Friday, December 31, 2010

To my Doodle

I know all moms say that they love their kids, but goodness. My heart is just filled with love for my boys. Robbie is learning 'mine' and 'you'. It just blows my mind. New Year's will always be a time of reflection for me. Robbie's birthday is just a week away, and he's my first baby. I can't believe he's going to be two!! Before having kids I gave great thought to becoming a mother, what my motive was. I didn't just want a snuggly baby, I understood that babies grow into toddlers who grow into children, then teenagers and adults. I knew that making the decision to have a baby really meant I was deciding to bring a life into this world and it would be my job to teach and mold this child into a functioning adult who could contribute to society. That being said, when they put that baby in my arms I just melted, fell right in love with the baby who rushed to make an appearance. He hasn't changed one bit. He likes to be first, to be right up in the middle of whatever is going on. He is fearless the way little boys are. He likes to climb high, slide fast and run until he falls down. He's a tough little guy until he needs a kiss to make it better. He is strong willed and just because I tell him to do something doesn't mean he's going to. He likes to push the limits. He's also so tender hearted. Robbie is an amazing big brother, he loves Timmy and gives kisses and hugs all the time. He's so helpful too. Just today as we were headed back to my room for nap time, joking I told Robbie to carry Timmy back to bed. Without missing a beat he sticks his bottle in between his teeth and holds his arms out. Tonight as I was watching him fall asleep I saw the trust and love in his eyes, as he peacefully went off to dream land. In the midst of a horrible time in my life, God dropped this precious child right into my life. He brightens my day and makes me want to be a better person. Momma loves you Robbie.

One of Robbie's favorite dishes, Chicken un pot pie

I use leftover rotissere chicken or roasted chicken for this, I just cube up what I have and set it aside.
In a pot I bring 2 quarts of chicken stock to a boil and add in a bag of frozen dumplings and boil until almost done, reduce heat and add a jar of chicken gravy and a bag of frozen mixed veggies. Then I add the chicken and let it bubble on the stove until it thickens a bit. What you end up with tastes like the insides of a chicken pot pie, but you don't need the pie crust because of the noodles.
Have a picky eater who doesn't like the veggies? Before you add the noodles to the broth to boil, add the veggies and cook until tender. Then puree the veggies with the broth and add the noodles to cook. :)

Starting point.

As I write about my family, what we eat, and how it also nourishes our souls feel free to try my recipes in your own home.
In October of 2007 my world was rocked by the loss of our first pregnancy, that marked a dark period in my life, a time where I did not recognize the person I was. I didn't like who I saw, but one bad thing after another kept happening to our family, another miscarriage in Feb 2008 followed by my dad being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, then a real viable pregnancy, buying our first home in a hurry, having Robbie, loosing my dad, another miscarriage, another pregnancy, having Timmy and 6 months later here I am. FINALLY, feeling like I'm coming out of that dark place. I can look in the mirror now and see the Melissa I ussed to be, I've changed because life changes us. But that laid back, smiley, happy go lucky Melissa is returning to the surface. I can talk about my dad with out crying, and find comfort in his memory. I can look at my sons and not instantly think about all they are missing by not knowing their Poppop. The wall I built up, protecting my tender heart from more pain, is starting to crumble. I'm so looking forward to this time in my life. I can't wait for the future, to see what God has in store for my family.
This recipe comes from my mom's grandma. It's good ole comfort food, the kind you serve to the ones you love.....Meemaw's Spaghetti...
Boil one pound of spaghetti and set aside
In a large skillet brown 1 lb of bacon chopped up, I pour off *some* of the bacon fat, but not too much. Then I gently saute 1/2 a finely chopped white onion, then add one can of tomato sauce and one can of tomato paste, stir to combine. Next add 2 Tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce. stir until it's all good and hot, ove a med heat. Then comes the yummy part, add in shredded cheddar cheese, the recipe calls for 2 cups, and I usually add a *bit* more. Toss in the crumbled bacon and toss with pasta!

This is good hot, room temp and cold out of the fridge. :)