Merry Christmas and a Very Happy Holiday Season to All

Sorry I haven't been around much the last month. I was doing holiday stuff the first couple weeks and have been extremely sick then .  Several sicknesses, symptoms and doctor visits later....I am having blood work done Monday to help determine what is going inside my poor ailing body.  Stay tune for updates.

Until then I want to thank all my wonderful readers for reading and supporting me. I've missed writing and have missed telling many adventures here the last month. Hang in there, I will be back.

Merry Christmas to each and every one of you. And a Happy Holiday season to those who celebrate differently. I appreciate you all and wish you much happiness in the coming new year. 

Reflecting Back

As I lay here watching Christmas Vacation with my daughter fast asleep beside me I wonder where this year has gone. I can't believe 2012 will be here in a matter of weeks.

So many changes this year. The kids are now 7, 9 and 17. My baby is now in second grade and my stepdaughter will be graduating in June. Where has the time gone?  Our local ice rink closed at the beginning of June. Little Bee stopped skating and started playing soccer. She's enjoying it and finds it to be much warmer. I'm gonna miss my figure skater. My son is now playing hockey at a rink an hour away from home. It's a change but he's adjusting well. Ironically enough, the rink was finally purchased and reopened with one rink operational just a few weeks ago. Not sure if we'll be returning next season or not.  It was like family there but the hubby gets to see all of Goalieboy's games and practices at the new rink. So we'll see.

After being out of work for close to two years I finally found a job.  I'm really enjoying it and the hours are during  school.  Hoping it will soon relieve the financial pressure on my husband, who's been working two jobs since the spring.  He's so exhausted but refuses to give it up just yet.

I'm hoping 2012 will bring us good tidings. I think things are finally looking up.

In May I'll be married 10 years. We've had our ups and downs but our love has survived.

Looking back on 10 years here's a few milestone:

We've moved 3 times (plus once 3 months before we got married). 

Purchased our first house three years ago.

Two healthy and happy kids.

Several jobs for hubby....I've lost count.

Had my patents live with us for five years and lived to tell about it ( and our marriage intact).  Those years were very stressful. 

Worked a thankless retail management 60-70 hours a week. Got injured at work and reinjured a few years later.

And here we are now heading towards our ten year anniversary.  Wow!  I'm proud of my family and love them more than anything. I am so blessed.

How has 2011 treated you and your family?  Was it a good year?  Are you excited for the New Year?

There's a Party Going On

No, not really. Sorry to disappoint .  But I swear that's what my kids think happens every night after I tuck them in and kiss them good night.

You would think at 7 and 9 they would know the dirty truth. Seriously dirty.  When they go to bed mommy cleans up the little ( and sometimes big) messes around the house. There's dishes to do, last minute loads of laundry, leftover toys hidden and forgotten about to put away, counter top crying for a good scrubbing and even lunches to be put together ahead of time.
Mommy is seriously not rocking out and partying hard after you go to sleep. Heck, where would I even find the energy?

If daddy's home sometimes he can convince me to put my feet up and snuggle on the couch with him. But that's rare.  The only weeknights he's home are Monday and Thursday and since he has to get up at 3:30 he's usually already fast asleep on the couch by 8 pm.  So I quietly go about my work without waking him until it's done. 
If it's a really good night I may actually watch a show on television or curl up with a cup of hot tea and a good book.

How's that for mom the party animal?  Disappointing, isn't it.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 can of corn
• 1 can of green beans
• 1 package refrigerated biscuit dough (torn in pieces)
• chicken broth (or water) to cover

Directions:

1. Place chicken, butter, soup and veggies in slow cooker.

2. Fill slow cooker with enough chicken broth or water to cover mixture.  I use about 1/2 to 2/3 a carton
    of chicken broth.

3.  Cook on low for 7 hours.  Shred chicken.  Then tear up biscuit dough and place in slow cooker.  Cook
     another hour or until dough is no longer raw in the center.

*** I use reduced sodium products whenever possible.  I also add seasoning to taste when needed.

***Cooked turkey can replace chicken.  Perfect way to use up holiday leftovers.

The whole family enjoyed this.  Comfort food at its best on a cold rainy (or snowy) day.