Here's to maintaining some self-respect and sanity while tending to the growth and maturation of young minds, including your own young mind. Here's to recognizing that it isn't necessary to know how everything is going to turn out in advance, and that often Life has much better in store than one can imagine. Here's to hope and happiness even when Life gets complicated, especially then... That's when it's needed it most.

...afterall, the car may only seat seven but room for friends is unlimited...

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The State of my Affairs.

I feel like I'm starting to gel, in terms of where I am and what I hope to accomplish in the next couple of years. It's a nice feeling considering that I've been in such a state of flux for so long. I now have a plan for the next 20 months, which at the end would see me with an LPN. This will allow me to function as a nurse while I work on the RN, at the same school. I feel like its a really good plan, which fits best with my current life situation. Before I can start the program I have to finish 4 Independent Study courses: Human Anatomy, Human Physiology and two math. That's going to be a huge challenge, but I feel like I'm up for it. Ready at least. Everything is harder when you get into it. I'm going to have two classes at a time, plus work and kids. I hope that I can absorb the way that I need to. I hope that I can get it all done. I think that I can.
At work, I'm about to change positions and take on a management role. I feel ready. My confidence at work has grown a lot, and I understand the way the systems work. I feel like this experience will be invaluable in terms of developing leadership skills in working with people, both customers and co-workers. (A lot of times, those people are unhappy and stress always comes with that—however—I feel ready for that, too.) It's a little scary to think that when I'm in the store with just myself and another co-worker, I'll be the one responsible for everything that happens there. On the other hand, I know that I can do the job, so . . . off we go.
And all the while, trying to stay on top of and maintain the tender emotional balance of my children? Ah. . . . This is single motherhood. On the other hand, none of this would be happening at all if it weren't for my amazing parents and the love and support we have here in their home. The kids are really thriving, and that is an incredible blessing.
Life is Good.

Black Bean Pineapple Enchiladas

Three Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
One large Sweet Pepper (any color will be equally delicious)
One 20 oz can Pineapple (crushed or tidbits)
One 14 oz can Black Beans
One package Flour Tortillas
One can Cream of Chicken Soup
One small container Sour Cream (non-fat is fine)
Favorite cheese to grate over the top


Filling:
In a large skillet or sauce pan:
In Olive Oil, Brown three chicken breasts over medium heat. Dice and add back to the pan.
Add to the pan:
Diced Pepper
Drained Black Beans
Drained Pineapple. (Drink the juice. . .yum.)
Simmer until Chicken is cooked through.

Topping:
Mix together can of cream of chicken soup and desired amount of sour cream until smooth.

In a large rectangular glass pan, fill and roll tortillas. Place side by side until pan is full. Spread topping over the enchiladas, and top with a thin layer of your favorite cheese. Cover with Tin foil and Bake at 375 for half an hour, or until completely warmed.

Children often want seconds. Ü

This recipe is equally successful with canned chicken breast or freshly cooked chicken. If you would like to use canned, use two 12 oz cans.

Monday, March 15, 2010

Sweet!

You know? Every once in a while things are going to work out EXACTLY the way you hope they will. The feeling I have right now is BLISS, and it's just because I figured out what to do about the computer problem, gathered up everything I'd need and it worked out perfectly. Everything functions exactly as I hoped: actually even better. How do you beat that? It's just a computer, but it makes a big difference because I USE my computer daily. I was patient with the old one because I appreciated having it. Now, this one? Wow. I couldn't have dreamed I'd have it so good! But, I do - and it's sweet! SWEET SWEET SWEET!


Sunday, March 7, 2010

It's easy to see why I feel so loved.

My sisters are going to love this post, and understand it more than anyone else. It is their legacy, as well. I am sure it will touch them, as these experiences have touched me.
As a child, I knew my parents loved me. I knew that they would always be there for me. When I was hurt, my mother's voice was the one I wanted to comfort me. It always did, and it still does. When I needed help, I knew that my father would be there and would have the answers I needed. He often has answers for me, now as well. As a child, however, I couldn't understand what that love was like from their point of view. Now as a mother of five, living again in their home, I have been privy to some of the most precious sights of my life. I have, as a mother myself, watched my parents with all of their grandchildren, and I recognized immediately the love in their eyes and voices. In many ways, and some of the best ways, it is like being a child again.
The other day, I was sitting on the sofa in the family room and I heard my father talking to my 8 month old niece who was sitting on the table in her carseat. I glanced over and was immediately overwhelmed by the most penetrating feeling of love. The look on my father's face was one of complete devotion and adoration. I remembered my father telling me about when I was an infant. He would take me from my mother's arms in the morning and I would sit in a baby seat at the kitchen table while he did homework. I know that a mind can't remember experiences from such an early age but my heart recognized that devotion. I knew that I had once been the recipient of those adoring looks. I knew why I have always felt so precious and so loved.
My mother has given an enormous amount of care to her grandchildren in the last few years, and how lucky those children are. Watching her is inspiring to me. She is ever patient and incredibly loving. People talk about how great grandchildren are. . . and my mother is no exception. She loves those babies. Here's the thing though, I remember being loved by her to that same tender degree. She was exceptional an exceptional Mother. There are quite a few very tiny grandchildren in the family right now, and they have all had ample opportunity to spend time with her. She feeds, burps, diapers and puts them down for naps, cuddles and coos and cherishes them. She is an exceptional Grandmother. As I see her, I am reminded that I too was once her baby, so precious and important to her. I still feel her love today, though I am grown. I know she loves me. There is no substitute for a loving mother. I have been so very blessed.
There may not be anyone in this world more blessed than I am. It is a legacy that I can emulate with confidence and without reservation. I hope that my children will be able to look back someday and see that same love in their own lives. I hope that they will know that they were loved and feel capable of passing that love to their own beautiful children.