Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Lesson in Motherhood




I try to be the kind of person that is always thinking positive. I try my darnedest to see the best in the people that are around me. I believe that every thing happens for a reason, and that if I could do this mom thing over again I wouldn't change a thing.
For me, the reality is, if I could go back to the very day I became a mom there is so much I would do differently. I am sure at some point all of us moms have thought this but its another thing entirely to admit it out loud. Almost as if admitting it would serve as a confession to failure.
For me, when I say I wish I would have not worried so much about the nap schedule I had my boys on or how meticulous I needed my house to be, or been so darn strict about their schedules and tv time, or went on more play dates, or read to them more or snuggled them just a little bit longer. If I admitted these things out loud, I would also be pointing out my shortcomings as a mom.
Isn't it funny how we always are thinking about our shortcomings? It's what we do as moms. We spend our nights thinking about what we could be doing better or what we should have done when they were smaller. In many ways I believe with my whole heart that those are some of the very things that makes us good moms. WE love with every ounce of our being. Which at times means we worry a little to much, we over think things WAY to much and doubt ourselves daily. We make 5 different dinners in hopes that everyone will eat something. We cut our shower time in half and sometimes are lucky to jump in the shower. We function on very little sleep or no sleep. We sneak in the bathroom just to get 5 minutes of alone time.
I am realizing after almost 8 years of being a Momma that I need to cut myself some slack. We all need to cut ourselves some slack, give each other a pat on the back and realize that this motherhood thing is not for the faint at heart. It is by far the BEST job in the world but  I would also say it's the hardest.
We momma’s deserve to feel like we’re doing a good job, don’t ya think?

Monday, September 10, 2012

A 'Skinny' Recipe For You


Happy Monday, Friends! 

The temperature here is finally starting to cool down. I have my hooded sweatshirts out and this girl is excited.   Every year around this time I start to crave Chili. So, I thought I would share one of my favorite recipes with all of you . Here is the kicker... if you know me {which HELLO you all do} then you know I like to try and watch what I eat. This yummy recipe is made 'skinny' which means  For a 1 cup serving, the chili has about 227 calories, only 2 grams of fat . Friends, this is why I had to share and the fact my fabulous friend over at Family Fun Mom is having a soup swap. Go check out all of the others! I was so excited to be cooking something {since I never do}I had to put on my favorite apron of all time.


Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients
1 package ground turkey (about 1- 1¼ pounds)
1½ cups onions, chopped
1 clove fresh garlic, chopped or 1½ teaspoons from a jar.
1 (14 oz) jar pasta { I use Prego}
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can tomatoes, chopped
½  cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼  teaspoon salt

Instructions
1. In a large nonstick pan, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat
2. Drain cooked turkey {I always blot with a paper towel to make sure I get as  much fat off as I can}   
3. Return drained turkey to the pan.
4. Place onions in a microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 4 to 5 minutes, until soft.
5. Add the cooked onions to the turkey and stir in the remaining ingredients.
6. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Happy Monday, friends! Enjoy the beautiful weather and grab a bowl of chili!

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Yes. Yes. Yes.


Yes to getting back to blogging. 
Yes to participating in a 'soup swap'.

Yes Yes Yes to being an aunt again. {My sister has her baby on Thursday!!!}
Yes to really applying what I hear on Sunday morning to my life.
Yes to more dates with my running shoes and i-pod.
I say yes to laughter and enjoying my family.
Yes to Pumpkin Spice Lattes. 
Yes to prayer.
I say yes to God.  
I say yes to a heart of gratitude. My boys are loving school.
I say yes to getting things DONE.  
I say yes to confidence in the abilities that I have been given.
I say yes to good thoughts that energize, uplift and encourage me.
I say yes to wearing my favorite hooded sweatshirt.
I say YES to lovin on the three sweet loves of my life!
Yes to patience.
Yes to a Friday night football game with all my boys.
Yes to watching my boys play soccer. 
Yes to a positive attitude.
Yes to a week of taking in special moments with my one guy left at home.
Yes to hearing his sweet sweet voice as he talks to me.
Yes to noticing the little things.
What do YOU say yes to this week?!

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