Gratitude Journal Monday

It's Monday. The final free Monday of summer break - boo hoo! I feel pressure to have the funnest week of summer ever, but there is stuff to get done: laundry, bill-paying, grocery shopping, bed-making (and that last bit of the huge math packet due on the first day of school - sheesh). I'm not sure why I feel this way? It was a great summer; a really, truly great summer. But, still, when anything enjoyable comes to a close, your heart sinks just a little and you want to wring out that last drop before it completely dries up. (Remember how you felt that last day at Disney?)

But, here we are, heading into Autumn. The days are as long, or as short, as they were 3 months ago when summer break first began. But this week, I know, will fly. The days will seem unusually short, and by Friday, I'll wonder where the week went? So, I hate to run, but let's get this Gratitude Journal going so I can get to some juggling of fun, chores, and errands. Multi-tasking has become my lifestyle, so let's go!

Happy Monday!

276. I am grateful for the sweet time I spent with my Dad yesterday - he's so fun!
277. I am grateful for the beautiful summer we had and all the inventive mini-staycations we indulged in throughout the break.
278. I am thankful for the time I make to read The Bible - I have to do it on purpose, but I do it and it fills me with peace.
279. I am thankful God loves me whether I take the time or not - but I know the effort I do put in benefits me, not God.
280. I am a teensy, weensy bit thankful school is starting again because routine can be a good thing.

Click here to learn why I started my Gratitude Journal.

Are you happy or sad that Fall is coming fast?

Goodbye Week. Hello Weekend. Lessons Learned: Take 57.

Goodbye sweet summer London Olympics 2012; you put on quite a show.
Goodbye inspiring athletes who gave us something to cheer for and hope for.
Goodbye beautiful rain drops from heaven that are so welcomed on our dry soil.
Goodbye back-to-school shopping and getting it out of the way so we can enjoy the last week of summer break shop-free.
Goodbye doors opening for me just a smidgen and busting through to an opportunity that I've been preparing for, in what seems like, forever.

Back-to-school shopping and my son finds this cool hat with a lot of swagger! Lookin' good, kid.

Hello rainy weekend, and we're not complaining.
Hello Kitchen Clambake, if the lobsters look good.
Hello tidying up just a bit so I can breathe better amongst the clutter.
Hello finishing up projects that are due the first day of school so we can have nothing but fun next week.
Hello to all the possibilities the weekend holds.

The lesson I learned this week is EVERY BODY, no matter who it is, has a story, a backdrop to their life that isn't revealed in everyday conversation, or how's-the-weather banter. Some people's stories are so heart-wrenching, you would swear they could star in their own Lifetime movie. Now, when I meet someone new, I keep in mind that they have a story to tell, the tale that got them to where they are today or what made them who they are today. Some are tragic, some are inspiring, but all are worthy of our time to try to get to hear them share it.

Do you have any fun plans for the weekend? Ooo, do share...

We All Birth Geniuses

I was reading a favorite blog of mine. The blogger is a younger mother and her latest post was about her not-even 2-year old child using the potty all by himself. The post wasn't about how to potty train, it was just a mention that her not-even 2-year old child is simply amazing to have grasped this potty thing so soon. Impressive? Yes, actually. Genius? It's a long shot.

But, that's just what we do as parents. We slyly "happen to mention" to anyone who will listen that Suzi is reading her BOB Books at the tender age of 2. Or, "innocently wonder out loud" why Johnny goes up to bat for the first time during a T-ball game and whacks the ball out of the "park". He must be destined for greatness in the big leagues! (Don't you just feel for Suzi and Johnny? It's the names most used when telling kid-related stories.)

But, who can blame us, really? There we are, new parents, given this beautiful bundle of baby and the whole world awaits for this little miracle to explore, to discover. At that very moment, the possibilities are absolutely endless. The slate is clean. That baby you hold is also holding all your own hopes and dreams and second chances. Why wouldn't that little one you're holding be a genius? Seriously, who's going to dispute it?

Genius at work or kid at play? Does it matter?

And from then on, your little baby will amaze you, leave you in awe, and even pump up the pride a little in a parent's heart. But, for all of it, can I tell you, and I'm being honest here: you play the part of the fool. Yes, I know that's hard to take, but it's true. Hey, I'm only dishing out what I had to eat myself so don't get all your upset on me, OK? We're still friends, but someone has to say it.

When you place your kids on a pedestal (especially in front of them), you pressure them to perform. You're also making comparisons to their peers and, probably, making others feel insecure and inadequate at the same time. That's not how you win friends and influence people.

If Johnny is destined for the World Series, he'll do it, with or without you acting as his PR agent. If Suzi is reading BOB Books at age 2, well, maybe she'll write the next War and Peace by the time she's 20? But she won't need you to tell the world about it. I'll tell you what she will need, though. She'll need your unconditional love and support in whatever she's good at doing (and not doing). But you don't need a megaphone to shout out her accomplishments. Her results will speak for themselves. And as for the potty-training, well, we all get there some day, now don't we?

What I Made Wednesday {London Olympics Fish and Chips}

I dislike being the bearer of bad news but, there are only 3 days left of the Olympics. Yikes!!! Where did the two weeks go? It makes you realize how little you accomplish in the same time period as the athletes. How many medals did you win in the last 11 days, hmmm? Oh, I will miss the Olympic coverage. It was so nice to have something decent to watch at prime time, and, like a friend, you knew the same coverage would be there for you in the middle of the night, just in case. Insomniacs rejoiced (not that I am one but I was comforted to know if I had become one in the last couple weeks, there was some good TV to watch in our cable-free home at 2 AM).

OK, where was I? Yes, What I Made Wednesday! In honor of the Olympics, we made Fish and Chips, homemade tartar sauce, and coleslaw for the Opening Ceremonies. Perhaps you can try this recipe and share it while watching the closing Olympic Ceremonies and really have a jolly good send off of the London Games! It gets you in the spirit and is just so yummy! Cheerio, London, it was a smashing-good time.

What You'll Need
Oil for frying (hope you didn't throw out the Funnel Cake oil from last week)
2-cups all-purpose flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning, optional
1 large egg, beaten
12 -ounces Tonic Water or Club Soda
1/2 cup corn starch, for dredging
3 cod fillets, cut up into 2-inch squares or rectangles
Ore-Ida French Fries
Malt vinegar, for serving
Tartar Sauce, recipe to follow

What You'll Do
This recipe is easy-peasy and one bite will put your mind right in the center of Trafalgar Square. Bake the Ore-Ida fries in the oven according to instructions.

1. Mix the dry ingredients all together, except for the corn starch.
2. Whisk in the liquid ingredients and combine to form a thick batter.
3. Before dipping into the batter, dredge your cod fillet into the corn starch. Be sure to remove any excess corn starch before dipping into the batter to coat.

4. Heat the oil to 325 degrees F. Carefully, plop in a coated cod fillet leaving room not to over-crowd. Fry for 4 minutes, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towel.

 
Once your fries are prepared according to instruction, you'll make them extra crispy by dipping them into your fry-bath. It's only for a few moments and your fries won't be limp and lifeless, they'll be crisp and yummy. Drain the fries on paper towel, too!

What You'll Need to Know to Finish

Malt vinegar is a must, along with a slice of lemon to squeeze over your fish. I made my own tartar sauce and all you do is combine the following ingredients. If you make it ahead of the fish and chips and put it in the fridge, the flavors will be combined enough for the best tartar sauce you've ever tasted!

Tartar Sauce
Combine and mix the following and refrigerate.

1-cup mayonnaise
1-1/4 Tablespoons sweet relish
1-1/4 Tablespoons pepper rings, chopped finely
1 Tablespoon drained capers
1 yolk from a hard-boiled egg, crumbled
1-1/2 Tablespoons parsley
1 teaspoon dill
1 teaspoon tarragon

3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard

We corrected our Olympic flag after these photos were taken. Sorry!

Featured Blog: Jack's Reel Reviews

There are so many wonderful bloggers out there and I would love to introduce LOVD readers to some of the best ones I know. Periodically, I'll feature one of these dedicated bloggers so you can get to know them a little better.

Awhile ago, I helped you get to know me a little better with a post I wrote called A-B-C: Get to Know Me. It was fun and I plan on using that template for other bloggers to answer. If you'd like to participate and have your blog featured, please e-mail me (info found in Blogger Profile, to the left).

LOVD's Featured Blog

Classic movies are a dying obsession, especially for kids. The bigger the blockbuster, the more popular the film, these days. But there is one kid that I know that still respects the Classics and that's Jack from Jack's Reel Reviews. And, you know, he's smart to do so if he wants to be a film director one day. You can learn a lot from Buster Keaton or Alfred Hitchcock if you're a budding film maker, or just a fan of film, in general. Check out Jack's cool blog where he reviews the Classic films he thinks deserves the attention from kids, no matter how old the film.

Here's Jack's answers to A-B-C: Get to Know Me

Animal: jaguar
Book: The Lord of the Rings
Color: green
Diet: don't have one
Exercise: biking
Food: lobster
God: the One and only
Height: I don't know
Indulgence: I don't know what that means
Job: school
Kindred Spirit: Mr. Peanut
Love: I don't know what that means
Marriage: Haven't married
Number: 12
Off-spring: I don't have an off-spring
Parent: Parents, I don't have a favorite
Quirks: I don't know
Restaurant: Red Lobster
Style: What?
Tunes: Tonight, We Are Young, Driveby, Hotel California, Can't Buy Me Love ...
Uplifts: Huh?
Vacation: Disney World
Weight: like 78 pounds
X-factor: What's that?
Years: 10
Zodiac: Taurus

Thanks, so much, Jack, for your honesty and pureness. Don't forget to check out his blog, Jack's Reel Reviews and leave some love; he loves comments. You could be following the next George Lucas, Ron Howard, Peter Jackson...

Gratitude Journal Monday

A simple thank you. It's what we, as parents, want from our children. Nothing more, really. We want the best for our kids. We're willing to go to great lengths to give them what they desire (come on - I know you've hunted down that coveted toy during Christmas, admit it). We want our children to just be happy. Their smile is our reward. And when our children utter those two words, our hearts fill up even more and we begin to look for more ways to provide for their fun.

That is the way our Father gives to us. He gives without strings, without wanting something back, something in return. Just like our children, we are the Taker, and He is the Giver. But just like us as parents, when we give, we are elated to hear those two simple words, just to know our efforts are appreciated. With or without those words, we continue to give to our children. We will continue to get from our Father without those words, too, but imagine how it pleases Him when we actually give thanks for our blessings? It is the same as it pleases us when we hear gratitude from our own kids.

Today, just say a simple thank you for all your blessings. It pleases Him immensely. I started my gratitude journal over a year ago. Here's my first thankful post, click here.



271. I am grateful we are like children, receiving unending gifts and blessings everyday.
272. I am thankful for my Father's willingness to still give, even when I forget to say thank you.
273. I am grateful for the extensive variety we have in our world from animals to flowers.
274. I am ever so grateful for my beautiful family; we are a close-knit pack of 3.
275. I am grateful for the work God is doing in me, reorganizing my priorities and giving me a new set of eyes so I may see my true blessings with clarity and ease.

My hope is your blessings are becoming more clear to you, too.

Goodbye Week. Hello Weekend. Lessons Learned: Take 56.

Goodbye chasing dreams and getting closer, frame by frame, as my son totally enjoyed Apple Camp: Film Making (did I mention it was FREE).
Goodbye swimming, swimming, and more swimming; getting in as much pool time as possible before the start of school.
Goodbye visiting the Cleveland Botanical Gardens and playing hide-n-seek in Hershey Children's Garden.
Goodbye forcing yourself to play hide-n-seek in 90 degree weather because you know these special times with your son are fleeting.
Goodbye well-wishing a recently college-graduated cousin as she begins her new chapter in life - so excited for her new beginning!

Busy week!

 Hello Film Festival at the Apple store where campers will feature their creations (can't wait to share with you our budding film maker's latest work).
Hello introducing MasterMind to our son and having a game marathon this weekend.
Hello Super Hubby throwing out the first pitch at a Lake Erie Captain's game - get it over the plate, honey!
Hello slowing things down a bit after a busy, hustle-bustle week.
Hello wanting to freeze time so summer's carefree days can last just a little while longer.

The lesson I learned this week is how important it is to spend time with those you cherish. Spending time takes time, and effort, and it's hard to "work it in" to your schedule, but it must be done. It must be practiced, because life wouldn't be life without the people you've been putting off to see. It's not your fault, you know? Life's little details take on a mammoth production of time and energy and visiting friends and family for pleasure seems like a lot of vested time you don't really have. But, you have to do it, you have to make the time. I'm not going to lie to you, my house is a disaster this week. That's what happens when you take the time to visit, take the time to share your time. But, that's OK. The dishes will be put away eventually, the bulk toilet paper and ginormous cereal boxes from BJ's will slowly but surely find their proper storage place from their current location, the foyer, and the clothes will one day be washed and put away (we'll run out of underwear eventually). But, for now, take the time to see those you haven't seen in awhile. It's good for the soul and so much better than a clean kitchen or neatly put-away clothes.

Take some time this weekend to see an old friend or family member you haven't seen in a long while. Have a great weekend!