Kids

Kids Kids Kids... my life line. I feel like my life wouldn't be as important if I didn't have children. I haven't accomplished much in my 29 years. Matter of fact I feel like I haven't accomplished anything except Motherhood. And Motherhood is never fully accomplished. There are so many years of learning before you even know some of the things that come along the way.

The birth of your first child is something that you could never forget. Such a wonderful moment that is frozen in time. Not even the most amazing photo would even come close to explaining what you feel. Every emotion wrapped in one little moment. Tiny fingers and toes. Little eyes glistening at you for the first time. Those tiny fingers curling around yours.

Every moment is intense. Something serene. I have been thinking about my children a lot the past few days. I would do anything for them. As I am sure all of the parents out there would. Or at least the ones that care. I know a few that don't care much for their children. How could you not? They are everything that is good in the world. They are by far, the most innocent amongst the population. How could a parent not love their child?

Not to pass judgement upon any one man or woman, but I do know a few that love their kids because they are supposed too. Not because they want too. I can't help but feel so strongly for those children that aren't as loved as their neighbor or friend. What a cruel world to not love a child.

I love my children as individuals. They have their own cute little personalities. They are a GREAT reason to live life to the fullest. I want them to understand just how much their Mother and Father love them. One lesson that I have learned as a Mother... You will never fully understand how much your parents love you until you have your own children. I love my babies... they will always be my babies, no matter how old they are. <3 <3<3

Hoopty-Blah!

I can't even begin to tell you how much this sudden sore throat isn't wanted. I am supposed to go to Vegas on Friday with my hubby. Hopefully it is just the result of me leaving the bedroom window open last night. This sucks.

So, the last blog that I had/still have, had SO many hits so fast and it was literally about nothing! I'm kind of discouraged with this blog. As excited as I am about how it looks and how its going so far, I am thinking I should stick with my old one. I have people looking at it and reading it, but no followers yet. Alas, I will try to not let it get to me, I know the readers are out there! We shall see how the next week or so turns out. If all else fails, I still have my other nutty blog. :)

I want to put more recipes up for everyone but I kind of want to know what kind everyone likes. I have SO many recipes. I am making the baked French Toast tonight for dinner and I have to admit, I am pretty stoked. I am trying it with the caramel and the cream cheese tonight. Never done it that way before. (Yes, the picture was borrowed)

I realize that I am not a great writer and for that, I apologize greatly. I have always wanted to be one but, I got the short end of the stick when it comes to writing. However, I certainly can keep a good Journal. I have tons to say. For those of you that are just reading and have no idea who this crazy chick is, I should introduce myself:

My name is Jackie. I am a 29 year old Mom and wife from Utah. And yes, before you jump to far ahead and have to ask, I am a Mormon. Seems like everyone wants to know that when they hear that I am from Mormon Ville. However, the assumption that all Mormons are a cult and have many wives is NOT true. I have to get that out there before y'all start hating on us and making accusations about a religion that most people have NO clue about period. Yes, it is a touchy subject. BUT let me also be the first to admit to you that I am not an avid church goer. Not proud of it, but I won't lie and say that I go when I don't. I do believe everything that we are taught and to hope to some day regain a more powerful testimony of my faith.

Now that I have broken some ground ^^ (haha); I have three amazing children that I could not live without. They are my everything and I love them with all of my heart! I went through a horrid nasty divorce with my ex husband a few years ago and have been trying to mend my life as well as my children's lives ever since.

Almost two years ago, I met a very special man named James. I had only had one actual relationship after my ex and the relationship wasn't what I really wanted. So, on the verge of total distress and throwing in the towel for a relationship- James came along. First I thought that him and I would make a great friendship (met him online), but I couldn't stay away from him, I didn't want too. He drew me in so fast that I hadn't even put up the support beams on the wall I had built and WHAM, he broke through it just like that. The first night I met James, he greeted me with the most heart warming hug that seemed to last several minutes, but I didn't care. Our first kiss came instantly and sparks flew like magic and I had never had that happen before. I already knew that there was something very special about this guy and I wasn't going to let him go. James and I started dating in August and we were married that December. It was truly love at first sight and the magic of the stars. Corny as it sounds, its blissfully true.

Here I am over a year of marriage and completely smitten over my husband. Him and I didn't get a wedding, let alone even a shotgun wedding ha! Just him and I and the Judge. Times were tough and we were gold. Soul-mates as he puts it. :) Even though we didn't get a Wedding, James and I are finally going to take our long awaited Honeymoon. Nothing glamorous but as long as we get to be together, we don't care where we are. Since we only live 4 hours from Las Vegas, that became our awaited destination. Here is where that stupid (previously complained about) sore throat comes in play. Hopefully my home remedies fix the problem.

Anywho, there you are. My strange introduction. Hopefully now, I will get some followers. Wish me luck! :) Have a great day everyone!

Baked FrenchToast

1 Loaf of white bread (Granny's is good)                                      
3 c. milk                                                                                         
3 eggs
3T sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1tsp citrus zest
1/2 c. chopped nuts (almonds or pecans) between layers of bread.
Top with raisins or dried fruit
Optional extras: 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract.

Generously grease 9x13 baking pan with butter. Arrange bread in two lightly packed layers in the pan. if you are using toppings (nuts or fruit), sprinkle on layers and in between layers. Whisk milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and flavorings of your choice and pour over bread. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The bread will absorb all the milk custard while you sleep. Bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until puffed and golden. Cut into generous squares and serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, powdered sugar, or buttermilk syrup. Serves 6 as main course.

Picture below is showing it with different berries, chunks of cream cheese and caramel drizzled on top. These are yummy as well. Get creative!! :)

Ahhhhh!!

The past few days have been a blurr really. Which isn't cool. Life can get SO stressful in a blink of an eye. It gets so crazy and flipped upside down. It seems as though as soon as you get a streak of things going good for a few weeks, BAM, something appears out of the blue! I guess I always knew that this was coming. Just kept telling myself that it wasn't going to happen. Well, it happened! I think that the Mister and I have been through the thickest of crud that we have ever dealt with so far. And the toughest part, is that it isn't over yet.

We have yet to see that light at the end of this dark dreaded tunnel. Maybe it will happen soon. Til then, I won't hold my breath.

Okay so, one thing that everyone might not know about me is that I am an aspired Photographer. Maybe one day when I am full grown, I will take photos Professionally :) sometimes I like to post my work so I love to have feedback. That is where you come in. Please feel free to critique my work. I am open to any and all suggestions. I will post some as often as possible. Here are just a few to get started.

 

You can find more of my work at www.facebook.com/ImprintedPhoto

Banana Bread

(**Please note that I have not tried ALL of these recipes**)

1/2 c. margarine
1 c. sugar
2 eggs
2-4 large ripe mashed bananas
1/2 c. chopped nuts
2 c. flour
1 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt

Cream butter and sugar then add eggs, stirring well. Stir in Bananas and nuts. Sift dry ingredients into batter, mixing well. Pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 mins.

Baked Ziti

8 oz. cooked ziti (3 c. dry)
1lb. cooked ground beef
3 c. spaghetti sauce
2 c. cottage cheese
2 T. Parmesan cheese
1 Egg
1tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Mix ground beef and spaghetti sauce together. Mix Parmesan cheese, Cottage cheese, egg, parsley, and garlic together. Add pasta. In 9x13 pan, pour 1 cup of sauce then top with pasta mixture, cover with remaining sauce. Cover with foil. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Absolutely Nothing At All!

Today has been such a lazy day. I seriously am not sure if I even woke up! I was so tired last night and felt like a zombie this morning.

I think that I watched Ghost Adventures more than I should ever. I think that I am severely addicted to that show. However, I am very leery about that kind of stuff. I believe that ghostly energies can follow you wherever you go. And that is something that I would not want to have follow me home! But for some unexplained reason, I find it truly interesting and I've become a fan of watching it.

On another note.... and totally random if you ask me, I am so mad that The Denver Broncos canned Tim Tebow today. Some of you may not even care, aren't Football fans, or think its totally odd of me to talk about this. But they brought on Peyton Manning as their new QB. Everyone knows that his injuries that he has obtained, hurt his team last year from the Superbowl and now the Broncos have signed a 5 year contract for freaking $96M!!!! Hello, What the heck are they smoking?! I get that Manning has been good in the past and that being a free agent is something other teams have waited for so that he could be snagged up, but really? Kick Tebow to the curb when he was what was right for that team to begin with?! Man, this really gets me. I have a feeling that I will not be watching Broncos next season. I will follow Tebow even if he goes to the dark side of all teams (Raiders.. ewwwe). He was supposed to go to the New York Jets, but that fell through today. Wonder where the road will lead him now. Ah well I guess, life goes on.

Off to read stories to the kiddos... Until next time, Later! :)