A song dedicated to my son: The Video Game Song

My son loves video games. I am sure there are a lot of people that could say the same thing. Video games are awesome, yes! They help to keep these mischievous little boys out of trouble and in sight for those mommy's that prefer to keep a mindful watch. They help with eye/hand coordination. They also tend to consume the minds and thoughts of those playing and it seems that video games are the only thing my son can think about sometimes. We had to make a rule that there is no talking about video games at dinner. He would go on and on about them If we would let him. Regardless of all the negative aspects that are associated with adolescent video gaming, there are still many positive benefits as well. Check out this article from Psychology Today about some of the benefits.

I tend to sing to my kids a lot. Well I tend to sing about everything. It drives them crazy, which makes me love it even more. So one day I was telling my son that he was going to game his life away and made up this funny little song. I would like to dedicate it to my son...against his wishes. And I sing it to him in a high pitched opera voice just to make it that much more fun.

I'm gaming my life away
If it was up to me
I'd spend all day in my underwear
playin' games
and I don't care about anything else

Mom Mom watch out
There's a Giant Mutant in Dead Trigger
If he gets me he will crash my helicopter
Just one more minute Mom,
there are zombies everywhere
Look at this .50 cal Mom
Isn't is awesome
I want to make a game called seven days to dead

There's a creeper coming my way
I'm using my new diamond sword to take him down
before he blows up my whole Minecraft town
I have to go mining for some diamonds and coal
I need to cook some meat in this oven I just built
I am going to use my enchanting table
to enchant my weapons and armour
Wouldn't it be so cool if we could build one of these roller coasters for real?
The creepers are coming so we have to hide
It is getting dark, we have to go inside

Mom, come look at my new cool armour
In Skyrim I can be a Nord...They also have these awesome Orks 
I have to find the EnderDragon
I'll use this bow with the enchanted flame
To set the dragon on fire and get loads of experience
and the portal opens and I get to go back home 

I'm gaming my life away
I can't tell you what day it is today
There is nothing that I'd rather do
than spend my day in front of the tube

I've got my wireless controller
I've got my favorite pillows on the sofa
I have no care in the world
cuz I'm building my own land and I have servents
that follow me around and do what I say
This is my favorite thing to do and
I never want to live in reality

                 The End

 

This is basically what my son sounds like on a daily basis. He talks a mile a minute (I know he gets that from me) and could never run out of things to talk about....as long as it is about video games. If it isn't about a video game he only talks a little less.

I sang this to my son and told him that I was going to write this song for him and he told me "you are going to sing this song to thousand of people and embarrass me if you tell them I am in my underwear." I told him, well it's the truth Darling and yes I am going to write it. So, much to his dismay I have dedicated this Video Game Song to my sweet boy. I love you to the moon and back.

Your Mom



Frozen baby food mini melts

Are you looking for an easy and healthy snack for your baby or maybe something that might soothe those little teething gums? If so, then these super easy yummy little mini melts are going to make both you and your baby happy. 

Both my boys started teething really early and it can be challenging to find just the right thing that makes your baby happy. Well these little multi-purpose frozen bites sure helped. Not only are they super simple to make, but there's only one ingredient. If you are already feeding your little one baby food then you are already set. 

 

All you have to do is decide which baby food flavor(s) you want to use. You can try them all if you want. I like to use the fruit ones because sucking on vegetables just doesn't seem as fun to me. There are so many fruits to choose from. You can make a lot of these little melts with just one jar of food. 

I only used half a jar and ended up getting about 40-50 melts out of it. I try to make them tiny, like the size of an m&m. Since my son has his front teeth the cold feels weird to him. So if they are small it doesn't bother him so much. 

Okay, let's get started. It's so simple. 

Here is what you will need:

4oz jar of baby food (ANY FLAVOR)

a small baggie (TO PIPE THEM OUT)

A plate or cookie sheet

parchment or wax paper

a freezer

 

Lay the wax paper on you plate or cookie sheet (the flatter the surface the better) and fill the baggie with the baby food. Push the food into the corner of the bag and twist the end tight to keep it all in. I only use half a jar at a time. Snip a teeny tiny hole in the tip of the baggie.You can always go bigger. 

Begin to pipe out tiny little dots onto the sheet. Whichever size you feel is best for your little one. Try to keep them from touching each other so they will freeze separately. 

 

After you have piped them all out, stick them in the freezer. I would give them a good 45 minutes to 1 hour to freeze. After they are nice and icy then you can use a butter knife or small spatula to scrape the dots off the paper and then you can store them in the freezer by re-using the baby food jar. 

That's it. Whenever you want to give your baby a little healthy snack or just something to numb the gums a little, these will be ready and waiting to save the day. 

I hope you find these as fun and easy to make as I do and that your baby finds them just as enjoyable and soothing as mine do. Thank you for joining me.
Enjoy your journey in the kitchen.

Blessing to all

Love and Respect

We live in a world with a near 7 billion people. That is 7 billion opinions and personal views on life. Why are we still arguing about who is right and who is wrong. Why are we still trying to enforce our own opinions and views on other people as their own and if these beliefs are not accepted, then we immediately condemn and scold for betrayal. But don't anyone dare to enforce their opinions and beliefs on you. Right? It sound ridiculous doesn't it?

When are we going to evolve as a species and society? When will people stop wasting their time and the time of others with their arguing and complaining. We all need to work together to do what is best for the greater good as a planet and species. We Do Not need to be arguing about religious beliefs, political views, the way we parent and raise our children or whether or not the chicken or the egg came first.

No matter how you feel about what is right or wrong, there will always be someone to challenge your belief. There will always be someone to think that murder, abuse and molestation isn't wrong, regardless of how obviously wrong it is. There will always be someone to believe differently. It is madness trying to rationalize with some people and there will always be people like that. The point is that as a society we will never ever ever believe all ONE WAY. We just won't. So why do people waste their own time fighting, arguing and condemning others about how they believe. You are only wasting your own time. No one Else's. It is really for our own individual benefit that we learn to accept other people for who they are and accept that other people simply won't believe or do thing the way that you do.

We are fighting an endless battle when we argue about how we should believe and do things. It goes back to childhood and I am sure your mother told you this at least once, "treat people how you want to be treated." How we have not figured this out by adulthood is beyond me. If you don't want someone telling you what to do, how to believe and how to live your life, then why would you try to impose that on someone else. I know that I believe the way I feel in my heart and I would never want someone telling me that I couldn't believe the way that I want too. Therefore, I would never judge you for how you believe. By all means, if you want to worship a tree, then who am I to judge you? You do what you have to do to get through your journey. It has nothing to do with me. It doesn't affect me. That is your choice. So why do people feel like they have to control everyone?

Control. That is what it boils down too. To control people is the lowest form of abuse there is. The only thing that you should try to control is yourself. We all need to learn how to control our thoughts and stop trying to control everyone Else's. The older I get the more understanding and compassionate I have become towards others. The more I want peace. The more I work on myself and learn and grow, the less I care about the actions of others or trying to control others. It is completely crazy, unreasonable, irrational chaos to think that we can make everyone believe one way or think one way. When we can all come to terms with the FACT that we will never all believe the same way, the sooner we will come as close as we possibly can to Peace. That is what makes us all different and unique. Our ability to think for ourselves is what sets us apart from every other living thing on this planet.

In the big picture does it really matter that people don't believe like you? Do you really really care? Or are you just angry that you are not in control? The next time you get mad or angry and feel like judging and being nasty, ask yourself, "why am I even mad. Is it because I am not in control?" When you learn to watch what you think and take control of your mind instead of letting your mind control you, you will begin to really grow and see how ridiculous your behavior has been. I know because I have always struggled with judging and I was a control freak. I am learning to let go. When I see people get so angry over the most insignificant things, I have to laugh. That used to be me and now I can see how foolish I used to look and act. It is not worth it to fight and argue.

Next time you don't agree with someone try to put yourself in their shoes. Try to not judge. Accept it for what it is. Don't verbally abuse the mother that decides not to get her children vaccinated. It isn't any of your business or your problem. If you want to get your child vaccinated, then do it. Your child will be fine because you feel that vaccinations make you kid safer than the kids that aren't. So don't feel like you need to go the extra mile to condemn the other mothers who choose to raise their children the way they want. What if I told you vaccination were no longer an option and no one would be vaccinating their children. All the mothers who don't vaccinate will be jumping for joy and how will you feel? No one likes being on the other side of the equation but are quick to point fingers. Stop it. It is none of your business. It is not your place to judge. This applies to everything.

That is just one tiny example of the stuff we fight and argue about. Same sex marriages. It goes against what I personally believe but I would never judge you. To be honest I don't care. What you do is your business. What if everyone was with the same sex partner and it was illegal to marry the opposite sex? I would fight for my right to love who I wanted. Wouldn't you? Can we please just stop all of this fighting and arguing. It is madness.

We are a brilliant and strong species who can do anything we set our minds too. Look how far we have come in the past 200 years. We have evolved in leaps and bounds in just the past 30 years. We are above all this petty fighting. You live and believe the way you want and respect that every individual should have the same right. No matter what. We all have consequences for our actions and we all have to make our own choices and make this journey on our own. We are all doing the best we can. I watch people all the time, everywhere I go and sometimes people can be so mean and hateful. It usually comes from a place of hurt in their heart that they have been holding onto for so long and they take their pain out on others. But is isn't necessary. They need love more than anyone. Remember that everyone you meet is fighting their own battle and you have no idea what hurt they harbor inside of them. Show them love, kindness and compassion. Even if they don't accept, you will be out nothing. You will know that you did the right thing and when enough people show love to that individual they will begin to soften and learn that love is the answer. It works.


One day, we will figure it out. In the meantime can we all just stop wasting time and energy being mean and hateful. Just love. Be love. Extend love. Help others. Accept others. If each of us worked on ourselves and took control of our own minds and only offered love to one another, we would one by one make this world a little better. Just think about it. Make a conscious effort to only show love and not judge. You will quickly see how much better you feel about the world and yourself. Just imagine if we each took responsibility for ourselves and just did this one thing. I can see the difference in my life and I know the difference it would make in yours. I know it is easier said than done, but it starts with you and it starts with me.

Blessing to all

Amazing Fredericksburg Peach Fruit Smoothies

Freshly picked Fredericksburg Peaches

Just imagine the most tender, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth, plump peach you can think of. That is what a Fredericksburg peach tastes like. And even more, that is what an Engel's Orchards peach from Fredericksburg, Texas tastes like. I literally cannot express how delicious these things are. I eat them every Summer and before the next one I almost forget how truly wonderful they are. Then the next Summer rolls around and I sink my teeth into one of their peaches and I remember all over again why these peaches are the best peaches I have ever had.


I love these peaches so much that I made a sweet and creamy fruit smoothie in honor of their amazingness. Not only is it full of sweet and delicious fruit but I also added some Vanilla Protein to mine to make it a little more healthy and a little more amazing.  However, you will feel like you are eating a big gallon of fattening ice cream because these peaches are so sweet that it's almost like eating candy. This smoothie is so delicious that I couldn't keep it to myself. I had to share it so that you too can partake in this sweet journey of peaches and creamy smoothieness. Plus, it's Summer and what a nice treat a homemade fruit smoothie is.

Without further ado...Here is how we do this

What you will need:

Gadgets:
A badass blender
A spoon
A knife
Cups
A mouth for tasting

Ingredients:
One Banana
About 5 Cherries (fresh if possible) pitted
One big Peach or two small ones
6 Strawberries
A cup of ice
1/2 Cup of natural coconut pineapple juice (I use L&A brand)
1/4 Cup reduced fat milk
3 Tbsp Sugar or Honey
1 scoop or 3 Tbsp Vanilla protein powder (optional)

First, get out the blender and plug her in. Then use your knife and cut up all your fruit (banana, cherries, strawberries and peaches) and toss them in the blender. Then add the juice, milk and sugar or honey. I use sugar because I don't drink a lot of sugary drinks and I'm cool with a little sugar here and there. As usual moderation and balance in everything is important. Blend all of this together on the puree setting if you have one. If not, the lower setting. Just to get it all pureed. After that you can add the ice and blend for a couple of minutes or until the ice is completely blended. Add the vanilla protein powder and blend, if you choose. It just adds a little something extra and turns the smoothie into more of a meal replacement smoothie. This smoothie is great before or after a workout. Once everything is blended, use your spoon to taste the smoothie and make sure that it is up to your standards and preferences. If it is too thick then just add a little more juice or water to thin it out. If it is too runny then just add a little more ice, a cube at a time. It should be pretty close to perfect. Pour into your cups and enjoy!

Fredericksburg Peach Smoothie

If this wasn't enough to convince you that Fredericksburg peaches are the best in the state if not the country, then I highly recommend that you get your little fanny on down to Engel's Peach Stand in Blanco, Texas. These peaches come straight from the tree in Fredericksburg, Tx and delivered fresh everyday. They are there all week. Engel's makes fresh peach ice cream and cobbler on the spot as well as carry a full variety of veggies and fruits. What a wonderful way to spend a hot summer day than to pack up the car, take a road trip and stop off for some fresh peach cobbler and ice cream. Make sure to buy a the big box of peaches. Trust me. Once you get home and realize that half the box is gone in the first two days, you will be thanking me that you bought the big box.

I hope you get a chance to get down to Fredericksburg, Texas and get a big box of peaches to make your own recipes and if you can't make then don't be afraid to experiment in you kitchen with different smoothie recipes. Smoothies are a great way to get lots of fruit and sometimes veggies in all at once. Most importantly, Enjoy your journey in the kitchen.

Blessings,



Enjoying every moment

I feel blessed to have two boys that are seven years apart. My oldest boy is going to be eight in a few months and my youngest is going to be one in a few months too. There is something special about having time to see the first one grow into a smart young man and actually to see how quickly they do grow. I don't know where the time has gone but It has flown by. It is bittersweet because in a way It makes me sad that he is already eight and on the other hand I feel blessed to get a reality check on the importance of time and enjoying every moment before it is gone. It is also a blessing to know that my second child will be my last child and I can truly savor everyday with him. I can make sure to be present in every moment of both of their lives.

The way the years are spread out between them has also allowed me to do things better than I did the first time. I feel like I have always been a good mother to my firstborn but when we grow and mature, we can almost always look back and see thing we could have handled a little differently. I could have been more patient and less irritable with my eight year old. I could have been less lazy and more present for every moment. Regardless, I did my best and I love him more than words can describe and I know he feels the same for me. I know he is an intelligent, creative and loving child and there is no reason to dwell on the past. I have grown as a mother and I learn as I go, as we all do.

As I have grown as a mother and woman I can go forward everyday with the lessons that life and my children teach me and implement them on a daily basis. I practice more patience with them. I try to remember what it is like to be a kid and I know now that in the big picture the only thing that matters in the end is being there for them and being supportive of them no matter what. I can be present in every moment and take my time to really take it all in and love on them. When you give a child your attention it makes them feel important and necessary and they are more likely to respect you in return, as well as others. I no longer yell at my children as I may have been more likely to do when I was in my early twenties and my first one was only a toddler. I hate being yelled at. It is degrading and never solves anything. If you want to make a hostile situation better, you don't respond with hostility. You respond with a calm and peaceful demeanor. Same goes with kids. They mirror your behaviors. As they say, "you get more bees with honey".  I now can see how much more beneficial a calm and peaceful momma can defuse a situation much more quickly than an impatient yelling mommy. And another benefit is that I get the same respect. 

I take the time to love on my children everyday and listen to them. Respect them. Kiss them. Hug them. Smell them. Squeeze them. Most importantly, I try my hardest to be present for every moment. It is a gift to be blessed with babies. There are a lot of people out there who can't have kids and who would give anything to be a parent. I think it is easy to forget just how special it is to have the opportunity to be a parent and it is easy to take it for granted. I don't want to look back on my life and wonder where I was the whole time. I may have been there but not truly present at every moment.

Make every moment with your children count. It goes by so fast and we all know the older you get the faster it goes. This life is a gift. A journey. A beautiful moment at a time that makes up your legacy. Enjoy the little things. Leave your children with sweet memories and a great example.

Blessings

Cheesecake Truffles

We all love truffles and most of us seem to be in love with cheesecake. Well what if you could get a truffle made of cheesecake? Yes! Your dreams are coming true. You can! You can have a sweet and tangy, creamy filled little white chocolate coated bite sized balls of heaven. You can breathe now and put your tongue back in your mouth. Just wait to taste these wonderful creations. 

I won't go on and on with any useless tips, education or info. I know you want to get started and get one of these things in your mouth. So I won't make you wait any longer.

What you will need:
Gadgets:
Large mixing bowl
Rubber or silicone spatula
Mixer/Beater/Muscles and whisk
9" Springform pan
Baking sheet
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
3 - 5 bowls for toppings
parchment paper
nonstick cooking spray

Ingredients:
3 - 8oz packages Cream Cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
3 Large Eggs
1 tbsp. Vanilla extract
1 cup Sour cream
1 pkg (12oz)White Chocolate Chips
1 cup Graham Cracker Crumbs (I used Biscoff Lotus cookies. You know the ones you get on the plane) It just adds a little something extra!!!
2 Tbsp. Shortening
Various decorations and/or toppings: sprinkles, chopped nuts, grated coconut, grated chocolate, sifted cocoa powder

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment paper. Coat paper and sides of pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla until mixed thoroughly. Add one egg at a time, mixing on low between each one just until all three eggs are incorporated. Pour mixture into springform pan and place on a baking sheet in the oven.
Bake for 45-50 minutes or until cheesecake is golden brown and not jiggly.
Take out of oven and let pan cool on rack for 10-15minutes. Run a knife along the edge of the pan to loosen up the cheesecake. Let cool for another 30 minutes on counter then move to refrigerator to chill and set up for no less than 4 hours. Can freeze or refrigerate over night.

Remove cheesecake from refrigerator (if frozen let thaw for 30 minutes). Place graham cracker crumbs in shallow dish. Scoop out 1 inch balls and roll into graham cracker crumbs and place on wax or parchment paper covered baking sheet. After all the balls are scooped our and rolled in crumbs then you can place the baking sheet of balls into freezer to set up for 1 hour.

In a microwave safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips and shortening in 15 second intervals, stirring in between each until all the chocolate is melted. Place your toppings and add ons in bowls for decorating. Using a small fork or spoon, dip the balls into the white chocolate and make sure the whole ball gets coated in chocolate and place on baking sheet and immediately add your sprinkles or toppings to the balls while the chocolate is still warm. The chocolate cools quickly on the cold balls and if you wait too long the toppings won't stick. After all of the cheesecake balls are coated and decorated, place the sheet back into the freezer for about 15-20 minutes to chill the balls one more time.

Okay. Now you can eat one. HALLELUJAH!!! Delish! I know.
Find someone special to share these divine little desserts with. Someone will be very impressed.
You will have the satisfaction of knowing that all that hard labor intensive work wasn't for nothing.
I hope you enjoyed making these. Remember, moderation is key.
Most importantly, enjoy your journey in the kitchen.
Blessings,



Chocolate Coconut & Pecan Easy and Delicious Chewy Granola

Granola is one of those snacks that you don't have to feel too bad about eating. Depending on what you use to make your granola, it can be very healthy.

This isn't exactly that kind of granola!!!

Don't get me wrong, this granola is healthy but I didn't skimp on the good stuff. I may have not gone the healthiest route but you can always very easily substitute my ingredients for even healthier alternatives.

Once you know the general and universal ingredients to make granola, the sky is the limit when it comes to the many different combinations you can concoct. I love granola of all kinds. I like the chewy, the crunchy, the sweet and the fruity, the nutty and the spicy. It is all good. Even though this recipe isn't the healthiest of recipes, it is still a much healthier snack than a candy bar.
As usual moderation is key.
Here is a bit of education on the health benefits of oats from Medical News Today:

Dietary fiber - oats are rich in a specific type of fiber called beta-glucan. This particular type of fiber is known to help lower levels of bad cholesterol. One cup of oats contains 16.5 grams of fiber, which is roughly half of a person's recommended daily intake of fiber.

Minerals - oats contain manganese, selenium, phosphorus, fiber, magnesium, and zinc. Oats are also rich in carotenoids, tocols (Vitamin E), flavonoids and avenanthramides - a class of polyphenols.

Calories - one cup of oats contains approximately 607 calories.

This recipe makes a lot of granola. I can always find someone to share the extra with. If you don't want to make as big of a batch then you can cut the recipe in half and use a 9x13" baking pan instead of the massive one I use for this. Again, you can substitute the add ins for others as well. Chocolate, coconut and pecans are quite the heavenly combination. So I suggest giving this flavor combo a try first.

Okay, let's get this granola going...

What you will need:
Gadgets:
A large mixing bowl
A silicone spatula or spoonish stiring utensil of your choice
Large 12"x18" Baking Sheet
A Small Saucepan
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons

Ingredients:
5 cups uncooked rolled oats
1 cup unsweetened puff rice cereal (rice crispies)
1/4 cup coconut oil or a similar cooking oil (vegetable oil, almond oil, sesame oil, etc..)
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup (Real maple syrup. The good stuff)
1/2 cup honey
2 Tbsp Vanilla Extract
2 Tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
1 cup shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
4 oz roughly chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (you can use chocolate chips as well) I use Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate bars
(you can substitute the coconut, pecans and chocolate for other add ins)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350degrees

Measure out and spread uncooked oats onto your baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 minutes, stirring once halfway through. Meanwhile, in small saucepan measure and combine coconut oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla. Simmer on medium heat until all ingredients are combined and brown sugar is melted completely. About 5 minutes.




Mix it good. Mix it real good!

Once the oats are finished toasting, pour them into your large mixing bowl, add the crispie cereal and pour the hot liquids over the oats. Stir and combine all ingredients until all the oats are coated in sugary sweet liquids. Now you can add your coconut and pecans and mix thoroughly. Pour granola back onto your baking sheet and with either oiled hands or a rubber spatula press and flatten granola into the pan until it is level and even. You can use a piece of wax or parchment paper as well to flatten out the granola if it is too sticky. Just lay the paper, wax side down on the granola and rub your hands over it and press it outwards just the same way.

Place the granola pan back into the oven for 3-5 more minutes to warm up the granola. As soon as the granola comes out of the oven sprinkle the chocolate chunks all over the granola and the heat from the granola with slightly melt the chocolate and help it to stick to the granola better. Allow the granola to set up on the counter for about an hour and once the pan has cooled enough you can also put it in freezer for about 15 - 20 minutes if you can't seem to wait. After the granola has cooled off and set up then you can cut it into granola sized bars. This recipe can make 36-40 1"x3" bars. You can cut them up however you would like or sometimes I just crumble it into big chunks and bite sized pieces and put them into a big Ziplock baggie or little snack sized baggies for on the go and I just snack on it. This granola seems to taste better the longer it sits and tastes even better the next day. 


If you want to make a healthier version of this granola you can substitute the following:
Maple syrup : More Honey
Brown sugar : More Honey
Rice Crispies : Sunflower Kernels or Flax seed
Add dried fruits and other nuts like apples, cherries, cranberries, raisins, almonds, walnuts

I hope you enjoy this recipe! Get creative and see what combinations you can come up with. Get the kids to help you out in the stirring department and let them know how much "their muscles" saved you from hard labor and sweat. They love to hear that.
Most of all...Enjoy your journey in the kitchen!!!

Blessings