and on an aisle seat. What I was not prepared for was the rudest of this other "mother." As my daughter began to toss and turn more and we made our exist (keep in mind that it was intermission and she was not disturbing the play) another woman yelled out, "I don't care if she is two and tired, I would whoop her tail!!"

Now, regardless of the different opinions about using spanking as a option of discipline (she said whoop her tail.....not spank) I was irritated that she felt the need to give her expert advise on Child Rearing 101. Why do other mothers always forget what their children were like or feel the need to tell you what they would have done? This doesn't apply to mommy support groups or blog such as this, where we seek the advice and opinion of others......I am referring to the random opinions and advice that strangers seem to give. Why is it that when you are at church, eating in a family restaurant or in public period, and your little one says out loud " Mommy look at that," or laughs because she finds something funny, people (usually other mothers) turn and look at you funny, with their noses in the air and shake their heads? How soon we forget.

Is it just me or have you had a similar experience? So from here on I refuse to call it the terrible 2's, I like the teachable 2's or the trainable 2's or even together time 2's.

Chocolate Trifle

My husband's cousin gave me this cool recipe for a Chocolate Trifle. It was delicious and super easy, I made it with my 6 year old niece. Great Christmas dessert!!!!!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix (just a hint the richer the brownie mix the richer the dessert will turn out)
  
• 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 package of Toffee chips (you can find this in the baking section)
  

• 1 bottle of Caramel Sundae Topping
  

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and cool completely.(Brownies can cool while you prepare the pudding. Crumble with a spoon.
   
2. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, (I used chocolate soy milk to make the pudding it was great). Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain( Adding the additional whipped topping here is optional, you can add condensed milk and water to give it the right consistency. I skipped this entire step and just used the instant pudding alone).
   
3. In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies,half the toffee bits, a few swirls of the sundae topping, half of the pudding mixture and half of the 12 ounce container of whipped topping. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto top layer for garnish. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.

This is a very sweet dessert so you can alternate the ingredients to what you like. My niece doesn't like Caramel so we only did it on the lower layer and didn't use very much. Hope you enjoy.

Mommy Breaks- House of Payne

How many of you watched the premier of Tyler Perry's House of Payne last night? In case you missed it one of the lead characters had twins and it addressed the issue of feeling overwhelmed after child birth, feeling alone and not getting help from the father and other family members. It also dealt with other signs and symptoms of postpartum depression. I thought it gave a inside look as to how mothers often feel after child birth and how those around the mother sometimes don't fully understand all of the physical and emotional aspects that are involved with this new bundle of joy.

I loved how in the end the rest oft the family was able to really see how overwhelming the whole process was and step in to help. This isn't always what happen,s as I am sure many of you know. I have had friends who were afraid to ask others for help after child birth because they didn't want to be viewed as weak. I personally can remember people saying how easy it all looked and that I should hurry up and have another (people still say this).

I put together a list of sites that can help with postpartum depression symptoms and places where help can be sought (cut and paste into you browser). What were your experiences? Maybe you had a wonderful team of support and maybe you didn't. What advice would you give expecting or new moms? They would love the advice. My words of wisdom are this, when others offer you help, don't be afraid to accept it, you may need them to tend to your little one but they can wash dishes, cook meals or other things around the house you have put on hold.

http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/postpartum-psychiatric-disorders/?gclid=COCM9L-qp5cCFQ8Qagod7yF7jg

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/postpartum-depression/DS00546

http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.post-partum.html

Toddler Travel

So tomorrow I leave for my much anticipated trip home for the holidays. However this is the first time I am flying with my daughter since she had been weaned. The previous times I have traveled by plane, I was always comforted in knowing that if anything happened, if she became fussy or needed to be calmed, we had a built in system (she was much younger the last time we flew). Now that she is a toddler and has been weaned for several months, I became anxious wondering if we would make it okay without getting those dreadful stares from other passengers. This made me search the Internet to find helpful tips for my trip. Now if they don't work you know that I will let you know first thing tomorrow when my flight lands.

1. I decided as always to take a flight at 6:00 AM, Madison is usually slip and has slept though the whole process of checking in and security.

2. I shipped all my things ahead. With the price of baggage checking, I was able to ship our stuff ahead and it has already arrived at my sister's for our vacation. I don't have to lug things in the airport and worry about picking up bags when I arrive.

3. Dress for success, this includes my toddler and me. With all the steps that are taken when you go through security ( remove shoes, etc.) we are dressing comfortably and with easy off shoes.

4. Wear her out the night before and in the airport. I have read several tips that say not to let her sit down while we are waiting in the airport. I'll let you know how this goes, in the past I have just let her sleep the entire time.

5. I never travel with out my gogo Kidz travel mate. This is money well spent. It is a gadget that attaches to her car seat and lets me push her through the airport. It turns your car seat into a stroller (see picture above). I got mine at the One Step Ahead site.

6. Snacks and milk are important. I plan on taking Cheeros, granola bars and milk. This site can give you the exact amounts of liquids and formula/milk you can have when you travel with small children:
http://www.flyingrugrats.com/
Did you know that using a bottle during landing and take off can protect their little ears (of course gum for the older children works too).

7. Last but not least, I plan on having plenty of DVD's, books, coloring books and games to keep her entertained when she wakes up.

Overall, my daughter has been a real trooper when traveling, but I feel better being prepared just in case.

Top Ten Things I Am Thankful For

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!! I wanted to take time out to list the top ten thing I a thankful for this year:


1. My husband, he is truly my soul mate and my best friend

2. My daughter, she is my joy and I am thankful that she is healthy

3. My family in general. Although we are far apart, I am thankful for them all.

4. With today's current economic state, I am thankful that I have a roof over my head and food for Thanksgiving.

5. I am thankful for my health, there is always someone struggling more than you

6. I am thankful that my husband has a job..... a lot of people want to work and can't find a job.

7. I am thankful for the beautiful seasons and chances that God provides us

8. I am thankful to see another year

9. I am thankful for time off and family vacations

10. Lastly I am thankful to my readers who support me and give me a place to voice my thoughts.
'
Happy Thanksgiving Mommas, what are you thankful for this season?

Keeping with the holiday spirit, I thought this weeks fun food would be Sweet Potato Recipes. Here are two you can try:

Sweet Potato Casserole
A sweet potato casserole recipe, made with mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• .
• Topping:
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup melted butter
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Preparation:

Combine first 6 ingredients. Pour into a buttered 1 1/2 to 2-quart casserole dish. Mix remaining ingredients together and sprinkle over top. Bake at 350° for 30 to 40 minutes, until hot and browned.
Serves 6 to 8.

A Very Sweet Crock of Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:
6 sweet potatoes, peeled
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup applesauce
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup pecan pieces

Directions:

Cut potatoes into one inch chunks and place in crockpot. Combine brown sugar, first measure of butter, cinnamon, and apple sauce in small bowl; blend and pour over potatoes. Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours until potatoes are tender.

When ready to serve, melt remaining butter in small skillet; add pecan pieces. Cook over low heat for 5-6 minutes. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes and serve.

One is simple and quick, one takes a little longer. Your choice.

The Real on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta'

Okay, although many of us hate to admitted it, we are sorry that the season of Real Housewives of Atlanta is over. I tried hard not to like/watch the show but I have to be honest and say I found it very entertaining. I thought the season finale was boring compared to episodes in the past. However, I am, like most of you looking forward to the reunion show.

This morning there were several post over the Internet about what the truth was behind these ladies' stories. Kim's mystery man evidently is a married real estate developer and they broke up. NeNe is a former dancer and aspire actress (which is why she did the show). Sheree has a 23 year old daughter who she referred to as her 'friend" in an interview. Lisa has other children, by ex husband Keith Sweat and DeShawn is the real deal. Gossip aside I have to admit that I was impressed with each woman's strength and ability to overcome adversity (well maybe not all the women). Whether it was a trouble relationship in the past with their previous spouses or focusing on a community service outreach program the ladies are all trying to make their mark.

Who was your favorite housewife? I think each week it changed depending on the episode for me.


What more details check out this link:

http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/how-real-are-the-real-housewives--40

Momma Momma Job Openings

I thought this was funny

POSITION: Mother, Mom, Momma Momma

JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an often chaotic environment.


Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.


Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.


RESPONSIBILITIES: The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys, and battery operated devices.
Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product.

Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.


POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION: Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you


PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE: None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.


WAGES AND COMPENSATION: Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.

When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.


BENEFITS: While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Jada's Golden Rules

I love this month's cover story in Cookie Magazine on Jada Pinkett Smith and her family values. She is picture throughout the article with pics of her and her 8 year old daughter Willow. The fashions show off are really cool. While they may be out the price range of the average momma and daughter, they are fitted with some items from J Crew. Her mom style rocks.

She talks about her Golden Rules for parenting which include eating as a family, getting help from others (i.e. grandma and extended family), drinking water for energy, respecting our kids boundaries, choosing your battles and exposing and educating your children to new things. It is a pretty cool article. She is also featured with her husband in this months Essences magazine where she talks about marriage. I love how she is constantly changing but stays true to herself.

With the holiday's just around the corner I thought I would post a recipe for side dishes. This week let's look at a few green bean recipes with a twist:

Green Beans with Toasted Almonds

• 2 1/2 to 3 item pounds slender green beans, trimmed, or haricots verts
• 1/2 cup slivered or sliced blanched almonds
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 item shallots or garlic cloves, sliced thin
• 1 cup boiling water or broth
• 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Snap off stem ends of beans; pull away strings. In large deep skillet over medium heat, toast almonds, stirring continuously, until golden, about 3 minutes. Transfer nuts to plate; set aside. In the same pan over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add shallots and sauté until translucent and beginning to brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Raise the heat to
medium high, and stir in the beans. Sauté about 5 minutes. Add water or broth; cover and simmer until beans are of desired tenderness, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; stir in parsley and almonds. Transfer to a warmed serving bowl. This makes 12 servings.

Per serving: 83 calories, 10 grams carbohydrate, 3 milligrams cholesterol, 5 grams fat, 3 grams protein, 9 milligrams sodium.

Green Beans with Onions, Bacon and Butter

(This is the receipe I use)

• 3 to 4 lbs of fresh green beans
• 1 lbs sliced bacon
• 1 large Vidalia onion, chopped
  
• 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
• Kosher salt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• Freshly ground black pepper

(You can use healthier substitutes like unsalted butter and turkey bacon but I can't guarantee the taste)

Snap the green beans or simple cut the ends off. Wash and drain the beans. Cut the bacon into small cubes and set it aside with the onion and garlic.

Bring a large pot salted water to boil ( about 2 Tablespoons salt to 1 1/2 gallons of water). Add the beans and the lemon juice. Let this boil gently for 7 to 10 minutes, until the beans are tender. Drain the beans, reserving about 2 cups of the cooking water.

In a large saute' pan, cook the bacon. Then add the onion and garlic. Saute' for 7 to 10 minutes over low heat. Add the bacon an the reserved water to the bacon mixture. Add the butter, season with salt and pepper, and cover. Simmer for 5 minutes over low heat. Serve.



Either way you decide to cook your green beans will be a hit.

(Green bean and almond recipe Essence.com and Green beans with bacon recipe Skinny Cooks Can't Be Trusted- by Monique)

Today's top ten is the top ten reasons I love being a mom:

1. You always have your own cheerleader section

2. My daughter doesn't care if my make-up is just right or my hair is done when I greet her every morning.

3. I can wear my pj's all day if I feel like it and she won't complain.

4. I now have a reason to go to kids movies (I love cartoons)

5. I always have a dinner date if my husband is working late.

6. I love teaching my daughter new things and watching her learn something for the first time.

7. Tickle fights are the best.

8. I love watching her sleep and knowing what a blessing she is to my life ( I know I should be taking a nap too).

9. I love shopping for her and dressing her like a doll.

10. I love her hugs and kisses there the best in the world.

What would be in your momma top ten???

Obama Mama

Now that we know who our president will be for at least the next 4 years, I wanted to hear your comments about what you think Obama can bring to the table as it relates to Mommas everywhere. We know that he is a family man, but do you think this will impact how he works with mothers and the needs of women? I know that the purpose of this blog is not a political one, but this is an important issue and I couldn't let this historic event pass without opening the door for discussion from other mothers. I personally think that the United States is about to experience change on a completely different level and a change for the better. This has truly been an emotional election for Obama supporters as well as McCain supporters, as was evident last evening on CNN. It was awesome to see people of all ages, backgrounds and races moved to tears as they looked to the hope Obama brings. What are your thoughts?

Holiday Treat

With the holidays just around the corner, most mom's are dreading going shopping for gifts. Usually the kids are easy to shop for but what about co-workers and love ones who already have everything. There is this great store, in McKinney, TX that can satisfy most of the people on your gift list. The store is called Mom and PopCorn Co. (isn't that the cutest). They have over 20 flavors of popcorn including Carmel, all the way to Cornfetti (which is a mix of all candy flavors). There is even a Loaded Potato flavor. You can buy popcorn by the bag or buy their pre-made gift tins/baskets and ship them to your friends and family as gift. My sister loves popcorn balls, always has, so if you are reading this you already know what you are getting this year. There's even a variety of candy to choose from. The awesome part is the owners' story behind the business, Tim and Kim Lloyd. Kim had a tragic car accident years ago that nearly killed her and left her bedridden for several months. Her husband quit his job to care for her, which ultimately lead to the selling of their home and establishing this great business. So check them out at http://www.momandpopcorn.com/index.htm

If you are in the Texas area their store is located at 215 E. Louisiana St. McKinney, TX 75069

Go by and see the open barrels of saltwater taffy, and jars of chocolates that line the walls.

Soda Cake

I know we have all heard of 7-Up cake, well this is a different kind of soda cake and it is to die for. Here are all the ingredients you need:

One box of your favorite box cake (I use Betty Crocker chocolate butter cake mix)

12 ounces of soda (if you are make a chocolate cake you will use dark soda and for white cakes clear soda) . I prefer to us Diet Dr. Pepper Chocolate Cherry soda it taste good and it is only 1 Weight Watcher point per serving this way. (This is a good thing)

All you do is put the cake mix and the soda in a bowl and mix (leave out all the other ingredients the cake mix calls for i.e. eggs, oil and water).

Then bake according to the instructions given on the box for your cake pan.

Your done. This is an easy desert and it taste great. Plus when you use the diet soda, you don't feel guilty for eating bigger portions. Let me know how it works for you!!

With the upcoming election, I thought it would be cool to create a list of the top ten things mom's would change if they ruled the world.

1. Breastfeeding in public would not be an issue, in fact there would be nursing lounges everywhere.

2. There would be a government salary for stay at home moms

3. We would have four-day work weeks. Fridays would be for family time, shopping and pedicures.

4. Mandatory off days after OGBYN and Mammogram appointments followed by spa days.

5. Gas prices wouldn't be so high. We would have had hybrids years ago.

6. All jobs would offer on site day care services.

7. The Lifetime Network would premiere new movies during Monday night football and Superbowl (something for us to watch).

8. Dad's would be required to attempt to be Momma for one day a week (my husband came up with that one).

9. The 10 o'clock news wouldn't be so depressing. It would start off with healthy recipe ideas and shopping tips.

10. All models would be required to give birth to a child before they could rock the runway.

What would be you change if you ruled the world?

Guilt-Free Motherhood

I am not sure when it happened, but at some point being a playmate was added to the mommy-to-do list. Some days between cooking, cleaning and/or working outside the home, we don't feel like another Dora Song or episode of Hanna Montana. All moms have those times when they just don't feel like playing with their children. When we do take the time to get in the floor and play, our minds on all the other things we have to get done.

First we have to learn to give ourselves a break. No one expects us, including our children, to be their only form of entertainment 24/7. They need down time just like we do. When we do take time to play with our children, focus only playing. Giving that time our undivided attention, that way when we are ready to move on to something else we don't feel guilty. Who knows we may even have fun!!!!

Halle Berry & baby Nahla Ariela

This is my first celebrity mom feature and I thought I would start it out with classic favorite, Halle. This pic is a month old but I just love how peaceful both mom and baby look. Isn't Nahla Ariela adorable. Look how Halle is glowing, motherhood brings out our inner beauty.

They are enjoying a fun day at the zoo.

Think Pink

Mommas as we begin the month of October, I just wanted to send out a reminder that it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection can save your life. So I have made a list of links that talk about self-exams and what steps we can take to say health. This is something we have to make time for. Don't forget to wear pink, support research by buying pink cancer support products this month too.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month site

http://nbcam.org/

Self Exams

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/self_exam/bse_steps.jsp

www.komen.org/bse/

women.webmd.com/healthtool-self-breast-exam

Cancer support

Pink Ribbon Store http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

Think Pink http://www.lucy.com/

www.pinkribbonshop.com/

www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15051954/

#1
With everything else we do as mothers, we also have to provide balanced meals for ourselves and our families. So I thought that it would be cool to post recipes on Friday that are fun. By fun I mean easily prepared (so can be made in one pot) and delicious. I don't know about you but that is my kind of meal.

Chicken with Black-Eyed Peas and Yellow Rice
(Patti LaBelle's Lite Cuisine)
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 red onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves (minced or chopped, I use the Walmart brand that comes in a jar)
1 1/2 lbs skinless chicken tenders
1/2 t poultry seasoning
1/2 t black pepper
1/4 t red pepper flakes
1/4 t salt
3/4 cup uncooked yellow rice (I buy the kind in the bag that is already seasoned)
One 14.5 oz can reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 T chopped fresh thyme

T= tablespoon, t= teaspoon

Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until soft. Add the garlic and chicken and cook until the chicken is browned on both sides.

Stir in the broth, poultry seasoning, black pepper, red pepper flakes and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over high heat.

Stir in rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until rice is almost tender about 10 minutes.

Stir in black-eyed peas and thyme. Cover and cook until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Makes 6 servings

Per serving 300 calories, 32 g protein, 30 g carbohydrates, 5 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 65 mg cholesterol, 3 g dietary fiber, 610 mg sodium

#1
The responses for the Toddler Top Ten for Potty Training 101 were so good I thought I would start a weekly Thursday Top Ten. This week's topic:

The Top Ten Things I Should Do During Nap Time

1. Take a nap

2. Catch up on TIVO/DVR

3. Read a book

4. Delete emails (my inbox is at 480)

5. Call a girlfriend and catch up

6. Exercise

7. Blog

8. Study my Bible or an article (this should have been first)

9. Take a nap......this needed to be said twice

10. Start dinner (yeah right).......

Procrastination Power

Why is it as mothers when we hear the word procrastination we cringe? We often become embarrassed if we have once again waited to the last minute to wash our child's uniform or we didn't remember to go by the store on the way home. I don't know about you, but I don't remember being handed a superwoman cape when I left the hospital with my child. So why don't we give ourselves the same breaks that we give other people?

Here are three solutions I have come up with and you may have some of your own you'd like to share. First when we are faced with procrastination and feel overwhelmed let's agree to JUST GET IT DONE. So what if it has taken you longer than you originally thought it would. Take control and get it done, you didn't finish the laundry yesterday, give yourself some slack and don't focus on mistakes.

Second, when it comes to other areas we have procrastinated in, we have to learn to GET OVER IT. We aren't going to always get everything right and done on time, but it is not the end of the world. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, responsibilities and hope.

Lastly we need to learn to TURN IT OVER. This simply means turning it over to someone else. Often this means giving it over to God but we also have to give some of the mom-to-do list to our spouses, extended family or even someone who can just give a helping hand. The most important part of this solution is when you release it, don't pick it back up. If you prayed about it don't worry about it. If you gave to someone else to do, don't feel you have to supervise them (I do that all the time). We have to learn to completely turn it over.

Potty Training 101

Recently I starting the process of potty training my little girl as she approaches her 2nd birthday. Like most things I sought the advice of other mothers and tried to learn from their experiences what was the best way to make this as easy as possible. I heard everything from "It should only take 2-3 days," to "My baby was only 10 months when I potty trained her." While most of the tales I heard, yes tales, seemed exaggerated, I thought it would be best to watch my daughter's cues for answers. So here are the TOP TEN THINGS MY TODDLER TAUGHT ME ABOUT POTTY TRAINING:

1. If I am in the corner and not making any noise.... it is too late.
2. Pull-ups, panties or training pants, pick one and stick to it. I am already confused.
3. 2 year old like privacy when they go too. I first learned this when she closed the door on me to go potty on her own.
4. You can always clean the floor, it is not that serious.
5. Who told you this was done in 3 days?
6. Asking me every 5 minutes won't make me go more often.
7. Just because you are on the phone doesn't mean I will hold it to you're finished.
8. Reading on the potty helps the time go by faster momma.
9. I love the stickers, but you better hide them or I won't save them just for potty time.
10. Did you really think I wouldn't go potty in these panties, who told you that?

So I have learned to be patient and go at her pace. Also being consistent has helped a lot because some days I just won't to grab a diaper and forget about the whole thing. What are your potty stories? We would love to hear them.

First Week of School

Summer break is officially over. By now our kids have returned to school or daycare and moms have returned to the hustle and bustle of playing chauffeur, buying new clothes and necessary supplies. As I talk to subscribers from coast to coast, I hear all the different things I have to look forward to in the coming years. On the west coast there is the constant search for a "good" school/daycare that is both culturally balance and academically challenging. In the mid-west there is the desire to establish and maintain communication with teachers, without feeling that need to be present in the classroom daily. Now, I am sure that there are wonderful centers and schools with excellent teachers out there, but it seems that they are few and far between. What was your first week like with your children? Share your stories, even if you children are older. Some of our readers are moms and teachers, what are your tips? If nothing else list schools/daycare centers in your area that you loved or hated. You never know who you can help...

Finding time for you...

We often find ourselves throughout our day feeling that we are in themiddle of a tornado. We have been pulled every which direction from our husbands, our work both inside and outside of the home and the day to day demands of answering to "Momma Momma..." When do we find time to stop and take a breath. When do we find time to sleep in late, eat cereal all day and not worry about feeding others or have time to just be. If you work outside of the home, it is hard sometimes to switch hats from career woman to mother. If you are a stay-at-home mom, it's hard to find those breaks in your day where you wind down. Motherhood is a 24-hour/7 day a week job, that doesn't usually have sick days, vacation time or half-days.


However, it has been shown that when we, the mommas, are happy, relaxed and well rested, our children and families are happier. Think about it, those of you with older children, remember the first night that newborn slept through the night. That was the best sleep. Remember how much more focused you were the next day. We as women have to set aside time for ourselves so that we aren't mad at the world. I know this is hard because we by nature are nurturers but we have to start some where to reduce our stress.

Try these out:

Read a good fiction book...one of my girlfriends always says you need fiction in your lives

Take a long bath, with candles, music and bath salts.....make sure the kids are safe even if you have to do it after they are asleep.

Exercise or at least go for a walk, Google stroller stride in your area if you can't find a sitter. There are groups on babyzone.com for your local area that get together to exercise with smaller children. If you have older children join the YMCA or YWCA, they can take a class while you exercise.

Write a letter to a friend....not an email, sit down and physically write a letter

Go get your hair done something about having someone else wash and style you hair is so relaxing, like washing stress down the drain. On a budget, get a mani or pedicure.

Schedule down time or your own time out, if it is locking your office door at work or sitting on your porch, turn off the phones and sit for 10 minutes. If you can't sit with yourself for 10 minutes imagine what other people think about being around you for that long.

What are some ways you find time for yourself?

Hopefully this blog will help reduce the stress too. Our children are blessings from God and we can give them what they need if we don't first take care of ourselves so that we can be our best.