Release- Ride the Wave

I find it interesting that I use this blog as a cathartic way to get things out of my system, yet the only one that really sees this is me.  I am a huge Pearl Jam fan, love them- since the first time I heard them.  Over the years their music has progressed while I have as well.  Last night I finished the book The Husband's Secret- complete page turner.  I found the author had done an amazing job with both character development and weaving them all together, that I could almost place myself in the book.  The books theme is about secrets and how knowing the truth is not always the best answer. It discusses that in life, everything we do, especially in relationships is about our ego. Sometimes we forgo what we want or what we need to make others happy and continue to keep the balls in motion. We all need to be better about being flexible and releasing some of the things on our agenda, but that often leads to no time to yourself- to make you happy, full fun, smiles, and laughter? For now, I take a deep breath, and release it knowing that tomorrow is a new day and full of new opportunities to start with a positive outlook, flexibility, and smiles. Cheers to that!!

Angels

Today I learned that Jennifer Kranz, the niece of someone at our St Martin's community has gone to heaven to spread her glitter.  While I have never met Jennifer or her family, feel so much empathy for their family, and they are so strong, more than they know.  I truly believe that God gives you what you can handle-there is a reason everything happens- although we may not agree or know at the time.  I have to believe that God had big plans for her, needs her.  I pray tonight for ever present love surrounding the Scharrenberg and Kranz families as they go through this trying time. #Love4JLK 

Friendships

I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends who support, listen, and help guide me through so many things. It seems that if life you have friends at different stages of your life who at the time provide what you need then. In the past few years I have been so fortunate to have bonded with an amazing group of woman who can appreciate working full time, juggling multiple chidren, and enjoying life all at the same time. I find it interesting that the friendships I have are so strong for a handfull of women, like my core, that I can share anything with them and know that they too can do the same. This security brings me such joy and happiness. I love the calls/rants, the texts to see how sick kids are feeling, the few times we get together as just moms for a coffee or drink, and the long runs which help to gel things even more. Today I feel so blessed to have such amazing, strong, supportive friends and look forward to even more memories with them all.

Breath- Just breath

As part of my new year's resolution I wanted to learn to be more patient at home. Often times with all of the things that I am juggling physically and emotionally, I loose my patience... I am become short, anxious, and exhausted. Over the past week I have been really trying to take time to quiet my mind when I feel situations like these are happening or are approaching. Taking a deep breath, holding in and then exhaling really does help- it does quiet the mind and body. It can be easier said than done, but with more practice the kids are so much more responsive and receptive to what is being asked.

Friendships

One of my best friends will be moving from California to Switzerland for 3 years. This past weekend, our family attended a going away party for her and it was so nice to see old friends, and wish her the best. You know those friends who have been through everything with you- Maggie is one of them. She has always been there for me over the past 20 years- boy have we had some fun. The first time we both learned to snowboard we had an amazing trip- we were laughing so hard it took us forever to get down the first bunny hill- good times. After college we traveled to Europe together and again created some amazing memories. I can always trust her, laugh with her, cry with her, understand her- what a true friendship should be. As she gets ready to leave for her next adventure, I hope that she takes the opportunity to find new places, meet new people, have fun, and create her own new memories that she can share with me.

Appreciating our fans in Salt Like City: Franti Friday, Michael Franti (...

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup

This past weekend I decided to try making butternut squash and pumpkin soup- wow was it amazing!!! I found this on Pinterest and it was simple to follow and everyone in the family loved it! I would add a little more spice- used red peppper flakes to kick mine up a notch and served with hot sourdough bread. Ingredients: – 1 1/2 lbs. butternut squash 1 can pumpkin puree 4 cups (2 cans) chicken broth 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for roasting) 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. cayenne (add more for more heat if you prefer) – salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel squash and remove seeds. Chop into smaller pieces. Add squash onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you want, you can also sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves on top (I did, and it was yummy!). Roast squash for approximately 20-25 minutes or until tender. 2. In a food processor or blender (remove the top part of the lid if using a blender), puree the roasted butternut squash with the chicken broth. Add pumpkin and mix until well combined. 2. In a large pot, heat 2 tbs. of extra virgin olive oil. Add onions and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes. Add squash and pumpkin mixture. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer soup for 20 minutes before serving.

 http://eat-drink-love.com/2011/10/roasted-butternut-squash-and-pumpkin-soup/