Amaretto Slush

If you love a sweet, slushie cocktail, then this one is for you!  I am looking forward to drinking one or two of these at a friend's house tonight.

 

Amaretto Slush

 

Ingredients:

2 cups brewed tea (2 cups water and 6 tea bags)
7 cups boiling water
1 cup sugar2-12 oz. frozen lemonade (thawed enough to get it out of the can!)
1-12 oz. frozen orange juice (see above)
2 cups Amaretto
Mix all and freeze. Scoop into a glass, top with Sprite or 7 Up and garnish with a cherry and/or orange slice.

Now, truth be told, this is most likely not going to get you hammered. I drank two of the above pictured in a short time frame and didn't feel a thing. Which either means I drink too much regularly (not really) or that this is not really potent. There's a LOT of water added to that Amaretto. So if you are looking for a strong drink, this isn't it. Search for a bourbon slush recipe instead. However, this is VERY yummy and won't disappoint when it comes to taste. Plus it just looks nice as well. Very festive.

Inspired by: http://www.modhousewife.com/2011/09/mother-in-laws-amaretto-slush/

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

Mother's Day has been PERFECT.  Low key.  No plans.  (Andy came home from a week-long business trip last night.)  We had donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast.  I received lots of handmade cards and notes and puzzles.  I adore hand print art and Henry's potted flowers (above) melt my heart.

After breakfast, Andy gathered the kids into the van.  They wanted to pick out their own gifts at Target.  Andy was amused.  I was frightened.  I anxiously waited for their arrival home.

 

Here's what I was handed:

 

 

Yep.  A bright pink and orange Timex (my favorite colors).  I recently had a sports watch break and they wanted to replace it.  Thoughtful!  Sea Salt chocolate.  They saw a display and just knew that MOMMA LOVES CHOCOLATE.  Andy helped with the flavor.  Score!  Wonder Woman undies.  Not sure how to comment on that one.  But apparently first choice was Hello Kitty with very little rear coverage.  And some BRIGHT PINK 80s lipstick to match the watch and undies.  And yes, I put it on and wore it for all of our errands proudly. Did you see the photo?

 

I hope you enjoyed the day!

 

Here are some of my favorite finds around the web about moms:

 

The Open Letter to Moms from Kid President - This is hysterical.  The little guy is just so cute.

 

I am The "Mom on the iPhone" - I really enjoyed this one.  People have NO IDEA what you are doing on your iPhone and should leave judgment at the door.  I admit I am often on the iPhone at the park, when out with my kids, etc.  But I am usually sending a quick photo to my hubby when he's traveling or to the out-of-town grandparents to share our adventure with them.  (And yes, I sometimes check FB)  My hubby is also on his iPhone at the zoo, at a restaurant, etc.  But without his iPhone, he'd be at the office.  It allows him flexibility to go with us.  So...lay off.  I get that there is a balance, but having my phone with me and OUT, does not immediately make me an evil, disinterested, neglecting parent.

 

Dear Moms - This is even better.  Let's just do away with "Dear Moms..." all together.  Amen.

 

Missing Mom - For those of you without your moms this year, I cannot imagine.  Hang in there.

 

Infertility - I walked in your shoes for 2 years.  I cannot fathom a longer journey.  There are no words, so I pray for you.

 

Happy Mother's Day!

 

Do you have any special traditions?

 

Gifts??

   

Mojitos

 

A special thank you to close friends of ours for sharing their recipe with us last year!  Some of you saw it last May on my recipe blog.  Now you can find it here.

 

And it's also your friendly reminder to plant some mint for the summer (but beware it spreads like crazy, so you may want to pot it).  I already have mine on the deck! 

 

One Pitcher of Mojitos:

 

8 oz. of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 5-6 limes)

1 cup fresh mint leaves (2 plastic containers at Kroger)

16 oz. of white rum

20 oz. club soda

8 oz. of simple syrup*

*What is simple syrup? Regular simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water, but 1.5 parts sugar to 1 part water is probably the happy medium for us. We boiled 2 cups of water on the stove, added 3 cups of sugar. Stirred and reduced heat a bit and continued stirring until sugar dissolved. Mixture must completely cool and extra can be stored in fridge. Our concoction made enough for 3 pitchers.

In a pitcher, add lime juice and mint leaves and muddle. A muddler is very handy for this.

Then add remaining ingredients and stir.

Pour into glass over ice.

*This pitcher from Rubbermaid is awesome because it has an "ice guard" spout which keeps the mint leaves from tumbling out all over your glass. I found mine at Kroger for about $10.

 

What's your favorite summer drink?

   

The Good Side of Daycare

Stella's note to her daycare teacher.

She's delivering it tomorrow.

If you read yesterday's post, you know I was focused on the mom who is ending her maternity leave and heading back to work.  I appreciate all of your comments on Facebook.  You added such great insights and positive thinking for a mom during a difficult transition.

 

There were definitely times I HATED my choice to work.  And more times (like more than stars in the sky) of doubt, guilt, etc.  Was I doing the right thing? 

 

And here are the things I told myself...the reasons I love daycare.  You may totally disagree with some of these, but they were things I had to remind myself to get through that bad day at work or that awful witching hour at home.  And yes, some are supposed to be for comic relief.  And no, none are meant to assume anything about kids with stay-at-home moms or kids at in-home sitters.

 

And don't worry, the next post will be why I hate daycare.

 

I love daycare because...

 

It allowed me to continue to work and know that my kids were in a good place (because it was certified and all, right?  There are inspections, right?)

 

Someone else was holding my screaming baby who never quit crying those first few months.  Colic is evil.

My kids got into a great routine fast.  Naptime at home became much easier and like clockwork.

 

Someone else was changing that blow-out diaper and smelling that awful scent of formula.

 

My kids were quickly learning how to soothe themselves because they couldn't be held 24/7.

 

My kids were adaptable.

 

I was never told if my kid experienced a "FIRST" while at daycare.  So I never felt like I missed out of any milestones.

 

My kids easily went to other adults (usually).  Side Note: Next post will be Why I Hate Daycare...one will be my kids' lack of Stranger Danger.

 

I didn't have to do any painting, gluing, extreme crafting, etc. at home.  That messy stuff was covered at daycare. 

 

My kids were used to everyone being served the same food for meals. 

 

My kids got to run, jump and play with friends in their age group every day.

 

My kid just came home one day and suddenly was using a spoon...and then an open cup.  I didn't even realize it was that time already!

 

Most importantly = Potty training is much more awesome with peer pressure.  And the help of teachers.

 

And the list goes on and on...

 

What did I miss?

 

 

Dear Mom Who is Ending Maternity Leave

 

I know a lot of mommas who just recently had babies.  (What was in the water!?!??!)  And a couple of those mommas will be returning to work shortly.  And some are brand new to mommy-hood.  I’m not going to lie…going back to work is not easy…with your first child or your third.   

It’s hard whether you choose to go back or, due to your financial situation, you have to go back.  Either way, this post is not about making that choice.  This is not about deciding whether or not to be a stay-at-home mom (keep those comments to YOURSELF).  This is for after that decision has been made and the return-to-work-day is creeping up on you. 

This is the letter I can now sit down and write to myself…if only I would have had it 6 years ago.  I refer to daycare, because that was the plan we chose.  I’m sure you can insert “sitter” and relate as well.  These are things I wish someone would have said to me out loud over and over, or at least told me louder, more repetitively or when I was more awake right before that first day back:

Dear Me,

Your maternity leave is almost up.  You are exhausted, excited, anxious, nervous, scared, feeling guilty, confused, worrying how on earth you can return to work right now…all at the same time.  And it’s ok.

 

You are not a bad mom for going back to work.

 

Daycare is not an evil place.  Daycare teachers are loving and caring individuals.

There is no ONE right daycare for everyone.

You are not a bad mom for kinda sorta really wanting to go back to work. 

You will cry a lot the night day week before you return to work. 

You will not drop off the baby for the first full day at daycare and that’s ok.  You are not a wimp.  You are not a bad mom.  You did not abandon her.  Her daddy is totally capable of drop-off and she is in great hands with her caregiver. 

You will sometimes have a moment or two at work when she will not be first on your mind.  That’s also ok.  Just don’t forget to pick her up after work. 

The first few weeks are the roughest and toughest. 

Some co-workers will resent the time you were away.  Others will ask every detail and want to see every picture. 

Some mornings you will not be able to get away from her fast enough with the thought of a peaceful cubicle and cup of caffeine and adult chatter awaiting you.  It’s ok. 

You will eventually get into a good routine. 

You will think, “Heck, this is doable.  This is easy.” 

Then that routine will be ruined by one bad night due to illness, a late work event, a difficult project, etc.  And some moments will seem harder than others. You will want to throw in the towel. 

 

You will want to sleep in your cubicle.  You will find yourself not paying attention in meetings.  It will be hard to focus.  You will wonder what happened to your super-star self.

 

However, the sleep deprivation gets better.  You learn how to function on less...less sleep, less energy, less motivation...

And then sleep will return and you will get back into a great routine again.  And work will be exciting and fulfilling again.

 

But the cycle will continue.  Over and over through ear infections, teething, strep, vomit, etc.

 

And you will get NOTHING accomplished while working from home with a sick baby.

You will question yourself every day about the decisions you are making. 

In the end, you will not regret going back to work.  And you will actually work longer than you expected.

You are a great mom.

Much love and good luck,

Me

What advice or insights do you have for

a mom going back to work after maternity leave?

 

 

And check back later this week for my list of why daycare was awesome.

 

 

What's Up? It's Been a Week...

 

Why I haven't posted on here in almost a week.  Hopefully you've been following along on Instagram or Facebook.

 

1. Henry stopped napping.

 

2. The weather was really super nice this past week.  As in, SHORTS weather.  Stella learned how to ride her bike and we've spent many hours in our cul-de-sac lately.  We truly live in an awesome neighborhood.  Even if it doesn't have sidewalks or 3-car garages. My neighborhood mom friends are PRICELESS.

 

3. Henry stopped napping.

 

4. My in-laws came to visit Monday-Wednesday.  We got to take the kids to the zoo.  Lots of the Zoo Babies were out...including the new baby gorilla Gladys!  Adorable.

 

5. Henry stopped napping.

 

6. I took the kids to the park to walk a 2.8 mile loop to prepare Stella for her first 5k!  We'll be walking the Girls on the Run 5k together next Saturday morning.  Who else is going???

 

7. Henry stopped napping!

 

8. Andy was out two nights for work events which makes me totally brain-dead by the time the kids are in bed and I sit down at the computer.

 

9. HENRY STOPPED NAPPING!

 

10. I've been working on some more behind-the-scenes blog stuff.  Otherwise known as...I spent HOURS trying to get a password reset from Google to get to my domain name.  OY!

 

11. HENRY STOPPED NAPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

12. HENRY STOPPED NAPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

So, how's your week been???

 

   

Pasta Bake

This is still my go-to dish when I need to take something to a new mom, a busy mom, etc. It's the perfect recipe to throw together and deliver. In fact, I delivered a couple today!  
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Serves: 6-8 adults

12-16 oz. Penne or Rotini pasta
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup chopped onion 1 garlic clove
1 15-oz. can Italian style tomato sauce
1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
1 6-oz can Italian tomato paste
Italian seasoning (optional)
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain.
Cook meat, garlic and onion in large skillet over medium-high heat, 5 minutes; drain.

Stir in tomato sauce, undrained tomatoes, tomato paste and ½ cup water; cook, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes.

Layer half pasta, half sauce, half cheese in 13 x 9” baking dish; repeat.  OR split into two servings as shown below.



Cover with foil and bake in preheated 350 degree oven, 20-30 minutes.  Remove foil last 5-10 minutes.

If refrigerated first, bake time may take 45 min – 1 hour until center is hot.

If frozen, thaw in refrigerator before baking.