My Managed Chaos

While the dough is chilling, it’s time to make the goldfish cutter. You’ll need an old pop can, scissors and tape.

First, cut a half-inch to 1 inch-thick strip of aluminum from the can (this might take a couple tries until you can get a straight line.) Form the aluminum (approx. 6-8 inches) into a circle and tape together the overlapping ends with scotch tape. Then bend the circle into a goldfish shape with your fingers…there’s no precise method to this, just keep shaping it until it looks like a goldfish.

As an added precaution, I wrapped the goldfish cutter with tape so the edges wouldn’t be too sharp. As my husband lovingly reminded me, I don’t have the best track record with sharp objects lately.

EZPZ Goldfish Cutter

No comes the fun part (or at least it was fun at the beginning…it quickly turned into tedious work)…making the goldfish. You’ll need to roll out the dough to approx. 1/8 inch thick (use flour as needed to avoiding sticking). Then start cutting out goldfish (…after goldfish…after goldfish…)

Roll and Cut

We had enough to fill 2 baking pans lined with silicone baking mats (you can also use parchment paper). To add character to the fish, you can add eyes and smiles with a toothpick.

Happy Little Goldfishes

Bake the goldfish crackers in a 350 degree oven until golden and crisp (13-18 minutes). Cool and then dive in…

The results of our goldfish cooking experiment were mixed…actually everyone really liked them, except Miss B (go figure).

They can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 week (although I’m sure they won’t last that long in our house).

Best of 2011

2012-01-02T08:12:00.000-05:00

Like many of us do at this time of the year, I used the last week of 2011 to reflect on the year that has come to pass.

To say it's been a great year would not be entirely truthful.

Sure there were many fun time. Times filled with joy and love. And times filled with pride.

But I've struggled. As a mother. As a wife.

And as a blogger (heck, I'm not sure I even consider myself one anymore.)

In looking back at my blog in 2011, I can visibly see the shift that has taken place in my life. Gone are the personal posts about my joys, struggles and family life. My children are growing older and have asked that I not share things about them online. It's a request that I have taken seriously and have honored.

When I went back to pick out my favorite posts of 2011 (much like I did in 2010) they were few and far between. But the posts that stood out were of memories of creating things with my daughter or spending wonderful times with blogger friends (many of whom have long since become friends in real life). These are some of the memories I'll treasure from 2011:

Be my iValentine (this was by far my most popular post of the year)

Creating a candy wonderland

Summertime = Strawberry Pie

In pursuit of happiness - RV style

Fashion Swap: Out with the old...in with the new

Happy New Year, my friends. Here's to a "glass half full" 2012.

Christmas tour of our home

2011-12-21T14:45:00.000-05:00

Ready or not, Christmas is just around the corner. And I think we're finally ready (minus the gifts that still need wrapped before Sunday morning, but close enough ;)

The decorations have been hung by the chimney with care...

Ornaments adorn the trees among glistening lights...

This year we added a 1960 tinsel tree with rotating base and light wheel to our collection of trees (it used to belong to my husband's great grandparents).

Tables have been spruced up with festive themes...

And baking has commenced...

But there's still time to take pause and remember those who are no longer celebrating with us. I miss you Grandma...maybe that's one reason Christmas just hasn't felt like Christmas for me lately.

Wishing you all the joy in the world and a truly Merry Christmas from our family to yours...

My Top 10 Christmas Songs

2011-12-20T11:14:00.001-05:00

It's hard to believe that Christmas is only a mere five days away. The decorations have long been up (or as my husband and son like to say "Christmas has exploded in our house") and the presents have been bought (but yet to be wrapped). Miss B has been baking up a storm and family holiday plans have been made.

But it still doesn't seem like Christmas.

To help me get in the holiday spirit, I've been building a Christmas playlist on Spotify (if you haven't tried this you must...it is beyond amazing...and it's free!)

Here are my Top 10 Christmas songs:

1. Cold December Night by Michael Bublé

2. Shake Up Christmas by Train

3. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen by Barenaked Ladies (a new favorite thanks to the recommendation of a dear friend)

4. O Holy Night by Martina McBride

5. O Holy Night by Mercy Me (yes, I have this song on my list twice...it's one of my favorite holiday songs of all time...it gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.)

6. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day by Casting Crowns

7. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by Michael Bublé

8. Christmas Eve Sarajevo by Trans Siberian Orchestra

9. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear by Mercy Me

10. All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

So...what song gets you in the holiday spirit?

Her Very Own Halloween Par-Tay

2011-11-02T22:49:00.001-04:00

Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays (it’s kind of hard to go trick or treating in the rural countryside where neighbors are miles apart), but for Miss B, Halloween has quickly become one of her favorite holidays.

For months, she has been planning her first annual Halloween Costume Bash for 10 of her closest friends. She’s diligently researched invitations, Halloween recipes and found outstanding deals on decorations. Goodies bags were lovingly created and games with prizes were planned with excitement.

Her dream job after all (at least right now) is to be a party planner…and she was totally in her element.

Her menu was festively themed…apples “mouths” with almond teeth, “finger food” made with cheese sticks and bell pepper “nails,” and the last minute addition of “mummy toes” (after her long planned for candy corn pizza didn’t turn out so well).

Costumes were paraded and judged (my favorites were Thanksgiving dinner and a certain Mad Hatter, of course.)

Costume Fun

And games, like pumpkin bowling and mummy wrapping, were played with animated excitement…

Games Galore

She saved bobbing for apples for the end and I learned that in order to get kids to dunk their faces well below the water you have to remove the stems first…oh well, I guess I’ll know better next year.

Apple Bobbing

Miss B deemed the party a huge success and is already looking forward to her next bash (which if she had it her way would be for Thanksgiving…my girlie likes to party).

Halloween preparations

2011-10-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

My daughter loves a party. More specifically, she loves to plan and host a good party. All under her own creation. Lately she's been immersed in planning a certain Halloween Party she's throwing for 10 of her closest friends.

She has her costume picked out...

And decorations are being made...

(why yes, that is a branch we cut from our back yard, painted black and decorated with miniature Halloween ornaments...EZPZ project.)

Now all we need is for Halloween to arrive. I think she's ready...

Fashion Swap: Out with the old...in with the new

2011-10-17T22:33:00.002-04:00

This past weekend, I attended a Fashion Swap hosted by my friend Amelia.

And it was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

The concept is quite simple. A bunch of friends are invited to clean out unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories from their closets. The items are then put on display during a GNO and everyone spends the evening "shopping" (taking home as many items as you donate.). Anything that's leftover is then donated to charity.

It was so cool seeing new life brought into your unwanted clothes when someone else tries them on. I can't count the number of times that I heard:

It never really looked right on me.

I just never wore it.

OMG that looks so good on you...you have to take that one. Afterall, it's FREE.

At first, many of us felt guilty taking more than a couple items. But as the evening wore, the more we felt free to dig into the fashion racks. Each timing finding a new "treasure" we had overlooked before.

The event was so fun, I didn't even think about whipping out my camera phone to capture the action. But thanks to the generosity of my young assistant (aka Miss B) I was able to capture many of the outfits I took home.

I love. love. love this concept and will be enjoying my "new" wardrobe for months to come. And I cannot wait until the spring edition.

Back to school 2011

2011-09-05T21:59:00.000-04:00

My Mom sweetly reminded me that I hadn't posted anything about back to school...not even my popular What to Wear series (well if you can call two a series).

The start of school came without much fanfare...backpacks and lunches were packed and outfits were picked out the night before. Miss B is now a proud 4th grader and loves, loves, loves her teacher. (Mr. B is in 8th grade...and he was not overly thrilled when he caught a glimpse of me sneaking a cell phone photo of him getting on the bus.)

In the first week of school, Miss B has decided to run for student council. Fingers crossed that she gets elected (and let's me share her nomination speech).

Watch out 4th grade...here she comes!

In the pursuit of happiness...RV-style

2011-09-01T22:09:00.003-04:00

Never before have I imagined my life revolving around an RV. Sure, I've "camped" out with my inlaws in their RV (OK, we never actually stayed overnight in the RV, but it was "camping" during the day none-the-less). Despite growing up in rural Ohio, I definitely prefer my safe, suburban home with all its modern conveniences.

But for fellow blogger, Britt Reints and her family, living in an RV is part of their daily life. This amazingly brave and adventurous family of four has opted to sell all their possessions and travel the U.S. for the next year in an RV. All in the pursuit of happiness. It is the simple life...to the extreme.

Earlier this week, Britt and her family were forced to make an unexpected detour on their planned route (thanks to Hurricane Irene) and thanks to the generosity of a mutual friend, they spent several days exploring the Cleveland area. They were also able to share their story on the local Fox station (it tickled me pink to be able to help get press coverage for a fellow blogger ;)

Thanks to a hastily scheduled GNO I was fortunate enough to meet Britt last night and she was all I imagined she'd be...

Energetic. Free spirited. Thoughtful. Charming. Fun. And unabashedly open to share her story with us. Thanks, Britt, for allowing me to be a small part in your family's journey in pursuit of happiness.

Summer...oh, how I'll miss you

2011-08-17T22:38:00.000-04:00

The summer of 2011 is fading fast (as is evidenced with the start of a new school year next week)...but not before it has left me with some wonderful memories with my children.

From coasters and parades...

Berry picking...

Water excursions...

Campfires...

And ropes courses...

Summertime...oh, how I'll miss you.

Goodbye school...hello summer

2011-06-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

A week ago today was the last day of school for my little girl...it might be a bit cliche, but it seems like just yesterday (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration) that she was entering into the 3rd grade. She put so much thought and planning into what she'd wear and wanted to put her best foot forward as she entered the upper ranks in her elementary school.

Contrast that with her last day as a third grader...when she casually threw together a mismatched outfit (throwing caution to the wind without a cardigan to cover her tank top) and gathered her hair up in a quick "bun".

I attempted to get a last day of school photo of Mr. B, but he promptly replied, "No Mom. I'm not two."

Such is life here in the world of "Managed Chaos."

Now let's get on with summer!

Summertime = Fresh Strawberry Pie

2011-06-13T21:48:00.000-04:00

Summertime. Ahhh, summertime, oh how I love thee.

The warmth of sunshine on my pale white skin, the smell of freshly blooming flowers, gentle wind blowing through my hair as I lounge by the pool...and the juicy goodness of fresh picked strawberries.

Growing up, we used to pack up our stationwagon and head north to the strawberry fields where we'd pick pint after pint of this luscious summertime fruit.

It's a tradition (minus the stationwagon) that I'm continuing with my daughter today.

Picking at our favorite strawberry farm

This weekend, after successfully picking nearly 24 pounds of strawberries (yikes, what was I thinking?!?!?) we made a beeline to the kitchen to whip up one of my most favorite summertime desserts.

Strawberry pie.

It's so good, and super easy to make that my own 9 year old daughter made it herself (with only minor assistance with the oven).

Here's what you need for Perfect Pie Crust:

Crisco (vegetable shortening), Flour, Salt, Water, Vinegar, and an Egg.

Mix together 3 cups flour with 1 teaspoon salt in a large bowl. Then work in 1 1/2 cups Crisco with a pastry cutter until it looks like little crumbles (this will take you a few minutes).

Add in 1 egg, 5 tablespoons cold water and 1 tablespoon vinegar. Mix until it forms a doughy ball.

Then separate your dough in half (you can divide it in thirds if you like a thinner crust). To roll out your pie crust, place the dough in a ziploc bag and roll flat with a rolling pin. Once the crust is rolled out, simply cut the edges of the bag and then flip the crust into your pie pan. EZPZ, no doughy mess on your countertop.

After trimming you crust (just run a butter knife along the edge of your pie pan) you can crimp the edges however you'd like...no need to be super fancy here. I'm still trying to perfect this, but they're getting closer and closer to what my mom makes.

Then take a fork and punch a few holes in the bottom so your crust doesn't puff up while baking (350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until golden brown).

While your crusts are baking, rinse and stem your strawberries (you can cut them into bitesize pieces if you'd like or leave them whole). Then it's on to the pie glaze...

Forget the store-bought bag of pie gell...this version is SO much better. You'll need: 1 cup water, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 2 tablespoons corn starch and 2/3 cup sugar.

Heat in a saucepan over low heat until it develops into a thick consistency (stir regularly)...about 15-20 minutes. You can add a few drops of red food coloring if you'd like, but it's not necessary.

Cool and then pour over your fresh strawberries (about 4 cups worth)

Mix and pour into your baked pie crust.

If you're like me you can double the pie glaze and make two pies (since you already have two pie crusts baked). But don't put the berries into the 2nd pie crust until you're ready to eat it (unless of course you like a soggier crust).

Happy summer my friends. Bon apetit.

Share the Shearer's

2011-05-17T22:47:00.000-04:00

I'm a snacker...one that admittedly can go overboard if I allow myself, especially with chips. And that's why I typically don't have these crunchy treats in the house. I have no self-control.

But when Shearer's approached me to be part of their Share the Shearer's campaign so I could share their new, healthier versions of chips with friends, I couldn't help but jump in. And I knew the perfect group to test them out on.

Teenage boys.

When the samples arrived I found a huge box filled with these:

After successfully hiding the box of yummy temptations from my son for a week (he would have been surely tempted), I hosted a large group of hungry teenage boys (many of whom were on my son's lacrosse team). I asked them for one thing... their honest opinions. And as expected, there was no clear-cut concensus.

"I love the barbeque flavor. And they're not nearly as greasy as normal chips."

"I'm not diggin' the sour cream and onion, but I LOVE the Cinnamon Shapers. My mom NEEDS to get these, they're so good."

"I didn't think I'd like the RiceWorks chips, but the Salsa Fresca is actually my favorite."

Some of my taste-testers...showing off their favorites

While the boys were impressed with the chips themselves, I was equally as impressed with the company behind the snacks. For starters, Shearer's is long-time family owned company located just outside of Cleveland. (Yes, I give bonus points for the a hometown company.)

Also, as my blog friend Cleveland Foodie describes in great detail, Shearer’s is THE greenest food manufacturing plant in the world. Simply impressive.

I also give major props for Shearer's iniative to make snacking healthier. I know eating chips isn't the same as snacking on fruits and vegetables, but we all have indulgences and it’s good to know that when we do – or give snacks to our kids – that a lot of the bad stuff, like saturated fat, has been taken out.

For those of you who are curious, the top "vote-getters" of the night were Barbeque, Classic and Shapers Cinnamon Whole Grain Chips. As for me, I preferred the RiceWorks chips.

Disclosure: Shearer's provided me with chips to sample and a Heinen's gift card to supplement our party with food. The opinions are strictly our own.

Like mother, like daughter

2011-04-05T09:34:00.000-04:00

I grew up playing volleyball. And despite a horribly weak and awkward start in the 7th grade (yes, organized sports didn't start until middle school way back when), I ended up being pretty good at the sport and played all through college.

With so many fond memories of volleyball experiences tucked in my heart and mind, I always dreamed that one day my little girl would follow-up in her momma's footsteps.

But one little thing kept getting in the way.

My daughter didn't like sports. Period.

I tried for years to talk her into playing, but backed off when her resistance flaired. Never wanting to turn her off entirely to the idea.

Until this year, when she agreed to "try" volleyball.

I was over the moon when she expressed interest, albeit a hesitant interest. So I signed her up immediately.

And now, my little girlie is loving volleyball.

It's the little things in life that make me happy...and full of pride.

My B. Lux Fashion Party

2011-03-16T22:22:00.001-04:00

Girls Night Out...three little words that bring a smile to any woman's face. But combine a GNO with a boutique fashion experience and it's a match made in heaven.

This past weekend I invited my favorite local blogger/social media friends to a B. Lux Boutique fashion party...setup right in my own living room. Here's a little peak at what we enjoyed:

Racks of trendy clothing

Bling...lots of bling

...even on jeans (which I am now the proud owner of)

Wine and champagne flowed. Food was enjoyed. And a great time was had by all.

If I were a better blogger, I would have been focused on documenting the actual event (you know, with photos of my guests enjoying the par-tay). But I was totally engaged in the experience...consumed by the awesomeness of my friends...and enjoying every minute of the night.

And for me, I wouldn't have it any other way.

And as an added bonus...I already have my next GNO outfit picked out! Who's hosting?

Creating a candy wonderland

2011-03-01T23:02:00.001-05:00

To say my daughter has a mild obsession with all things sweets is a huge understatement. It’s even gone so far as invading her room.

Months ago, she announced that her room theme was “boring” and didn’t really match her personality/interests. So we set out to create her own little candy wonderland, complete with…

Custom Candy Artwork

And, giant lollipops to adorn her bed. These were super easy to make and were created with a flat disk of styrofoam, paint, dowel rod, cellophane and ribbon.

Using the same cellophane and ribbon, we wrapped plastic dessert plates to create a wall full of individual hard candies.

And her pièce de résistance…

A Gummi Bear Mirror

Who knew that a $5 mirror from Target could look so good?

Never Say Never

2011-02-21T13:20:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago, I tweeted this:

And I knew right then and there that I'd soon be taking my daughter to see this:

What I didn't know was that I'd actually love the movie as much as my little girl seems to have grown to love this teenage Canadian pop star himself.

Now, if you're anything like my husband, you're probably rolling your eyes in disbelief at that statement and wondering what the heck has possessed me...perhaps I've lost my marbles or worse yet, I've fallen off the deep end. I mean seriously, how could a 37 (soon to be 38) year old mother actually like anything associated with this bubblegum pop star?

Well, while my daughter crushes on his songs, hair and overall "cuteness," I was moved by two overriding themes from the movie.

1. Never let anything stand in the way of your dreams.

Maybe I'm a softy, but I love seeing success stories and it made my heart happy to watch this young boy dream big and work hard to achieve his goals. He hails from a small town in Canada, and has gone from playing his guitar for passerbys on city sidewalks, performing in talent shows and sharing his talents on YouTube to singing his songs accoustically on nearly every pop radio station in the U.S. -- he has definitely put in the legwork to become a mulit-million dollar recording artist performing before a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden.

Believe it to achieve it...it's a lesson I try to teach my own children.

2. Family values are key.

The movie showcased many home videos of Justin with his young mother and grandparents (who supported their teenage daugher in raising Justin). Perhaps I'm just a sap, but the genuine love they share is very touching.

Don't believe me? Well I dare you not to swell up with emotion when you witness his grandfather tear up as he recalls the day Justin and his single mom left home to pursue stardom. Or see his mother beam with pride (and shed a few tears) as she watches her son accomplishing a major dream (performing before a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden).

Their family dynamics are rooted in deep Christian family values and has set the foundation for the well adjusted teenager that Bieber seems to be. He loves playing basketball with his friends, enjoys the company of his family, and still has to do mundane chores like make his own bed.

With all that said, I could have done without seeing Miley Cyrus towering over Bieber in a dominatrix get-up during one of the concert performances. Awkward.

Oh, and one more thing...can someone tell Justin to pull his pants up? Because my daughter, and a million of other young girls, are watching.

Be my iValentine

2011-01-31T23:22:00.001-05:00

Last year, my daughter came home with her very own Valentine’s Day ‘iPod’….and she vowed that she wanted to make her own this year.

While I in no way lay claim to the idea, I thought it was cute/easy enough to share with all my mom friends who will undoubtedly be working on Valentine’s Day cards soon. (Actually, Miss Monkey asked if we could take pictures of the process and then blog about it. Don’t ya just love her enthusiasm!)

With a few weeks left until those highly anticipated Valentine’s Day school parties, here’s what you’ll need:

Boxes of ‘conversation hearts’
Construction paper (large enough to wrap around your candy boxes
Scissors
Tape
Glue
Scissors
Miniature Reese's cups
String (approx. 12 inches for each ear bud)
iPod wheel and playlist décor (I created this in Word using clipart and shapes. Each playlist was customized with each child’s name.)

Glue on iPod décor

We used tape to attach the string to the bottom of the ~~box~~ iPod. Another piece of tape was wrapped around the string (to connect the “ear buds” together) and then more tape to attach the “ear buds” (i.e., miniature Reese’s Cups).

And, Voila!

Your very own, Valentine iPod for your little munchkins to impress their friends with. (And you’ll look like a super, creative Mom. Double win.)

National Delurking Day 2011

2011-01-14T13:56:00.001-05:00

Do you know what today is?

I'll flash you a little hint...

Thanks to Rudecactus for the image and idea

What in the world is National Delurking Day you ask? Well, my dedicated friends and readers, it's a day to come out of your non-blog-commenting closet and say "Hi!"

It's simple, just leave me a comment. Tell me who you are or if you have a blog yourself that I should be visiting. Or if you feel like chatting, let me know why you love stopping by My Managed Chaos and what type of posts "float your boat" or you'd like to see more of.

Blogging is no fun without the community and I'd love to learn more about my readers.

Happy Delurking Day 2011!

A Day at the Spa...for her 9th birthday

2011-01-09T14:59:00.000-05:00

It's hard to fathom how much you've grown in the past year. As you enter your 9th year, I see before me a vibrant, young girl with a zest for life. One that is carefree and confident. Meticulous with details and energetic in your silliness. In your own words you are "sugar and spice and everything nice."

In honor of your birthday, you asked to host your own spa day for your friends. Just like the carnival you planned this summer, you were meticulous with the planning details. From the homemade invitation that you spent hours crafting and the candy bar you created with your aunt, to the spa activities and goodie bags for your friends...every detail was planned to your specification.

You and your friends spent hours enjoying manicures, pedicures, paraffin dips, mini-massages, hairstyling, sweet treats and more.

But more importantly, on your special day, you delighted in bringing joy to your friends.

And I was so happy to be able to share your special day with you.

Happy birthday, my little angel girl. I love you forever.

xoxo,

Momma

These are a few of my favorite things (posts)

2010-12-31T23:16:00.000-05:00

2010...it was a year filled with an extraordinary family trip, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. A year filled with extreme pride in my children, and intermittent struggles of making the right choices as a parent. A year of tremendous global travels for my husband and a loss of a beloved grandmother.

But it was NOT a year filled with much blogging.

In 2010, I made a conscious decision to cut back on blogging in order to help me achieve a better balance with my family life. I didn't miss the pressure of posting multiple times a week or coming up with blog post ideas. But on days like today, when I went back through my archives to pick my favorite posts of the year (inspired by Scary Mommy's year in review) and noticed most months had only 1-4 posts, I miss not having blogged more.

Here are my favorites from 2010:

January: A Night to Remember

February: Failing to Plan

March: Spinach Pasta & Roasted Tomatoes

April: Shifting Perspective (my favorite post of 2010)

May: A Mother Is

June: Unspeakable Pride

July: Her First Carnival

August: What to Wear: Third Grade Edition

September: With a Goal in Mind

October: My Progress

November: Glamour's Women of the Year (an inspiring, celebrity-filled night to remember)

December: My Mother: a gift that keeps on giving

I'm not sure what 2011 will bring for me, or this blog. But I know one thing for sure...I'm so thankful for all who have followed me along on this journey. Happy New Year, my beloved friends and family. May 2011 bring you much love and happiness.

xoxo
M

Ready for Christmas...Almost

2010-12-17T16:50:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, I was feeling a little stressed:

Somehow, in spite of being incredibly slammed at work, I've managed to find a few moments to get some last minute shopping done, exercise (major stress reliever) and mail out our Christmas cards...

And now, I'm almost ready to celebrate Christmas next week. Almost (save for the fact that I still need to wrap presents, bake cookies and pack for our trip to Michigan next week).

My Mother: a gift that keeps on giving

2010-12-07T08:59:00.000-05:00

At this time of year, people are abuzz trying to find the perfect gift...iPads, video games, jewelry, chocolate, or books. The ideas are endless.

But my mother has already given our family the most perfect gift of all -- the gift of caring for her elderly Father (my Grandpa).

Two months ago, after my 94 year old Grandpa had recovered from a broken hip (he'd fallen 5 times in the midst of one night's span), she and my Father made the selfless decision to permanently move him into their home. For them the decision seemed easy...he could no longer live safely unassisted in the home he had spent his entire life in, and they wanted him to be in a familiar place surrounded by family. And love.

Initially, I questioned whether this was the right decision, because I knew how much of a sacrifice this was for them and the toll it would take on their lives. Not only were they limiting their freedom to leave the house (unless they've arranged for other family/friends to watch him), they had to endure sleep deprivation many new parents face with an infant (my Grandpa needs assistence every night and buzzes for my mother between 3-8 times a night to help him to the bathroom).

But my Mother is a giver...not in physical gifts, but in her loving, giving nature. And no sacrifice is to large for her family.

This sacrifical love was displayed by my Mom just a few short years ago, when my Grandma was terminally ill. She was her primary caretaker (sharing duties with my local aunts and uncles) until my Grandmother became so weak that she couldn't support her own weight. And even then, when my Grandmother was transferred to a nursing home with hospice care, my Mother was there for her every day.

Whether she realized it or not, it was her last, perfect gift to my Grandmother. Her presence. And her love.

And now, she's giving that same gift to Grandpa. And I cannot thank her enough.

Merry Christmas, Mom. I love you to the moon and back.

The perfect Christmas card

2010-11-11T22:55:00.001-05:00

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love the religious aspect of the season, the decor, gift giving, family gatherings, music, baking and the cards that arrive in my mailbox each year.

I love seeing what people select each year, as I believe Christmas cards provide an instant reflection of the sender’s personality. Following on my family’s tradition, I’ve always sought out boxed cards, but have tried to infuse my personality with unique designs or creative graphics. Then I'd write a short message, add in a wallet sized photo of the kids, adhere holiday address labels and send my cards on their merry way.

But this year, I'll be taking a much more creative approach, and will be sending out photo Christmas cards from Shutterfly. Their selection is simply amazing and I found myself spending nearly an hour scouring through all the card options.

I’ve narrowed down my choices to five (and even have a great family photo in mind) and would love your input on what design I should select.

Option #1: Elegant Lace Snowflakes

Option #2: Classic Script Christmas

Option #3: Elegant Modern Collage

Option #4: Fancy Damask Holiday Card

Option #5: Swirl Damask Noir

So tell me, my friends, what card should I choose?

Disclosure: I received 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly for this post. All opinions are 100% mine.

Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards (an inspiring, celebrity-filled night to remember)

2010-11-10T23:22:00.001-05:00

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be attending an event with A-List celebrities…but that’s exactly what I had the privilege of doing in New York City on Monday during the 20th Annual Glamour’s Women of the Year Awards.

I attended the event as a guest of one of our clients, Katie Spotz, an inspiring young woman from Mentor, Ohio.

Glamour.com photo

Katie was being awarded with the Glamour WOTY honor after she became the youngest person to row solo across an ocean and the first American to row solo from Africa to South America. In doing so, she raised more than $100,000 in support of the Blue Planet Network’s mission of providing safe drinking water to the billion people around the world in need.

We have known about the awards ceremony for months, but were sworn to secrecy until the honorees were announced in the magazine last week. To say our PR team was excited would be a massive understatement.

As you’ll recall, I’ve spent the last 6 weeks working hard to look great in my little plum dress…I think all my hard efforts paid off and I felt smokin’ hot after getting all glammed up.

Our public relations team

Each Glamour WOTY honoree was introduced by a major celebrity. Katie was honored by Diane Sawyer (she had interviewed Katie after she finished her row). During her introduction, Diane declared “Katie teaches us that you can never reach a new land if you are afraid to lose sight of the shore."

Did I mention that we had fantastic seats? As in 4th row awesomeness kind of seats (right in front of Al Roker’s wife, Deborah Roberts). It was the perfect location to capture photos of so many women I never thought I’d see beyond the pages of fashion/tabloid magazines and TV/movie screens.

Like Janet Jackson, Hillary Swank, Queen Rania, Donatella Versace, Kate Hudson, Chelsea Clinton, Katie Couric, Lindsey Vonn, Lisa Leslie and Mia Hamm…

Kelly Osborn honored Constance McMillen…and declared “F*** the prom, tonight you’re dancing with me.” And then there was Fergie. Oh. My. Word. Fergie! She was so humble, down to earth and emotional in accepting her award. "You have to have--and use--an honest voice. You don't have to sing to have the world hear what you want to say."

And my personal favorite, Julia Roberts, who was introduced by her friend Oprah! She was everything I had imagined she’d be. Funny, lovable, and relatable. Her advice: "Know who you are...and never tuck your hair behind your ear, it never looks good."

Cher was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Stanley Tucci. She encouraged us not to accept no for an answer, explaining, “No is just some bulls**t word someone made up.”

It was a whirlwind trip, one that I’m still pinching myself to make sure it actually happened. I left the event on cloud nine…and forever inspired by so many outstanding women. To quote Fergie, “We are women, hear us roar!”

Trick or treat...give me a good clue to seek

2010-11-01T22:09:00.000-04:00

While Halloween has never been one of my favorite holidays (that's what you get from growing up in a very, very rural area, where non-family neighbors were miles away), I loved experiencing it with my little detective this year.

Her favorite saying: Trick or treat...smell my feet...give me a good clue to seek!

Watch out Sherlock Holmes - I think you have some major competition coming your way!

My progress

2010-10-28T22:41:00.001-04:00

In the past week, I’ve had several people comment about my lack of posting. I’ve been aware of it, but haven’t stressed about it, for I have enough of that in my life all on its own.

In all honesty, minus a few bumps in the road, life is pretty routine right now. So I’ve let me little blog sit vacant since I last posted this pledge.

I’ve been working hard with an awesome local trainer…and she rocks. The workouts are intense…think hard core interval training with heavy weights and resistance and very short recovery periods. After a month of training, I am seeing changes in my body (and how my clothes fit) and will be reporting my official results when I prepare to head to NYC in less than two weeks.

For now, I’ll leave you with my progress so far…

With a goal in mind

2010-09-27T22:07:00.000-04:00

My fitness regime, if one could even qualify it as a regime, has been full of excuses:

• My husband’s not home during weekday mornings, so I can’t go to an exercise class before work.

• I cannot seem to drag myself out of bed anytime before 6 a.m., so an early morning workout session doesn’t fit into the precise schedule of getting the kids and myself out the door on time for school/work.

• Work has been too busy lately that I cannot fit in a mid-day workout.

• I’m too tired after a full day at work and an evening taking care of the kiddos (making dinner, overseeing homework, prepping for the next day, etc.) Even if I wanted to go workout in the evening, it’s hard to find an activity that the kids both like. And if I take them to the gym with them, I spend more time overseeing them and/or fielding complaints than I do working out.

• It’s 9:30 by the time Mr. B is in bed and then it’s too late to workout.

It doesn’t help that many mothers I know have flexible work schedules and/or are home part of the day where they can easily fit in exercise classes at the gym during the day when their kids are at school. Yes, jealousy and a great deal of self-pity have been running rampant in my mind for a long while now.

So what does one do when faced with having to wear a fancy cocktail dress to an uber swanky event in New York City?

Like the infamous words of Tim Gunn, I figure out a way to “make it work.”

I’ve been lucky to have found a wonderful local trainer on Twitter that has been willing to work with me. With the support of a good friend who has offered to watch the kids one night during the week (and my husband on the weekend), I’m now taking two high intensity, fat-burning/toning classes a week through October.

My goal: Lose at least 5 pounds and build muscle tone by the first week of November to look smokin hot in this plum little number:

Let me tell you, after the first two classes, I hurt like I haven’t hurt since two-a-day volleyball workouts in college (did you know your lats can hurt so much it takes a good 5-10 seconds to lift your arm...they can. And don't get me started about sore lateral butt muscles, oy!) My kids finds it amusing that I’ve been walking around like a slow moving, old lady this weekend, but I’m loving it because I know my efforts are already working.

Stay tuned...

Simple Recipes: Halloween Party Mix

2010-09-13T22:26:00.001-04:00

For me, the beginning of fall always meant one thing. ~~Cooler weather. Colorful foliage.~~ Chex Party Mix. My mom used to bake it in the oven…stirring every 15 minutes for an hour. It was a long hour I tell you and it was devoured nearly as soon as it came out of the oven.

While it might not be officially fall yet, I’ve taken advantage of our cooler weather and set out to continue this delicious tradition.

Chex cereal. Check.

Pretzels. Check.

White chocolate…candy corn…wait, what? Didn’t I mention that Miss Monkey was helping in the kitchen and wanted to create her own Halloween themed party mix (something she wants to have at the Halloween party she’s anxiously planning…yes, another party ;)

Photo by Miss Monkey

Meet the Ingredients:

8 oz. white chocolate chips

4 cups Corn Chex and/or Rice Chex cereal

2 cups pretzels

1 cup candy corn

1/4 cup Halloween themed candy decors

1. Microwave chocolate chips in bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until melted.

2. Measure the cereal (making sure you have the perfect amount)

3. Now it’s time to add in the FUN stuff…candy and ooey, gooey chocolate

4. Mix together and spread on wax paper to dry. It’s already so very, very yummy…try not to eat it all before it’s finished.

5. Wait 20-30 minutes (this is the hardest part) then enjoy.

Photo by Miss Monkey

I must admit it was actually quite tasty, but I’ll always have a special place in my heart for my favorite fall treat.

Happy fall, ya’ll!

What to Wear: Third Grade Results

2010-08-26T20:32:00.002-04:00

The result have been tabulated (my Miss Monkey herself) and the winning outfit in the 3rd Grade "What to Wear" contest is...

Outfit #2

She added her own monogrammed backpack...

Curly pigtails...

And set out on her journey into third grade...

(And I'm not sure if I can stand any more cuteness.)

What to Wear …the outtakes

2010-08-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

What to Wear…the third grade edition

2010-08-18T22:17:00.001-04:00

The school year is right around the corner. Her school supplies, backpack and lunchbox have been bought and organized. New glasses have arrived (unfortunately a necessity due to constantly changing vision) and clothes have been bought.

The only thing left is deciding what to wear on the first day of school.

I was not intending to repeat last year’s “What to Wear” contest, but Miss Monkey thought it was fun and asked if we could do it again. And who am I to say no to fashion?

Miss Monkey meticulously organized her outfits, complete with coordinating accessories (pay special attention to her jewelry and hairbows…new from Chagrin Falls’ newest store for girls - Dazzle). Her choices are:

To vote, simply leave me a comment telling me which of Miss Monkey’s seven outfits is your favorite. She’s very interested in seeing what you think…and who knows, maybe this year, she might actually go with my readers’ choice.

Cooking Camp makes dinners easy

2010-08-15T20:45:00.001-04:00

Miss Monkey is not a sports type girl (at least yet) so many of the summer camps didn’t really interest her. Until she found the “Kids Can Cook” camp.

She was hooked and I was totally game…I mean who would turn down and opportunity for her child to cook dinner for the week.

Her first day, she brought home marinated chicken and vegetable skewers. After marinating for the afternoon, all I had to do was pop the skewers pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. EZPZ.

And. They. Were. DELICIOUS!

Day 2: Cheeseburger Pie (Mr. B’s favorite of the week)

Day 3: Pasta Primavera

Day 4: Veggie Pizza (complete with decorated pizza box)

My favorite meal, by far, was the Marinated Chicken Skewers. It was a very flavorful and healthy dinner…one that I will be adding to my cooking repertoire for sure.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

1 teaspoon dried oregano

3 cloves garlic, minced

pineapple chunks

1 chicken breast, cut in cubes

2 onions, cut in chunks

2 red or green bell peppers, cut in chunks

1/2 cup zucchini

wooden skewers, soaked in water before using to prevent burning

Method:

Add lemon juice, olive oil, soy sauce, oregano and garlic in ziploc bag. Add chicken cubes, and onion and pepper chunks. Seal and marinade in the fridge overnight or for several hours. Place meat and vegetables on skewers. Grill or heat in a 400 degree oven for 20 –30 minutes. Serve with rice or couscous.

Trust me, you NEED to try this. It’s so easy and SO delicious.

And Miss Monkey has already asked if she can sign up for cooking camp again. Score!

Her first carnival

2010-07-26T18:22:00.001-04:00

“Momma,” my daughter proclaimed earlier this spring. “I want to host a carnival this summer.”

While others might have swept the idea under the rug as pure silliness, I chose to let her run with it.

For I knew that her desire to host a fun summer event stemmed from her giving nature and her wanting to bring happiness to those she loves. Its part of what make my Miss Monkey so very special and the quality I most admire about her.

The planning was months in the making. Full of lists...of invitees and games...of prizes and decor...of menus and signs...and so much more.

As a frequent event planner myself, I took tremendous pride in the detail she had in planning her first special event. She immersed herself in every element, from hand addressing the invitations and calculating how many prizes she’d need to researching funnel cake recipes and decorating booth signs. Everything was done to her specifications, because planning is half the fun.

Like any good event planner, she sent her invitations out weeks in advance. Responses were slow at first, but with every new “YES” RSVP, her smile broadened. At the end, she had a dozen friends and family attending. And she was tickled pink.

The morning of the carnival went fast and furious (perhaps we could have aided ourselves with a little earlier start to our day). Funnel cake batter and fresh lemonade was made. Tables, games and decor were setup. Water balloons were filled (it was going to be sweltering 95 degrees after all).

When her guests arrived they enjoyed a picnic of carnival food...hamburgers, hotdogs, fries and hand-squeezed lemonade. After a quick trip inside to cool off, it was back outside for Miss Monkey’s carnival fun. And the fun ensued.

In addition to being the “chef” for the event, I was recruited to be one of Miss Monkey’s “carnival workers” and ran the ring toss game. Needless to say, the event flew by and if I could have changed one thing it would have been to have had a few extra helpers so I could have documented her first event a little better.

We celebrated her success later that night...with a fresh batch of funnel cakes.

Bravo my sweet little angel girl. You put on one fabulous party. And I am so proud of you.

Sneak peak…

2010-07-18T19:26:00.001-04:00

Miss Monkey has been planning for weeks…

Diligently saving her own money…

Customizing her guest list and invitations…

Shopping for all her carnival supplies…

Looks like it’s going to be one fun party…

For my son on his 12th birthday

2010-07-08T08:15:00.002-04:00

My dearest Mr. B,

As you've grown older, I have chosen to blog about you less. Not from a lack of love, but out of respect for your growing need for privacy and your desire not to be made the center of attention in my online world. But please know that my love for you has never faltered.

From the day you entered our world...

To today...a birthday trifecta.

For the past 12 years you have captured my heart.

Tested my patience.

Filled me with tremendous pride.

Reminded me of what it was like to be a moody, pouty teenager.

Taught me to slow down and enjoy life's simple pleasures

And made me realize that your beaming smile and infectious laughter are two of my most favorite things in life.

Today, as you celebrate your 12th birthday, I'm mindful of all that you've accomplished and hopeful for all that you've yet to achieve. I'm proud that hints of maturity have peaked through your tough teenage armor. And I'm very aware that this will likely be the last year that I can physically look down upon you (OK, perhaps across at you, but a short mom has to hold tight to any height advantage she has while it lasts).

But remember, no matter how tall you become or how much you achieve...

I'll love you for forever...

I'll like your for always...

As long as I'm living...

My baby you'll be!

Love,

Mom

17 and counting

2010-06-28T22:30:00.002-04:00

June 26, 1993...

It was the day Julia Roberts wed country singer Lyle Lovett...(yea, that didn't end well)

The day "Late Night with David Letterman" aired for last time on NBC...

And...

The day I married the man of my dreams.

This past weekend, we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary with three glorious, kid-free days, TOGETHER (which, for those who have been following, know is a tremendous feat in coordinating with his travel schedule).

We explored local treasures.

Snuggled on the couch and watched movies.

Wined and dined.

And relished in the simplicity the weekend brought us.

In honor of our anniversary, and our wonderful dining experience we enjoyed at The Melting Pot (one of our favorite special occassion destinations), I'm giving away a $25 gift certificate good for a Big Night Out at The Melting Pot in Lyndhurst, Ohio. (good through April 23, 2011)

To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me your favorite anniversary memory.

For an extra bonus entry, tweet:

@Managed_Chaos is giving away a $25 gift certificate to @MeltingPotCleve. Enter at http://tinyurl.com/2bu3dyg

Don't forget to leave me a separate comment for each entry. Contest ends at noon (EST) this Friday and a random winner will be selected.

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this giveaway...in my zest to save a few dollars, I purchased four $25 gift certificates to The Melting Pot from Restaurant.com before realizing that I could only use one per visit *sigh*. Consider it my anniversary gift to you.

UPDATE:

True Random Number Generator

Result: 3

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations Allison!

A 'Grate' Father's Day Gift Idea

2010-06-14T22:33:00.000-04:00

Creative Father's Day Gifts have never been my real fortay, but that doesn't seem to be a problem with my daughter. With Father's Day quickly approaching, I thought I'd share this 'Grate' Father's Day gift she prepared for her own Dad this weekend (as he will unfortunately be out of town on business on Father's Day).

The ingredients for her grill inspired cupcakes are simple (so much so, that I didn't even ~~remember~~ need to take a photo):

Cake mix (we picked her Daddy's favorite...red velvet cake)
Can of icing (plus a small tube of black icing to 'draw' on the grill grates)
Orange sugar sprinkles (to simulate the fire from the grill)
Candies to use as the 'meat' on the grill (she picked Hot Tamales, Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids and caramels with a white center)
Toothpicks (for the kabobs)

Step 1:

Carefully mix the cake batter with the ingredients listed on the box (with Momma watching close by, of course)

Step 2:

This step is very important...don't forget to lick the beaters...because that's what every childhood memory of cooking should entail.

Step 3:

Bake the cupcakes and let them cool. Don't get freaked out by any cupcake imperfections...after all they will be covered up shortly.

Step 4:

After the cupcakes are completely cool, ice the cupcakes, sprinkle with orange sugar sprinkles and draw lines across the cupcakes with black or grey icing (to simulate grill grates). Then the fun begins...DECORATING the grill! Go ahead parents, be daring...give your kids free range to decorate on their own. They'll love it and so will Dad.

Step 5:

Present it to your Dad and reap the rewards (both with yummy grill inspired cupcakes and the love and admiration of a very happy Dad)

Full disclosure, Miss Monkey was inspired by a Family Fun article, but the finished product certainly boasts her own creative flair.

Schools Out for Summer

2010-06-10T22:20:00.000-04:00

Last year, I had the genius idea to chronicle how my children had changed during the duration of one school year.

It dawned on me last night that the last day of school was tomorrow...and if I wanted to repeat this 'Before and After' post, I needed to remember to take photos of their last day.

Miss Monkey would be no problem I thought, as she usually doesn't have a problem with hamming it up for the camera. Mr. B, on the otherhand, would likely cringe at the thought or worse yet, adamently refuse.

And I was right...he didn't like the idea one bit until I said I'd drop him off at school on his last day (vs. having to ride the bus). Some might call it bribery...I call it creative parenting. Or, problem solving. Either way. I got my photo without so much as a grumble. Cha-ching!

As a matter of comparison, this is what they choose to wear on the first day of school (totally neglecting the overwhelming opinions of my beloved readers):

And this is what they looked like on their last day of 2nd and 6th grade:

Mr. B has grown taller, and developed an ever serious love for his shaggy moptop (although I've somehow convinced him of the logic of having shorter hair in the summer...and yes, I will be racing him to get a haircut tonight before he changes his mind).

He has flourished in middle school, achieving an elusive 4.0 GPA (the only boy in 6th grade, not that I'm proud or anything...) He was also the proud (ok, his parents were proud, he was embarrassed) recipient of the Sulc Award (named after a former teacher) for his academic excellence, leadership and...POSITIVE ATTITUDE. It gives me hope that he does in fact know how to do something besides sulk...and he is capable of having a positive attitude, even if it's just mostly displayed at school.

Miss Monkey is now sporting stylish specs and is quickly approaching my height (not to mention being able to wear some of my shoes now). She is proud that she is following in her brother's footsteps in school and is adament that she is in fact just as smart, if not smarter than her brother. She is thoughtful and compassionate. But carries a stubborn streak. She is a devoted friend, budding artist and loves reading. And now, she is officially my little third grader.

And I can't help but wonder what the next school year will bring...

Unspeakable Pride

2010-06-02T22:20:00.002-04:00

As has happened so many times in the past, I've found unexpected inspiration in blogs.

Yesterday, my friend wrote a lovely post about blogging to preserve memories - not only about extraordinairy experiences, but of seemingly mundane details that have touched her heart. In doing so, she is leaving a permanent reminder of precious details that we as mothers so often forgot over time.

This served as a huge reminder for me as to why I started blogging in the first place...To capture precious memories of my children that have made my heart smile.

And that is why I blog today...

This past weekend, my son took me on an emotional roller coaster of sorts. We've recently joined a new fitness club with an indoor pool and outdoor lake (which requires children to pass a strenuous swim test to gain access to the deep end with all the "cool" dives, trampolines, etc.) On Saturday, Mr. B attempted his first test with vigor, but was thrown off when they required a slightly different stroke than he was used to.

The way your spirit was crushed sunk my heart. My worries lurched through my throat and my mind began racing with how I could help you remedy the situation.

I tried to remain patient, supportive and calm, for I've learned that your natural tendency in dealing with disappointment is to lash out and want to quit. And if I escalate my voice or appear mad, it only makes things worse. We talked (actually, I talked and you brooded) about how it's important not to doubt yourself or giveup so quickly. And that sometimes in order to accomplish a goal, you have to put in the time and practice diligently.

Despite my best motherly effort, you went to bed with the same look of defeat and disappointment on your face that you had when you exited the pool.

I did not sleep that well that night, as I tossed and turned with worry about how I could help coax you into trying again. Imagine my surprise, when you greeted me the next morning by saying that you'd thought about the situation and that you wanted to try again.

That's when my pride began...

We returned to the pool and I tried not to hover as you practiced a different swim stroke. You glided through the water with confidence and you were well on your way. My internal pride grew with each lap.

One. Two. Looking good.

Three. Four. Five. Oh my goodness...he's still going.

Six. Seven. Please don't stop, please don't stop...you are SO close.

Seven. Only one more lap. Just one more lap. You can do it.

Eight. You did it! Oh. My. Gosh. YOU DID IT!

Despite my elation, I had to remind myself that the laps were just the first part of the test. You still had to tread water for three minutes.

I knew you could physically do it as we had practiced it together just a few days before. But that was before you had swum so many laps.

As you made your way to the deep end, I asked if you wanted me to tread water with you. But, you confidently told me that you could do it without me. So I retreated to the shallow end and said a little prayer that you would be able to finish this last portion (for I did not know if you would be able to rebound from another crushing blow after being so close to accomplishing your goal.)

I tried not to watch, but I was secretly counting down the seconds in my mind.

Lord, please let him finish.

30 seconds more. It seemed like an eternity.

And then...then, you finished!

The pride. Oh, my goodness the pride that filled my heart was overwhelming. I can't remember the last time that I had such tremendous pride for you, my dear son. You conquered your fears. You tackled a problem and accomplished your goal. And you did it all on your own.

And I couldn't be prouder!

The favorite Aunt…

2010-05-17T22:00:00.003-04:00

I'm taking full ownership...I have been a bad, bad Aunt these past months.

Blaming a hectic family life, is just a lame excuse. I need to make more of an effort. Spend more time and be more involved in the lives of my seven nieces and nephews.

This weekend, I took the first steps in remedying the situation.

I snuggled with my newborn niece:

Doted over my one-year-old niece (who had someone learned to walk AND talk since I last saw her two months ago, *sigh*)

Played on the swing set with the girls and staged an impromptu photo session:

And marveled at the boundless energy of my tomboy niece, Mia (that "boo-boo" on her head is from a skate boarding accident, which she explained as "no biggie, I only cried for like a minute.")

This week, I'm heading over to my sister's house to make sure my nephews don't feel left out too:

Cause, I can't let my sisters take over the favorite Aunt position...after all, they don't call me #1* for nothing :)

(*The #1 reference is not unabashed arrogance on my part, but rather the nickname my parents call me (ie, first of four daughters)...but I kinda like the ring of being #1.)

A mother is...

2010-05-07T16:57:00.001-04:00

I always thought motherhood would be....well, picture perfect.

My own mother made it seem so effortless. Rarely did I see her struggle. She was quietly strong. Never frazzled. The epitome of calm.

She is, and will forever be, the epitome of a perfect mother to me.

With the approach of Mother’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on my own life as a mother and wonder how she made parenting look so easy...

• Did she ever go to bed wondering if she was setting the best example she could for her children?

• Did she ever escape to her room to quietly cry tears of frustration, fear or worry?

• Did she ever take pity on herself for never having any time alone?

• Did she ever become disheartened when we uttered hateful things?

• Did she ever feel overwhelmed with all the responsibilities on her shoulders?

• Did she ever question how to discipline us when we went astray?

• Did she ever tire of us continually wanting more and not appreciating what we had?

I am the mother I am today because of my mother. While I am not perfect, I am sure she would never admit she was herself. We have both traveled our respective parenting journeys with flaws, doubts and fears. But we’ve also walked the path of motherhood with utter love for our children and unimaginable proud in their accomplishments, both big and small.

I have not hidden my parenting imperfections from my children. They have seen me at my worst. Witnessed my struggles. And comforted me when I needed it most.

But I continue on. Striving to be the same mother for them, that my mother was for me.

A mother perfect in love, hope and dreams for her children.

Favorite Photo Friday: Family togetherness

2010-04-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Despite offers to have our family photos taken by two great photographers, I think this photo will have to suffice for a while.

A jammed packed business schedule will keep my dear husband away for a lot of the summer, and leave me yearning for another opportunity to capture us the way I truly like us...together.

Shifting Perspective

2010-04-21T22:17:00.001-04:00

Deep down, I have seen it happening.

Gradually.

Slowly.

But it wasn't until today that I realized I had not been very good at hiding it. After an impromptu "therapy session" where I shared my struggles with a dear friend today, she noted that she had noticed a change in me. Not physical, per se, but more so in my overall demeanor. I was no longer my normal happy-go-lucky self, but rather a friend who was worn down...emotionally drained.

And I am.

There are days that I feel like a ragdoll. One that is constantly beaten against the wall and carelessly tossed across the room with abandon. Whose hair is constantly being pulled in opposite directions, like a tug of war.

My responsibilities are emotionally draining. And some days I don't feel like I want to fight the battle. I crave respite from the storm. Desire nothing more than peace and calm, yet it continues on.

My life as a "single" mother.

I feel guilty in even admitting that I struggle. For I have the "good" end of the stick compared to my husband who is torn away from us for work. But I do, I struggle. Bearing the full load of child rearing is hard. And I've found myself venturing down that dark road of self-pity.

It's a road I don't want to take, for I know it leads to misery. A place I desperately don't want to go.

So today, I am committing to a shift in my perspective....

Instead of dwelling on how little I see my husband these days I will focus on how he loves us, is committed to our family and is working hard to support us
Instead of being angry that my daughter is having problem falling asleep (after a horrible nightmare) I will cherish the extra snuggles I am getting as I try to calm her fears at bedtime
Instead of being irritated that I have to referee yet another sibling squabble I will focus on how I can turn this into a learning experience
Instead of dreading yet another pile of laundry that needs washed, dishes that need cleaned, floors that need swept or lawn that needs mowed, I will remember that I have am blessed to have so much to take care of (and I have two fully capable children that can help…as witnessed here)

Instead of watching as others work hard towards their fitness goals I will actually get moving myself
Instead of dwelling on how unfit we've become I will commit to being a part of the Food Revolution and become a consistently better influence for my children
Instead of being jealous of bloggers who are offered opportunity after opportunity I will focus on the many friends I have made since I dived into this online world
Instead of tiring of drinking plain old water day in and day out I will remember all she endured so thousands could enjoy safe drinking water (and realize how lucky I am to have come to know her)

My life is FULL of blessings. Hidden beneath all the daily struggles...all the self pity. And it's my responsibility to make sure I remember them.

(P.S. This post is my way of setting myself back on the right path and getting myself out of the funk I’ve been in. No need for concern for those how know me IRL ;o)

Free Kids

2010-04-19T14:53:00.001-04:00

Spotted at my local video store...

I'm not sure about you, but I don't need any more kids

(even if they're free).

And I know with certaintly that the size of the

after hours return box is WAY too small ;o)

The happiest place on Earth (and I’m not talking about Disney)

2010-04-07T23:06:00.001-04:00

After 3 flights (and 12 hours in the air)…and 6 hours of layovers…

We arrived in the cover of darkness…

At the happiest place on Earth…the Hawaiian paradise of Maui.

Thanks to redemption of airline mileage and hotel points, this was the trip of a lifetime, complete with daily excursions we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to justify.

We enjoyed swimming…

Beaches…

History…

Submarine ride…

Helicopter tour…

Pampering…

Snorkeling and whale watching excursions…

Scenic views…

And some much need family time T.O.G.E.T.H.E.R!

Smiles were a major theme of the trip. And, we even got to drink from a coconut…which, believe it or not, was a major goal of Mr. B for the trip.

The only think left now is for us to find good paying jobs in Maui so we can live in this paradise every day…

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-07T10:22:00.000-04:00

This photo is the epitomy of my daughter's personality.

(Vacation post coming soon...still trying to recover from jetlag and enjoying a few evenings with my husband before he jets off to Korea again...back to life, back to reality *sigh*)

Simple Recipes: Spinach Pasta & Roasted Tomatoes

2010-03-23T22:20:00.001-04:00

Menu planning has never been a regular part of my vocabulary. At least in terms of planning a week’s worth of meals out in advance (I’ve been more of a “plan things a few hours in advance” kind of gal).

However, my 2010 mantra is “Failing to plan… is planning to fail” has given me more resolve and focus to tackle my nemesis (or at least one of them)…the dreaded “What’s for dinner?” question.

Every Sunday for the past month, I’ve diligently scoured my cookbooks, magazines and favorite blogs for inspiration. I’ve excitedly added new recipes to my repertoire and actually decreased my grocery bill because I’m only buying for the recipes I’m planning on making (genius, I know). I don’t have to stress about what I’m making for dinner after work AND the kids know what to expect for dinner (thus eliminating that dreaded question). It’s been a win-win situation.

In effort to give back a little to my fellow bloggers and readers, I thought I’d share my simple recipe for spinach pasta and roasted tomatoes. It’s quick, healthy, delicious and only has three ingredients. It doesn’t get much simpler than that (and isn’t that what every mother strives for?)

The ingredients:

Fresh spinach pasta (1 package)
Marinated roasted tomatoes – approx. 1 cup (I found these on the olive bar at the deli section of my local Heinen’s grocery store)
Shredded Romano or Parmesan Cheese (enough to sprinkle on top)

Simple Steps:

Boil pasta according to directions on the package. I used fresh spinach fettuccini and only needed two minutes of cooking time…booya
While the pasta is cooking, quickly chop the tomatoes into bite size pieces.
Drain your pasta and add to a bowl
Top pasta with tomatoes
Mix together

Sprinkle with a little cheese and voila…spinach pasta with roasted tomatoes is on the table in less than 10 minutes. Consider it my little gift to you ;o)

Happy Anniversary

2010-03-16T14:59:00.000-04:00

Today is the 36th wedding anniversary of my parents...

You are shining examples of what love and marriage should be like and you are the best role models I could have ever asked for...now if I could just get Daddy to agree to let me post his photo on my blog ;o)

Stress relief

2010-03-14T22:13:00.001-04:00

To say that things have been a little stressful lately, might be a bit of an understatement. Just ask my shoulders and neck, which have unwillingly accepted the brunt of most of my tension.

Most of the stress is good stress…primarily from juggling many new clients at work. Not to mention the ongoing “stress” of single parenting while my husband is away and I’ve become one big bundle of tensed up nerves.

I try to relax, but every time I do, my muscles involuntarily tense up. Rinse and repeat. For weeks on end.

Then on Friday, thanks to the generosity of my firm’s principals, I was given some time off. Praise the Lord! Halleluiah! Any guesses on the first place I ventured off to during my time alone?

Really, am I that predictable? …why yes, that’s right, I made a beeline straight to the spa for a massage. I considered it a much needed, belated birthday gift to myself. And it was pure heaven!

I left the spa relaxed and rejuvenated. For the rest of the afternoon and evening was all mine. I did a little shopping for my upcoming spring break trip to Maui, and then met up with my friend, Molly.

Molly has been a dear friend since college and is one of a group of 9 college girlfriends that try to get together for a monthly Girls Night Out. Friday happened to be my GNO date, and I had invited the girls to experience one of my favorite new restaurants, The Greenhouse Tavern in Downtown Cleveland.

Unfortunately, as is often the case, planning an evening around the schedule of 8 women and their families, proved problematic, so Molly and I ended up enjoying our GNO alone. But that didn’t put a damper on the fun we had, not to mention the awesome food we enjoyed…like the gravy frites (which was recently featured on The Food Network’s Best Things I Ever Ate) and the crispy chicken wings with roasted jalapenos.

The evening left my spirits high, my tummy full and my tension gone. At least until the next day…

Thanks Molly, for a great evening. You don’t know how much I needed it!

37 and counting

2010-03-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

This is how I'm celebrating my 37th birthday...with Mocha cupcakes from LaBella Cupcakes.

(My husband says my new Traverse should count as my present,

but I really just want a massage to go with my cupcakes...a girl can dream, right ;o)

My Next Mission

2010-02-25T19:49:00.000-05:00

Your mission (should you choose to accept it):
Spend an evening with Cleveland area bloggers for a free $200 shopping spree at Next in Beachwood Place.

Did someone say $200 FREE shopping spree...Sign Me Up!

Unlike many of the other bloggers I met with this past week, I am not a big frequenter of the mall...so my knowledge of the store Next was, well, next to nothing.

I had heard that Next (on the second floor next to the swanky Nordstrom) was known for being a bit urban (something that is totally not my style), but thanks to an invitation by Michelle at Cleveland Foodie, I was definitely on board to experience the store firsthand for myself.

I was pleased to find a super friendly staff and a selection of unique women’s apparel that was modern, sophisticated, causal and sexy. Owner Robert and women’s fashion buyer Ahryn explained that the store’s mission was to keep things fresh and edgy by constantly rotating in new pieces into the store.

While I passed on many of the current trends (bright florals and cropped tops), I was pleased that I was able to find several pieces that would fit seamlessly into my wardrobe (and could even be worn to work...BONUS!)

I picked up a couple classic pieces that boasted a touch of flair (the brushed black jacket by Urban Behaviour and Decapolis dress) and even ventured outside my normal fashion box with a sheer navy cowl neck top by alternative.