What in the serious shit....
is the deal with packing up a family for a few days away? We are going away for 2 nights to Chicago, and the stuff that I have to pack, the thought that I have to put into planning, and the list that I have made, is just as much detailed as a week long vacation. You literally cannot go away with kids without it turning into some major production. I'm not complaining really, I'm more laughing at myself, and wondering, if, when our friends see the 4 of us, and the 10 bags we are rolling in with, they will be worried we are staying WAY longer than just the weekend. Don't worry you guys, it's just 48 hours, but we will be prepared for a variety of circumstances, including, but not limited to....
1. Drastic weather changes. 68 degrees in Chicago on Friday, and 42 degrees on Saturday, no worries, I'll just pack our entire spring and winter wardrobes.
2. Allergic reactions, fevers, asthma, insomnia, anxiety. We've got something for everyone.
3. Mess of all varieties. Food, dirt, snot, urine, blood, unknowns. Check.
There's more that I'll add to the spreadsheet, once I wrap up here. For the record, I used to be a whole lot cooler.
1. Drastic weather changes. 68 degrees in Chicago on Friday, and 42 degrees on Saturday, no worries, I'll just pack our entire spring and winter wardrobes.
2. Allergic reactions, fevers, asthma, insomnia, anxiety. We've got something for everyone.
3. Mess of all varieties. Food, dirt, snot, urine, blood, unknowns. Check.
There's more that I'll add to the spreadsheet, once I wrap up here. For the record, I used to be a whole lot cooler.
What's to drink....
William Hill. That is what's to drink. Billy boy has got some smoooooothness to him. I've had it twice, and loved it both times. At $30 a bottle, this is one that you might want to pick up for Thanksgiving, but stash it away in a secret spot, for your consumption only, and serve the $12 bottles to guests. I promise, no one will ever know. Cheers!
What's to eat....
This is another recipe from Skinnytaste. And another one that my whole family will eat. Bless you, Gina, the lady that runs Skinnytaste, bless you. Baked chicken parmesan was on the menu this week. My daughter took one look at this and said "oh, chicken pizza". So, I ran with it, and that's what it will be called in my house from here on out. You gotta admit, everything tastes better when you throw some sauce and cheese on it. I had my "chicken pizza" with a side of roasted (burnt to a crisp on purpose) brussels sprouts. My kids won't touch sprouts, so they got pasta. Easy, healthy, and everyone is happy. Thank you!
Working on my Thanksgiving....
I have the pleasure of hosting my family next week. I tend to get nutty, and lost in all the crazy of the holidays. I have to remind myself to stop and enjoy it, instead of burying myself in lists of things to do, and controlling the anxiety I feel every year about making a friggin' Christmas card. I'm not going to knock on anyone for putting love into the holiday card, but us insane-control-freak-card-maniacs need a bit of perspective, here and there. So, I went out and got me some. I decided that we should "up our giving", and I got involved in a few projects that have given me a big fat dose of much needed perspective, and a sense of being able to help out some people who need it. It feels good to be able to give, even if it's in a small way. With all the crap going on around us, putting some energy into showing kindness for others seems like a better way to spend some time. It is "Thanksgiving", after all. So, I'm hoping I can motivate someone else, the same way I was motivated. There are a lot of people out there that need help, and not just financially, some are only seeking support and prayers. And there are some good people running this stuff. I was able to get my kids involved in the process as well. If you have a hard time getting motivated to do it, I'll tell you this, it's much like going to church, therapy, and the gym. You may have a hard time getting there, and not really feel like going, but once you've done it, you'll never regret doing it. There is SO much good out there, good people, doing GOOD STUFF. Yes, I want to be part of that. I hope you do, too. Here's a few good ones, in case you need some ideas.
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
http://togetherrising.org/holidayhands/
Look under "together letters", these are requests for letters of support and prayers.
http://ccrf.convio.net/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1140&pxfid=10150
This one is a friend who throws a fundraising party every year to raise money for The Children's Cancer Research Fund.
I'm telling you, good people, doing good stuff.
Wishing you ALL of the Good Stuff.
XO
Tara
P.S. Dad, I love you. And now you've been mentioned. And I only swore once this time.
William Hill. That is what's to drink. Billy boy has got some smoooooothness to him. I've had it twice, and loved it both times. At $30 a bottle, this is one that you might want to pick up for Thanksgiving, but stash it away in a secret spot, for your consumption only, and serve the $12 bottles to guests. I promise, no one will ever know. Cheers!
William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
What's to eat....
This is another recipe from Skinnytaste. And another one that my whole family will eat. Bless you, Gina, the lady that runs Skinnytaste, bless you. Baked chicken parmesan was on the menu this week. My daughter took one look at this and said "oh, chicken pizza". So, I ran with it, and that's what it will be called in my house from here on out. You gotta admit, everything tastes better when you throw some sauce and cheese on it. I had my "chicken pizza" with a side of roasted (burnt to a crisp on purpose) brussels sprouts. My kids won't touch sprouts, so they got pasta. Easy, healthy, and everyone is happy. Thank you!
Baked Chicken Parmesan
Working on my Thanksgiving....
I have the pleasure of hosting my family next week. I tend to get nutty, and lost in all the crazy of the holidays. I have to remind myself to stop and enjoy it, instead of burying myself in lists of things to do, and controlling the anxiety I feel every year about making a friggin' Christmas card. I'm not going to knock on anyone for putting love into the holiday card, but us insane-control-freak-card-maniacs need a bit of perspective, here and there. So, I went out and got me some. I decided that we should "up our giving", and I got involved in a few projects that have given me a big fat dose of much needed perspective, and a sense of being able to help out some people who need it. It feels good to be able to give, even if it's in a small way. With all the crap going on around us, putting some energy into showing kindness for others seems like a better way to spend some time. It is "Thanksgiving", after all. So, I'm hoping I can motivate someone else, the same way I was motivated. There are a lot of people out there that need help, and not just financially, some are only seeking support and prayers. And there are some good people running this stuff. I was able to get my kids involved in the process as well. If you have a hard time getting motivated to do it, I'll tell you this, it's much like going to church, therapy, and the gym. You may have a hard time getting there, and not really feel like going, but once you've done it, you'll never regret doing it. There is SO much good out there, good people, doing GOOD STUFF. Yes, I want to be part of that. I hope you do, too. Here's a few good ones, in case you need some ideas.
https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
http://togetherrising.org/holidayhands/
Look under "together letters", these are requests for letters of support and prayers.
http://ccrf.convio.net/site/TR?pg=fund&fr_id=1140&pxfid=10150
This one is a friend who throws a fundraising party every year to raise money for The Children's Cancer Research Fund.
I'm telling you, good people, doing good stuff.
Wishing you ALL of the Good Stuff.
XO
Tara
P.S. Dad, I love you. And now you've been mentioned. And I only swore once this time.
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