Nobody Does it Better. Thank you, Philly.

More than two years ago, when Phil and I were blessed with the news that we were expecting a baby, visions of *many things* danced in my head.  But one thing I did not expect was to be staying at home with Jackson for the length of time that I have. I figured I could just "wing it" (HAHAHA!) and sort of cart him around with me oh the places I would go...
Boy did I have a lot to learn about babies, bedtimes, habits, routines, schedules, teething, toddlers, temperaments, and everything!  Children turn your lives upside down.  But in a really really good way.  Most of the days. :) 
 
Just today, we are back home from an unexpected trip to the pediatrician's office.  This is day 3 of Jackie's first time being sick with a cold.  Lucky we are that he has been so healthy for the first year and a half of his life. 

But the reason for this post is to thank someone.  Someone I could not be doing this without.  Someone who drops everything to help me.  Who scratches his plans to go with me to the doctor instead.  Takes me to Walgreen's for tissues, milk, and chocolate medicine.  Comes back to bring me a meal when I'm home with a napping sick one.  Then goes back to work to do all of his tasks, plus the ones I'd be doing if I were there.  He's the one who's often times not seen in the pictures, because while we get to have fun, he's doing the hard part for us.  He's the wheel that makes our car go. 

Dear Philly,

I know you never look for a pat on the back.  You do not need thanks for the things you consider your job.  You are a hard worker.  You are an excellent Dad.  A tremendous husband.  And you are possibly the most giving person I know.  Thank you for working extra hours, learning new responsibilities, hiring an extra employee, all so that I can be here raising our son.  I consider myself such a lucky lady to have you as my partner.  You are always thinking of what's best for our family.  Planning ahead for our future.  I know I tell you thank you each day, but I really want you to know that you have made me not only a happy wife, but a happy mom.  And I so appreciate everything you do, and all that you sacrifice for us.  I love you so much.  Thank you for being the husband, father, and man that you are.  
Love, Karen      

Version 1 

 

Version 2

 

You're one of a kind, thank God you're mine.

Close your eyes
Let me tell you all the reasons why
Think you're one of a kind.
Here's to you
The one that always pulls us through
Always do what you got to do
You’re one of a kind
Thank God you're mine.
-Michael Buble

Keep Holding On

While visiting family in Indiana at the end of 2013, my very dear friends Ruthie and her husband Brian spent their new year in the hospital.  She was 20 weeks pregnant.  Despite all of the love present, prayers both silent and spoken, tears shed, and the support of friends and family gripping to every hope, sadly, their sweet baby did not make it.  He was a beautiful boy, and they named him Cormac Michael. 

His story is one that resonated deep within me and I was grieving for their loss more than I could have ever imagined.  When the heart is hurting, it's very difficult to find words.  Along with many others, I am still praying daily that this family will continue to heal.  I know that God is taking care of them.  And He is smiling while holding sweet Cormac in His hands.  A perfect little soul.  Keep holding on, Ruthie.  You are going to be okay.  I love you.  We all love you.  We are with you.       
Love, Karen

Not flesh of my flesh Nor bone of my bone, But still miraculously my own.  Never forget for a single minute: you didn’t grow under my heart, but in it.    -Fleur Conkling Heyliger

Family Visit 2014

This month, I've sort of been taking an unplanned leave of absence from the blog.  New year's came and went, resolutions were delayed, and most importantly, we had a week long visit from aunts, uncle, and cousins from Indiana!  We took a trip to the actual zoo one day, and then other days, we decided to reenact it at home.  We partied a lot, enjoyed the beautiful weather, and celebrated Grandma Marie's 82nd birthday.  We had so much fun, and as always, it was hard to say goodbye.  And for a few days afterward, Jackie was looking around everywhere for all of his buddies.  We all miss you, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Ashley, Aunt Christy, Kiera, and little JJ!  Come back soon! 

 If you ever have the chance to take a ride on the "Fun Bus," surely--don't miss out.

 Cheers to you, Grandma!

 Komodo Dragon at the Phoenix Zoo.

 Lazy Jaguar.

 Vacancy.  Low rent.  Utilities included.  Inquire within.

 Jadyn wanted to be the navigator.  Kiera thought we better reconsider that cockamamy idea.

 The "open air" monkey experience seemed rather mundane compared to a typical day with Jackie.

 

Homemade cobbler for this sweet peach!

Cousins!

 The Oryx.  The most compassionate animal at the zoo. 

You may be wondering what the "proof" means on this picture.  The answer is twofold, friends.  First, it is proof that none of us actually got left at the zoo.  And second, it's proof that we are all related to one another.  

Pinch Your Dough

I use cooking terms to relate to life.  I don't know, maybe it's because food is always fun to talk about.  Sometimes we find ourselves at a point where we know we have plenty of interesting ingredients in the kitchen, but we just can't seem to figure out something interesting to create out of it all. 

If you're anything like me, you have days where you feel like you can take on the world Emeril style.  And then there are those days where you are just happy that Chef Boyardee decided to put spaghetti in a can.  You got nothin.  But it's okay. 

Have you ever made homemade pizza?  Like with dough you rolled out yourself?  I love the feeling of dough in my hands.  The cool and squishy feeling of a very forgiving slab of flour, yeast, and water.  It moves with your pressure.  If you spread it too thin, you can always reshape it.  If you accidentally make a hole, all you have to do is pinch it together and it disappears from sight.  That's what's so cool about it.  There's really no way to mess it up.  Anyone can do it.  Even when you struggle with confidence in your ability, if you want an instant surge of empowerment, just roll out some dough and experience the therapy.

So here we are in a brand new year.  A counter top full of fresh ingredients.  A pantry of possibilities if you will.  The first few days of 2014 have already come and gone.  Maybe yours started really exciting.  Maybe not.  Perhaps grief struck you.  Or maybe you're still stuck up to your ears in snow and Christmas boxes that are staring at you, waiting to be put away. 

Whatever you're marinating in right now, I hope you are finding yourself well and ready to take on the journey of a new year's promises with hope, energy, and optimism.  You may want to play it safe for awhile.  Or you can kick it up a notch with something spicy or herb-infused.  But wherever you are, there you stand with a brand new fistful of dough.  It's ready to turn into something you create with your two hands.  What will you make with it?

Do your best.  Take a risk.  And if you fail?  Just pinch your dough.

Instructional Video: Easy Homemade Pizza Dough in 30 minutes

 

P.S. I have made several phone calls to the Kraft headquarters just this morning, begging them to please get it together with this "Velveeta Shortage" we're hearing about in the news.  For the love of nachos, Super Bowl is less than a month away, people! 

 

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