My Li'l Blog Cabin

Behavior Of "The Bachelor" Inexcusable, But A Lesson May Be Learned

2009-03-04T11:34:00.004-05:00

People are buzzing about "The Bachelor" on ABC. I watched it unfold and if it was true and unscripted this Jason is a total disappointment.

I felt so bad for Melissa. My heart absolutely broke for her. If this was actually true, I hope Melissa finds true happiness because she deserves it.

I find this so ironic that the guy who was so afraid of being hurt could actually hurt someone else so deeply. Especially knowing how much Melissa has been hurt in the past. I remember how Jason's brother was so verbal about not wanting Jason hurt. Yet Jason turns around and does the same thing to poor Melissa. How ironic!

Actually Melissa is better off without this guy, and though she may not realize it he did her a huge favor.

Jason through this whole process kept mentioning his son, Ty. However, what kind of example does this set for this little boy? Jason didn't think about Ty nor Melissa -- just himself and "following his heart". I'm sure Melissa and Ty during the last several months had formed some kind of bond. He not only hurt Melissa, but also hurt his son. This is a very selfish person who thinks of nothing but himself. He acts like such a great father, but in reality he is no such thing. He didn't even try to work on the relationship with Melissa. The message he sent his son is that nothing is worth fighting for; just follow your heart and your head. What kind of example is that?

"The Bachelor", Jason Mesnick, and son Ty; what sort of lesson is being taught to the little guy?

Well, if Molly thinks he won't hurt her she is mistaken. Men like this are just interested in the flavor of the month. The "grass is always greener" syndrome. Certainly he is no one you would consider having a long term relationship with.

Melissa showed a lot of class and she can hold her head up high. The man who gets her is a very lucky guy. She is not only pretty outside, but also inside. I hope this whole experience doesn't change her. Because not all guys are like this and it's worth the wait for the right man. Jason is not a man he is a boy and needs to grow up. To do what he did to her on national television was inexcusable and nothing a real man would ever do.

So go ahead Jason -- follow your heart and head. You will fail every time. If you think that a successful realtionship isn't constant work you are fooling no one but yourself. As someone who has been married to the same man for 17 years, I can honestly say we have worked every day to keep our relationship going. It isn't easy and if you aren't committed to the other person it will never work. No, you aren't happy all the time. You have peaks and valleys, but you endure and work. Why do you work on the relationship? Because not only does it affect you, but it affects others. If there are children involved it's even more important to work and fight to have a successful relationship. Because the peaks are worth more than the valleys! Are you happy all the time? Absolutely not. Is it worth fighting for? Absolutely!

The lesson here is that anything worth having is worth fighting for.

Seizures In Dogs: You Can Stop Them With A Bag Of Ice

2009-03-03T10:31:00.004-05:00

We have a precious little Jack Russell Terrier named Scamp. He's a wonderful part of our family and like most people who have pets, we love him. We have gone to the ends of the earth to take care of him and make sure he has all he needs to be happy.

He is a very special dog because first he was saved as a little puppy and second he is one of many dogs who have epilepsy. This has broken our hearts over the last three-and-a-half years. To see the animal you love so dearly have seizures is heartbreaking, to say the least. It has cost us both emotionally and financially as a family. We love this dog so much and he's such a big part of our family. We do our best for him. Even though at times we couldn't afford the cost at the emergency vet in the middle of the night, we took him there.

Recently my husband and I did research on the Internet regarding dogs with epilepsy. What we found was amazing. Something the eight or so vets we have seen over the past years had never even mentioned to us. It's as simple as keeping a bag of ice in your freezer.

We had never tried this until this morning at 5:00 a.m. when Scamp began seizuring. I've never seen anything work so fast in my life. As I write this this morning I'm still amazed and can't believe that what ended a seziure was as simple as a bag of ice and 2 teaspoons of vanilla ice cream to elevate his blood sugar level.

Here's how it works: all you do is fill a food storage bag (at least one quart size) with crushed ice and leave it in the freezer. When your dog starts to seizure remove the bag of ice from the freezer and place it firmly on his lower back. Scamp came out of his seizure in about 30 to 60 seconds. Never have I seen this happen so quickly. I know I keep using this word but it was truly amazing. There's no other word for it.

He came out of the seizure smoothly and with no post-ictal symptoms whatsoever. He began to walk and followed my husband and I right into the kitchen. I went to the freezer and took out vanilla ice cream and took two teaspoons out of the carton. I placed them in a microwave safe bowl and zapped it for about 10 seconds, mushed it, put it in his clean food dish and he lapped it up. He was fine. He wanted to go outside so my husband followed him out to make sure he would be OK. He went to the bathroom, roamed around the yard for a bit and came in and went back to sleep on our bed. I'm still in shock.

The blue area above is approximately where you need to place the ice bag using the "ice pack method"

It is now 11:00 am and he is doing just fine. The emotional and financial burden this has placed on our family has been so very difficult over the years. Not to mention how upset our daughter gets when this happens. To see your precious little dog clench and seizure is not an easy thing to endure, but we did. Now to find out that a simple bag of ice on his back and two teaspoons of vanilla ice cream is all it takes to get him out of an epileptic seizure just makes me crazy.

Why over the past three-and-a-half years hadn't one vet even mentioned this method? Especially knowing how hard a seizure can be on our little guy's body. This makes me more than angry. Not to mention all the emotional things we go through as a family. Watching my daughter have tears streaming down her face as we try to get the seizure under control. Then we have to take him to the emergency vet, knowing how much money they will charge.

This "ice pack method" has been in medical journals for the past five years. Scamp has been having seizures since he was about two years old. This has been going on for over three years and neither our regular vet nor any of the many emergency vets had said one thing about using something as simple as a bag of ice and two teaspoons of ice cream. Better they pump him full of medication, shave his paw and put a needle in his vein I guess.

I hope I'm wrong in what I'm thinking, but I'm wondering if money isn't the root of all evil. How else can you have a little 15-pound dog go through seizure after seizure and not mention something as simple as a bag of ice to try to help him and his owners? I'm more than stunned. However, in this day and age why should I be?

If you want more information about the "ice pack method", click HERE.

Books Don't Have To Be New To Be Enjoyed

2009-02-28T09:34:00.003-05:00

If you enjoy reading a good book like I do, one way to save money is to take advantage of used bookstores.

They're a great alternative to having access to reading material you enjoy, at an affordable price. Of course, you probably won't find the books that are on the current best sellers list. However, they have many great books that may be older. And if you haven't read it yet, it's new to you, right?

Most of the books I find are in very good condition. They may have only been read once. For instance, I'm reading a series of books right now that have twelve in the series. The price in the regular book store, new, is $14.99 per book. Yesterday I paid only $3.95 for book no. 4 in the series at my local used bookstore. That's a saving of $11.00. Needless to say I was very excited.

The books in a used bookstore usually have two prices on the cover. One price is with "trade in". The other price is what you pay if you haven't brought in other used books to trade with. All this means is that you bring your old paperbacks to the store and they give you credit for each one. It's a great way to get rid of old books that are just laying around the house. Also a wonderful way to help a local small business while at the same time putting a little extra money in your pocket.

They're used, but so what?

My daughter is reading the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I paid full price for these books. Yesterday I saw this series at the used bookstore for one-quarter of what I paid. You can encourage your kids to read at an affordable price too.

Your whole family can get many hours of enjoyable entertainment, and reading is a great stress reliever for everyone.

Make reading fun for the whole family. Have a family reading night. Take turns discussing your books together. This is another way to talk to each other and it helps keep the family close. We all need outlets right now and that includes our kids. Don't think for a minute our kids don't feel stress too.

Keeping lines of communication open with our kids is important and this is another way to achieve this at an affordable price.

We all deserve to relax and enjoy a good book!

Republicans Not Credible When They Cry About Spending

2009-02-27T10:37:00.004-05:00

There is a huge divide in the Haves and Have Nots in this country and it's getting downright ugly now.

The Republicans, the party of the Haves, are frankly out of touch with middle America and most middle-class Americans are fed up.

President Obama is trying to boost the economy and get it going again. Republicans keep saying the Obama Administration is increasing government spending. Well, the GOP didn't seem to be too worried about government spending during the Bush years. Especially when you were the recipient of all the tax cuts and perks you received. I guess that was okay.

Now that the poor and middle class are finally getting the help we need you worry about government spending. Republicans are the party of spending, too; just take a look back at history. The country always goes south during the times when the Republicans have been completely in power. High deficits, tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation are just a few of their hallmarks.

If the Republicans are so worried about government spending why don't they all take a pay cut or better yet give up their pay for a few years until the country is back on track? Especially you, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. You want the people of your state to not receive extended unemployment benefits. Why don't you give up your paycheck too, and see how it goes? Also give up that big mansion you live in courtesy of the taxpayers in your state. Yes, some of them may be unemployed. People need unemployment insurance right now to pay the bills and feed their families. Come on, Mr. Jindal, why don't you give it a try? If the Republicans want America to cut back they should be willing to do the same. I'm sure they all have plenty of money to get by with. You expect us to get by on nothing; then you should be willing to do the same. Don't expect more from others than you do from yourself. That's how I was brought up!

If they don't get paid we'll see how fast they can come up with a solution. I'm sure we will all be amazed at how fast they can solve the problems that we the poor and middle class are facing right now if it hit them in the pocket book too.

Republicans should come up with fresh ideas, not the same ole stuff. Look at the last eight years. Wake up; it didn't work! People are getting more and more upset with the GOP.

One last word of advice for the Republicans: You can't win elections without the poor and middle class on your side.

Obama Again Shows His Leadership Skills

2009-02-25T11:50:00.004-05:00

"We will recover" stated our President. Last night's speech reaffirmed in my mind that I made the right decision when I voted for Barack Obama last November.

President Obama delivered an inspiring speech to a joint session of Congress and our country. He spoke about energy, health care, education and the auto industry.

I'm positive this man is leading the country in the right direction. He is committed to the people of this country and especially our children. After only 35 days in office he's doing an amazing job.

The GOP has done nothing but say "No". However, I haven't heard one inspiring person nor have I heard any new ideas. They have the same old stale ideas such as tax cuts for the rich. Don't they realize that prosperity really doesn't trickle down, but actually rises up. The nation isn't upset with the poor, they are mad at the rich.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is the GOP's "rising star". If that is all they have they certainly have a long hard road ahead of them. You don't win elections with this type of uninspiring and strange perfomance that Mr. Jindal gave in response to President Obama last night.

Lousiana got kicked in the teeth by the Republicans during Hurricane Katrina. Yet here was Bobby Jindal trying to use that as an example in the GOP's favor. The only word I keep coming up with for Mr. Jindal is strange.

Good, inspiring!

Strange.

The American people are well aware that we have a long hard road ahead of us. However, Republicans are not making it any easier. We are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans. This country is in trouble and we need to come together, which has been what President Obama has continually said.

The people are mad at the Republicans for what's happened the last eight years. We spoke loud and clear in this past election, but somehow they still haven't gotten the message. Without new young blood and fresh ideas from the GOP they have no hope of rising any time soon. If all they have are people such as Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin and Rush Linbaugh, then they are in deep trouble.

The world is changing all around, but the GOP remains standing on the same platform that the train left behind months ago.

I will leave you with these parting words from our President. "Someday," he said, "years from now, our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed."

That's a responsibility we all share -- Democrats and Republicans.

Mean Kids: They're Out There; How Do You Handle Them, As A Parent?

2009-02-24T10:19:00.004-05:00

How mean can some teenage girls be? Very mean! Now how do I know this? I was a teenaged girl, and now I'm raising a teenage girl.

The hardest part, I'm finding out, about being a parent is knowing that you can't stop your kids from getting hurt. Part of being a good parent is knowing when to get involved and when to just let them work it out for themselves.

Some teenaged girls are very mean and my daughter is finding that out right now. The hardest part is finding out that the person you thought was your best friend is really in competition with you and truly isn't your friend.

Being a teenager is tough enough as it is, especially today. When the person you thought was your friend stabs you in the back it hurts. Not only does it hurt your child, but as a parent it makes you mad and hurts you as well.

How you handle any situation with your child is always tough for any parent. Do I keep quiet and let her continue to get hurt or do I say something? You try to handle it calmly, but emotions sometimes get in the way.

The best way I found is to bring it to their attention, and hope they make the right choice to not hang around with the offending "friend" any longer. However, you can't choose your kids' friends for them and as long as it isn't anything harmful to their bodies like drugs or any substance, sometimes you have to watch from the sidelines.

The thing about my daughter is that she always thinks the best of everyone. She doesn't want to believe anyone would intentionally want to hurt her. However, that's not always the case. If this was the first instance, I would've shut my mouth, but this is the second time and I had to say something to her. I don't trust this particular so called "friend" and with good reason. I guess it doesn't matter what I believe; my daughter has to come to terms with it in her own way.

However, this so called friend of hers is a very lonely, unhappy person. My personal belief is I think hurting others makes her feel better about herself. My daughter feels sorry for her, but you can't be friends with someone you feel sorry for. Especially if hurting you makes them feel better about themselves. That isn't friendship; it's abuse.

The awkward part about the situation is that not only do I know this child, but I know her parents as well. She has proved to my daughter before that she isn't really her friend and she's doing it again to her. I have to let my daughter work this out for herself, but when you're a parent, that's the most difficult thing to do. That being said, my daughter is smart; I brought her up the very best I could and I trust her judgment.

She told me last night, "Mom, trust me. I can handle this," and I know she is very capable and is intelligent enough to take care of this situation her own way. So now I sit back and pray and bite my tongue.

The Internet is where this situation came to light, and that's something that I never had to deal with as a teenaged girl. The Internet and Instant Messaging isn't always a good thing. People can be mean and stab you in the back and not have to face you. Basically, it's just a new way of how someone can be a coward. Just what we all need to complicate raising our children!

I recently read this on line. If you're like me -- raising a teenage girl in today's world -- I believe it's worth taking a little time to read.

If I'm thankful for anything during this time it's that my daughter and I have an open relationship. We talk and I hope I guide her in the right direction. The hardest part about being a parent is knowing when to back off. Believe me, I know how hard that can be!

Another Food Tip To Save Money: Leftovers!!

2009-02-23T10:23:00.006-05:00

I recently found a brand new recipe that I tried. It's another inexpensive meal and also filling. This is another casserole-type dish. This particular recipe's also great because the vegetables are mixed into the casserole, so that's one less pot to dirty. Great for a working mom to just throw in the oven, and it's ready in under an hour. I almost feel like Rachael Ray; however, it isn't a 30 minute meal. Close, though!

CHICKEN VEGGIE BAKE

1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (any flavor )
1 1/2 lb. chicken tenders (cut into bite size pieces)
1/3 cup of sour cream
1 can of condensed (10 3/4 ounce) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (thawed and drained)

Grease 13X9 baking dish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare stuffing mix according to directions on box. Put on the side.

Mix chicken, sour cream, soup, and vegetables and put in the greased baking dish, top with stuffing.

Bake 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through

Serves 6

If you make this recipe, remember to put the frozen vegetables in the refrigerator to thaw. I usually place the frozen vegetables in the fridge the night before I make this dish. However, if you forget or decide to make this at the last minute, I'm sure you can partially defrost veggies in the microwave oven.

I served this meal with applesauce on the side. It was a hit with my family and there was enough left over for lunch the next day.

Many times I have leftovers and there isn't enough for dinner the next evening. What I do is heat it up for lunch. Everyone enjoys it because it makes lunch a little more interesting. Sometimes I'll throw in a tossed salad with the leftovers and there's a wonderful lunch everyone will enjoy!

Another way to save money is by making sure you eat leftovers. If you don't want it for dinner why not lunch? My family is great about eating leftovers, but if you have picky people in your family it may not be as easy to pass it off. However, remind them no one should be wasting food with this economy. Many kids go to bed hungry every night; we need to be thankful for what we have.

I hope your family will enjoy this hearty and inexpensive meal!

Casseroles A Great Way To Stretch The Dollar

2009-02-22T08:48:00.004-05:00

Meals on a budget are sometimes hard to come up with if you don't have an arsenal of recipes on your side to help. I have a lot of them and I'm one of those people who love to share a recipe with others. These people who say it's a "family secret" drive me crazy. Why not share? I've never understood that side of people. That being said, I'm going to share some of my family's favorite budget meals. Your family will never know it cost so little to prepare!

Tuna Noodle Casserole is very easy to make and cost efficient. My family loves it and it's great when I can make them something they enjoy and still keep my food budget in tact. This is a recipe I found in a cookbook and added my own touches.

I believe in women helping women. Sharing a recipe to help feed someone's family in these trying times is a small way to help others.

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

1/2 bag of egg noodles (Medium to Large Noodle)
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans, 10 3/4 ounce can condensed Cream of Mushroom soup
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cans tuna in olive oil - 9 1/4 ounce can (not drained)
3/4 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese (reserve 1/4 cup) for top of casserole
1/4 cup of Italian or plain bread crumbs for top of casserole
additional butter for top of casserole

375 degree oven

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

In a separate bowl mix 1/4 cup of Parmesan or Romano cheese with 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and set aside. Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan cook celery and onion in butter till tender but not brown. Stir in the flour; stir in condensed soup. Gradually stir in milk and 1/2 cup of Parmesan or Romano cheese . Stir continually over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Carefully stir in tuna with oil and the cooked drained noodles. Stir till well mixed.

Turn noodle mixture into casserole dish; spread evenly. Sprinkle top of casserole with the cheese and bread crumb mixture and dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is lightly brown.

Makes 6 servings

Serve with a vegetable or salad and it's the perfect meal. This is delicious and hearty. The best part is, it costs very little to make. This won't break the budget!

My twist to this dish is the cheese in the casserole and the cheese and bread crumb mixture on top. I also think it's much more flavorful with tuna in olive oil. However, if you want to use tuna in water by all means go ahead. Just make sure to drain the water out of the tuna before adding to the mixture. Experiment and see what you and your family enjoy most.

I think the fun part of cooking is changing it a little. Come up with your own variations. Try little things and see what you and your family like best.

Enjoy this meal!

Those Old Standbys, The Coupons, Still The Best Way To Save Money

2009-02-21T09:08:00.005-05:00

Let's face it: the economy isn't getting better fast enough for most Americans. Even though the Stimulus Bill passed, it's going to take a while for us to see results. In the meantime, most of us have to find ways to get through.

One of the ways I have found to get more "bang for the buck" is coupons. I've always clipped coupons, but even more so now. You have to be careful, however, and make sure the coupon is really the best deal. Stores have their own products, so be a little flexible and make sure to take advantage of the best deal possible. I've noticed no difference in taste or quality, for instance, in a Meijer-brand product versus a name brand product.

Every week in the mail I receive flyers from five to six different grocery stores. Try to take time and go through these and see where you can find the best deal. Sometimes it's worth it. You may find several things on sale to make it worth a trip. If you have a coupon PLUS the sale price, you can really save quite a bit of money.

Another way to save money is with coupons online. Almost everyone has a website now so before you make a trip or go out to dinner check the websites for coupons or special offers. You will be surprised what you can find out there.

You can even find coupons in junk mail. So make sure to go through your mail carefully; you may be throwing out money!

I receive most of my coupons in my Saturday newspaper. I go through and clip them right away. Don't be ashamed to go out and buy two or three more papers if there are a lot of good coupons. You can save even more money. You'll also be doing a good thing for your local newspaper. Let's try to keep all the American jobs we can. Especially now that newspapers are having such a hard time too.

One more way to save money is discount cards. Make sure you have them where you need them. Even the movie theaters have discount cards. Every time you go to a movie give them the card and you get points. They give you things such as a free popcorn, soda, or even a free movie pass. Discount cards are free and it pays to ask if you don't know. I have a card for our movie theater and have already gotten free popcorn by only using it twice.

There are hundreds of coupons in circulation. Make sure you take advantage of every one you can. Everyone has to do what they can to get by and clipping coupons is still the best way to make your dollar stretch.

One thing you must remember, however, is to check the dates on these coupons. Make sure they haven't run out. What I do every week after I clip my new coupons is to go through the old ones. Pitch out the ones that have expired. I keep them in order of date so the oldest ones are on top. You can figure out your own system and what works best for you.

Have a great weekend and start clipping those coupons!

Keeping Yourself Soft And Fragrant Doesn't Have To Be Expensive

2009-02-20T09:23:00.005-05:00

I'm a typical female when it comes to feeling good about myself. One way I can still do that on a budget that is very tight is with shower gels, lotions and bath spray.

The good thing about these products is that you can find them in just about every store -- Target and corner drug stores like CVS, etc. However, my favorite place to purchase these products is at Bath and Body Works. You can find great sales most of the time and the fragrances are wonderful, and the stores are located in most malls. You can also check them out online.

I love all their products, but my favorites are Japanese Cherry Blossom and Dancing Waters. My daughter loves Sweet Pea. Personally I think they all smell great and it just depends on your preference.

I signed up in the store and gave them my e-mail and I'm always alerted regarding sales, etc. The products range from bath products, including shampoos and conditioners, to candles.

The other good thing is that most of these products will last a very long time. With shower gel you need only about a nickel-sized amount on a bath sponge or puff and it lathers up very nicely. It smells great and is refreshing. After a long, stressful day what's better than a nice bath or shower? Light a candle and enjoy!

I still believe that a nice hot bath with products like these will do anyone a world of good. With the terrible economy now, we especially need time once in awhile for ourselves. A bath with wonderful products such as this is a very inexpensive way to accomplish this and not feel guilty.

The other thing is you don't have to spend a lot of money. Maybe one shower gel, one body spray and one lotion. It really won't cost much and you can always add items when you have a little money. That way, you shouldn't feel guility to spend a little cash on yourself.

Again, I believe these products are made in the USA, in Ohio. So feel good about that too! One compaint I have is I wish companies would start proudly displaying on their packages "Made in the USA". I pay attention to these labels and try to buy everything that is made in this country. We need to start taking care of our own people here in America. Making sure everyone who wants a job has a job. One way to accomplish this is make sure to read the labels carefully. I think it's worth the extra effort, and so will that American family who can keep their job.

Another great American pastime is baseball and I'm proud to announce that my husband is now writing for TheBaseballPage.com. If you or someone in your family loves baseball this is the place for you. Great articles and lots of historical information. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.

Have a great and stress-free day!

Old Standby Noxzema Still A Cost Efficient Way To Having Great-Looking Skin

2009-02-19T09:16:00.006-05:00

With an enconomy that continues to be terrible, I keep trying to find new ways to save money and cut corners.

I am 47 now, a mother of a teenager and married to the same man for almost 17 years. I have never been one during the course of our marriage to spend too much money, but now I have even cut back more.

I hope my husband appreciates this about me. I don't believe I am cheap, but I try to stretch our money as far as I possibly can.

I used to use facial products, eye creams, etc. If you're like me, you know these products can run into a lot of money. Well, I obviously ran out of these products and I refuse to spend anywhere near the amount of money these products can cost today. However, being a woman, wife and mother, I want to feel good about myself. After 17 years of marriage I still want my husband to be attracted to me. I also want my daughter to think her mother looks younger than her age.

Now how do you do this on a tight budget without breaking the bank? I found the perfect product and it has been around for ages. Now I bought this product and as far as I know it's made in the USA. It's distributed by Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio.

What is this product you ask? Good ole Noxzema. I have been using this every morning when I wake up and every evening before I go to bed. It is refreshing and the best part is that it only cost me $3.99 for a 14 oz. jar. I've been using Noxzema daily since last October and have found no difference in my skin whatsoever. In fact, I may like Noxzema more than the other products I have tried over the years.

My skin looks and feels good. My budget is in tact. I can still feel good about myself. Now I feel even better because it's saving my family the precious money we need so badly in these hard economic times. We've had one of the worst winters in Michigan in a long time and it isn't over yet. However, my skin looked great through it all!

If there is any silver lining to this economy it's that we have all learned to appreciate the small things in life. The other thing I have learned is that my family and I are a tough bunch. Over the last couple of years I have learned to cut costs and this is one area where I have made a significant cost cut. However, I am happy with the product and the results, and that is the most valuable and important part.

I am going to dedicate my next few blogs to products that can make a woman feel good about herself without breaking the budget. Especially now, we need to do things that make us feel good about ourselves. If we feel good about ourselves it can only help our family. I have done that without the expense of products that I really don't need.

Most of us have familes to feed and children to put through college. However, taking care of your skin for pennies a day won't make you feel guility. On top of that maybe I and others like me can help keep someone in Ohio from losing their job at Procter and Gamble. I hope so!

Don't Sweat The Mess When Baking Cookies With The Family

2008-12-13T09:10:00.009-05:00

My husband and daughter are both very busy most of the time. My husband is very busy with his job as Managing Editor at SET Magazine (Sports and Entertainment Today). He also is a writer and works in local television. My daugter is a freshman in high school. On top of that she is in band and also an Equestrian.

The holidays are the perfect time to make things special at home. Christmas holidays are the busiest time of the year not to mention the most expensive. I try to make everything festive and fun leading up to Christmas. We enjoy being together as a family and I want it to be the happiest it can be.

One of the ways to make things festive is to bake cookies. My daughter and I bake cookies every year and have fun decorating them. We get my husband somewhat involved with the decorating process; however, his favorite part is the eating process. Sorry honey, but you definitley can't bake.

Most of the baking we do is usually with an Italian flare because my family background happens to be Italian. Over the years, however, we have tried many other types of cookies and they have become part of our family holiday baking tradition as well.

We make everything from Struffoli (Italian honey drenched fritters),rum balls, anise cookies to good ole American type cookies from sugar to mint chocolate chip. My husband doesn't like anise so if you or someone in your famiily doesn't like anise flavor (licorice) you can substitute with any extract (almond, lemon, vanilla etc.)

This first cookie we make is one of my daughter's favorites. It's delicious and fun because you can decorate them with icing and little candies. Kids love to decorate cookies. If your kitchen gets a little messy, it's a small price to pay for family fun and togetherness.

CREAM CHEESE CUTOUT COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Almond Frosting (recipe follows)
Assorted candies for decoration

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract; beat well. In a small bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to cream cheese mixture; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough, half at a time, to 1/8 -inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut out with cookies cutters. Place two inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cookies with Almond Frosting; decorate with assorted candies, if desired.

ALMOND FROSTING

In a small bowl, beat 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until smooth. For piping consistency, beat in 4 to 5 teaspoons milk. For spreading consistency, add a little more milk. If desired, tint with food coloring.

The two main tips I have for these cookies is make sure to use butter and also extracts -- not imitation flavor. This will make a big difference in your cookie's taste.

These cookies are so much fun to decorate. I buy an assortment of candies from Michael's. You can decorate these with the little silver candies, sprinkles, and colored sugars.

My dogs also love these cookies. Don't forget they are a big part of our family too!

The holidays can be stressful on everyone, but relieve some of the stress by baking and having fun with your family during the holiday season! Slow down a little and enjoy each other -- family togetherness and love that is what Christmas is all about. No present can replace love and happiness.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

P.S. Don't forget to have the kids leave cookies for Santa! Homemade cookies -- that's one sure way to get on Santa's Nice List!

Ham Wraps Quick, Easy Appetizers Your Kids Can Help You Make

2008-11-21T09:58:00.008-05:00

I love the holidays and I enjoy all the cooking and preparation that leads to the festivities.

My daughter who is now 15 years old helps me out with everything. She will be in America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year and has been very busy leading up to Thanksgiving. However, she asked me the other day when we were going to start baking and cooking. I thought this year she wouldn’t want to get involved with all the preparations, but she surprised me.

This is allowing us to become closer and talk, while at the same time it teaches her how to cook. At 15 years old she does a pretty good job of cooking, but she started helping me with little jobs in the kitchen when she was small. I always took time and made it as fun as possible starting with her Easy Bake oven.

I’ve tried to teach my daughter during our cooking marathons to always make sure everything tastes terrific, but at the same time to try to keep the cost down. Not an easy task in this economy! However, there are some things you can do to keep the cost down. One thing I’ve found is that you don’t necessarily have to buy brand name products. If you can get them on sale, great, but if not, I’ve found the store brand products (Meijer,etc.) taste just as good. The other thing I’ve noticed is that the week before a holiday most stores have wonderful sales on groceries. Look at the weekend flyers and compare prices to make sure you get the best deal.

Another example is cream cheese. I love the Philadelphia brand, but if you are putting it in a dip or appetizer it doesn’t really matter.

Here is a quick appetizer you can make with your kids. This is fun and will get children in the kitchen so you can spend more time with them during the busy holiday season.

I’ve used prosciutto (dry-cured Italian ham), which is very expensive, but I’ve also tried deli ham. They both taste great. I’ve found deli ham as low as $2.99/lb. at my local deli counter. I also make sure I’ve blanched the asparagus spears before my daughter even gets into the kitchen so they are cooled and dried completely. That way you don’t worry about your kids getting burned and you can get started right away.

Also a little added note, I am from Michigan, and Michigan ranks third in the nation for asparagus production. So I can boost the economy a bit as well!

ITALIAN HAM & ASPARAGUS WRAPS

1 8 Oz. package cream cheese
1 teaspoon of dried chives
1 teaspoon parsley
Salt to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
¼ teaspoon of lemon juice
½ lb. ham or prosciutto (at least 10 pieces of ham)
10 large asparagus spears trimmed and blanched for a few minutes to retain crispness.

Let cream cheese come to room temperature. In a bowl mix cream cheese, chives, parsley, salt, pepper and lemon. Set aside. Place a slice of ham on counter or cutting board and spread thin layer of cream cheese on the meat with a spoon. Place a piece of asparagus on top of the cream cheese and top of the ham slice and roll. Cut each roll into pieces. About 4 to 5 pieces per ham slice.

Makes about 40-50 bite sized pieces.

These little appetizers are great to serve with a glass of wine before dinner. Ham wraps taste great and they don’t cost much to make.

So get the ham on sale and no name brand cream cheese. This is something you can make that will make the holidays a little more festive while being affordable at the same time.

Most of all, get your kids in the kitchen and spend time with them during the holidays!

Happy Holidays!

Stress in Michigan Is Nothing New

2008-11-20T09:57:00.003-05:00

Stress here in the Detroit Metro Area has been a way of life for many years. A saying I heard recently: “When the United States gets a cold, Michigan gets the flu.” I have lived in Michigan my whole life, and I believe truer words have never been spoken.

I am very upset with Congress, again. Auto executives yesterday pleaded with them for some kind of financial relief and all they did was put them through the wringer. I didn’t see Congress treat their banker buddies on Wall Street as disrespectfully as they treated the auto executives from Michigan. Yes, of course the Auto Industry is somewhat to blame, but they made the cars that were in demand. Yes, all of America wanted their big SUVs so that is what the auto industry gave them. Now Congress wants to put all the blame on the Big Three. How many members of Congress have or had these big SUVs?

I keep hearing about how great small businesses are. If that’s true, don’t you think by letting the auto industry go under you will affect small businesses across this country? Who do you think supplies many of the parts for the auto industry? The auto industry doesn’t just mean the Detroit Metro Area – it also includes small businesses across the country. The Detroit Metro Area gets a whole lot of beating up by the media, but I’m here to tell you some of the most wonderful down-to-earth people live in this area, and they are decent, hard working people with wonderful families who deserve better.

It seems like anything to help the middle class is taboo in Washington, D.C. Oh sure, help the rich right and left, but middle class and poor people? Forget it, you’re on your own! If you want help to stop a foreclosure on a poor or middle class home, too bad. If you’re rich, start lining up at the front door of Congress because they are handing out all the billions to you guys.

So after the Wall Street bailout, is there anything left for the U.S. auto workers and the millions of people who depend on that industry?

I’m sick of Congress laying most of the blame on the middle class about the financial situation in this country. I’ll tell you who is to blame for this mess. It’s all the wealthy, greedy people in this country. Do you want the truth? I’ll tell you exactly what happened, because it happened to my family and many others. Big business didn’t want to pay the American worker enough to make a comfortable living. They were greedy and wanted more profit to line their own pockets. So what did they do? Out-sourced our jobs and sent them overseas for cheap labor so they could make more money. They raised prices on everything from food to heating your home with deregulations on just about everything. Well, now they have completed their mission. However, who can buy all these products if we (middle class America) don’t have the money to spend? We don’t have jobs. Maybe that’s why the economy is in such a mess. If we the middle class don’t have decent paying jobs and money to spend, who is going to buy all these products? To me this is Economics 101 and Washington needs to go back to school so they can figure all this out. I’ll tell you what will help. GET OUR DECENT PAYING JOBS BACK! The middle class doesn’t want a hand out; we want our jobs and homes back. We want to be able to pay our bills and still have a little money left over. We want to be able to buy food to feed our families without worrying what bill not to pay this month. We want our children to have presents under the Christmas tree. We want to feel like we make a difference in this country, because we do. We want to not have to fight with our spouse because of all the stress. We want to be able to buy clothes and shoes for our children. Our kids want to be able to go to college without a $45,000 debt hanging over their head when they graduate. We want our pride back. Is that too much to ask for? Apparently it is.

Supply and demand: America's thirst for big SUVs like this one prompted the Big 3 to make them at the expense of smaller, more fuel efficient cars

You see, Washington didn’t want to help and acknowledge the problem until it hit their rich banker and Wall Street friends. The stock market drops and all of a sudden we have a financial crisis. Well, we’ve had a financial crisis for years here in America, but they didn’t want to pay attention until it hit them and all their buddies. What did they do? Race to help them while the rest of the country continues to drown. Job well done!

When you don’t help the auto industry you don’t help get our jobs back. The economy won’t get better until the middle class is restored. Why can’t Washington figure this out?

On the front page of the Detroit Free Press today it says, “Congress Ready to Sink Bailout” and “Anxiety Is the New Normal”. Need I say more?

I have hope, however, with all of the above now that President-elect Barack Obama won, and I, like millions of Americans, can’t wait until the day he takes office. I am also happy about a new Congress who will also take charge in January. I know things won’t get better overnight, but I know they will get better eventually.

On that note I wish you a good day, and a bright and happy future!

How to Keep A Parading Kid (and others) Warm? Here's How!

2008-11-17T10:10:00.006-05:00

My daughter’s high school marching band will be in The America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this year in Detroit. I am so proud of the band, and of course Nicole. However, putting that aside, this started to create a problem in the beginning and that was: how to keep her warm all morning beginning at 7:00 a.m. until the time she returns home?

Keep in mind, we live in Michigan and November can be pretty cold. Our neighbors are Canada and I can see Russia from my back door. You betcha! Of course, I’m just kidding about Russia, but we do get the Canadian winds and we are also surrounded by the Great Lakes. I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life and I know from experience how cold November can be, especially early in the morning. For instance, we already have snow on the ground and it’s only November 17th.

When I went to our parent’s monthly band meeting, they mentioned getting the kids a product called Under Armour. Now I had never heard of this product before-- so off I went dragging my poor mom along to our local sports store. Ouch! We looked at this product and it looked to us like long underwear except for the price. For a top and bottom it would cost around $127.00, and that’s before the tax. If you can afford it by all means go buy it because I heard it really does keep you very warm. However, if you are like I am and you’re on a budget and about a month away from Christmas this is simply not an option. My first reaction was being mad how expensive the Under Armour is. Now my problem remains: how do I keep my child warm and be able to afford it?

My first thought was to layer her clothes. This is affordable, but it may be bulky. I have to keep in mind she is marching and I also have to get it under her band uniform. So we continued to look around the sports store. We ended up finding some pretty cool products all for under $4.00 each. We found hand warmers with an adhesive body warmer which was included in the package. The hand warmers with body warmer cost only $2.79. I also found mini hand warmers and foot warmers. The mini hand warmers were $0.99 and the foot warmers were $2.99.

The company that distributes this product is called Grabber. Even though they are made in Japan they are distributed by Grabber which is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. So hopefully I am helping keep some Michigan people working. The economy could sure use it around here.
The website is http://www.warmers.com/, which shows them in bulk. However, the warmers I bought were sold individually and that made it more affordable. My suggestion would be to go to your local sports store first and just ask about them.

The only negative is you can only use them once. The mini hand warmers last about 7+ hours according to the package. The foot warmers last 5+, regular hand warmers last 7+, and the body warmer last 12+ hours, which is plenty of time for our use. Regardless, it's a great and affordable product.

Another advantage the products have, other than being affordable, is that they are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and odorless. Plus they have all-natural ingredients and are non-combustible, so they are very safe. Like any product you use, please make sure to read all the directions on the package.

After I picked up this product I drove to Target and bought long johns for my daughter. The top and the bottom were $4.99 each. I may still add layers depending on how cold it is on Thanksgiving, but all and all I am able to keep my daughter quite warm for under $20.00. In this day in age that is saying something.

These hand and foot warmers could have many uses. If kids are playing in the snow for long periods of time this is a great source of added warmth that is quite affordable. They would be great for any winter outdoor sport. My mom has arthritis and I’m sure it would be wonderful for helping that also.

Again, the website is http://www.warmers.com/ and the phone number is 800-423-1233. What a super way to stay warm during winter with these wonderful, affordable products!

Good luck to my daughter’s band in the Thanksgiving Day Parade! We’re all proud of you!!!

Here’s to the beginning of a long, but hopefully warmer winter. Cheers!

Barack The Vote!

2008-11-08T10:59:00.006-05:00

Yes, America did "Barack the vote"!

It was a moment that brought tears to your eyes. It was a moment that brought hope to humanity. It was a moment that will mend many fences. It was a moment that showed the world we are Americans first and it is a bond that holds us all together in this country.

Yes, it’s true that there hasn’t been a woman president yet. But what this proved to me is that anything is possible with drive, determination and hard work. I can now say to my daughter, a middle-class child, "Yes you can be anything you want to be and here is the proof."

Mothers and fathers can now say to their children -- “Joe or Josie the Child”-- that with hard work, determination and a belief in yourself, you can be anything you choose to be. We can now mean it. Even a child who is poor or middle class without all the money has hope and an opportunity to become President of the United States.

I don’t want to bring race into this post, mainly because I have always believed we are all mutts. White, black, Hispanic, Asian -- whatever you think your background is, there is a mix in you somewhere. I look at my daughter and to me she looks Asian. She has beautiful long dark brown hair and her eyes have a lovely tilt. Now as far as I know we are Italian and Polish, but my aunt who has two Italian parents like my mom also has the same look. So yes, I believe somewhere in our past their may be some Asian blood.

My point being, no one is pure anything, but our common thread is that we are all Americans. I still believe most people care about each other and we love our country. However, to love your country you must love warts and all. I think Tuesday’s election proved that we can remove some of those warts. No, our country isn’t perfect. Yes, you will always have a few people who are racist, no matter what. However, that being said, this is still the greatest country on Earth. Where else can this type of election be possible?

Barack needs YOU to help America!

We should all be proud of ourselves. Yes, we put our country first. We put our children first. Our children will grow up in a country that may not be as racially divided.

When you look at me you will see a white woman. However, how I feel inside is that I am an American. I voted for the best person. A person who I feel has compassion for each of us. A person who cares. A person who is smart. A person who will put the best interest of the entire country first. Not just the rich and special interests!

Here is a sign of our new times already: my daughter’s math teacher approached them yesterday and asked who wants to start doing community service right now! He wants to get them started on that path. He is giving them choices to help the elderly or to help tutor other kids. I think it’s a wonderful thing. Community service gives you a sense of purpose and will give us a new generation of caring people. It will teach them to have compassion for others.

My daughter said she was scared to do community service. Now begins my challenge as a responsible parent to get her over that fear. Just like I make sure she does her homework. I have to make sure she has enough confidence in her ability to be able to meet this new challenge. I know she is capable and one thing I know for sure is that my daughter has compassion for others. She is a loving and caring person and just needs some guidance to overcome this fear of community service. She gets wonderful grades and I know she relates to others well. I think she could tutor another child and not only help that child, but make a difference in her own life. What a great gift to give and receive. You can’t put a price on that!

Tutoring younger children is a great example of community service that teens can perform

I know over time I will not always agree with President-Elect Obama. However, I do believe he will be honest with us. I know he is smart and I know he will do what he believes is best for the majority of this country -- not just a few of us. What more can you ask from a president?

I know these next several years will be tough on his wife and daughters, and let’s not forget what they are giving up. Michelle is giving up time with her husband. His daughters are giving up time with their daddy. This family will go through much over the years, and I thank them for that alone. It is a sacrifice they are making as well. So see, we all have to sacrifice something. Of course, some will always sacrifice more than others and that is how it has always been.

Last year at this time I didn’t have much faith in this country, but now I have hope. Like President-Elect Obama said, we have to be willing to work hard and sacrifice. I think any American should be willing to do this to leave our children with a brighter future. I know I am!

God Bless America!

Fondue Can Make An Ordinary Evening Special & Fun

2008-02-24T09:58:00.014-05:00

I always try to make every day as special as I can for my family and tonight will be no exception.
The Academy Awards will be on this evening and it is always fun to watch it together as a family.

My husband's boss just sent him a beautiful gift basket to welcome him to the family of SET Magazine. His new position as the magazine's Sports Editor and also Editor in Chief of the SET Magazine Website is reason to celebrate alone, but combine it with the Academy Awards and it will turn into a fun family evening while also celebrating his new position.

It is amazing how may things can be turned into family time together. By making everything special it gets kids excited as you build it up. It makes them want to spend time with their family and that is always a good thing.

On top of the gift basket I am going to make fondue. This is truly a throwback from the 1970s, but I think it's fun. If you've never done fondue with your family before give it a try. The kids love it and as adults it isn't too bad either.

I typically make two different types of fondue. One is a cheese base and one is more of a dessert type with chocolate.

When you make any type of dish with wine the alcohol typically burns off as it heats through, so it's fine for kids. However, if you aren't comfortable just make the one with chocolate. Either one tastes great and are both safe for kids.

Classic Cheese Fondue

6 cups coarsely shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese (24 ounces)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 clove of garlic, halved
2 1/2 cups of dry white wine
2 tablespoons kirsch or dry sherry
dash pepper
dash ground nutmeg
French or Italian bread, cubed

Toss together cheese and flour; set aside.

Rub bottom and sides of fondue pot with garlic cloves, discard garlic.

Set fondue pot aside.

In a large saucepan heat wine over low heat till small bubbles rise to surface. Just before wine boils, stir in cheese, little by little, making sure cheese has melted before adding more. (Stir constantly and continue to add cheese till all is mixed in.)

Stir till fondue bubbles gently. Stir in kirsch or dry sherry, pepper and nutmeg. Pour into a fondue pot; keep fondue bubbling gently over fondue burner.

Serve with bread cubes.

Serves 10

Chocolate Fondue

8 squares (8 ounces) semisweet chocolate
1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup milk

Assorted fondue dippers:

Angel Cake
Pound Cake
Banana (sliced in disc shapes)
Pineapple Chunks
Strawberries (always everyone's favorite)
Mini or Large Marshmallows

In a heavy saucepan melt chocolate over low heat. Stir in sweetened condensed milk and regular milk till well combined. Heat through.

Transfer to a fondue pot; place over fondue burner. (If mixture becomes too thick, stir in a little more milk.)

Spear desired fondue dipper with a fondue fork; dip into fondue and enjoy!!!

Serves 8

Making every day fun is what keeps families strong and together. Any reason to make something special will help your kids want to have more family time.

I really believe that kids want to be with their family -- even teenagers. As long as we as parents make things special and fun our kids will remain close to us and out of trouble.

Special times can be any time and you can make anything fun if you are creative and just try.

Video Games: A Way To Bring Parents & Kids Together? Sure!

2008-02-19T10:05:00.004-05:00

I believe we should as parents spend as much time with our kids as we can. I think it is good for them and also for us.

I am thankful and very lucky that my daughter and I have a great relationship. It has come from consistent parenting over the years and being able to enjoy some of the things that she enjoys.

One of the things we do as parents is constantly complain about all the time our kids spend on these game systems. Yes, it can get out of hand and the kids never seem to want to quit playing. However, we as parents should take time to enjoy them with our kids too.

Yes, I said we can enjoy these games also. Of course, I am always busy with other things, but I make sure that my child always comes first in my life. I believe trying to enjoy some of the games and things she enjoys can only help the closeness and relationship we have built together.

My daughter, Nicole, has two game systems. She has Playstation 2 and Game Cube. Believe it or not I have actually played and done battle with my daughter on these systems. If you have two controllers and a game you can play with them, you would be surprised how much fun you can have.

It also makes you realize how involved you can get in these games, and maybe that will help you understand why these kids can get so addicted.

When you are playing you will be amazed how fast time can go, and then maybe it won't cause so much friction between parents and children.

Now I'm not saying to not set time limits or control the amount of time your kids spend on these systems. What I am saying is give these games a chance and spend some time enjoying them with your kids. You will be surprised how much you can really have in common with your kids.

I actually felt like a kid again myself, and at 46 years old sometimes that is just what I need to keep my relationship with my daughter happy and fun.

What's wrong with having fun with your kids? What's wrong with getting down to their level? It's just another way to turn something that is usually a negative with parents into a positive. Make these game systems bring you closer to your kids.

I also was happy how receptive my daughter was to me playing one of these games with her, and we had so much fun. Of course, she beat the pants off of me, but that was OK because we had fun together, and isn't that what it's all about?

Like I said before it doesn't mean to not set time limits. All I'm saying is get to know your kids and spend time enjoying the things they enjoy. Because let's face it -- these game systems are here to stay. You know the old saying "If you can't beat em' join em'.

So have fun with your kids, and get to know them better. You'll be surprised how close it can bring you to them.

Let's use these systems as a way to get closer to our kids, not a divider. It's just another reason to have fun and be a kid again yourself. Turn a negative into a positive and enjoy your children.

It will also make us understand where they are coming from with these games. I was shocked to see how time had past quickly. The other positive is that we talked before, during and after playing.

I used this as another way to get closer to my daughter, and what a blast we had. Try it with your kids and see how much fun you can have too!

We do battle with our children everyday; let's also do it in a positive way, thru video games.

Happy game playing!!!

Don't Complain Too Much; Winter Can Bring Families Together

2008-02-18T17:37:00.003-05:00

I may be one of the few people who actually enjoys winter.

Yes, I love a good snow day. When it snows and you are in a nice warm cozy house, there isn't a better feeling in the world. Sitting by the window looking out with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. What could be more enjoyable.

To allow your child to sleep in and not have to go to school is another thing I enjoy. It's a great feeling when your child wakes up at 8:00 am instead of 6:45 am and comes to you with the realization that there isn't any school today. Yippee!!!

As families we should all enjoy the amount of time we can spend together. It seems like it is always go, go, go, and not enough time to just sit and enjoy each other. The precious time we get to be together and have fun is few and far between.

I love to see my daughter playing in the snow with one of our dogs. Not only does she enjoy it, but the dogs love having her home to run around and play with them.

This week in our area is winter break, which breaks down to 10 wonderful days of being a family, being able to stay up late and wake up whenever you get around to it. This means no homework, no tension and plenty of time to enjoy the time you have together. This gives us all a chance to relax and truly be a family.

With my husband in a new job, a new year upon us and a week to breathe it is something I am already enjoying and it is only Monday.

My daughter and I can spend some much needed mom and kid time together. She can spend time with her dad and also get some one-on-one attention with him. You can feel the tension release and that is good for everyone.

My daughter also gets to spend time with my mom -- or Nana, as we Italians like to call Grandma, which is also good for both of them.

So when your kids get a day off or a week off look at it as an opportunity to spend quality time together. With the crazy world we live in sit back and relax for a change; we all deserve it!

Have a great day!

Back To Blogging!

2008-02-14T08:55:00.004-05:00

It's been awhile since I have been on my blog, let alone write an entry. So much has been happening -- one of which was moving my family.

Moving alone can take up so much time and energy. Which doesn't leave time for much else let alone worrying about writing in my blog.

We are semi-settled and things are quieting down a bit. My dogs seem content with our new home, and my daughter has come to terms with some of the decisions her parents had to make over the last several months.

My husband now has a job and that is the biggest and most exciting part of our lives right now. After almost 9 months with no job, finally things are looking up.

However, that being said, there are so many other people still losing their homes and without jobs and with no food on the table. I know because back during the Christmas holiday we were in the same situation.

I am not ashamed to admit this and neither should anyone going through this type of turmoil. It upsets the family and can tear it apart. The best thing anyone can do is to hold your family together and get through it. You need each other for strength and support.

During the whole moving process I've been trying to keep updated on the mortgage crisis. As I watched television this morning, I still am seeing these lenders blaming this mortgage crisis on the American people.

That's their point of view and now here is mine. You want to place blame let's just do that, but let's be truthful about it.

I'll tell you first of all who is to blame is the government; plus banks, lawyers, and anyone else who has gotten rich during these turbulent times.

The government has allowed jobs to be lost. Jobs go overseas and we can't do a thing about it. Fair trade -- what a joke that is! When you're lucky enough to finally get a job you make probably half of the amount of money you were making before. Gasoline prices are through the roof. Natural gas has gone up in price, water has gone up, electricity has gone up, food prices have risen. The American workers have no jobs or make half of what they did before. You do the math.

Then you have these lenders who have the nerve to blame the average American for this crisis and say they will work with the homeowner, but that is a bunch of B.S. Lenders and the government have done nothing to help anyone. It's a big joke and a smokescreen to take the focus off of them.

Then you have the lawyers who have gotten rich off of this foreclosure crisis and people's misery. They charge you for sending a foreclosure notice. Duh, I think people know they are in foreclosure without a letter from a lawyer. But, gee thanks for letting so many families know. Without a letter from you we would have never figured it out. We appreciate the heads up! For that nice little letter they charge thousands of dollars. Probably as much or more than what you are behind on the house payments. How nice of them!

Then you have the wonderful lenders who say they will work with you, but guess what-- no they won't. It's all a joke and people have nowhere to go in some cases. Families are being torn apart and have no options.

Guess what, government? If no one has a job you get no tax money. No one in the government will do a thing because they are so rich and out of touch. They have no idea what it's like to struggle and lose everything you have after working so hard for so many years.

The city of Cleveland is suing these lenders. Good for them! That's the only way they will get the message. Hit them in the checkbook like they've hit many of us. I feel no pity for them whatsoever.

As for the border it still isn't closed. Our security is falling apart just like everything else. Just because we haven't been attacked here at home doesn't mean we won't be. We will, especially with a wide open border and everyone around the world knowing about it. The next attack will be far worse because they are just waiting for the chance.

Well, yes my husband has a job and I am grateful at least for that. I am not going to forget others who are searching for employment and trying to feed their families. I pray for you to find employment. I hope you can make enough money to support your family and keep a roof over your head.

As for help out there to keep your home most of us can't find any. It's sad to say, but many people have gotten rich off of this whole crisis. If you can live with that more power to you. I for one couldn't do that and am proud of that fact.

I hope everyone struggling right now will have peace of mind, and stay strong. The most important thing is to keep your family together. You can replace homes and money, but the people you love can never be replaced. Don't let anything or anyone tear that apart otherwise they really do have all the power!

Real Enjoyment From Christmas Should Come From Families, Not Gifts

2007-12-26T09:34:00.000-05:00

So Christmas is over! Most of us are exhausted by now. In fact, most are probably still asleep as I write this blog entry.

Yes, my daughter is still sound asleep. Our Christmas was a little different this year because my husband is not working. However, that being said we made the best of it, and had a wonderful Christmas despite a lot of disappointments we have faced over the last 9 months.

We are all healthy and though that's said a lot, it truly is the thing we should be most thankful for.

This Christmas I had a little more time to reflect, especially on what is important in my life --which is my family. We are close and we are strong.

The other day, I listened to a little audio cassette tape recorded on my grandmother's birthday back in the late '60s. I heard my dad's voice and that of many of the others in my family who have passed on. My dad, grandparents, and two uncles are all deceased, but they live on in this tape. All of us kids were quite small, but as I listened to this tape I realized where my family values came from.

My family values came from many generations of people who did without many monetary things. What was important to them and what should be important to everyone today is a strong family. It's not what is under the tree, but who is around the tree.

My husband Greg and daughter Nicole on Christmas Day

Gifts come and go. Toys break. Clothes you receive wear out. However, a strong family will always endure. They may be beaten down at times, but if you stay united and strong nothing can destroy that.

Who's the REAL reindeer?

So even though we didn't receive many monetary gifts this year, the best gift I received yesterday was my family's laughter. We were together and happy. No amount of presents or money can replace that feeling.

Patch enjoying his Christmas as only he can!

So I thank my parents and grandparents who lived through the Great Depression. They had nothing monetarily, but they had love and family.

My mom, Nicole, and me

My family is what gets me through life. My family is what keeps me going. All our families should be the most important people in our lives.

It's not the things we have in our lives, but the people we have in our lives. This extends to many friends who are not only friends, but an extension of my family. We all need each other to talk to and get thru the tough times.

I don't want to get too religious, but I believe that is the message Jesus came to Earth with. It was for peace on Earth, and that all begins with your family. Peace begins at home and that peace will be passed along to others.

So let's all be thankful for the people in our lives -- not the gifts we received. Because the gifts will fade, but family is always there.

May 2008 bring peace and happiness to your family!

Rolled Sugar Cookies Can Be Made During Any Holiday Time

2007-12-21T08:11:00.000-05:00

I love simple cookie recipes, and this is truly one of the simplest I make by far.

This next recipe is a basic sugar cookie. What's also great about it is it's a rolled cookie so you can make fun shapes with Christmas cookie cutters. Actually this cookie recipe can be used for any holiday by simply changing the cookie cutters for that particular holiday.

ROLLED SUGAR COOKIES

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/3 cup shortening
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
Additional sugar (colored decors, etc.)

Oven 375 degrees

Stir together flour, baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

Beat butter and shortening for 30 seconds; add sugar and beat till fluffy. Add egg, milk, and vanilla, beat well.

Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating till well combined.

Cover and chill at least 3 hours.

Working with 1/2 of the dough at a time, on a lightly floured surface roll to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes. Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Sprinkle with additional sugar or decorate.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 8 minutes or till done.

Makes 36-48 cookies.

This is a great cookie recipe to get the whole family involved with. You can sit and talk while you decorate cookies. What fun!

Making cookies is a great way to keep a family close during the busiest holiday season of the year. It also gets everyone into the Christmas spirit.

Merry Christmas!!

Today's Christmas Cookie A Wonderful Blend Of Chocolate, Cherries, And Oatmeal

2007-12-20T07:49:00.000-05:00

If you like chocolate, cherries, and oatmeal cookies, this next cookie recipe will be one of your family favorites.

I tried this cookie several years ago and my family just loved them. I also have given away many cookie trays and bags over the years. This cookie, along with the snowball cookie recipe I put on my blog a few days ago, has been one of everyone's favorites.

CHERRY CHOCO CHUNK COOKIES

2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups uncooked quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
3 ounces white baking bar or white chocolate candy bar, cut 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup candied cherries

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; set aside.

Beat butter and BOTH sugars in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in milk, egg, and vanilla, scraping down side of bowl once. Gradually add flour mixture. Stir in oats until well blended. Stir in baking bar pieces and cherries. Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto greased cookie sheets.

Bake 10 minutes or until set. Let stand on cookie sheets 1 minute. Remove cookies to wire racks. Cool completely.

Makes about 3 dozen cookies

I know you are going to enjoy this cookie, especially if you love chocolate.

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Cookie Week Continues: Cream Cheese Cutouts

2007-12-19T08:33:00.000-05:00

What's more fun than baking cookies with your kids? Especially this time of year with the snow on the ground.

Baking Christmas cookies with your kids will keep them entertained and away from the TV and video games.

Christmas is a time for family and togetherness. With all the hustle and bustle that December brings we can forget to spend quality time with our kids. Making cookies is one way to be together and just have fun!

Here is a delicious cookie that is sure to make fun memories for you and your kids. So get out the cookie cutters!

CREAM CHEESE CUTOUT COOKIES

1 cup butter, softened
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 1/2 cps all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
Almond Frosting (recipe follows)
Assorted candies for decoration

In a large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese until well combined. Add sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, vanilla and almond extract; beat well.

In a small bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to cream cheeese mixture; beat until well mixed. Divide dough in half. Wrap each portion in plastic wrap; refrigerate about 1 1/2 hours.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Roll out dough, half at a time, to 1/8-inch thickness on lightly floured surface. Cut out with cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 8-10 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Remove to wire racks to cool completely. Frost cookies with Almond Frosting; decorate with assorted candies, nuts, etc.

ALMOND FROSTING

In a small bowl, beat 2 cups sifted powdered sugar,2 tablespoons softened butter and 1/4 teaspoon almond extract until smooth.

For piping consistency, beat in 4 or 5 teaspoons milk.

For spreading consistency, add a little more milk. If desired, tint with food coloring.

* Make sure to always use a completely cooled cookie sheet before you go onto the next batch of cookies. If the cookie sheet is warm they will not bake as evenly.

This cookie recipe is fun because after the cookies are baked and cooled everyone can decorate them together.

So put on the Christmas music and get into the real spirit of Christmas, which is home, family, and being thankful to God for both.

Have fun and make time for your family, especially during the holiday season!

Cookies, Other Baked Goods Make Wonderful Holiday Gifts

2007-12-16T16:15:00.000-05:00

Yes, this is surely the busiest time of the year. For me that usually means a whole bunch of cooking and baking on top of Christmas shopping.

I am always happy to share my recipes. Especially ones I have had much success with. So look for a new cookie recipe each day! It's my little way to say Merry Christmas!!

My daughter Nicole and I love to bake Christmas cookies. We really don't eat many of them, but we do love to bake them.

Cookies are a great gift to give, and, I might add, a very tasty one. I love all the little festive bags you can buy to put your baked goods in. What also make a nice presentation are the cute little Chrismas plates you can purchase at the dollar stores. Wrap with some colorful cling wrap, fasten with a piece of ribbon and add a little bow. PERFECT!!

Holiday gift bags

Cookies are fantastic to give that special neighbor, friend, or teacher. It's something special from you and it will mean more than a store bought gift.

With the economy being so bad, and money being so tight, why not a special bag or plate of baked goods to show you are thinking of them?

What's wrong with an old fashioned Christmas? Why does everything have to be store bought?

Here is one of the Eno Family's favorite cookie recipes. They are called Snowballs and are absolutely delicious:

SNOWBALLS

1/2 Cup Confectioners 10-X Sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup pecans
Additional Confectioners 10-X Sugar

In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup sugar. salt and butter; mix well. Add vanilla. Gradually stir in flour. Work nuts into dough. Cover and chill until firm.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Form dough into 1-inch balls. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8-10 minutes or until set, but not brown. Roll in additional sugar immediately. Cool on wire racks. Roll in sugar again. Store in airtight container.

Makes about 5 dozen cookies

What can be more special than a plate or bag of homemade baked goods sent with love?

Give it a try! I guarantee it will mean more than a store bought gift.

MERRY BAKING!!!!

Be Thankful For Whatever You May Have: Health, JOBS, Etc.

2007-12-07T07:34:00.000-05:00

My blog has taken many twists and turns. For the past several days I have been just slamming the Bush administration, Congress, and everyone else in between.

This blog has given me a voice, although some people may not agree with everything I say. It has relieved some frustration for me and I hope for others. For that I am thankful.

As we approach Christmas and with my husband still without full-time employment it will be a dismal time for my family. However, that being said I am a person who will persevere no matter what obstacles have been thrown in my way.

My husband and I will never give up hope or stop looking for employment because our child is counting on us and we are not going to let her down.

Even though we won't have Christmas presents this year, I am determined to make my daughter's Christmas a happy one. I have been focusing on maybe just baking a few cookies. Trying to focus on being thankful that I have a family and everyone is healthy.

I write this not for pity, but because this is what this economy has done to many families in the state of Michigan, as well as other places in our country. Yet the government has sat by and done absolutely nothing.

My husband and I are both educated and all we want are jobs that will allow us to survive and support our family. However, that seems to be too much to ask for right now. The job market is terrible and we simply cannot find a job in the state of Michigan.

My husband and I sat down at the kitchen table this morning and are seriously thinking of trying to get work outside of Michigan. We were born here (in Michigan) and so was our daughter, but we need to be able to survive. Leaving Michigan may be our only answer right now.

As scary as that is for us, it's something I think we are coming to terms with. I love Michigan and my heart will always be here, but it just isn't possible to make a living in this state. I know the rest of the country is hard hit too, but with giving other states a possiblity maybe we can make a living again and provide what our child needs.

The whole being without employment leaves you stripped of everything including your pride. No family should have to go through what we have. I hope people who have jobs truly appreciate them.

Again, I am not saying any of this for pity because that is not who I am. Who I am is a fighter and I think we all need to have a little more fight in us to protect what we hold so dear to us -- that is, our families.

The government has allowed Big Business to strip many of us of our homes, our pride, and our jobs. I'm not just mad for my family, but for every family who is going through this type of situation. For this to happen in our country is an outrage and every American family should be mad.

Don't let outside stress turn your family against each other

Whatever you do this holiday give thanks for what you have. Especially if you are fortunate enough to have a job and a roof over your head. Say a prayer for all of us who don't have jobs that we may all find one soon.

All any of us want is a job to allow us to survive and take care of our families. I don't think that is too much to ask for.

This administration and Big Business have allowed jobs to be eliminated from our country. People want jobs that will pay enough to allow us to live and support our families. We also want our pride and dignity that has been stripped away from so many American families. We deserve at least that much. We the people have nothing and those who caused it need to be held accountable!

For others in our situation, don't let your family fall apart. Keep together and be strong. Don't allow a bad situation to ruin your marriage. Because in the end the only people you have that will stand by you is your family. Don't lose sight of that; if you do then they really have stripped us of everything!

Stress and strain can tear a family apart; please don't give anyone or anything that much power!!

It's Not Hard To Do Better Than Nothing

2007-12-06T08:50:00.000-05:00

The Bush Administration should be known and remembered as not only the most stubborn administration in history, but also as the "do nothing" administration.

First of all let's begin with the revolving door at the U.S.-Mexico border. For years people have been raped, killed, and just plain dumped into shallow graves in Cludad Juarez, the Mexican city across the border from El Paso, TX.

These perpetrators have gone unpunished by an inept Mexican justice system.

The law enforcement records in Texas and New Mexico reveal that Jose Francisco Granados de la Paz was repeatedly jailed in the U.S. What happened? He was sent back to Mexico time after time. Only to return to the United States and commit more crimes.

On Monday, the U.S. Border Patrol discovered a secret tunnel that I am sure has been used to transport drugs into the United States.

Why am I so sure? Not so surprisingly a Border Patrol agent heard noise Monday from a 30-foot trailer that had been parked 360 yards north of Tecate, California.

What was in the trailer? It was half-full of packages containing marijuana.

There have been dozens of tunnels found along the U.S.-Mexican border yet the border still remains open to this day.

What kind of country are we leaving for our children?

What has the Bush Administration and Congress done about this? NOTHING!!

Decent American families are losing their homes to foreclosure. What has been done so far?
NOTHING!

Credit card companies are raising interest rates even if you've been a good customer and paid your bills on time. What is being done so far? NOTHING!

Dangerous imports of food and toys come into this country consistently. What has been done thus far? NOTHING!

Detroit public school graduation rate is 24.9 percent. Nationwide, 1.23 million high school seniors will not graduate this year. What is being done? NOTHING!

The Michigan jobless rate in May was 6.9 percent, which by the way is the highest in the nation. Michigan lost 28,700 jobs from March through May alone. What has been done? NOTHING!

Detroit has the highest poverty rate among 20 of the largest American cities. The average household income in Detroit is $28,069 and is the lowest among those 20 cities. Can you live on that? No, of course not. What is being done? NOTHING!

Medical care for illegal immigrants in 2004 was $2.2 billion and for their children $2.5 billion, which can only have increased over the past several years. What is being done? Oh gee, let's see -- leave the borders open. So what's been done? NOTHING!

Our wonderful men and women in the front lines are losing their lives every day. What is being done? NOTHING!

Big business and special interest groups are enriching themselves at our expense. What is being done? NOTHING!

We, the middle class, are at the mercy of individuals and companies that provide goods and services and control jobs. What is being done? NOTHING!

The American people are drowning and no one is lifting a finger to help. The country is on a one-way trip downward and not one person in the government is doing a thing to help.

There needs to be changes and quick. Not many of us can hang on much longer.

What can you do? For one thing write your Congressman. Also write the Senate. Let them know we as Americans aren't taking this any longer! We deserve better and we need to fight harder to make change.

Here is where to go and speak up for your rights as an American citizen:

www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

www.house.gov/writerep/

Give em' hell America. OUR FAMILIES DESERVE BETTER!!!!!

Again, Bush Tries To Disguise Stubbornness, Incompetence As Strong Leadership

2007-12-05T07:31:00.000-05:00

My father fought in WWII to allow me and every American to speak when things aren't going in the right direction in our country.

Well, not only are they not going in the right direction this country is falling apart.

All headed by a president who I refer to as Dictator Bush. He is an embarrassment and has the nerve to speak out against dictatorship, but HE is the epitome of a dictator. What more do I have to say except impeachment!

Yesterday in Washington was classic Bush at his best. As usual this embarrassment we are forced to call president won't back down even when he is clearly in the wrong.

He was confronted yesterday with new facts from the National Intelligence Estimate, clearly stating that Iran had suspended its nuclear weapons program four years ago. This information comes from his own administration. Yet again in his usual stubborn dictatorship, Bush style, he replies: "Look, Iran was dangerous," he said. "Iran is dangerous. And Iran will be dangerous if they have the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon."

Bush: Who needs accuracy, when you can formulate your own truths?

The president was hit with a multitude of questions from reporters about the U.S. and how our credibility was damaged by hyped intelligence before. He was confronted with whether he made the same mistake with Iran in October, when he warned about the possibility of a "WWIII" at a press conference.

However, instead of admitting a mistake, in his usual Bush manner he made a comment before he learned of the new NIE. Although he did acknowledge that Mike McConnell, Director of National Intelligence, gave him a heads up that something was up last summer.

McConnell came to the president and said, "We have some new information," Bush recalled. "He didn't tell me what the information was. He did tell me it was going to take a while to analyze."

Democratic Senator Joe Biden said he can't believe the president got tipped off in August to a change and didn't follow-up with questions until last week.

"If that's true," Biden told reporters, "he's one of the most incompetent presidents in modern American history."

I believe not only is Bush incompetent, but he is an outright liar. This man doesn't even have the words "back down" in his vocabulary. Again, not even the slightest admission that he was wrong.

Classic Bush at his best -- no surrender or retreat. He's done more damage to our country than any president in history. What a legacy!

No Qualms With Legal Entry Into U.S., But Illegal Is Illegal, Folks!

2007-12-04T08:27:00.000-05:00

I have written about this subject before, which is we have broken borders in our country. I guess it needs to be mentioned again, because clearly nothing seems to have changed.

One new fact I have recently found out is that Michigan is one of eight states giving out drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. This is appalling. Our state is in a very bad economic state and this is not helping.

People in the state of Michigan are losing their jobs and homes at an alarming rate. It is nearly impossible to find a job in our state. The last thing we need is more economic hardship here in Michigan, but indeed here we are giving out licenses to illegal aliens.

We are lacking leadership in our state as well as in Washington. I guess I don't need to mention that Congress isn't doing much better.

What's wrong with THIS picture? (Sad thing is, it's not much of an exaggeration)

Corporate America is spending more than 2 billion dollars a year to lobby in Washington, and Congress has rallied around the special interests they seek and serve.

The country is clearly headed in the wrong direction. The very people we have elected to serve all citizens have thumbed their noses at us.

I am not a racist to want our borders closed. If I hear the word "racist" used one more time to describe American Citizens who want our borders closed, I think I will scream. Illegal is illegal, no matter how they try to candycoat it. If I broke the law I would be in jail. What part of "illegal" doesn't anyone seem to understand?

President Ronald Reagan signed into law 21 years ago amnesty for more than three million illegal aliens who had entered our country. Now, another 21 years later we hear the same verbage from the pro-amnesty people who advocated open borders. They are still claiming that there will be no social or economic cost to us, the taxpayers. Doesn't history teach us that this is simply not a true statement?

I said it before and I will say it again: you can't reform immigration law if you can't control it.

The following quote was by Theodore Roosevelt in 1919. This is from a letter to the American Defense Society, 10 years after he was president.

"In the first place we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace or origin. But this is predicated upon the man's becoming in very fact an American, and nothing but an American.

There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag, and this excludes any foreign flag or a nation to which we are hostile...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...and we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

- Theodore Roosevelt, 1919

Need I say more?!

If you would like to read more about this subject, please visit http://www.somadicouldscream.com/

Don't Be Afraid To Be Happy Instead Of Hungry!

2007-11-30T08:34:00.000-05:00

Everyone today is so weight-conscious. I think that's fine, but I really feel it is affecting our children a great deal. Especially girls in their teens.

My daughter is very thin and she will still ask me, "Mom, am I fat?" I get so upset when she asks me this question because the fact is she is very thin. However, what I see and what she sees may be two different things.

She won't wear shorts in the summer anymore and that scares me. I told her that the girls in Hollywood and the ones in magazines are pictures that have been touched up. Even if they do look perfect, these pictures have been retouched or airbrushed to make them look perfect.

I was lucky to have my husband be the Editor-in-Chief of a local sports magazine, and they happened to do a swimsuit issue very similar to Sports Illustrated. Not only was I lucky enough to see the process so was my daughter.

Yes, these women are beautiful, but they do have imperfections just like the rest of us. It is amazing how much re-touching can be done to these photos. Plus, they have professionals doing their hair and make up.

I think it is important as a parent to make our children feel beautiful. Our country is so hung up on weight and beauty, but beauty goes much deeper than the physical appearance.

How you treat others should be more important. We should emphasize this to our children.

Of course, Hollywood doesn't do much to help. These actresses are so skinny they all look anorexic. No one ever seems skinny enough. That just sends the wrong message to our children. How can you be happy if you're hungry all the time?

Now I'm not saying eat whatever you want whenever you want. However, I believe eveything in moderation is fine. Especially for growing and developing bodies. Unless a doctor tells you otherwise.

This is another reason I cook with the freshest ingredients I can. I always try to have a balanced meal on the table. A meat, vegetable, and potato or rice will usually fill everyone up. Balanced meals are meals you can feel good about serving your family.

As a person of Italian descent, pasta has always been a must at the dinner table several times a week. Now I know pasta can be very fattening; however, today we have other pasta alternatives.

Most grocery stores carry whole wheat pasta, which is very good for you. Also there are light sauces with vegetables that you can use instead of a heavy or cream-based sauce.

My grandparents lived to a ripe old age and ate more pasta than anything else. They were all healthy and happy because they weren't hungry all the time.

Here is a a Tomato Primavera you can feel good about feeding your family. Notice all the fresh ingredients. What does Primavera mean in Italian? "Springtime." We could all use a little springtime in November!

TOMATO PRIMAVERA

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 14 1/2-ounce can whole tomatoes
1 small ear corn, kernels shucked and par-boiled for 1 minute
1 small zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
2 ounces extra-small button mushrooms, halved
1 teaspoon double-conentrate tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or fresh oregano to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried basil or 10 leaves of fresh basil
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

In a skillet or saucepan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the onion and garlic; saute until tender, 2 or 3 minutes. (Make sure to not burn the garlic because it will turn very bitter.)

Add tomatoes, breaking them up with your hands. Stir in remaining ingredients. Raise the heat slightly and simmer the sauce until thick, about 10 minutes. Toss with cooked pasta. Serves 4-6

Olive oil is great to use all the time because it won't clog the arteries. Also, there's a small amount of sugar in this recipe, but you need to balance the acid of the tomatoes. With all the ingredients, a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar really isn't much. Also, don't forget whole wheat pastas! They are very tasty, not to mention good for you.

As parents the best thing we can do is serve healthy and balanced meals to our family. This should include pastas.

When you eat healthy you are happy and alert. This makes you feel good about yourself.

So try serving fresh ingredients and I'm sure you will be amazed how much weight we all don't gain. Three well-balanced meals a day is a way to stay healthy.

Let's make sure our children feel beautiful and one way to do that is give them healthy food choices, which believe it or not should include pasta with fresh ingredients.

We should all try to focus more on health than body image. However, that's easier said than done, but healthy foods will get you to a ripe old age. A skinny, unhealthy, malnourished body will only lead to a tired and sick body.

Look at all these people in Hollywood who die at such young ages. Unfortunately, many young girls look up to these types of people. As parents I'm not sure what we can do about that, but we can offer our children healthy food choices.

Fresh foods and ingredients are one way to maintain a healthy weight. If you're healthy you can't help but be happy!

"Stars" Dancers Truly Shined; Not So Much The Judges

2007-11-27T07:37:00.000-05:00

Which star will win tonight on "Dancing With the Stars"? Well, your guess is as good as mine.

I think they all did a great job. This season they've entertained us, scared us, and made us realize they are just as human as the rest of us.

The judges seemed to be very cranky and critical last night. A little more so than usual. Of course, critique the dancers, but why be so cruel as they seem to be on occasion? The judges seem to be very snobby most of the time, and I find that very irritating.

Marie Osmond, mother of eight, age 48, made all of us over-40 women proud! On top of the grueling schedule of just being on "Dancing With The Stars", she had to deal with passing out on live television, her dad passing away, her son being put into rehab, and other engagements with her family. She smiled through it all despite the criticism and adversity she faced. In my book that makes her a winner.

Bruno Tonioli said Marie Osmond and Jonathan's dance was "the loopiest thing he'd ever seen". He also compared it to Baby Jane and the bride of Chucky. These comments were simply uncalled for and plain mean-spirited. This from a guy who is so animated he makes Scooby Doo seem like a real dog.

Even when these judges gave praise last night it wasn't whole-hearted.

Not bad for a 48-year-old mom!

After Melanie Brown's performance Carrie Ann Inaba still wasn't satisfied. Her comment was that she was expecting a hair more excitement. Again, Mel B has a new baby, and she has been working very hard with the Spice Girls. Cut these people a little slack! They've all had other commitments through the whole season of "Dancing With The Stars". I was so happy to see the Spice Girls in the audience boo Carrie Ann's comments.

Helio Castroneves got slammed for his sloppy footwork and hard landings. I personally found his performance very entertaining. Let's remember this guy is a race car driver. Give him a brake. Sorry -- a little play on words there!

I found the whole season of "Dancing With The Stars" entertaining and a program my whole family could watch. How many shows can you say that about today?

The only thing that could have made this season better was the judges not being so mean-spirited with their comments. There is constructive criticism and then there is just being plain mean. Five-year-old children know the difference; why don't adults?

My 14-year-old daughter, Nicole, was shocked by the mean comments. She was especially offended by the comments about Marie last night. I have to agree with my daughter; the judges went a little too far and out of their way to be nasty.

As far as I am concerned there are no losers. Every single one of them has worked hard. Not to mention the professional dancers like Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Julianne Hough and Jonathan Roberts who made these stars truly shine.

They should all be proud. All of these stars gave up time with their families to do this, and gave us many hours of enjoyable family entertainment. For that alone I thank them. I'm just sorry the judges didn't seem to appreciate it, but I'm sure many families at home did.

The only people left to redeem themselves tonight are the judges. Let's hope they do just that!

Stressed? Make Time For A Good Book

2007-11-26T08:58:00.000-05:00

I think one of the best things we can do for our families is to be as stress-free as possible.

As a mom, that isn't always so easy, and with the Christmas Holiday breathing down our necks it's almost impossible.

However, I have found over the course of the years that reading is a great way to relieve some of my stress. I love to read and I do it whenever I get a chance.

With the cold weather upon us it may be a little bit easier to pick up a book and relax. I find the best time is in the evening when it is quiet and the kids have gone to bed.

As parents we need to relax and not have to feel guility about it. A book is a great way to do that and is still pretty inexpensive.

I have also found used book stores to be a great source to find very inexpensive reading material. They have romance, murder mysteries, and everything in between. If you have books to trade in it is even more inexpensive.

For instance, I recently went to a used bookstore in my area and had books to trade in. I paid as little as $1.50 for a book. Even without the trade-in the book would have only been $3.00.

This is a great way to provide hours of relaxation and stress-free entertainment. On a cold winter's night there is nothing like a great book and a hot cup of cocoa!

So don't feel guilty -- pick up a great book and relax. It's one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our families.

Good Communication With Your Kids Includes Talking About Scary Things -- Like The News

2007-11-25T08:51:00.000-05:00

I'm one of those people who watches the news on a regular basis. I like to keep up with what is going on in the world.

I love to watch CNN, and Lou Dobbs happens to be one of my favorites. Anderson Cooper and his show "360" is also one I like to tune into on a daily basis. I suppose I watch both of them because I usually agree with what they're saying. As stressed as I can get, I really don't need to watch people I disagree with.

Which is probably why I don't like to watch Fox News. They're usually saying things I don't agree with and have guests such as Ann Coulter, who I won't even bother to watch. If I see her I can't change the channel fast enough. Bill O'Reilly is another show I just simply can't and won't watch. Now this is just my opinion.

This entry isn't to bash Fox and promote CNN. I just think it's good to know what's going on in the world. If you like Fox more than CNN by all means watch it, but even if you're a homemaker you should keep up with current events.

I think it keeps your mind alert. Even though the news is depressing at times and very sensationalistic, it makes you feel smarter and informed. Especially if you're at home a lot.

My daughter Nicole, now 14, is very interested in what is happening in the world. She comes home after school and talks about current events. Nicole's social studies teacher happens to talk about current events in class quite often. My daughter thinks her teacher is wonderful and she is so interested in his class.

As violent as the news can be my daughter seems to be able to handle it. I attribute this to her having a safe haven to come home to. You can't hide the violence from your kids no matter how hard you try.

Several months back we had a case in Michigan where a wife and mother went missing. Her name was Tara Grant. It was just a horrific crime. As usual the husband claimed he had nothing to do with her disappearance. He of course later confessed to killing her.

Tara Grant (above), whose husband, Steven (below), confessed to killing

Now we have a current case which is Stacy Peterson. Another wife and mother missing. This time from the state of Illinois. Again, the husband is claiming he has nothing to do with her disappearance. We'll see; however, I highly doubt it. Most mothers just don't leave their children.

How about the highly publicized Laci Peterson case? Again, another husband claiming he had nothing to do with his wife's disappearance. Not only did this monster kill his wife, but also his unborn baby. Unless you live in a cave you've heard about this case, and so have your children.

I think it's important as a parent to be able to talk to your kids about current events. They talk about them in school, and we need them to be well informed.

No, you can't make sense of these types of murder cases. Thankfully most of us, not even in our wildest dreams, could ever hurt another human being let alone someone we are supposed to love.

How do you explain this type of violent crime to your kids? You can't. However, you can sit down and talk to them about it. Especially if they bring up the subject, which my daughter has done on numerous occasions.

We live in a very violent society. However, it's up to us to make our children feel safe. Talking about it is one way to make them feel better.

These monsters that kill their wives not only affect their children and family, but they affect all of us. Let's take back some of the power that these monsters have taken away from all of us! Especially the innocence of our children, of which they've robbed some.

By talking about it with your children it will relieve some of the fright they may be feeling. It's important to let our kids know that they can talk to us, even about the most unspeakable things.

Maybe we don't have the answers as to why these terrible things occur. If we talk about them it may prevent it from happening in the future. Let's teach our kids that violence is not the answer. Because chances are, they've heard about it, and not talking about it won't make it go away.

By talking about these types of terrible crimes and current events with our children it may prevent it from happening in the future. One way is to make sure they feel safe and secure at home. When you talk to your kids you get to know them better. The only way to be able to talk to your kids about these types of crimes is for you to know what is going on yourself. Maybe if some of these monsters had a person to talk to they would have thought twice before doing what they did.

Hopefully by talking to our children it will prevent future violence. If we do our job as parents, maybe in some small way these poor people haven't died in vain.

Turkey Week Continues: An Easy, Creamy Soup

2007-11-24T09:50:00.000-05:00

(note to readers: All this week I'll be sharing with you recipes and ideas of what to do with all that leftover turkey you're sure to have Friday morning. Come back everyday for a new idea!)

Turkey week is winding down. However, I still have plenty of turkey left.

Here is another quick and easy recipe. This is the quickest soup in the world to make. It's great with a sandwich and would make a nice lunch or dinner.

With everyone gearing up for Christmas and the busiest time of the year, this is a recipe that you should keep in your file. The great thing about it is that the turkey can be replaced with chicken. So if you have chicken left over, feel free to use that instead.

Nothing like hot soup on a cold day. Especially when it doesn't keep you in the kitchen all day long. Of course, no one else has to know that! I promise I won't say a word.

Cream of Turkey Soup

¼ cup butter or margarine
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
½ cup light cream
3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups finely chopped cooked turkey (or chicken)
Dash pepper

In a large saucepan melt butter or margarine; stir in flour. Stir in milk, cream and broth. Cook and stir till mixture is slightly thickened and bubbly; reduce heat. Stir in turkey or chicken and pepper; heat through. Garnish with snipped chives and parsley.

This recipe can be doubled very easily, just make sure to use a large enough pot.

Makes 4 servings

I hope the recipes I've passed along this week helped someone save time and money.

Happy Holidays!!!

Turkey Week Continues: A Trip South of the Border!

2007-11-23T09:24:00.000-05:00

(note to readers: All this week I'll be sharing with you recipes and ideas of what to do with all that leftover turkey you're sure to have Friday morning. Come back everyday for a new idea!)

Well, Thanksgiving is officially over and on to the next big holiday of the year, Christmas!

Still, we're all left with all that turkey. Here's another recipe with more of a Mexican flare. A little different than the other recipes. However, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

Turkey Enchilada Casserole

1 cup chopped onion
½ cup chopped green pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cups chopped turkey
1 4-ounce can green chili peppers, rinsed, seeded and chopped
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 cup dairy sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (6 ounces)
12 6-inch tortillas

350 degree oven

In a large saucepan cook onion and green pepper in the 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine till tender. Combine onion mixture in a bowl with chopped turkey and green chili peppers; set aside.

For sauce; in the same saucepan melt 3 tablespoons butter or margarine. Stir in flour, coriander and salt. Stir in chicken broth all at once; cook and stir till thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes more.

Remove from heat; stir in sour cream and ½ of the cheese.

Stir ½ cup of the sauce into the turkey mixture.

Dip each tortilla into remaining sauce to soften; fill each with about ¼ cup of the turkey mixture. Roll up. Arrange rolls in a 13 x 9 x2-inch baking dish; pour remaining sauce over. Sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Bake uncovered, in a 350 degree oven about 25 minutes or till bubbly.

Serves 6

This recipe has quite a few ingredients, but you may still have many of them on hand after the holidays. For instance, if you made dips or a cheese platter you will be able to use up those ingredients. So make sure you check your refrigerator before you shop for any ingredients.

You can always use whatever cheese you have on hand and I'm sure it will be just as delicious. You can play around with this recipe and come up with your own twist.

Be a little adventurous. If you don't have all the ingredients put your own signature on it. If you have red peppers, by all means use them instead of the green. As for the chili peppers, you can always add a little hot sauce, if you have that on hand. If you like things mild simply omit the hot sauce or just use very little.

Have fun with this recipe and don't stress out. You've already had a busy week!!!

Cheers!!

Turkey Week Continues: Monte Cristo Sandwich

2007-11-21T08:22:00.000-05:00

(note to readers: All this week I'll be sharing with you recipes and ideas of what to do with all that leftover turkey you're sure to have Friday morning. Come back everyday for a new idea!)

Yesterday I shared a recipe for Turkey Frame Soup. Today, here's something a little different to go with your soup!

This next idea is a hearty sandwich, and one more way to use up that turkey. It's satisfying and will fill up those with a huge appetite!

The sandwich is called the Monte Cristo. Most food historians believe this sandwich was derived from a French sandwich called the Croque Monsieur. To me it's a glorified grilled cheese sandwich. Whether you call it a Monte Cristo or Croque Monsieur, it's delicious.

The basic sandwich consists of three slices of white bread and ham, turkey, or chicken dipped in a beaten egg and fried in butter. I like to serve this with a side of cranberry sauce, which I believe complements this sandwich.

The only ingredients you may have to buy are deli ham and some Swiss or Gruyere cheese. We love Swiss cheese in my house. I usually have Swiss on hand, and that's what I usually use in this sandwich. However, use the cheese you and your family will enjoy most. I think either cheese would be terrific.

MONTE CRISTO SANDWICHES

(This fried sandwich contains turkey and ham)

18 slices bread
butter
6 slices ham
6 slices turkey
12 slices Swiss or Gruyere cheese
a little mustard and mayonnaise
3 eggs
1/3 cup milk
1/8 teaspoon salt

For each sandwich use 3 slices of bread. Butter one side of bread first, cover with a slice of ham and a slice of turkey. Butter both sides of the second slice of bread and spread with a little mustard or other dressing.

Place on top of turkey or ham slice and top with 2 thin slices of cheese. Butter third slice for top; press sandwich lightly and trim crusts. Cut into halves diagonally and secure with toothpicks.

Beat eggs with milk and salt. Dip sandwich halves into the egg mixture until soaked and fry on a hot skillet or on a griddle in butter or margarine. Brown on all sides, adding more butter when necessary. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Makes 6 sandwiches

In 1966 Disneyland in Anaheim, California began serving this sandwich, which contributed to its popularity. To this day Disneyland continues to serve this popular sandwich.

I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Turkey Week Continues: Easy Turkey Frame Soup

2007-11-20T09:21:00.000-05:00

(note to readers: All this week I'll be sharing with you recipes and ideas of what to do with all that leftover turkey you're sure to have Friday morning. Come back everyday for a new idea!)

With the high expenses we have to deal with on a daily basis it's helpful to stretch your food budget as far as you can. This includes your Thanksgiving turkey.

This next recipe uses up the frame of your turkey. Now nothing on the turkey will go to waste, including the frame.

This is a soup so it will take a little extra time, but I think it is well worth the effort. I believe overall it is a pretty easy recipe and will help you use every bit of your Thanksgiving turkey.

My husband is the one who found this recipe and he is the one who loves to make this soup every year. I think the noodles are what makes this soup a hearty meal.

Turkey Frame Soup

1 meaty turkey frame
3 quarts water (12 cups)
1 onion quartered
2 teaspoons salt
1 16 oz. can tomatoes, cut up
1 tablespoon instant chicken bouillon granules
1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
1 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 cups of fresh vegetables (your choice)
1 ½ cup uncooked medium noodles

Break turkey frame or cut in half with kitchen shears, place in large Dutch oven with water, onion and salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 1 ½ hours. Remove turkey frame; when cool enough to handle, cut off meat and coarsely chop. Discard bones. Strain broth; discard solids. Return broth to Dutch oven. Stir in cut-up turkey meat, undrained tomatoes, bouillon granules, oregano, thyme, and pepper. Stir in fresh vegetables. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover; simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in uncooked noodles, simmer, uncovered, 8 to 10 minutes or till noodles are done.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Makes 10 servings.

Our family loves this soup. I hope yours will too.

Happy cooking!!!!!

Turkey Week: Another Leftover Idea Every Day

2007-11-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

(note to readers: All this week I'll be sharing with you recipes and ideas of what to do with all that leftover turkey you're sure to have Friday morning. Come back everyday for a new idea!)

This week is dedicated to the turkey, and what the heck to do with the leftovers!

After all the cooking most of us will be doing this week, who wants to do any more than we already have?

Here is another recipe that tastes great and is quick and easy:

Turkey Pot Pie

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed Cream of Celery Soup
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed Cream of Potato Soup
1 cup milk
1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
1/4 tsp. pepper
4 cups cooked cut-up vegetables (your favorites)
2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 pkg. (7 1/2 or 10 oz.) refrigerated biscuits

In a 3 qt. shallow baking dish mix soups, milk thyme, pepper, vegetables and turkey.

Bake at 400 degrees 15 minutes or until hot. Stir. Arrange biscuits over turkey mixture. Bake 15 minutes or until biscuits are golden.

Serves 5

This dinner takes no time at all to prepare. So now you can go ahead and start Christmas shopping!

Have fun!!

Thanksgiving Meal: After I Make It, It's A GOOD Tired

2007-11-18T08:58:00.000-05:00

I love the holidays! Thanksgiving is one of my favorites.

The smell of the turkey in the oven. The sound of my family watching the parade in the living room as I am busy in the kitchen.

Usually I feel pressured when my daughter asks me when we're going to eat. Not so on Thanksgiving because I feel like a kid myself. I can't wait to sit down with my family in a cozy house and eat too.

Like my mom, I make everything from scratch, from the potatoes to the gravy and everything in between. It's once a year and my family really does enjoy it!

By the end of the day I'm usually so tired I could pass out. But it's the kind of tired that makes you happy. It's knowing your family enjoyed the meal. That alone is the reason I cook every day, not just on Thanksgiving.

My turkeys are always a success. I believe the reason is because I season them very liberally. You need to remember this is a big bird and really needs to be seasoned and seasoned well. I usually get a 25 lb. turkey, and we always have tons of leftovers, which my family loves.

If your family doesn't like leftovers, by all means get a smaller turkey, but still make sure to season it well.

Basting is another thing I do as the turkey cooks. I think that's one of the secrets to a moist turkey. I try to baste it at least every 20 minutes. Yes, it's a lot of up and down all day. Again, remember, it's only once a year. It's a lot of work anyway -- you might as well go the extra mile!

Also, every time I baste I usually add a little more seasoning as I go. I use tons of seasonings such as, poultry; marjoram; sage; thyme; garlic powder; onion powder; parsley; basil; salt; and pepper. It sounds like a lot, but I guarantee it will be the best turkey you've ever had!

I also love a crispy skin so the last hour or so I uncover the bird to allow the skin to crisp up. If it starts getting too crispy and the turkey isn't done, simply cover it again with aluminum foil.

I remember the first Thanksgiving I cooked, and how nervous I was. Fortunately for me it turned out just fine. Although I must admit I probably called my mom a dozen times. She probably felt that she was cooking the Thanksgiving meal that year!

Well, I have about 17 or so turkeys and Thanksgiving meals under my belt now. Although I still get a little bit of butterflies in my stomach, I really do enjoy making a beautiful Thanksgiving meal for my family.

I pray every year that my meal will turn out fine. It's sure a lot of work, but when your family really loves it, isn't it worth it at least once a year? To watch them eat and enjoy the food is the best gift they can give me.

Now after the meal the next problem is what to do with the leftovers. I have several suggestions and I will put them on my blog throughout the week. A turkey can go a long way and is wonderful for your food budget. Here is my first suggestion.

Turkey-Broccoli Divan

1 lb. broccoli, cut into spears, cooked and drained
1 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed Cream of Broccoli Soup
1/3 cup of milk
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tbsp. dry bread crumbs
1 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted

In a 9" pie plate or 2-qt. shallow baking dish arrange broccoli and turkey. Mix soup and milk. Pour over broccoli and turkey.

In a bowl mix cheese, bread crumbs and melted butter together. Sprinkle cheese and bread crumb mixture over top.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until hot.

Serves 4

* You can double this recipe very easily, just make sure to use a larger baking dish.

This is an easy recipe and tastes great. Another reason to invest in a big turkey this Thanksgiving!

Enjoy!!!

Violent Kids, Left Unchecked, Will Become Violent Adults

2007-11-17T09:16:00.000-05:00

The violence in our society is so bad and it is affecting all our children in one way or another.

Yesterday my daughter went to school as usual. She was looking forward to going to school because she had made the Honor Roll. In recognition of that, the middle school had a pizza party for those children who had worked so hard.

I have always been a parent who volunteers for these kinds of events, and I have always been happy to do so. I love to see the kids have a time to relax and enjoy a special event at school. Especially when they all deserved it and worked so very hard to achieve what they had.

There was also another event happening in my daughter's school yesterday, which was a book fair. If you're not familar, a book store is set up in the school and you give your kids money to buy whatever they would like for the amount of money you have given them.

My daughter chose a book and a Harry Potter poster. Nicole is a huge Harry Potter fan and was so excited to get this poster. Now leave it up to someone to turn a fun thing into an awful experience.

My daughter and her friend are walking out of school at the end of the day and this boy who they have known since elementary school came up to them. My daughter said to him "I just bought this Harry Potter Poster, do you want to see it?" Instead of a yes or no he grabbed the poster out of my daughter's hand and pushed her to the ground. She was so shocked. She asked him what was wrong with him and he just looked down and laughed at her.

This kid never said he was sorry or anything. Didn't try to help her up or even inquire if she was hurt.

My husband picked her up from school, and as soon as she she walked into the door and saw me she burst into tears. She said to me, "I hate school, I hate the pressure and I'm sick of people!" I was stunned. All I could say is, "What happened?" When she told me I hit the roof.

We marched right back to school and I went to see the principal. I was so upset I was shaking. It seems like when things like this happen there is never an adult present to see it actually take place. So now it becomes my daughter's word against this other kid's.

Fortunately for me and unfortunately for society this kid has a history of violent behavior. Now I'm not saying my child is perfect, but she sure doesn't hurt anyone intentionally.

My daughter has always been nice to this particular boy because she knows his history. He's a huge kid, and is built like a linebacker. And my daughter, even though she is tall, is pretty skinny and not much more than 100 pounds. This kid is probably pushing 170 at least. That alone should give this guy a clue to leave her alone, but not the case.

The other thing is, we've had a run-in with this kid before and so has my daughter's friend. In fourth grade he punched my daughter and I went to see her teacher. In sixth grade he pushed down her best friend in the hall and her parents went into school to complain. He has bullied so many people that the list goes on and on.

Yet somehow they keep letting this kid back in school. If this isn't a cry for help, I'm not sure what is. They suspend this kid and he gets right back in school again. I'm not sure what is going on in this boy's home, but it can't be good.

Not one person is getting this kid the help he is screaming for. This boy is going to hurt someone very badly, and not one person is doing a thing to prevent it. Suspension isn't getting him the professional help he clearly needs.

This is the type of child that will shoot up a school, or maybe even turn into a rapist and murderer. If someone doesn't get him the help he so clearly needs society will take care of him. However, how many people will get hurt before that happens? Why does someone have to get hurt very badly or killed before some type of action is taken?

Fortunately my daughter wasn't hurt very badly. Her knees were red and puffy, but a bag of ice can take care of that. However, a bag of ice can't help this boy and neither can looking the other way.

So on Monday my husband and I have to go back to school and complain. The principal told us to come back on Monday and talk to the the Assistant Principal because she (the principal) won't be in school. I really believe she just doesn' t want to deal with this kid and is passing along the problem to her new Assistant Principal. I guess that's fine as long as it gets positive results.

The violence in our country is everywhere. We see it on TV, read it in the newspapers and see it in our schools. The most important thing I can do is try to keep my child as safe as I can.

The other thing I hope is that this other child gets the professional help he so clearly needs. I don't want anything bad to happen to him or to anyone else. It's up to us as adults to make sure these situations are taken care of in a positive way.

It's so easy to look the other way. The most disturbing thing to me in this particular situation isn't that my daughter was physically hurt, but that this kid just looked down at her and laughed. That will haunt me for a long time.

So now it becomes my responsibility to try to get results. Obviously this boy isn't getting what he needs from his home life. I feel so bad for him on one hand, but I am also very mad.

I guess the people I should be mad at are his family. I know for a fact there isn't a dad involved in his life so maybe that is where the anger comes from. I'm not sure, but all I know is that this situation must be addressed and right now.

It's up to us as responsible adults to take action and get involved. Not only in our children's lives, but to help other children as well. I'm not saying stick your nose in where it doesn't belong, but we must help ALL kids -- not just our own.

In the end I hope this child and many other children go down the right path. The most important thing we can give our children is a good home life. Somewhere that they feel safe and secure.

When my daughter came to me I was happy. This meant she trusts me to take care of the situation and protect her. As a parent that is the best gift I will ever receive from my child. She knows she has my support no matter what. We have open lines of communication and I feel I have done a good job with her. My daughter didn't respond back to this kid in a violent way. She came to me so that makes me feel like I did something right bringing her up they way I have.

All our children need to know they can come to their parents and we will be there for them. If this happened more often maybe our society wouldn't be so violent. Kids need reassurance on a consistent basis. They need the support and love of their family. Growing up in our society is so hard; let's not make it harder on our kids than it already is. Never give up on your kids -- they should be the most important people in your life.

Well, it's back to school for me on Monday! Wish me luck!!!!

Let's Grade Teachers More Often; Accountability Is Lacking

2007-11-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

What is going on in our school system? I am so tired of teachers not doing their jobs.

Maybe that is why so many parents are home-schooling their children. We have to do the teachers' jobs anyway. Might as well teach them from home.

The amount of homework that comes home each night is ridiculous. What are these teachers doing during the day?

Today was the kicker and what got me into this rant. My daughter, who's very smart, came home with science homework. She said to me, "Mom, I don't understand this." I asked her why she didn't ask the teacher. Her reply? "Because they look at you like you're stupid."

That did not make me feel good at all. Keep in mind my daughter has made the Honor Roll every semester since she started middle school. I really don't doubt her feelings on this matter. Over the years I think I have done more teaching in the evening than the majority of the teachers have done during the course of a day.

Now I'm not saying all teachers are like this, but it seems more are than aren't. A teacher's job is to teach and if you have to go over something over and over again, oh well -- isn't that your job?

We need to be grading these teachers just as they grade our kids. Just because you have a degree doesn't mean you are qualified to teach a subject. In fact, in most cases the more some of these teachers know about the subject they're teaching, the more they are unable to teach the subject at all!

The pattern I seem to always see are in the subjects of math and science. I'm sure these teachers are very smart, but they can't seem to teach others. Maybe because they find it so easy they can't relate. They have to be able to take the time and care. They also have to remember that these are children. As far as I am concerned, if the children aren't successful neither is the teacher.

Making kids take notes and rambling for an hour every day isn't teaching. You have to talk to these kids and put it in a context that is interesting and one that they can understand. Talking to them in Greek won't get the job done.

My daughter comes home each night to ask my husband and me for help. Of course we do help her, but in a way that she can understand. How come I can teach her in a way she understands, but they can't? Isn't that what we pay them to do?

Over the years I've done this time and time again. I feel my daughter's success is mostly due to what my husband and I have done at home to teach her. Now isn't that sad. This child is in school for seven hours a day and still has to come home and have us explain stuff to her. Not just once in awhile, but on a consistent basis.

I feel so sad for these kids who have no support system at home. How will they ever succeed if the teachers in school aren't doing their jobs?

We need to have some kind of system that grades these teachers and holds them accountable to some degree. That's part of why our country is going down the tubes. Most of the teachers are just not able to teach. Like I said, just because you have a degree doesn't mean you are qualified to teach our children.

Sometimes, homeschooling seems like a better and better option

Most of the teachers now don't even grade the kids' papers. They have the children do it. How in the heck can you know if a child needs help if you don't take the time to grade the papers yourself? The other way they are grading now are with these scanning machines. The child fills in the circles on a narrow sheet and they put it in a machine and it grades the paper. Again, talk about being out of touch with the children in your class! How can you possibly know what is going on, when you're relying on machines, and other students, to grade assignments?

I guess the school districts are okay with these scanning machines, otherwise they wouldn't provide them. Instead of making the teachers' jobs easier, why aren't they making things easier on our kids? Make these teachers teach and hold them responsible for a class's success or failure. They do that in the real world -- why not in the classroom?

You have to have patience as a teacher and be able to instruct children in a way they understand. Our school system is broken and someone needs to fix it and quickly. How will we remain a super power when we fail our kids on a regular basis?

Our children's future success is in all of our hands and teachers need to do their part too! You chose this profession so be the best you can be -- just like you expect from the kids.

Let Dinner Table Be Heart Of Your Family's Togetherness

2007-11-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

As I was sitting here trying to think of what to write, for some reason my grandmother (on my mother's side) popped into my head. I started thinking about her and the rest of my family. I truly think I was lucky to be born into the family that I was.

I have so many fond memories. My grandmother's name was Julia, or Julie as everyone called her. She had such a sense of humor and was so fun to be around. My grandfather was Carl. He was a typical Italian man. He was born in Italy. My grandmother was Italian, but born here in the U.S.

It's funny but these two people were so different. He was of the old country and she was very Americanized. About the only thing I could see that these two had in common was an Italian background. However, I couldn't have been more wrong.

They raised seven children together, and lost one baby boy to pneumonia. They were married until the day my grandfather passed away in 1988. I saw them go through many things over the years; their love had to be very strong. Especially having three of their sons pass away over the course of their lives.

I think this is where a lot of my strength and family values come from. The most important thing we have is our families. That remains the reason I do all the things I do. Like most people some days I just don't want to cook, but I push myself. Mainly it's because I believe the dinner table is the only place during the course of the week that we are all at at the same time.

Meal time is the time where we can talk about our day. This is usually the only time during the day and the evening we say a prayer together and we do it before we eat our evening meal. I know religion and God is something people don't like to talk about today, but to me that's where the heart of my family is and where I get my strength.

This isn't my family, but the scene depicted was typical when I was a child and teenager

Faith is something you can't see, feel or touch, but in my heart I know that it has gotten me through some of the hardest trials in my life. Faith and a sense of family values I believe are the most important foundation we can have in our lives.

Even if you don't believe in God, I think your family is what gets you through some of the most difficult times. I just happen personally to believe in God. I don't believe I was born to the family I was by accident. I think there was a plan.

My memories of my grandparents and their quiet strength will continue to touch me throughout my life. Even though they aren't here with me any longer I feel them every day and they live through me. My memories can never be taken from me and my grandparents, dad and uncles will never die as long as they remain in my heart.

I will never forget the laughter, food and the smell of coffee coming from my grandmother's kitchen. The heart of our family was truly the kitchen. I still believe it is to this day. At the core of that heart is a faith in God and family.

So remember, even if you're exhausted at the end of the day, push yourself a little and make sure you cook for your family. Even if it's something simple. It will create memories and love. Isn't that worth a little more effort?

My husband Greg, daughter Nikki (and Scamp) creating new memories -- in the kitchen, naturally!

The heart of every family I believe comes from you and your kitchen. Please take the time to create lasting memories for your family. It's one way to say, "I love and appreciate you!" The people in your family are the most important people you will have in your life. Please make sure they know. Nothing replaces love and memories.

That's the reason I try to cook everyday. I believe that the heart of my family lies within me. It's up to me to create lasting memories that my family will carry throughout their lives. The smell every night from my kitchen and sitting together as a family at the dinner table is one way I am making memories for my family.

A house is made of walls and beams, a home is built with love and dreams. Try to make memories for your family. The best way to let people know you love them is to show them. One way is a warm meal and family time at the dinner table. Give it a try!

In The Year Of The Recall, Look To Homemade Toys This Holiday Season

2007-11-11T09:22:00.000-05:00

I've addressed this on my blog before, but I guess it needs to be brought up again.

I watch the news on a pretty regular basis. Again, I am appalled at the government's slow reaction at anything that affects this nation's people. When it come to children I get even more upset.

Yet again, seven more U.S. children became sick after ingesting Chinese-made toy beads that were recalled last week because of a toxic coating.

Now if you aren't aware of the product, please check your home and call friends with children. The Spin Master Aqua Dots are the name of the toxic toy. This news should be plastered everywhere, but it isn't.

The Aqua Dots toy that's being recalled

The chemical that these beads are covered in causes children to be knocked unconscious. This particular chemical metabolizes into gamma hydroxybutyrate -- better known as the "date-rape drug".

On top of the child being knocked unconscious, it can also cause seizures, drowsiness, coma, and even death.

Where is the outrage from our government? These are our children -- our babies! Since this administration has been in office the country has done nothing but gone downhill at an alarming rate.

This government should be banning anything that comes from China! If not, everything that comes into our country should be tested thoroughly and these companies should have to pay for every bit of it. They should also make sure that the cost of such prevention doesn't get passed along to the consumer. There's a price for cheap labor and these companies should be made to pay for it.

I hope these toy companies get sued so badly they are put out of business. These are our children and there should be such a human outcry. They put American workers out of business to send products overseas to be made cheaper. I feel no pity for these companies, but as usual they are not the only ones hurt. When it comes to any child being harmed in any way that is where I really lose my temper. Especially when this could have all been avoided by someone testing these products and just plain doing their job!

The other thing that makes me mad is that it wasn't our govenment that banned these toys. It was in Beijing, China that they banned exports of this toy. That only happened after these Aqua Dots had been recalled in other countries. On top of that, China probably wouldn't have done anything either if an investigation hadn't been ordered.

The Chinese government doesn't care about their own people -- why would they care about ours? Furthermore, our government is just as bad; they don't protect us either. Where do we turn? The people running for president in 2008 aren't addressing all the issues facing our country today. They gloss over issues and I am sick and tired of them walking a fine line.

If you believe in something you should stand up for it and not be afraid of what others will say. We need people in our government who are honest and have a backbone. Personally I don't think there is anyone who fits this description, among the presidential candidates.

When it comes to children that is when I really get mad. We are here to protect them -- not put them in danger and our government and corporate America should make sure of that.

My daughter, Nicole, is 14 now so she doesn't really play with toys anymore. She's into her iPod, writing stories with her friends, and being a usual teenager. However, if I had a precious little one I wouldn't buy a single toy sold in stores this year. Hit these companies in the pocket book!

A few weeks back it was said that this would be the safest holiday on record. That is already not happening. Why believe anything the so-called experts say? If I had a little one, what I would do is buy toys at local craft shows. This time of the year, you can find such shows all over the place, usually at churches and schools. A lot of these retired gentlemen -- and ladies -- make beautiful wooden toys. I've bought them in the past for my daughter. Not only are you helping these folks that make these wonderful toys, you are also keeping your child safe. I'd trust someone like a local crafter more than I would these big toy manufacturers.

The kind of toys you find at a craft show are ones that will require kids to use more of their imagination. In the long run they will probably love the toy much more than a store bought one. It will probably keep them more entertained. Plus, the toys are better made --with care, love, and pride. Tell your kids that this hand-made toy was made especially for them and there isn't another one like it in the whole world. Make them feel special -- because they are. As parents we need to remember that there isn't another person like that special child in our life and he/she can't be replaced. Our children are made with care, love, and pride -- just like these special toys!

Homemade, hand-made toys like this car can be found at your local church or school's craft shows

If you want to keep your kids safe this holiday season, try a homemade toy. Maybe if we go back to the way things used to be we will all be better off. Not to mention, our kids will be safe. What could be better for all of us?

Wanting To Protect Our Borders Is NOT Racism

2007-11-10T03:32:00.000-05:00

I am an American of Italian/Polish descent. My great-grandparents came to this country legally.

That is why I am so sick and tired of people in the government labeling me a racist because I believe our borders should be closed.

I have nothing against Mexicans, but I am against people coming into this country illegally. They also seem to expect the same rights and in some cases more rights than I have. My only curse today is having been born in this country.

I used to consider myself middle class. As time goes on and the war continues, the middle class is slowly but surely being eliminated and so are my rights as an American citizen.

My father fought in WWII for this country as a very young man. He brought me up to believe in the American government and always said they did what was best for their people. Well, at one time maybe they did, but not now.

Is this the thanks that my dad gets for being a veteran of WWII? Is this the thanks we get as his family for him putting his life on the line? They call us racist because we want our country secure. You're welcome!!!

How can we possibly have reform immigration if we can't control it?

It also doesn't matter if you are a Democrat or a Republican; both parties are putting the American family dead last.

What part of illegal doesn't anyone understand? I'm all for people coming into this country legally; that's what this country was built on. I am not, however, for anyone coming here illegally. Why are they better than my family? Why do they have more rights than I have? Why am I being labeled a racist because I want people to be legal citizens?

President Bush seems to want to fight terrorism overseas. Yet terrorists can come through the Mexican border. It's absolutely the craziest thing I have ever seen, and it makes no sense.

I worry about my family every day and I feel like this is not my country anymore. This government time and time again refuses to protect us. I am sick and tired of paying taxes for people who are not looking out for the American families' best interest. The only thing these politicians care about are votes and to heck with the American people!

Also, isn't it time we released Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean, who were given terms of 11 and 12 years, respectively, on their convictions for shooting an illegal alien drug smuggler? This is how the government thanks them and their families for protecting our borders? By throwing them in jail?

U.S. Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos (left) and Jose Compean

Well if no one else will say it I will. Thank you, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Compean for protecting our borders. I as an American am so sorry for what your families are going through, and the American government should be ashamed of themselves. If I was actually a racist would I be saying this to two gentlemen who are clearly of Mexican descent? Probably not!!!

It is a well-known fact that Mexico remains the primary source for illegal drugs to enter our country. These drugs include cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamines. The border in Mexico is the main battlefield in the war against drugs and the federal government has done nothing to secure it.

As an American citizen I am tired of the government and their excuses. I'm sure I am not the only person who feels this way. It's time to stand up and say we are not going to take this anymore!!! How dare anyone call me a racist when I want things to be done legally. I believe it is irresponsible to label people as racist for your own political gain. I'm sure I'm not alone in my feelings.

Even though my dad is no longer with us I wish him Happy Veterans Day. Your family appreciates the sacrifice you gave to your country -- even if the government you protected doesn't respect the family you left behind.

To all the veterans out there, thanks for all you've done for this country; the American people appreciate it!

Last but not least to our brave men and women serving our country: I thank you and your family for the sacrifices you are making. For all our military on the front lines, I pray for your safe and quick return home!

Happy Veterans Day!

Why Dirty Tons Of Pots And Pans When One Will Do The Trick?

2007-11-09T08:02:00.000-05:00

One of the best ways I have found to save money and stretch your food budget is by utilizing leftovers.

I love to make one pot comfort meals.

The best way I have found to do this is by doubling the recipe. When you make soups and stews this is very easy to do. It is also very cost effective.

Also, the aroma from the meal will greet your family as they come home. What a nice thing to come home to after a hard day!

For instance, the other day I made stew. Stew meat is one of the cheapest meats you can buy and when cooked long enough it's delicious. So if you are a stay-at-home mom these kinds of meals are always within your reach.

Also, when you have leftovers you don't have to cook again. All you do is heat them up. So on nights when the kids have activities this is a great way to give them a home-cooked meal without fussing all over again.

The other thing about one pot meals is that the clean-up is minimal. One pot, no clean-up and you're out the door in an instant.

If you work during the week you can always make these kinds of dishes on the weekend and heat them up during the week. Food will usually last at least four days in the refrigerator. Usually with one pot meals like soups and stews the longer they sit the better they taste.

The following stew I made the other day and we're having the leftovers tonight. Stew is always a hit with my family.

One pot: cuts down on the clean-up!

Beef Stew

3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 lbs beef stew meat
2 Tablespoons cooking oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (crush in hand before adding)
3 cups of vegetable juice
1 teaspoon instant beef boullion granules
Few dashes of hot sauce
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 1/2 cups of sliced celery
1 1/2 cups sliced carrots
1 cup of green beans (fresh or frozen)
1 teaspoon salt

In a plastic bag combine flour and salt. Add meat cubes, a few at a time, shaking to coat. In a large pot brown meat in the hot oil. Add onion, garlic and thyme. Cook until onion is translucent, but not brown. Stir in vegetable juice, boullion, hot sauce, and 1 cup water. Bring to boiling point; reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 2 hours or till meat is tender. Stir in potatoes, celery, green beans, and carrot. Cover and simmer 30 to 45 minutes more. Skim off fat.

This will serve 6.

I doubled this recipe to get two meals.

This stew was a hit with my husband and daughter. The best part is I don't have to cook tonight and they will still get a great home-cooked meal. All I do is heat it on the stove and dinner is served. Again, one pot, so my clean-up will be minimal this evening.

So try soups and stews. It's easy on you. Best of all it's healthy and your family will love it! I guarantee it will be a hit with your family too.

Nothing like a hot meal to come home to after a long day!

Men In The Kitchen: It Doesn't Always Have To Be A Nightmare

2007-11-08T10:05:00.000-05:00

I think one of the things that attracted me to my husband 17 years ago was his ability to cook. I mean cook in the kitchen, of course!

It's such a nice thing for men to be able to have a few dishes they are able to prepare. Because let's face it -- every now and then the wife will get sick. It's nice to be able to rely on your husband to feed the kids without going to McDonald's or some other fast food joint.

Now I'm not saying my husband can cook everything, but he can hold his own in the kitchen. He makes a mean stir fry. He also makes a wonderful dill pickle soup. Now I know that sounds awful, but it is one of the best soups you will ever have!

In fact, I am half Polish and my husband, who isn't Polish, made this soup for me when we were dating. I never heard of this soup before he mentioned it to me. Greg had seen the recipe in the newspaper, kept it and had the guts and ability to make it. What a brave guy! I thought I would hate it, but to my amazement it was just terrific. I was so sure I would have to come up with some kind of little white lie so I wouldn't hurt his feelings. To my astonishment I absolutely loved it!

Well, it's been over 17 years and we're still eating and enjoying it! Our daughter, Nicole, has been eating and loving it since she was very small. In fact, she bugs her dad to make it as often as he can. You see, even men can start traditions. I give full credit for this recipe to my husband, Greg. I'm sure he doesn't realize how special he makes us feel when he makes this soup for us.

The following recipe is a little more involved than my previous ones, but it is well worth it. This one you may want to make on the weekends when you aren't too busy.

Glorified Polish Dill Pickle Soup

11 cups water
1 pound fresh kielbasa (NOT smoked)
1 cup cold water
3 medium potatoes -- washed, peeled, and finely chopped
3 carrots -- scrubbed, finely chopped
1 medium onion -- peeled, ends removed and finely chopped
2 ribs celery -- finely chopped, including leaves
1 large dill pickle, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup quick cooking barley
1 cup dill pickle juice
2 cups sour cream (16 ounces)

In a large soup pot, bring 11 cups of water to a boil. Reduce heat and add the kielbasa. Cover and simmer for one hour, skimming foam as necessary. Remove kielbasa and coarsely chop; return to pot. Add potatoes, carrots, onion, celery, pickle, bay leaf, seasoned salt, garlic salt, seasoned pepper, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and barley. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the bay leaf and add the pickle juice. Simmer 15 to 20 minutes more.

Just before serving, pour one cup (8 ounces) of the broth into a small bowl. Scoop sour cream into a separate small bowl. Temper the sour cream by stirring in one tablespoon of broth at a time until the cup of broth is gone. Now add the tempered sour cream into the soup pot and heat; do NOT let the soup boil or it will curdle. Makes 8 to 10 large servings.

Now ladies, your kitchen may look like WWII just happened there, but let your husbands in the kitchen too. My daughter will have many happy memories of not just my home-cooked meals, but also her dad's. What a nice thing for a man to do for the people he loves the most. Flowers are nice, but there is nothing like a home-cooked meal and a night off for the special ladies in their lives. It comes from the heart and what could be better than that?

So come on guys -- roll up your sleeves and get in the kitchen! My husband is the perfect example of a man's ability to make a wonderful meal for his family. Why does it always have to be the wife? Give your wives or girlfriends a night off and see if she doesn't appreciate it!

Men: Don't be afraid of the kitchen!

Get yourself a nice big loaf of crusty bread and a big bowl of Dill Pickle Soup. It's nice on a cold blustery day!

Enjoy the soup -- we sure do!!!

Thanks Greg!

Don't Forget Grandparents When It Comes To Family Foundation

2007-11-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

My mornings are usually very hectic. I hardly have time to breathe. My time has to be spent well and I have to multi-task.

After that, however, I take a half hour or so to just sit and relax. For instance, right after I add a new entry to my blog I sit and have a cup of tea. Sometimes it's coffee. The point is, I just sit and relax.

This time of the morning our dogs have already been outside and are back inside sleeping somewhere in the house. We have a cockatiel who is still covered and sleeping also. Now time for a little needed R&R for about half an hour. It re-energizes me and that's the best thing for my family.

Today's very crazy because on top of my usual chores this morning I started a load of laundry between my daughter's breakfast and driving her to school. She has a half day of school today -- so instead of making her lunch I decided to fill the time with some laundry.

Fridays are extra busy for me because I usually scrub my floor and vacuum for the weekend. I like my family to come home to a very clean house on Fridays. Plus, when I get all my cleaning done on Friday, I have more time to devote to them on the weekend.

I also want to e-mail my mother-in-law. I want to send her pictures of Nicole and her friends in their Halloween costumes. My mother-in-law lives 45 minutes away from us. E-mail is a great way to keep her up to date on what is happening around here. I want her to know that she's a very special part of our family, despite our distances apart. Keeping her up-to-date is a great way to let her know we are thinking about her.

I also need to take time to see my mom and spend some time with her. For instance, I had to take her to the doctor this past week. Her hearing isn't very good anymore. I like to go to all her appointments so I make sure I know what's going with her medications and I can get her to understand. My mom has always been there for me and I want to be there for her now that she is getting up in age (she's 82).

My dad and father-in-law both have passed away so it's up to me and my husband to do what we can for our moms. I try to be a good daughter and daughter-in-law and I hope that I am.

I also think this sets a good example for Nicole. She loves both her grandmothers and I make sure when they are here she spends time with them. I'm pretty proud of her because she doesn't even have to be told; she loves spending time with both of them.

In fact, my mother-in-law was over for dinner last weekend and one of her friends wanted to get together with her on Saturday. She told her friend no because her grandma was coming over. She did this all on her own -- she didn't have to be told. Sometimes you wonder as a parent if you're getting things across to your kids. This was a perfect example of, yes I have!

I think it's very important for kids to spend time with their grandparents. It teaches them to respect older people and makes your family whole. It's very important for kids to not only have a good relationship with their parents, but also their grandparents. It's also up to us as parents to make sure that happens.

Having a happy and close family is the best and most important foundation we can give our kids. It's important for children to be able to maintain a relationship with older people as well as younger people.

Make sure your kids have a great relationship with their grandparents. That won't happen unless you have a great relationship with not only your children, but also your parents.

A good and healthy family is the best thing we can give our kids. With all the pressure out there they need a good foundation. A close relationship with kids and grandparents is important and is only a phone call away.

Have a great weekend!!

Halloween: One of My Favorites, And Here's Why

2007-10-31T08:39:00.000-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I love Halloween! It's a fun night. It gives children and parents a chance to do something together.

I love the smell in the air and the laughter I hear from kids running up to my porch and yelling "Trick or treat!" It's one more reason to have fun as a family.

When I was growing up, the decorations for Halloween used to be a couple of cute or spooky cardboard cutouts that you had to Scotch tape to your windows or door.

Today the decorations are so elaborate. From the inflatables on the front lawn to the flashing lights in the windows. I'm one of those people that like to celebrate everything and try to put my own special and personal touch on it. Any excuse to have fun with my child and enjoy life.

This morning started out great! My daughter jumped out of bed and was very excited. She couldn't wait to put on her make-up and costume. Today was one of those mornings for just cereal and juice, which she hardly touched. All she wanted to do is get ready and go to school. Fortunately her school allows the children to go in their Halloween costumes.

Last evening we had fun putting together little candy bags for her friends at school. They are cute little bags we picked up at Target that say "You've been booed". Last evening was another reason for me to spend time with my daughter by putting together bags of candy for her friends. We laughed and talked. These are the kind of moments you can make happen all the time.

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Trust is the kind of payback you get from spending quality time with your children.
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After school this afternoon she has to look forward to carving two pumpkins with her dad. A reason for them to have fun and talk together too.

A fun and easy thing you can do is get out a crockpot and put it on Low. Add apple cider to it and a few cinnamon sticks and let it simmer. When your children return they will have some nice warm cider to come home to and enjoy. This is easy and requires very little clean up. Just another way to make tonight just a little more special. While my husband and daughter carve the pumpkins, I will be making this little treat for them.

Our Jack Russell, Scamp, is the cutest witch ever!

This evening will also be time for her and her friends to go out and be together. This is the first year she will be going out with just her friends. I know my daughter and her friends and am positive they will be well behaved and careful. Trust is the kind of payback you get from spending quality time with your children.

As parents we should all find any reason to make things as fun and enjoyable for our children as we can. It's another way we can become close as a family unit.

Halloween is just another excuse to have fun with your kids. Try to make every moment count! They'll be grown up before we know it.

Please remember if you are driving tonight to be extra careful. Children get very excited and can just dash into the street without thinking. So please think for them for just one evening.

Have a safe and happy Halloween! Enjoy your kids and most of all have fun with them!

Tired of Today's Network Programming? Pick Up A Game

2007-10-30T13:53:00.000-04:00

When I was growing up television shows used to be geared toward more family programming.

I used to love Saturday nights and the lineup on television. I remember watching The Bob Newhart Show and Mary Tyler Moore with my parents. My mom and dad would order pizza or some other fun thing to eat. Sometimes we would even make homemade pizza or bake fresh bread. It was our time together as a family. The shows back in the 1970s were funny and entertaining and something you could watch with the whole family.

The shows today aren't geared toward families. Nothing makes you laugh and it seems like the networks aren't even interested in family programming. All I see is violence and a whole lot of blood and guts.

"Umm, TV networks? Where are all the shows like mine, today?"

Is it any wonder why we have a breakdown of the family? Nothing is geared toward families today. You would think that there would be a market for some type of family entertainment.

If you have a family, most likely you are home on Saturday evenings. Most families can't afford to take the kids to the movies. It is just too expensive. What can you do?

What we have started is family game night. We turn off the television and pick some games to play. Our daughter loves Scrabble. It's something we do together and it is educational as well. It also gives us time to talk and laugh together.

What I do is make a special snack. Last week I made fresh veggies and dip and we snacked and played games. I try to make it special by making some sort of treat. One time we made S'mores together. It's fun and brings you closer with your kids.

Scrabble: Fun, easy family time that's also educational

What you can also do is have your kids pick a special treat they like, and all make it together. If you make things special and fun children usually love to get involved. I really do believe that children love family time and need it on a regular basis.

So here's a note to the networks. If you can't make programming for families, at least on Saturday night, then you get turned off. We can all have our own Saturday night lineup with our families. It will bring everyone closer.

So turn off the television on Saturday night and give it a try. I think you will be amazed how much your family will enjoy being together without television.

Have fun!!!

Today's Homework: Book Sense Outweighs Common Sense

2007-10-29T08:14:00.000-04:00

I can't say this any simpler: there is just too much homework for our kids! Someone has got to do something about this.

Yes, they should have some homework, but there is such a thing as overload. I think the amount of homework my child comes home with is completely unacceptable.

On top of all the homework is the weight of the books they bring home in their backpacks. I am so worried about my child's back. I'm afraid she's going to do damage to it. I told her, that if a book is too heavy, to carry it in her arms to more evenly distribute the weight.

You would think someone would use common sense when they're making these text books. Remember, these are children carrying these books. Can't someone use their heads and maybe break up the book in sections? Instead of one book for the whole year, maybe there should be three or four smaller ones. Am I the only person who thinks of these things?

I know everyone is always worried about cost. Do they ever think, What about the cost to our children's well being and health? Isn't that worth anything anymore?

The stress our kids are under is simply too much. Someone has got to say enough is enough. Not to mention the stress the parents feel -- especially responsible parents who work with their children and make sure they have good work habits.

The kids need a little downtime and also time for outside activities. They need balance in their lives. They need family time.

Also, think of the parents. We work outside the home, as well as inside it. We have to make dinner and be able to have time to sit and eat. We need time with our kids; it's important for our family. They need time with us as well.

We're multi-tasking all the time, so why do we have to multi-task time spent with our children? Then people wonder why there is a breakdown of the family. This sure doesn't help!

Another excuse I've heard for all the homework is kids have to be able to deal with stress. Well, maybe that's true, but isn't it our job as adults to protect them from stress -- not cause more? When the kids become adults they'll have enough stress. Why do we have to intoduce it to them sooner than necessary?

Here is another thing I've heard: "We have to be able to compete with other countries." This is a lot of nonsense. Why put our kids through all this stress to compete only to have the CEOs of this country outsource American jobs anyway? All they care about is the cheap labor they can get in other countries. They don't care about the American worker or the American family.

All I know is, Halloween is this Wednesday and I'm sure there will be a heavy load of homework. For one day can't they ease the load a bit? Let these kids enjoy going out without being worried about homework.

Also, let the parents be able to enjoy our kids for at least one night. We have to cook dinner, clean up and get the costumes on them, which includes makeup most of the time. Have a little pity on all of us this Wednesday!

Have a wonderful and spooky Halloween!!!! BOO!

A Dying Breed: People With Manners, Morals

2007-10-27T08:45:00.000-04:00

Other than my immediate family, does anyone today have manners? Is there someone who just does something for someone else without an agenda? If these people exist I'd sure like to know who they are.

You see it every day and it seems to be happening more and more. I'd like to think I'm one of the few people who have manners and actually care about others.

I speak from experience. This is where it all began for me. Many years ago, when my daughter was in first grade, her school was looking for a parent to be Treasurer of the PTO. I was at the meeting and thought it would be something nice for me to do. After the meeting was over one of my neighbors pulled me aside and said, "Are you nuts?!" I had no idea what she meant at the time. Well, I found out pretty quickly. This is when my eyes were opened.

After I became Treasurer, it all began. Some of the women in the PTO started talking behind my back. Keep in mind, I was a new parent in this school and had never been involved in PTO. The reason I know they were talking behind my back is because they did it right in front of me without realizing. These two women were talking about me and it so happened I was walking right behind them. Unfortunately, my daughter and husband happened to be with me and heard everything they said. The funny thing about this incident was the reaction when these two particular women realized I was walking right behind them. The expressions on their faces were priceless. I thought they would both die of embarrassment. By rights they should have. The most heartbreaking thing for me however was when my child looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said; "Mommy why are they talking like that about you?" I was honest and said the only thing I could at the time and that was "I'm not sure."

They had been talking about something they thought I hadn't been doing, like the previous treasurer. Instead of coming to me and speaking to me about it like adults should, they chose to talk behind my back, and make fun of me. Well, thats fine I'm an adult and I can handle it, but what made me so mad was my child happened to hear also.

People like this are cowardly and gutless. After only one year as treasurer I stepped down. It wasn't just this incident, but one of many. It also just wasn't me; they would talk about other moms behind their backs too. I am just not into talking and gossiping behind people's backs. Mainly because it sets a rotten example for my child, but also because that is just not the kind of person I am.

I thought this kind of stuff just happened with women, but over the years I have come to realize it happens to men too. Maybe not in the same way, but it has manifested in our lives over the last seven months twice.

My husband has been stabbed in the back by men he thought he could trust. The problem is not only did they hurt him, but they hurt me and my daughter in the process. One of the individuals, we had treated exremely nicely. We had him over for dinner many times, and my daughter looked up to him. We treated him like a member of the family, but all he did was use my husband and toss him aside. My husband was hurt, I was hurt and the most heartbreaking thing for me was my daughter was hurt. As a parent, nothing makes you more mad than when your child is hurt.

The strange thing is these people seem to be able to live with themselves without any remorse. They also seem to be able to justify themselves. Well, I guess they think if they convince themselves they were justified everyone else will see it the same way. Well that's just not so. Just ask my daughter.

Well, I guess if you can live with yourself more power to you. I, however, am glad I don't hurt or use people. I happen to be the kind of person who can't live with herself if I hurt or use someone on purpose.

Yes, I'm sure I've hurt people, but it wasn't intentional. If I do hurt someone it bothers me, and yes I am a big enough person to apologize. The one thing I don't do is talk behind people's backs. You know the old saying, "If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all." Why would you want to hurt or use someone intentionally? I can't figure that out.

If you do nothing else this weekend, try to do something nice for someone. Whether it's as simple as letting someone in during heavy traffic or simply holding a door open for someone. That little gesture can make someone's outlook and day just a little happier. Don't we at least owe that to each other? Just show some human kindness; it may have a trickle down effect.

Have a great weekend!

Idle Hands Truly Can Be Devil's Workshop

2007-10-26T07:31:00.000-04:00

I believe one of the best things we can do for our kids is to keep them involved in activities. Whether it is in school or after school.

My daughter is in band and will continue in high school. My husband and I encourage her all the time, and she has become quite a good clarinet player.

Like most parents, I'm worried about her transition from middle school to high school. I worry about her getting in with the wrong crowd, or into drugs, alcohol, smoking, sex -- and anything else that may get her into trouble.

I do, however, believe in my child and know that my husband and I did the very best to bring her up with good moral values. I hope we have set a good example for her. We aren't perfect, but I hope making sacrifices throughout her life and just plain being there for her has made the difference.

I don't think you can be your child's best friend. They have that at school. I think that parents must be anchors for their kids. Keep them grounded. Make sure you know who they are hanging around with and where they are all the time. It's not an easy job, but is very important to their well being.

My daughter and I are very close, but I found myself not listening to her other day. She came home from school and I was in the kitchen getting ready to start dinner. I found myself not really listening to her. So I just stopped what I was doing and sat at the table and listened to what she had to say. It was nothing earth shattering, but the fact is she wanted to come to me and talk about it.

As parents, we are all busy and there just are not enough hours in the day. Later I thought about taking the time to listen to her and I realized, what happened as a result? We ate 15 minutes later. What's so terrible about that?

I'm so glad I realized what I was doing and took the time to sit down with her. Nobody likes not being heard. Children are no different. They are worth every bit of love and attention we can give them.

The stress our kids are under in school is much worse than we ever experienced. It's so important for them to have a safe haven. They need to express their opinions and we need to be able to guide them in the right direction.

Taking a walk with your kids as a family -- even in the rain -- can be considered quality time

The most important thing is to have open communication with kids. It's definitely not easy in this day and age. I think the more you listen and spend time with your kids the closer you will become.

Schedules are hectic and life is crazy, but I think keeping children active helps. Most cities have community centers now. Kids can swim or do other positive and healthy activities. The cost is minimal, and will keep them out of trouble. It's a nice thing parents and kids can do together. It also gets everyone out of the house. They can also meet up with their friends while you swim or do other activities. The old saying, "Idle hands are the devil's workshop," truly does apply -- especially nowadays.

So spend time with your kids. Take time to talk to them. Get to know their friends. The best thing for our children is to know that someone cares. If their parents don't, who will?

One More Worry: The Food We Eat

2007-10-25T08:03:00.000-04:00

Like a lot of people right now I am fed up with our government. It seems like everything in our country has gone south.

I am one of many moms trying to do what is best for her family and that includes giving them healthy and nutritious foods to eat.

However, how can I do that when every time I turn around you hear some kind of food recall? It scares me and you just don't know what to feed your family.

I was at a local produce store yesterday and my mom came with me. I was looking at fresh spinach and she suggested I'd better not buy it, just in case. This is something I go through every time I go into a grocery store now, whether my mom is there to remind me or not!

When my daughter was sick the other day the first thing that came to mind was, what did I feed her? The guilt began to build and the anxiety started. Unfortunately for us in this country we have to eat. If we eat we can get sick and if we don't eat we can get sick. What can you do?

The only sick I am right now as I type this is sick and tired. I'm sick and tired that our food prices keep increasing. I am sick and tired of our food not being safe. I am sick and tired of our government, who is supposed to protect us, allowing this to happen in this country. I am sick and tired of the FDA and their excuses. Just to mention a few.

To top it all off I just found out on television the other day that the FDA just received pay increases. It sure must be nice to not do your job and yet you still get an increase in pay. My poor husband is without full time employment right now, and yet these goofballs get a raise. Do I sound bitter? You bet I am!

What we need to do is clean house in the government from top to bottom. I have never been so disgusted in our country in my life. My dad fought in WWII for this country, and he would be shocked if he could see what is happening today.

Instead of all these rich people running our government they need an everyday person. One who has lived a real life and done without things. These people in our government have so much money they have no idea what it is to struggle from day to day. How can you have sympathy for anyone else if you've lived a privileged life? You can't!

The people in this country need to get mad and vote all these idiots out of office. No one in this country should have to worry about what they feed their children. If I hear about one more recall I think I will scream.

I love the idea of dinner at the family table -- if the family table doesn't end up killing you, or making you very sick!

The funny thing is, it isn't just our food supply -- now it's lead paint in our children's toys that we also have to be worried about. Christmas is coming and you can't even feel good about giving your kids a toy. The other day I also heard about lead paint being in lipstick. It all sounds like a bad Stephen King novel.

Our government is taking care of the whole world, but not taking care of its own people. This has to to stop!

People need to get mad and write their representatives and let them know this is completely unacceptable. If they don't get the message now make sure they get the message November 2008!

Cheesecake In A Jiffy? Here's How!

2007-10-24T07:25:00.000-04:00

My family loves dessert after our evening meal. A little something sweet for watching TV and spending family time.

This is one of the easiest desserts in the world to make, and it only takes minutes. If you and your family love cheesecake like we do, you will really enjoy this.

NO BAKE CHEESECAKE

2 - 8 oz. packages of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1/3 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups of Cool Whip Whipped Topping
1 pre-made graham cracker crust or homemade

Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer til well blended.

Gently fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip Whipped Topping.

Put in a graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 2 - 3 hours.

* Top with fresh or defrosted frozen berries. Also, canned pie filling can be topped on this for an added twist.

I've tried different no-name brand cream cheese products with this recipe, but I don't like it as much. My suggestion is to use Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese, and no, I don't work for them!

Store-bought graham cracker pie crust

Also, you may want to add fresh or frozen berries on top of the chessecake. Another great thing to add is a canned cherry or blueberry pie topping right out of the can.

I'm not sure how good this is for your body, but it sure tastes great. We all have to indulge once in a while and we shouldn't feel guilty.

The filling is also great to put into those little filo cups you can find in the frozen dessert food aisle of your grocery store. What I do is add about a tablespoon of the filling into each cup and top the filling with a spoon full of canned cherry pie filling. It makes a great cute little dessert and not as many calories. Kids can also eat them easily; in their little hands, it's a perfect fit. These little cups are great to serve around holidays too, which by the way, is right around the corner.

Filo pastry shells/cups (in the frozen dessert section)

Another great thing about making this is a chance to get your kids into the kitchen with you. There aren't a lot of ingredients so it isn't complicated. It gives you some time with your kids and this is a great excuse to talk and be together as a family. If you make the little filo cups the kids can add the pie filling to the top. It can't get much easier than that.

My daughter, Nicole, suggested I pass this recipe along. So I am giving her full credit for this little entry. She is always in the kitchen with me and this is one of the first recipes she ever made with me. Other than her Easy Bake Oven.

So give this little cheesecake recipe a try. It's another reason to spend some time with your children. Spending time with your kids AND a great dessert. What could be wrong with that?

Have fun and enjoy the recipe, compliments of Nicole!!

If You Want To Be A Mom, The Hours Are 24/7

2007-10-23T08:33:00.000-04:00

Moms just aren't allowed to get sick and that was very apparent in my life yesterday.

My daughter got sick Sunday with some kind of stomach virus. Needless to say, I am the kind of mom that will stay up with her child when they are sick. She is 14, but still needs her mom when she isn't feeling well. There is nothing wrong with that; I'm in my 40s and I still would love to have my mom take care of me when I'm not feeling well.

Needless to say I didn't get much sleep Sunday night. Maybe 3 hours at best. I sat with my daughter and watched TV in between bouts of her getting up and running to the bathroom.

The problem started when all of a sudden, I didn't feel too good myself. My husband being without full-time employment right now has to do freelance jobs when he can get them. He had to work from about 1:30 pm until about 11:00 pm last night. I, like every other mother, had to go on and continue to run the house and take care of my child.

You see, moms don't get vacation or time off. You have to continue no matter how terrible you feel.

No, that's not me and Nicole, but the duties of a mom haven't changed

I wish more of these teenage girls would realize that before they become pregnant. Being a good mom is the hardest and most important job in the world and if you're not ready for it it can be devasting for a child, as well as the mom.

All I wanted to do was lie down and be left alone, but that can't happen. More important, however, was my child and I had to make sure she had fluids. On top of that I had to stop and make sure I was trying to keep down fluids myself.

I also have two dogs to feed and make sure go outside. Our little Jack Russell Terrier, Scamp, needs to be walked. I had to take him for a walk after he ate his dinner around 6:30 p.m last night.

I started a load of laundry earlier on Monday and had to go downstairs and put that in the dryer. After it was dried I put it away. You see, things just can't stop because I don't feel well. It was like being a single mom yesterday.

After I came back from walking the dog and putting away the laundry my daughter said she was a little hungry. I had to make her a little something to eat. Nothing hard so I opened a can of soup and heated it up for her. Now this isn't a difficult thing to do, but when you don't feel well yourself you'd be surprised how difficult it can be.

To top it off she took about two or three spoonfuls and said she felt nauseous. So it felt like I fed her for nothing. After that, I finally think I get to lie down. I do so, and not five minutes later the dog wants out again. Get this: my daughter says to me, "Mom, you're up and down an awful lot." No kidding.

When you're feeling fine all the up-and-down isn't a problem, but when you're not feeling well either, all this does is make you feel worse.

Obviously, since I'm writing today I am feeling a little better. My daughter slept though most of the night last night, but is still home from school. I'm going to try to get some solid food in her today. My job continues.

Being a mom is a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week job. You get no time off. There is no vacation. If you're not ready to be a mom, don't do it! The most important job in the world is to be a good mom. You have to put yourself last. If you don't, not only do you suffer but more importantly your child will suffer.

So for all you teenage girls out there that want a baby, caring for my sick 14-year-old is nothing compared to a little baby who needs constant attention. My daughter is a teenager herself and still needs me when she isn't feeling well.

The best way to be a good mom is to wait until you are ready. This is the hardest and most important job you will ever have. Don't mess it up!

The Reason I'm Gonna Stick With This Blog

2007-10-21T09:24:00.000-04:00

When I started this blog a couple of weeks ago, I wondered what I could possibly write about on a daily basis.

The second thing I thought about was, who cares what I think or feel? I’m just a regular wife and mother. I’m no one famous. I’ve never really done anything in my life that’s all that unusual. I’ve never saved anyone’s life or cured any kind of disease. I’m not gay. I’ve never been molested. So why on earth would anyone care what I have to say?

However, the more I write the easier it has become. So far I haven’t had to look for material; everyday life has presented that to me. It may be that I have just had a whole lot of pent up frustration inside me, and this blog has helped relieve some of that. It’s become very cathartic for me. It has relieved my stress, because now I have a place to vent. More importantly, I hope I have helped or relieved the stress and frustration of at least one other person. So in that way maybe this blog is a good thing.

I just looked back on my blog yesterday and it has taken all kinds of twists and turns.
I’ve talked about kids and everything in between. It’s been fun!

I re-lived my childhood in one particular post, and that made me happy and sad at the same time. It made me miss my dad, who passed away in 1986. It also made me realize what a great dad I had, and how lucky I was to have him in my life. I had a terrific and happy childhood thanks to two wonderful parents who were always there for me.

I’ve had a very normal life, and I hope I’ve provided that for my child. I hope this blog has helped one other person other than myself. Maybe thru a recipe or just to know someone out here is going through the same things that they are.

I told myself I would give this blog a couple of weeks and if I felt it didn’t make a difference I would stop. Somehow it has made a difference in my life and I hope it helps someone other than just me.

My blog won’t save the world or stop war, but it helps me get out the frustration I can sometimes feel when things are just beyond my control. I see injustice every day and writing about it sure can’t hurt. Maybe it won’t change anything, but at least I can express my opinion, and hopefully I can make a small difference by just speaking out.

For now I guess I will try to continue this blog on a daily basis. It’s been a help to me and hopefully someone else, too. In some small way, maybe something I wrote or a recipe I’ve passed along has helped make someone’s day just a little bit easier and brighter.

Have a great weekend!

Today's Packaging: Overkill -- and Sadistic

2007-10-19T07:12:00.000-04:00

One of my pet peeves for some time now has been packaging. The companies of these products are completely out of their minds.

Why is everything impossible to open? Is this really necessary?

I know one reason is to prevent people from stealing the product inside. However, you would think that the cost of the overpackaging they do would cost more than the people who would steal these products.

This happened to me yesterday. My husband and I picked up our daughter from school, and on the way home we stopped for gas. Our daughter asked if she could have some beef jerky. Of course we said yes. That was our first mistake.

My husband came out with one of these packages with a single piece of jerky in it. He hands it to our daughter, and I watch impatiently as she tries as hard as she can to open this package. Finally she looks at me, and now I'm trying to open it. My husband gets into the car after putting gas in the tank, and we hand it to him. Finally, five minutes and three people later, we get it open. Was it worth all the fuss? I don't think so.

YOU try to open this stuff!

This isn't just with food products, it's with almost every single thing you buy. Are you supposed to carry scissors with you wherever you go just to be able to open things?

Take CDs for instance. Now here's a good time if you like high blood pressure. First they put this cellophane stuff on it you can't remove without a pair of scissors. If that isn't enough, they put this industrial strength tape around the entire case that Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn't possibly remove, even on a good day. The search begins now for a pair of scissors. Again, 10 minutes later and minus one or two fingers, you finally get the CD out of the package. It's enough to drive you crazy.

Have you ever tried to get a Barbie Doll out of the package nowadays? Every single thing is sewn into the back of the box, including the doll's hair. I mean it is actually SEWN into the back panel of the box with a sewing machine. Get out the scissors again and lose a couple more fingers trying to get the hair off the back panel so as not to cut the hair. It's almost impossible.

What are these companies thinking about? They save a few bucks and we lose our fingers. I am not kidding when I say this. I have actually cut myself trying to remove products from packages that should be very simple.

Christmas morning is always fun. Trying to remove everything takes all day. The kids become impatient and a happy occasion becomes a stressful situation for not only the child, but the parent. Children want to play with their new toys right away.

Then there's the video game packaging, not unlike the CDs. They are virtually impossible to open without drawing blood.

What about those poor people with arthritis? How do they open anything?

Now there are only two products I can think of that you can remove from their packages without much effort and those are eggs and light bulbs. Other than that nothing else comes to mind.

Maybe someone should whisper into these companies' ears that they really can't be saving money in the long run. Nothing comes cheap today and I'm sure all this overpackaging is not saving them any money. Then again maybe it's because the cost always gets passed down to the consumer.

Just to let you know, THIS consumer doesn't buy certain products because of the packaging. For instance, that jerky we bought yesterday? I made sure I remembered the name of that brand so I'll never buy it again. Maybe if more people did this the manufacturers would get the message. Hit them in the pocketbook! That's the only way they will understand!

Contraception For Middle Schoolers: Treating A Symptom, Not The Problem

2007-10-18T07:25:00.000-04:00

I heard on the news yesterday, which completely blew my mind, about a school district in Maine making birth control available to children in middle school. These kids are in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade.

This means children ages 11-13 being able to get a full range of contraception. The types of contraception would include pills, patches, injections, and the "morning after" pill.

I don't agree with schools getting involved with the distribution of contraceptives. As parents, we're losing more and more of our parental rights. This is not taking care of the problem; all this is doing is encouraging children to have sex at a young age. Children at this age are just not ready for sex.

This also doesn't mean they won't be able to contract HIV/AIDS or any other sexually transmitted disease. All this does is prevent pregnancy and even that is not 100% guaranteed.

When our children come home with a sexually transmitted disease are the schools going to pay the bills? No, of course not. When a child dies of AIDS, is someone from the school going to be holding that child's hand? I doubt it.

Whatever happend to educating them? That's what schools are supposed to do -- not hand out contraception. Show them people dying of AIDS. Fear and the truth are great motivators. Education, education, education.

We educate them to not take drugs. Still, kids use drugs every day. Does this mean we start handing out drugs in school? I mean, if some kids use anyway, why not make that available to them too? It's the same premise.

Birth control patches, like the one pictured above, would be made available to middle schoolers, if a Maine school district gets its way

We also educate kids not to smoke. Again, some kids will still smoke. So why not hand out packs of cigarettes too? Where do we draw the line?

This contraception in middle schools proposal is just a way for lazy parents to get out of their responsibility. It's another example of the breakdown of the family. It seems it takes two incomes to make ends meet today, but this is no reason to shirk your responsibility as a parent.

Take time to talk to your kids. Get to know their friends. It's our right as parents to know where our kids are all the time. The schools have no right to get involved. This is a personal family matter. Whatever happened to educating and advocating abstinence?

Here's something else: You can't mention God in schools, but you can hand out birth control. What's going on in this country? Where are our moral values?

Another concern I have is, who knows what kind of effect these drugs will have on a child's developing body? Somewhere down the line when they are older maybe we'll find out the adverse effect of these contraceptives, but by that time the damage will be done.

My husband and I brought our daughter into this world and it's our responsiblity as parents to make sure she doesn't go down the wrong path. This proposal in Maine doesn't help our plight. As a matter of fact, it makes it worse. Why listen to your parents when you can go to school and get birth control behind their backs?

Maybe if kids feel safe, secure, and loved at home they won't want to have sex at such an early age. Let kids know they are special. Tell them to have respect for their bodies. It may not be cool, but neither is a crying baby at 2:00 a.m. Dying from a sexually transmitted disease isn't too cool either.

Our kids need to feel special and loved. I'm not saying that some kids won't have sex, but it's a parent's decision after consulting with a family doctor to decide on birth control if their child is having sex.

The primary concern is to make sure our children feel loved, so they won't have to seek love anywhere else. They need to come to their parents first. We need to have open lines of communcation with our children on any subject and they have to be able to trust us. The more you talk to your kids the easier this becomes.

Relaxing Bath Great Way To Enjoy "Alone" Time

2007-10-17T07:43:00.000-04:00

It's so hard to balance everything when you are a mom and a wife. It's twice as hard if you are a single mom with a job. Fortunately, I am not a single mom, but I do know what it is to never seem to have enough time to yourself.

I think it's important for women in general to take a little time to themselves and not feel guilty.

My typical day is: make breakfast; clean the house; make the beds; drive my daughter to school; shower; work (if I get called in); pick up my daughter from school; make dinner; help with homework; and get ready for bed and start all over again the next day.

What I try to do at least three times a week is take time to treat myself to a nice luxurious bath, which includes a candle, something to read, my portable cd player, and nicely scented bath products.

It's amazing how many bath products there are today. They range from bath pillows to all kinds of wonderfully-scented soaps. The best part is they are all pretty affordable. You don't have to go into an expensive bed and bath store to find them.

I'm always satisfied with Target and the bath products they have that are really affordable. They have an aisle with nothing but bath soaps, body splash, lotion, pillows, and sponges, and the list goes on and on. Even the soap aisle has different types of shower gels ranging in price from $3 -$4 dollars. You don't use a ton of shower gel, especially if you get one of the bath sponges. All you need is a dime size amount of the gel on the sponge and just see how much it lathers up. You will be surprised how long the shower gel will last too.

Also, buy yourself some pleasantly-scented candles. Again, something very affordable. I just bought two candle holders for $1.99 each. You can also buy the little tea light candles to put inside a candle holder and they just burn out when the wax is gone. Then all you have to do is throw the little tin cup that is left inside the holder and no clean up at all.

The tea lights also come in a lot of different fragrances. I'm sure you can find one that you will like.

So treat yourself to a nice bath! It makes you feel feminine, relieves stress, and if you take it right before you go to bed, I can guarantee you will sleep a lot better.

The best thing we can do for our families is take care of our own mind and body and this is an easy and simple way to do just that. Just 20 - 30 minutes, two to three times a week, and see if it doesn't make a difference.

Enjoy!!! We all deserve a little time to ourselves.

Microwaveable Thermos Bowls Keep Food Hot For Kids' Lunches

2007-10-16T10:43:00.000-04:00

How would you like to give your child a hot, home-cooked meal to eat at school without a lot of fuss?

I found this great product to use. It's a bowl made by Aladdin and it's great! In it, you can put leftovers from dinner the night before or soup; basically anything you want to reheat.

The terrific thing about this bowl is, you put the food in it, place it in the microwave, heat it up -- it takes about 3 minutes in mine -- and put a lid on it. It keeps the food nice and hot for hours and you won't have to pay for the hot school lunches. It also comes with a spoon in the top of the lid. Talk about convenient. It saves time and money and gives your child a nutritious hot lunch.

It's also nice because it beats a cold sandwich every day, which kids get sick of. It opens up a whole new world, while giving your child a healthy home-cooked meal.

My daughter loves a hot lunch, but she complains that by the time she gets through the school lunch line, she doesn't have enough time to eat.

I don't know about you, but I refuse to pay $3.75 for a school lunch that my child doesn't have enough time to eat. It's expensive and on top of that, a waste of food. Things are too expensive to have to throw out food because the schools don't give these kids enough time to eat.

Now my daughter can have a hot home-cooked meal for lunch even when she is in school.

The other nice thing about the Aladdin bowl is you can heat the food in the microwave so there are no dirty pots or pans to clean.

If you can find this product, try it. I think you will love it! I found mine at one of my favorite stores, Target -- in the same aisle with the thermoses, etc. I believe we paid $7.99. A good deal.

Waste Not, Want Not

2007-10-15T08:49:00.000-04:00

In today's trying economy, it is so hard to make ends meet. Many people live from one paycheck to the next.

Like everyone else, I try to not waste any food. At the same time, I like to make tasty and healthy food for my family. Sometimes it's hard to not waste food that may be a little old, but not unsafe to eat.

For instance, when I buy bananas, no one ever seems to eat the last two, for some reason. They get brown and soft and very unappetizing. So they sit and sit on the counter sometimes for days. At one time I use to just throw them out. Not so anymore.

No longer do I throw out those last couple of stubborn, browning bananas

Banana bread is a great way to use bananas that no one wants to eat. You know the old saying: Waste not, want not. This is one way to put that into practice.

This recipe calls for nuts, but I've made it without them and it works out fine. No one in my family, thankfully, has a peanut allergy, but if someone in your family does just omit the nuts.

BANANA NUT BREAD

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup shortening
2 eggs
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup mashed ripe banana
1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

350 degree oven

Stir together flour, baking powder, soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.

In a mixer bowl beat sugar and shortening with electric mixer till light, scraping sides of bowl often. Add eggs, one at a time, and the milk, beating till smooth after each addition. Add flour mixture and banana alternately to creamed mixture, beating till smooth after each addition. Fold in nuts (optional).

Turn batter into a lightly greased and floured 8x4x2-inch loaf pan. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 60 to 65 minutes or till a wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pan; cool. For easier slicing, wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf.

My family loves this bread. It's also a great after-school snack that won't make your kids too full, but will keep them going until dinner.

I give this to my daughter with a glass of milk and she is satisfied until dinner. It's better than cookies and all the ingredients come straight from your pantry. No preservatives or ingredients that you can't pronounce.

This is delicious and you're not wasting food and at the same time giving your family a healthy snack.

Try it and see if you don't agree.

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Getting Kids Involved In Cooking Can Cure Their Pickiness

2007-10-14T08:44:00.000-04:00

Do you have a child who is a picky eater? I really don't believe that picky eaters are born -- I think they are made.

What do I mean by this? I think the earlier you introduce children to different types of food and make it a fun thing, the more they will be willing to try it.

Now I'm not saying force a child to eat something they truly don't like. On the other hand, please don't discourage them from trying new things. So many times I've heard children say to mom or dad that something looks good and I hear mom or dad say "Oh you won't like that." Let them try it. If they don't like it, oh well -- at least they tried it.

My daughter will pretty much eat anything you put in front of her. I contribute that to my husband and I introducing her to different types of food at a very early age. She will of course eat Italian and Polish food because that is what I mostly cook. On the other hand, she eats Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and Japanese, which includes even sushi. She loves vegetables cooked or raw. Maybe I'm lucky, but I believe it is because we introduced different types of food to her when she was very young.

For instance, when she was little she tried broccoli and didn't like it. What I did the next time was make a cheese sauce and put it over the broccoli. She tried it and she loved it. It was amazing how just adding cheese to the broccoli made a difference. Now she loves broccoli whether it has cheese sauce on it or not.

Don't discount raw veggies as a good, healthy snack for kids

Raw vegetables are a great snack after school instead of cookies or junk food. Also, raw vegetables are nice to put on the dinner table instead of a cooked veggie. I cut up carrots, red peppers, orange peppers, yellow peppers, broccoli, green onions, mushrooms, cauliflower. I also add grape tomatoes, but don't cut them up. I arrange it on a nice platter. It is so colorful and looks so appetizing. Don't be surprised when your kids start reaching for the vegetables. You can also put a bowl with a veggie dip in the middle of the vegetables.

Here is a vegetable dip my family loves and it is easy to make:

VEGGIE DIP

2/3 cup Hellmans Mayo
2/3 cup sour cream
1 T dill seed or dill weed
1 t celery salt
1 t accent
1 t onion powder
1 T parsley (dried)
1/2 t Worcestershire Sauce
2 drops of Tobasco Sauce

Mix and blend put in refrigerator for at least an hour so flavors marry. Serve with raw vegetables.

This is a great dip and everyone I have ever served it to loves it, and asks for the recipe. It's just another way to get healthy foods into kids. The more colorful and pretty a dish is, the more children are apt to eat it. I believe you eat with your eyes first.

So try different things with your kids. Think outside the box and be a little creative. You may be surprised what your children really will eat. Get them involved in making the dip. If they make it they will have pride in it and it will make them want to eat it all the more.

Getting kids in the kitchen to help is great. My daughter always loves to cook with me and she is always happy to tell everyone she made certain things. Now, at 14, she is turning into quite a good cook.

So let your kids into the kitchen to help. It's another way to spend time together as a family. You'll be surprised how much you'll talk with them as you are cooking together. It makes you closer to your children and gives them confidence at the same time. Children are small for such a short time. Enjoy them while you can.

Good luck and most of all have fun.

The 1970s: A Much Simpler, Safer Time

2007-10-13T08:09:00.000-04:00

I grew up in the 1970s, and I believe that it was such a different world back then. I remember Saturday morning cartoons. It was an exciting morning because usually the only time you could watch cartoons for hours was on Saturday morning.

Today cartoons are on all hours of the day and night with cable TV. It isn't quite as special as it used to be -- getting up on Saturday and staying in your pajamas for hours. Of course, until one of your friends called for you thru the door, yelling, "SHAR---ON!"

In the '70s on our block at least, there was always someone to hang out with. The funny thing is none of us ever seemed to get into too much trouble. Kids were always outside playing and the parents were usually working in the yard or not too far away.

Front & back doors were left open and you didn't have to worry about some crazy nut just walking in your house to do harm to anyone. I also remember all the parents on our block being friends and knowing each other pretty well. My dad would go sit on a neighbors porch with them. It seemed before you knew it, seven or eight dads and moms were together talking and laughing.

The boys would be playing baseball in the street. Of course, you would have an occasional window break now and then. The girls would be playing Barbies on someone's porch or with their other dolls. As we got older, 2 and 4 Square use to keep us entertained for hours. We used to ride our bikes to the park without our parents. You felt safe. It was a much simpler time.

We were one of the few families on our block that had a pool and kids were always over swimming. I also remember my mom feeding other people's kids lunch on a daily basis, especially if they had been over swimming. In the evenings I would have the occasional pool party, and my dad would barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs ; we would also roast marshmallows. Dad would hook up a light to the side of the garage so we could swim in the dark until sometimes 10:00 pm at night. He would be sitting right there watching us to make sure no one got hurt.

Do you remember the big blue "helping hands" in families' picture windows? The big blue helping hand meant if you were in trouble or needed help you could run to that home. At that time you didn't have a fear that someone in that house may harm you.

Sadly, signs like this aren't needed much anymore in this country's neighborhoods

We ate dinner as a family every night, and my mom made sure of that. I also remember wanting to eat dinner so fast so I could go outside to play with my friends. My mom would occasionally get mad because she knew I wouldn't eat as well as I should, being in such a hurry as I was.

The food even seemed better back then. I cook pretty much the same stuff my mom did, but to me it just doesn't seem to taste as good. No one cooks like mom!

The homework wasn't as much as the kids have today. We had time to play after school. Not today -- the homework load is so heavy the kids have no time to just be kids.

The world is so different now and our innocence has been lost right along with our children. No one trusts anyone anymore. You never see boys playing baseball in the street. As for the girls, when was the last time you saw five or six girls playing Barbies or dolls on someone's porch? I see the occational kid riding a bike, but not like in the '70s. We would ride our bikes to 7-Eleven to get a Slurpee or to the corner store to get candy and bubble gum.

What do the kids do now? After the massive amount of homework they want to play video games. Maybe the video games they play relieves some of the stress they feel. We didn't have too much stress when I was growing up.

I feel sorry for our kids because they have so much stress and let's face it -- we bring them up to not trust too many people. School isn't even safe for them anymore. I keep reading about teachers doing unspeakable things to these kids. My daughter hears about all this because it's on TV and in the newspapers. That just adds to her stress.

Someone has to figure out why these kids are going crazy and shooting up schools. When I was a kid, we were ALL picked on at one time or another. I certainly don't remember any kids shooting up schools back when I grew up. There has to be more to this phenomenon than just being picked on. Being picked on may just be one of the reasons; there has to be more to it than that. It is the symptom of a much bigger problem.

Yes, I believe our innocence has been lost and that is so sad. I wish my child could have been born in a much simpler time. Where did it all go wrong? I have no idea, but it is tragic. Maybe it's as simple as the breakdown of the family. Because if we aren't secure at home, how can we feel secure anyplace else?

Our job as parents is to keep our children safe and secure. Part of it may just be talking and having dinner as a family together each night. That way our kids know us and we know our kids. Children should be able to talk to their parents about anything and not fear they will be judged. We need to talk and help our kids through everything in their life and they have to be able to trust us.

Parents can't be perfect and may not always have the right answers, but we owe it to our kids to at least be there for them.

MEAP Test Retaken; Another Waste Of Our Tax Dollars

2007-10-12T07:09:00.000-04:00

I recently mentioned the other day about the MEAP testing and the stress it puts on children -- at least on my child, and I assume on other children as well. Apparently a reporter who was allowed in an elementary school in Jackson, basically divulged what the fifth and sixth grade prompts were on the MEAP. Now all the fifth and sixth grade students in the state of Michigan must retake a portion of the MEAPS test. This doesn't affect my daughter as far as the test because she is in 8th grade, but financially we are all going to pay again in the state of Michigan.

This is the sort of story that just makes me absolutely crazy and mad. My husband is currently out of work, and believe me he has a lot of company in the state of Michigan. Yet these people who have jobs are allowed to have major screw ups that cost people in this state money and stress. These MEAP test questions were printed Tuesday in an article in the newspaper, as well as, on the newspaper's Web site on Thursday. Where was the editor and where is the common sense of this reporter?

This is going to cost our state hundreds of thousands of dollars. Not to mention the stress these kids are going to have to go through all over again. This state is in a terrible financial mess as it is and now it is going to cost us more money that we just don't have. The governor just raised our taxes in Michigan, plus added lots of new taxes. Who does this hurt? The middle class and poor of course, which has no voice. The rich certainly don't feel it!

CHOOL

Right now the middle class and poor are stretched as far as we can go. Rising prices on gasoline, natural gas, and electricity, a lack of health insurance, and the list goes on and on. People in the state of Michigan are losing their homes to foreclosure at an average rate of 1 in 6. That statistic scares me. Everything goes up in price except our paychecks. How do they expect us to survive?

I keep hearing from President Bush how great the economy is right now. Who does he think he is fooling? The middle class are slowly being eliminated, and we pay the majority of the taxes in this country. We know what is going on; we are not ignorant peasants!

I stretch my food budget every day just to keep my family fed, and with my husband out of work it is nearly impossible. If the middle class are going through this, I can't imagine how the poor can even survive. Don't we have a voice in this society any more? Congress sure doesn't hear our cries.

I am a middle class housewife who has worked outside of her home most of my marriage. The sad part is now with all the hard work over the years on the part of both my husband and myself we may become just part of another statistic. We are becoming a society of the Haves and Have nots! Can you guess which category most of us will fall under?

Right now I don't see much difference in the Republican or Democratic Parties. No one is helping the middle class or the poor. We're too busy fighting a war we were lied to about! It costs so much money to keep this war running yet people's families are being torn apart. Isn't anyone willing to fight for the middle class and the poor in this country? I am sure there are many children going to bed hungry in our country and that is shameful!

My grandparents and great-grandparents came to this country from Italy and Poland to make a better life for future generations, but I feel like it was all for nothing.

Lots of Hope for Premature Babies

2007-10-10T08:01:00.000-04:00

My daughter was born 2 months early, weighing in at a whopping 2 lbs 14 ozs. She was the tiniest little baby I had ever seen. I had toxemia and she had to be delivered after a long stint in bed for a little over 2 months.

At that time no one I knew had ever had a baby born that early. I was scared she would not have a normal life, and I tried to put that thought out of my mind, as much as possible. She was our first and to this day our only child. We were new parents and newly married. When I look back now I wonder how we got through that part of our lives without a nervous breakdown.

As a new mother you look forward to bringing home a healthy baby. My daughter was in the hospital for 2 months prior to coming home. I was at the hospital day and night hoping that her hearing my voice would let her know I was there. My mom was my constant companion at the hospital day after day. My husband had to work all day, but every evening he would be at the hospital with me, even as tired as I'm sure he was. I remember one night after leaving our daughter, I cried from the time we left Beaumont Hospital until we got home. My poor husband just drove and I'm sure didn't know what to do to make me feel better. As a new mother you want your baby home with you, but you have to do what is best for your child, and her coming home was not the answer.

As if you're not going through enough at the time, some people would have to tell you "Oh, your daughter is going to be slow", or "She won't do well in school", or "You have a lot of work cut out for you", or "She will always be sick", etc. What I always remember is what her Primary Nurse, Julia told me, "She will be fine; these kids do fine." That gave me hope and I tried to only focus on that.

I remember one mom in particular saying to me, "I'm so afraid I'm going to get a call in the middle of the night that my son didn't make it." That scared me to hear another mom say what I had thought every now and then, but I wanted to stay positive. I told her everything would be fine. As I looked at these two tiny babies hooked up to machines and wires attached to their little bodies, I'm not sure if I actually believed what I was saying myself.

Nicole was only on oxygen for one day. I came to find out later that her being in a stressful situation had actually helped her, and her lungs developed very rapidly while inside me. The longer she stayed in the hospital the stronger she became. To see this little baby develop outside of the womb was amazing. I can never say enough about the doctors and nurses -- they were wonderful and to this day I am so greatful for them. How do you thank people for keeping your child alive? There are no words.

After 2 months in the hospital the day finally came when we got to bring her home. I remember being happy and scared. Now the day you were waiting for is finally here, but the doctors and nurses don't get to come home with you. To say I was scared was an understatement, but I don't think I let it show. I still didn't know what her outcome would be. Would she be slow? I didn't want to focus on that and I didn't. I was just determined to be the best mom I could be, and to give her lots of love and attention.

An example of a preemie ward; a place like this was our home for two months (April-June 1993)

We started reading to her at a very early age. I remember her sitting in a bouncer reaching for the attached toys at about 3 months old. When I looked at her she seemed to be a normal baby to me. She had these beautiful brown eyes and would look at everything.

Before she was 2 years old she was saying her ABCs. She could also count to 20. I am happy to report that that little baby is 14 years old now. She is healthy, happy and smart as a whip. She just received her progress report and received all A's and a B. She is in 8th grade now and has been on the honor role every time since she began in junior high. She plays the clarinet, and very well I might add. The only thing is she may catch colds and get sick a little more than other kids, but she gets better pretty fast. So we are very thankful for the wonderful people at Beaumont and in God.

If you know anyone with a premature child this should give them hope. Oh yes, and that little boy I mentioned earlier, I saw him in the doctors office when they were about 4 months old and he looked great. I'm sure he is also doing well to this day. Children are amazing and this is proof. When you stay focused and positive anything is possible.

Have a super day!!!!

MEAP Test and An Easy & Quick Breakfast for Kids

2007-10-09T07:19:00.000-04:00

If you are from Michigan and a parent of a school aged child, I am sure you are aware of the MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) Testing.

My daughter is a very good student, but she gets stressed out every year during the MEAP tests. The one thing I do is make sure she has a good breakfast every morning, and especially during the MEAPS.

All it requires me to do is get up 15 minutes before her, and I feel at least I got her off to a good start. She has always done well on the MEAPS, and I contribute some of that to a good breakfast before leaving home. Also, I try to calm her down and talk to her each morning before she leaves for school. I usually do this as she eats her breakfast, by taking just a few minutes and sitting with her at the table.

Me being half Italian and half Polish, I have always been around good food. My mom is Italian and my dad was Polish. Even though he passed away before my daughter was born I still fix many Polish meals.

My mom always got up and fixed me breakfast before school each morning, and I have continued that tradition with my own child. Now I'm not saying I'm June Cleaver by any stretch of the imagination, but I do make my child breakfast every morning to make sure she eats and gets off to a good start. Of course, there is the occational bowl of cereal, donut etc., but I try to at least make her a nice breakfast 3-4 times a week.

I wonder if Beaver's mom was half-Italian and half-Polish; ya think?

This morning I made her a breakfast called Birds In a Nest. I believe this is an Italian breakfast, but I may be wrong. Well, the only thing I know is I learned how to make this from the Italian side of my family. I timed myself this morning, and it took me about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Here is how to make a quick breakfast for your kids too:

BIRDS IN A NEST

Italian or French Bread
1 Egg Per Slice of Bread
2 Tablespoons Margarine or Butter
Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat skillet at medium temperature; melt margarine or butter. Hollow out some of the bread on the inside to create a small hole like a nest. Place bread in skillet and crack egg inside the nest, sprinkle with salt & pepper, and turn up heat slightly to around medium high. It should take about 1-2 minutes to cook on the one side. Flip over, making sure the yolk breaks, and cook on opposite side. You may want to salt & pepper this side also. This can be served plain or with syrup.

This is a fast and nutritious breakfast and the kids love it. I serve it with a glass of milk or juice and it takes no time to eat at all. If they are late you can wrap it up in a piece of paper towel and it is easy to eat on the run.

I also love the non-stick skillets -- it makes clean up a breeze. By the time she is finished eating I am finished with a quick clean up. She gets dressed and ready to leave while I start making her lunch and get ready to drive her to school. We both have this down to a science now. The best part is I feel like I've done something for my child to make her day a little smoother.

Try it and see how it works in your family. Well, at least during MEAPS.

Have a great day!!!

The School Parking Lot: Our Own Little Indy 500

2007-10-08T11:07:00.000-04:00

My husband has been after me to start a blog for quite a long time. He has two successful blogs and is a very successful writer. I on the other hand am not a writer and this is very new territory for me. I am a private person, but after this morning an incident happened at school when I dropped off my daughter, which left me very upset. I came home and told my husband and he said that would make a good blog entry. So now here I am, sitting at the computer and writing my first entry.

One reason I decided to do this is to let other moms know they are not alone. Even though being a good wife and mother can be very frustrating it is also the most fulfilling and selfless thing I believe a woman can do. I don't want this to just be a blog for complaining, but also for recipes, ideas, helpful hints, and for other moms like myself to not feel so alone and isolated.

This morning I drove my daughter to school as usual. Also, as usual are the same offenders who won't follow the rules when dropping of their children. They put their children at risk, as well as being rude and not bothering to think about other parents who have to get their children to school. They drop their kids off in the middle of the street, in front of stop signs, and they cut you off and make u-turns where ever they feel like it. These people never seem to get tickets or caught and amazingly their children haven't gotten hit by a car. On the other hand, I follow the rules and get waved over by a security guard this morning in the school parking lot. This is enough to make you want to scream! I followed the rules, and still I get called to task for it. I pulled in the school parking lot, got my daughter out of the car and walked her across safely. In the meantime, cars are roaring through the parking lot to drop off their own kids and not giving my child a chance to cross. So my usual daily thing is to throw my body into the front of one of these wonderful parent's 40 mph cars so my daughter can get across the lot safetly and get to school. Needless to say, I on the other hand give their children more consideration. When I see any child I make sure I stop my car so they can cross. I also don't drive 40 mph in the street or in the parking lot. I am very mindful of other people's children even if my child doesn't seem to be given the same consideration. So I return to my car, again throwing myself in front of the cars of one these terrific and caring parents. I get in my car, carefully back out of the parking space, only to be pulled over by a security guard and asked where I had dropped off my child. I told the security guard I had parked and walked my child across the lot. She said to me "that's okay then." Well, duh! How come you don't notice the repeat offenders morning after morning, yet you hassle me! That's seems what usually happens to me: I follow the rules, yet I still get nailed for something I never would have done.

Well, I look at it this way: at least I am a good example to my daughter even if no one else seems to take notice. All that really matters is what my daughter thinks of me. I know I have done my job and been a good parent not just to my child, but to other people's children even if they don't respect the rules, their own children, or anyone else's child.

Our school parking lot during drop off. Happy Monday!!