Do It Yourself Wednesday..

Its been awhile since i've done a little project, so I picked an easy one..but you'll be sure to LOVE it!!
Basically I bought a frame from Homesence, 11X14 frame. Picked up some cork at Michaels. Removed the glass from the frame and fit the cork to the size needed. Added some very cute tacks and PRESTO...the cutest little bullentin board EVER For my kitchen! Hope you like it...I sure do!



Finished...

Cake Pop Cupboard

Oh how i'd love one of these cupboards!! Isn't it beautiful!

Monday's Menu...and Happy Birthday!

Technically I did not cook this recipe tonight. I actually made it Tuesday night, but I wanted to use it for Monday's Menu. This recipe is something so easy, but the reason why I post such easy recipes is because I know how busy we are as mom and dad's out there. NO one typically has time to make elaborate meals every night of the week. So i just took a box of these potatoe's out of my cupboard and found the recipe on the box. It's easy, but its something to spruce up your dinner.
The picture below is just before I put it in the over to cook...

Loaded Chedder and Bacon Bake

Ingredients:
Potatoes
1 box Betty Crocker* Au Gratin Scalloped Potatoes
2 cups (500 mL) boiling water
1 cup (250 mL) half-and-half or milk
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
6 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled
1 cup (250 mL) shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
1/4 cup (50 mL) sliced green onions (4 medium)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) coarse ground black pepper
Topping
1/2 cup (125 mL) plain bread crumbs
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter, melted
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh parsley

Method:•Heat oven to 375ºF. In 2-quart casserole, mix potatoes, sauce mix, boiling water, half-and-half and butter. Stir in remaining potato ingredients.
•Bake uncovered 25 minutes. In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top. Bake 8 minutes longer or until topping is golden. Sprinkle with parsley.
Finished Product...family loved it! This was a hit!!

Like I said this was easy but MAN It was good!!
Here is a picture of my birthday cake..it was a snickers cake, sooo delicious!!


Kailey made me a birthday card this year and it was my favorite!! It made me laugh so hard when she gave it to me! I LOVE anything homemade especially when its made with love...Here are a couple pictures of the card Kailey made...
First page which reads...Congradulations you don't look a day older than 29..look no wrinkles in sight

Page Two reads along the same line as what Allen from the Hangover reads about his wolf pack...I was peeing my pant laughing...(She originally was going to give me this card when we got to EastSide Mario's but changed her mind and gave it too me before we went).

"How bout that ride in, I guess thats why they call it eastside marios..ha ha ha, You see before I met you it was just me, by myself in the corner of your ovary's watching the other eggs. But then when I met you I knew for sure that one more lady has joined my wolf pack...(it goes no a little bit more, some funny s**t Kailey, good job!!) I LOVED IT!! My girl has some serious humour lingering on inside that mind of hers.

Page Three is a page with a stapled envelope that she made filled with some coupon's...

The coupons were fantastic, my favorite was one that read: "10 Family night with Braden Included!" Another read.."One free back rub, limited time offer!!"
Overall, I had a great birthday! Two dear friends dropped by with birthday cards that was a nice surprise. Another wonderful friend is taking me out for lunch next week! Thanks to everyone who made my day extra special...
Oh thanks too Braden who payed for dinner tonight!! Love you!

Birthday Celebrations and Golden Globes

Today was a great day! We celebrated my birthday with dinner and when we came home I opened up their gift. I have to say their gift shocked me! I have been eyeing this old, antique typewriter for the longest time. I just couldn't justify spending the money on myself. I do collect old camera's and display them in my home, and the typewriter was an idea to display as well. I just loved the idea of having something so old to encourage me to write. When I started photography as a hobby, I took an interest in old camera's and decided to collect them. Then i just liked the look of a few antique things in my home. I love antiquing, so does my nephew..its kinda neat to have him enjoy looking at my collection. He's starting one of his own too. My parents surprised me with this old antique typewriter and I was just over the moon excited to have it!

I'm still debating where I'll put it, but in the mean time i'm loving it! Thanks mom and dad...I am so happy!!After our quick but lovely meal, I headed to an Oscar Party my friend Michelle was throwing. I got their late, and didn't take the time to change into a formal gown..i just wore what I had on at dinner. Michelle had her guests dress in formal gowns, they looked lovely. Michelle had every thing just so well done. There was a cut out Oscar man who she had everyone take a picture with while holding their own Oscar award.


She even had cute little cupcakes with Oscar standing strong on top of them. So cute. Everyone enjoyed the evening, there was lots of chit chat, laughing and guessing who was going to be the winner in each category. I'll share just few picture's from the evening.


Not sure why this always happen's when we are together...BUT, I have to admit..we know how to have fun!! I'm gonna have to start showing off my ass and legs, Michelle is always stealing the limelight with her bombshell of boob's!! It's on Chelle...its on!! *Shy giggles*
Great picture though, we certainly stay true to who we are when we're toghether!!
Below is a picture of me, just before I went to Michelle's house! Face is red due to wine!!

Show your love~

I have been up reading some blogs from other parents with special needs kids and they are talking about their struggles with intergrating their children into our society. One father is stating how he and his wife DO NOT take their son out into their community because they are not certain how he would react in public. They gave a couple examples about not taking him out to dinner or to a neighbour hood park, mostly due to his unexpectd behaviour.
Another father posted a comments stating their struggles with taking thier special needs kid out due to the amount of equipment that he travels with and how much space he takes up in places like restaurants.
I want to go back to a time when we were first introduced to our son "being" in a wheelchair. A time when he was trached, NG fed and on Oxygen. When we did travel out into the community, boy...we had an entrage. We did'er up BIG!
It took me some time to adjust, I always kinda felt like we were in the way or inconvienencing others in tight quarters. People trying to squeeze by us, Us trying to squeese by them inorder to use the restroom. My god some moments were difficult, i was always apologizing. Most people were kind and understanding, others at times would be a little rude, slightly inconsiderate. I'd pass by them holding Braden, trying to get by them without disrupting too much of their dinner. Hoping they'll just pull their chair in without hesitation.
LOL..the ones who DID NOT pull their chair in nicely and quietly unfortunately was unaware of the fact that this momma was living with "Post Traumatic Syndrome" and was actually a ticking time bomb. Oh I was all smiles, so polite and giving thanks for all their kindness. BUT if they didn't show kindness and understanding I certainly made sure I "Accidently" kicked the back of their chair on my way back to my table OR i'd kindly make it very loud and clear about how "GOD DAMN" rude this person was to a mom holding her baby. Sometimes yes...the "F" bomb came out! Not my finer moments...but they'd fuckin pull their god damn chair in pretty quick when that happened!
Ya, it didn't take me long to figure out the louder I got the quicker people responded...especially with a special needs child in tow.
This is a very important topic for those who live with similar circumstances. I can't tell you enough how society needs tolearn to live outside of the box!
This poor father explains how he doesn't like to take his child out in restaurants because they didn't call ahead to get a corner table, it just is easier that way for all parties involved. MEEEE on the other hand has learned it doesn't matter if you've called ahead or not to reserve a spot. If you've shown up with your family..your whole family then every one in that GOD DAMN restaurant better do everything they can to make this experience work for my family...because WE have the right to be there just as much as they do!!
Basically that's how i've raised my boy...yes we work as an 'EVIL" team and we have unspoken words between us in situations where someone has not accomadated Braden freely in a restaurant or a department store. Braden has become a master at "accidently" clipping the person's chair leg and pulling out a bit..just enough to get their attention and just enough for the person to HAVE to readust their seating. OOPPPSS...did we just get your attention while you were trying to act like you didn't see us coming? WHoop there we are...MOVE!!! Looks who's apologizing know, because i'll tell you one thing!! It isn't us!!
My favorite is stores that don't have enough room, better move that pretty display over...OR we will..with his 350 pound wheelchair!
It really isn't always easy to get out into society, i can totally relate to some of these families. But as we have gotten older and wiser we've come to realize that anything is possible. People just need to be smart, look around, see how things can work. If we move a few tables, BINGO...easily done! Now there is room for everyone..genious!
I did read in one fathers blog about how he and his wife tend to "stay clear" of public places mostly due to the fact that their child is trached and if there just happens to be a much needed suction or trach change, they didn't feel it was necessary to sit next to others who may be enjoying a nice meal.
I do agree with this statement, HOWEVER where there is a will there is a way!! AND that my friends has ALWAYS been my motto. We have been in this situation, hands down numerously! We have been respectful of others when we were out with Braden during his time of needing a trach, but it didn't stop us from enjoying the exact same quality of life that everyone else was entitled too. SO we found ways to do it! We'd reserve spots in a restaurant that were kinda private area's, OR close to a clean restroom. If there were ever any problem's with seating in a restaurant we'd ask to speak to the manager and in times we needed to pull out the good ol' human rights amendment. Its actually fun to see how quickly people make things work when you know the right words to use. I remember pulling a manager over to the side of a VERY well established restaurant (when we were told, they couldn't get us a private area or room with a wheelchair) my words which i can't remember specifically BUT can assume were close to this (due to the many times spoken) "If you don't accomadate my well deserving 20month old son, and my husband and I..I will stand here and call the newspaper myself with a story that will rip through the hearts of our community and send your restaurant into a downward spiral so deep...you'll never fully recover." There may have been some bad words used too..as at that time in life, like I said living with Post Traumatic Syndrome didn't always provide me with the best coping skills.Once again, it amazes me how quickly things can change...
There are many stories like this that I have not shared amoungst friends or even family, typically it was embarrassing and/or we just wanted to let it go and forget about it. Honestly the usual outcome was a huge apology from the manager of the store/restaurant and we'd just let it go and suck it up. All along though hoping and teaching Braden that this may be his reality so lets "soak this all up" and learn from it. SO that when the time comes and he is an adult and out on his own, he'll have the skills to stand up for his own rights. He was only 20 months old, but I could see him taking it all in.
Bottom line and I guess what I am trying to get at are two things...
1. You never really understand what someone else is going through, unless you have experienced the exact same thing. With that, NEVER assume something about someone else when you are out in public and watching as a family is trying to accommadate their loved one in a social situation. Regardless of how uncomfortable the situation is making you feel...just imagine how "uncomfortable" the family must feel. Remember always that they LOVE there child/sibling more than worrying about what your thinking! I don't care if you are out with you husband/wife on a VERY romantic meal, or out on a date with a "new love interest". If you see someone out with a family member who is mentally/developmentally/physical or even emotionally disabled...DO NOT stare, DO NOT pass judgement and DO NOT make this event for them that much more uncomfortable. YOU need to remember that this may be the only time the family feels strong enough, comfortable enough or brave enough to bring thier loved one out in public for the very first time. YOU my friends can "suck it up" for one meal or outing and smile kindly at those around you. YOU have NO idea what these families face every single day..and remember ALWAYS that is moment for that "struggling" family is about making memories. They deserve just as much freedom, accommadation and privacy as we do. Its ALOT easier for you or I too get out to a restaurant, sports event, shopping or concerts. This may be their only moment, their only concert...it takes alot of courage, determination and love for families to include a member of the family who may have challenging obstacles.
2. The families who I am referring too I also feel the need to share thats ok to go out and enjoy your family, don't EVER shy away from your community or society just because you are afraid to "put them out" by having your loved ones accommadated. Don't ever be ashamed or nervous about going in public, live your life...enjoy your family, make memories! Keep your head held high, smile and educate those who just aren't open enough to see you and your family for who they are!
Never back down from a challage and always remember that your child has the right to the same quality of life that you, I or anyone else is entitled too~

Busy

WHat did you do this weekend Zeta's? Paul had to work this Saturday, he is just so busy. He leaves next weekend for Alabama, so he is preparing stuff at work so that when he leaves things are left unattended too. He's just so busy. Then after he comes back we leave 3 days later for New York City. He wasn't suppose to come, but last minute I panicked and started to worry that it would be too much for me to handle on my own. Thankfully he is so understanding and he talked to his work and they told him not to worry. SO he is coming and I am a happy mommy~

SIck...

Sorry all...still not feeling well, no post today! Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend~

Frustrated..**BBM Red, hot angry face**

OH MY GOD!!!! I was soooo frustrated today, so angry with Hamilton Health Sciences. Braden turned 18 yrs old back in October. Typically when that happens a child who is a patient in paediatric clinic's will be "graduated" up into an adult clinic. We have been going through the process of changing Neurosurgeon's and even his paediatrician. Slowly though, as all these changes can cause great stress on a family who has worked so closely and has come to trust and value the professionals who take such great care of your child. We have been seeing these surgeon's and doctor's for years, there has always been a mutual respect between all of us. We have always felt safe knowing they are all there if we need them. As we approach adult life with Braden, its exciting. He is at the age where he is making some of his own decisions for his health, and that's kinda nice..takes away a bit of the stress as decision makers for Paul and I. But with that said...WHO are these new people who are going to be helping Braden with his decisions? How do we know they will be as good as the ones we have had since day one? What if they are just not as caring, understanding or "protective" of Braden's needs?
Yesterday, the Orthopaedic clinic at McMaster called to inform me that Braden will NO longer be provided with services in their clinic. He is know an adult and Dr. Peterson can no longer see him. So i responded with..."Ok, that's fine but who will he refer Braden too?". I was hoping there would be a wonderful adult Ortho-surgeon at Hamilton General who would be following him. Maybe send over all Braden's medical records, have a chat about Braden's history..considering for christ sakes its HUGE!!! and complicated!!! She proceeded to tell me that there is NO ONE...Hamilton does not have any orthopaedic surgeons that they can refer Braden too. PANIC..FEAR and anger all hit at once! HUH?? I don't understand? WHO will follow him then? We have had the security of seeing a surgeon YEARLY to follow his progression, be sure that his scoliosis doesn't interfer with his lungs or cause any other further problems. All this running through my head, I can feel my heart racing...seriously, I was panicking. Here is another service we are loosing all due to the fact that he turned 18...
How could they do this? Just throw a family out of their clinic without any follow up, any feedback and most importantly ANY other doctor?
The receptionist (who probably could hear the panic in my voice) told me that if there is any concerns we would typically just go to our family doctor and then he/she would send us too a ortho-surgeon as needed. Two problems..
1. I DON"T want any Cambridge Ortho-surgeon's going anywhere near him. I don't think there is any surgeon here with the type of experience needed for Braden.
2. We are in the process of getting a new family doctor for B because his paediatrican only see's children, which Braden is no longer!!
SO know, we're fucked!! All these new faces, or lack thereof...and no one know's anything about him..nothing, nada!
Let's just say this conversation didn't go as easy as she was hoping! I kept her on the phone for sometime, making her explain to me where other surgeon's were in the area. What happens if there's a problem, who do we call? ETC...
I also had her talk to another doctor in the hospital who know's Braden to see what she has to say about his transfer. We will also call his main doctor at MacMaster and find out from him what we should be doing. Thank god, this doctor has actually been with Braden since the beginning as well and he doesn't need to stop seeing Braden just because he's becoming an adult. This is comforting...at least we will have a familiar face for awhile!
SO,this leaves me fustrated, angry and a bit afraid. I have always had the comfort of knowing if we needed anything or had any concerns we could just call them and they'd see him immediately. NOT the case anymore...and that's scary.
I'm just waiting to hear back from the secretary and see what the other surgeon had to say about Braden being discharged from their clininc. I don't care really that he isn't going to be going to MacMaster anymore...he was becoming one of the older kids and wasn't really comfortable sitting in the waiting room with all the little one's. Its more that the transfer to an adult doctor wasn't better...with Braden's history and severity of injury I would have expected better from them. This isn't exceptable, this is exactly where the system fails people who are handicapped and are not able to realize when there is a problem with their health or body. Or if their family isn't capapble or knowledgable enough to pay attention to their loved one's growth and development. I see so many adults who don't progress, or go to long without a much needed surgery due to the fact that no one was paying attention. No one noticed their spine curving further or their arm is losing more function. SEE panic!!!
Well the good news is that I find this unacceptable...therefore, we won't stop until i am satisfied. Thankfully our family is on the right track with teaching Braden about his own care and the importance of paying attention to his own wellbeing. It just frustrated me...how do you go from being so well taken care of, to just being dropped and told there is no other "adult" surgeon's in the area?
I will keep you updated, hopefully all works out well and once again we are in the safe graces of a wonderful Orthopeadic surgeon~

DIY Wednesdays...cancelled for this week due to illness *Smile*

Sorry Zeta's I haven't been feeling well today and as the day went on and on I became more and more ill. I was also in Hamilton today with the boy, so I really didn't have much energy to come home and blog. My apologies..here's something i took from pinterest. Have a wonderful day and stay tuned...another blog to follow shortly.



What a cute idea...you just use paint color samples and line them up, and frame them. Its amazing what some people come up with isn't!!

Friday May 26th-Day 2

Today Braden seemed more withdrawn. Not too many smiles. More tears today. Things have stayed the same as fas as movement. Except that he drew up his left leg on his own. We don't know if it was Braden or actually Spinal Shock. Nancy (Physiotherapist) says "something is happening in that leg" Sounds hopeful :)
They started his feeds today. He has tolerated them very well so far. He had a good night. Still very tired and withdrawn, but less frightened.
This is a journal entry that I have taken word for word after a surgery Braden recieved on his spinal cord in hopes to relieve some built up pressure and repair the damage done to the seath lining that protects the spinal cord. These few days after that surgery were probably the most "desperate" days we have ever spent. WE raked over that babies body every single day..testing him for more movement, praying to God that we would see something new, something to give us hope.
Wanting to write this book, has been a big dream of mine. I know one day I will do it, i prepare constantly...but the one and only thing that is holding me off is the pain that I will endure going over these memories. I remember this day...I remember all these days...mostly I remember how I felt, how scared I was...how alone I was. I can't even begin to think of how I will find the words to express in a book how desperate I was...how as a mother, the ONLY thing that is going on in your mind, heart, body and soul is the recovery of your child. It hurts..it still hurts, I still guilt and that comes out when I think of those days. DO I want to go back and feel those feelings again? Do i want to hurt myself again? Somedays in all honesty I do have the strength to do it!! I'm one strong girl who is very proud of what we have accomplished. But on the rare occassion, when my mood darken's...its there...in my mind, the feelings of guilt,pain and desperation. Boy let me tell it takes alot of work to pull myself out of those moments. I do it...I have too, my kids NEED me too. So as I sit here..its getting late, Paul and Kailey are off to bed. Braden is struggling in the kitchen cupboard trying to get a bag of chips to cart off into his abyss I wondering how strong can I be? Can I do this?
Sure I can.
Good night my Zeta's, and god bless~

OH and one more thing I have been wanting to say..and WILL expand eventually on.."Where the hell were you all?" Where were you? We were soooo young...so naive and so desperate, NOT one of you were there!!!

Monday's Menu and family day...

How was you day today? Mine was kinda blah..there I said it! I've been feeling kinda crappy lately. Not sure why? No rhyme or reason...its just blah! Talk about extremely tired too..I seriously could barely lift my head off the couch today! I walked the dogs, but then came home and just felt yucky. I may be fighting something..maybe some strange illness?! I hope it passes soon, I hate not having energy. Maybe that's the problem? I'm soooo use to being on the go, non-stop hustle and bustle of life. Lately we've had more time to spare (evenings) as much as I like it!! There's still an adjustment stage. Anyways, spring is around the corner and that's down right awesome!
Here is a recipe that I did not cook tonight, I cooked it on Friday. It was really good, the family liked it. I only took one picture then forgot to take anymore. Oh well...

Chicken, Potatoe and Vegetable Bake
What You Need

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1-1/2 lb./675 g)
1-1/2 lb. (575 g) Yukon gold potatoes (about 3), peeled, coarsely chopped
3-carrots (1/2 lb./225 g), coarsely chopped
1 onion, coarsely chopped
1/3 cupKraft Calorie-Wise Zesty Italian Dressing
2 Tbsp.Kraft 100% Parmesan Light Grated Cheese



Make It
HEAT oven to 400°F.

PLACE chicken and vegetables in large baking dish; drizzle with dressing. Cover.

BAKE 1 hour or until chicken is done (170ºF), uncovering after 50 min.

SPRINKLE with cheese

Family Matters Sunday..

Tomorrow is family day my Zeta's. DO you have any plans? Thankfully my children are in mindsets to just relax! Life can get so busy..its nice to have days were we just lie around and watch movies all day! Kailey recieved a call from a candy shop here in town, they called her for a job. How exciting is that?! Kail is thrilled..she has a part time job, actually two part time jobs as she still ref's ringette games! We are so proud of her..she is very anxious to get started, its actually the perfect job for her..the hours are great and the customers will HAVE to be happy...I mean who isn't happy while shopping and picking our chocolate and candy?? Good luck girlie..I know you will do fantastic!
Well until tomorrow..good night and god bless~

Saturday...

It was a typical Saturday today...I have to admit i am LOVING not having to get up early to take Kailey to an arena for powerskating or sitting in an arena for 6pm game. Paul and I are getting so much done around here, just kinda up lifting a few rooms in the house. My front bathroom is in need of a serious make over and I'm happy to say its gonna happen!! I'm so happy about that! I will share with you my wallpaper..but that's all I can share..well maybe i'll share a picture of my new handles for my linen closet!
New Wallpaper...never thought i would ever wallpaper again in this house. BUT, i've taken a liking to this pattern and really want to add some flare to this bathroom.

This is actually a picture of my linen closet and these are the door handles we have know. The plan is to paint the linen closet black and add some really pretty crystle handles shown below this picture...

Isn't this the prettiest little handle EVER?! It going to look so nice, i still want my chandleir in the bathroom...hubby's still not convinced! I'm working on him though..he does trust me, sometime's I just have to prove my brilliance!! *wink*

I still have a couple secret's up my sleeve and as we move along i will be happy to share them with you!!
My friend Candy just re-did her kitchen to black and white, she did a great job. It looks very nice..I love the black, I think she needs to get a cute black and white patterned material and have a roman curtain made for her kitchen window. It would tie it all together so nicely!!
Well Goodnight my lovelies, untill tomorrow~

Red Velvet Cupcakes...and a lil'bit of Fashion Friday!

Here's my recipe for Red Velvet Cupcakes..
1/2 cup of butter
1 1/2 cup of white sugar
2 eggs
1 cup of buttermilk
1 fl oz red food colouring ( I actually added 2 fl oz)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tblsp. of white vinegar
2 cups of all purpose flour
1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (or 2 heaping tablespoons of choc, drink mix, mixed with milk)
1 tsp of salt
DIrections:
Preheat oven to 350 degree's. Grease two 12 cup muffin pans or line with 20 paper baking cups.


IN a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs, buttermilk, red food coloring and vanilla. Stir in the baking soda and vinegar. COmbine the flour, cocoa powder and salt; stir into the batter just until blended. Spoon the batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 20 to 25 minutes. COll in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter and frost with desired frosting.


Icing: This icing recipe I got from my friend Jill, and its one that I wouldn't have guessed to put with red velvet. She was pretty positive about using this icing and so I gave it a try. You know what?? I LOVED IT!! Honestly the best, by far homemade icing i've ever tried!! You should give it a try..i promise you'll love it!!

1 cup of milk
4 tblsp flour
1 cup of sugar
1 cup of butter
2 tsp of vanilla

Cook the milk and flour until thick and set to the side to cool.
Beat soft butter with sugar until creamy, add vanilla and then add thickened milk
Use electric mixer on high until smooth!! The best frosting ever!!


There you have it my friends..please try this recipe you won't be disappointed!

Here's a little something for fashion friday. Love this cute little outfit! Did you know that there is only 4 weekends left until spring?? On that note, have a great weekend!!

Bath & Body Works shopping trip...

Tonight I finally made a Monday's Menu and it was fantastic!!! Seriously, Uncle Wayne if you are reading this blog post...definately make this recipe. Its something that you can even put in the fridge and it would be so good heated up the next day. Pair this with a glass of wine, garlic bread and a cesear salad and Uncle Wayne..you've got yourself a dinner date *wink*
Make-Ahead Unstuffed Shells
What You Need

4 cupsmedium pasta shells, uncooked

1 lb. (450 g) extra-lean ground beef

1 jar (20 fl oz/645 mL) pasta sauce

3/4 cup (3/4 of 250-g tub) Philadelphia Light Cream Cheese Spread

1/2 cupmilk

1/4 cupKraft 100% Parmesan Shredded Cheese

1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

1-1/2 cupsKraft Part Skim Mozzarella Shredded Cheese

Make It

COOK pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, brown meat in large skillet. Stir in pasta sauce; simmer on medium heat 2 min., stirring frequently. Remove from heat.


DRAIN pasta. Whisk cream cheese spread, milk and Parmesan in large bowl until well blended.

Add pasta and basil; stir gently until pasta is evenly coated. Spread half the meat sauce onto bottom of 13x9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray;

cover with pasta mixture and remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella; cover with foil. Refrigerate up to 24 hours.

HEAT oven to 375ºF. Bake casserole, covered, 40 to 45 min. or until heated through, uncovering after 30 min.


There you have it friends, the whole family LOVED this recipe.
Tonight Kailey and I headed out to the mall and I made some very extreme purchases at Bath & Body Works..we had lots of fun in that store. I was so proud of myself too, because I didn't have a hard copy of their 20% discount coupon on me. BUT I did have an email on my phone from this store and showed them the virtual coupon and they were very happy with that and I did get my discount!! AWESOME night!! Saved some good bucks..anyways here is a few pics of my lovely products...man I am sooo addicted to this store!


Love this scent...great new summer body lotion!!

Overall my lovelies it was a great day and evening. Thanks to Kailey for the nice chat and lots of laughs tonight..love ya girl!

Busy, busy,busy....

Sorry Zeta's my life has taken a quick shift into busyness...and I have had no time to keep up lately with my posts. With having to go to Hamilton two times a week, I've been preoccupied. I have not given up and will have some good stuff for tomorrow. I must tell you about my experience in the waiting room today. I was so god damn upset...this incident pissed me off! The thing is when stuff like this happens it just brings back memories and makes me want to get out of this situation. As I was sitting in the waiting room for Braden to finish his therapy, there was a lady and her personal support person sitting behind me. I was reading my book trying so hard to ignore the conversation that was going on between them. The one developmentally delayed lady was probably in her thirties, and from what i could gather she lived in a group home. I heard them talking first about the Duggars(TLC family) and all their children, and the developmentally delayed girl actually started to comment about the Duggars sex life, as much as I wanted to not listen to them...oh god I needed to hear what she had to say! It was quite the conversation, I had a few chuckles, but then it turned into something that I wish i couldn't hear. The one lady made a comment about how lucky the Duggars family is to not have any disabled children. The lady said it would be terrible to have a disabled child. The delayed lady then says, ya I can,t imagine how hard it would be to have a disabled child. That would be terrible, those poor parents. I did everything that i could to keep it in perspective and remember where it was coming from...I mean seriously! Talk about setting the tone for the rest of my day though, after that i was off a bit it until we were driving home. Braden had me in stitches laughing about his new adventures in this clinic. He loved it, and he is meeting so many people. It's a great opportunity for him, the service and support system is amazing especially for young adults.
There are service there to help him get ready for college, and there is even a travel agent available to help him with his traveling hopes and dreams. He really wants to go to Europe this year, so hopefully we can get some good help from this travel agent. Well my friends its been another exhausting day! So I'm going to say good night and god bless my lovelies!!!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

Wishing all my Zeta's a VERY happy Valentine's Day!! Hope you all have someone in your lives that you love and can share this day with.
If by chance you do not have someone in your life right now, just remember that its only one valentine's day...there will be many more to come!! Go out, grab some wine, a good movie, turn off your phone and curl up on your couch. IF that's NOT what your interested in, then throw a little (I hate Valentine's Day) get together with some single friends...something easy and quick, wine, strawberries, box of chocolate's to share with your company and just plain mingle! Its simple, don't make it complicated!!
I however and looking very forward to my Valentine's day celebrations...Love you Paul!!

Monday's Menu...cancelled till Wednesday!!

Today I didn't have time to do a menu for my blog, I had to take Braden to Hamilton for some physical therapy. Unfortunately I get home too close to dinner to make something that needs much time and attention. Tonight we had breakfast for dinner..and I made red pancakes in honor of tomorrow's Valentine's day. What are your plans for Valentine's day my zeta's? DO you have any plans? Is it something that you choose to make time for? We do! We always have...we have tried a different combination of valentine's activities for years! Some have included dinner at home with the kids, some have been putting the kids to bed...then cooking together and having a nice quiet evening. We have taken the kids out before with us to dinner, we not worried about dinner and only gave some small "thoughtful" gift...we have had some serious fun over the years..with and without the kids. THIS year however...the kids are OUTTA here!! Yep, didn't think twice about them..lol, Paul and I are heading out to dinner here in Cambridge. We are trying a new place that just opened up down by the river and it seems to be the hotspot here in Cambridge, its called "The Mill"...very excited to go and try it out!! It looks soooo romantic! Will be nice to have some time with him, share a bottle of wine, take our time and enjoy dinner!
Anyways, I'm pretty much back to being busy with driving to and from therapy in Hamilton again. Its worth it, and i'm not complaining but its an old life style that keeps popping up on us! This new place seems wonderful, the therapist is so eager to try new things and get him moving to gain independance. Again...its all in the right direction, and its nice to see Braden taking grown up issues and making them a priority. This will be his way of life forever...Therapy, work, family, fun...therapy, work, family, Fun...etc etc...Its nice to see some of these pieces falling into place, its something we've been working so hard on and preparing him for!
Well Zeta's its been a long day...Here's to a most wonderful, romantic, love filled day just for you!!! I hope you all have the opportunity to tell someone that you love them..and in return I hope someone say's the same to you~
Good night and god bless...

My vow's, Your Vow's....OurVow's

This weekend Paul and I went to the movies...yes..again! We saw that movie The Vow, with Channing tatum and Rachel McAdams. This was another amazing movie based on true life events and how those events can change the course of one's life. My daughter Kailey saw it on Friday night with friends and when I asked her how she liked it she said that it wasn't what she expected. She was slightly disappointed, that surprised me as it looked soo good in the commercials. I asked her what she was disappointed in and she said that the couple argued a lot and that he actually didn't make her fall in love again with him. Paul and I decided we'd still check it out anyways because she's kinda youngtounderstand how a tragedy would really infoldin real life....there certainly isn't any romance Iin that!
I fell in love with in the first line of this movie when Channing Tatum's character says " it's defining moments in our life that changes who we are." I knew from that moment, we were going to love this movie! Kailey was right, it wasn't what she had expected, but for Paul and I it made perfect sense. You know what I loved about the movie? I loved that it stayed true to reality. That in fact after any accidents, there is healing and then adjusting..and with adjusting there comes fighting! If being together is whatnyou want then let me tell you my friends there will be a lot of fighting. We liked the movie, probably because we could relate to many things.
What actually made me think after watching this movie was the idea of writing vows for your wedding. I mean typically during this time we are so young and inexperienced in life and love that technically we have no idea what we are even writing about. Sure we know that we love our significant other and our plan is love them forever and love until death do us part. We all start out with those intentions when we are getting married, hopes and dreams of a happy life together forever. Unfortunately when we are starting out so young...we truly have no clue what this all means. The hardships of life, the unexpected journies that we don't expect...we don't write bows about those moments do we? I wonder if this is why our divorce rates are so high?! Going into a marriage we have no idea what we are in for and if I were to write vow's for today they would be completely different the when i wrote them 19 years ago. I had no idea what marriage would hold for me, what business did i have writing vow's about something I knew nothing about. Even today when I go to weddings I patiently wait for the vow's to be read. I always wish nothing but the beat for the new young married couple and always hope that their marriage is blessed with much loved happiness. The thing is however...how do they plan on coping if their marriage is hit with an unexpected event? Will they have the strength t over come their obstacles?
I know that Kailey and her friends were hoping for a romantic movie, sadly though in circumstances like these...as much as we want the romance,there are at least 7 other stages of grief that we have to overcome, making it through all that first is what brings the romance. Then you and your spouse have a history together, a history that cannot be erased. There is nothing more sexy or romantic then having a history with one man...a man who has seen you at your worst, at your most vulnerable. Romance happens when after 23 years of marriage you can drive home from a movie on a cold snowy winter night, and he still looks at you like it's your first date...true romance happens when you choose to for a moment...throw history out the window! Love you Sparkee!!

Whitney Houston

This is how I will forever remember Whitney Houston, young, beautiful, full of life and amazingly talented filled with a life of promise. Good night Whitney, you will never be forgotten...thank you for all the influence you had in my teenage years! I always loved you~

Fashion Fridays..

Roots City Duffle Coat...very nice, loving this!!


LOVE
YA'LL know i'll be wearing this one this summer...

Candle holder making...

So I promised tonight i would add a DIY on tonightsblog. I made this candle holder for Braden's room and I thought it turned out well. Pretty simple project, i just bought a class vase and some mode podge.



Then I Picked the paper I wanted and lined it up. Placed the hearts in their spot so that I could cut them out. Then I used the mode podge and put the paper on the vase and hope format to stick. Once it sticks you let it dry..then I chose to use string and make a bow, added a tea light candle and voila...perfecto!! It was easy, but it was fun!


Today Braden had a meeting at the high school to go over his online courses and it went so well. I am so proud of him, he has successfully completed two classes and passed with flying colors. It kinda hit home today when we realized thatoncehe finishes this next two classes, he will be a graduating man!! How exciting is that! Seriously...Paul and I are gearing up for some real changes!! Changes we have been waiting for, for a long time! It's almost overwhelming to think were we will be planning to relocate in then next couple years..ahhhh...so crazy! Anyways, good night and god bless!

Homemade cards made with so much love~

Do it yourself Wednesday!!
Ok so I was busy today and DID NOT get the project finished that I wanted to do. I had this card making post all ready to go incase I ever ran into a time where I had nothing prepared...so here it is! Tomorrow I will have something special finished and completed and posted for you! My pictures are self explanatory, anyone can do it. I am taking pleasure in making my own cards and having some fun with it. I just like the little personal touches that can be done when making your own cards.




Well Zeta's its a short blog...I was at the gym tonight and stayed on the treadmill a bit to long..so i'm exhausted!
Until tomorrow...good night and god bless~

Thoughts...

I absolutely LOVE when you find a connection with someone that is completely explainable. Tonight I had dinner with a dear friend who i recently blogged about, we try to get together occassionaly to catch up on life's events. I may not see her as much as I'd like, and sometime's I feel guilty that i can't always be that friend who can get together on weekends and have some drinks and laughs. I sometimes wish I could offer more in that department..but I am sure, in my own way...I give her things that many cannot. We discussed this tonight and it always makes me feel better when we catch up and express our feelings and concerns.
Like I said before, I hate that she has been hurt and that she is living through this trauma, it sucks. BUT, what most of you don't get or understand is that living through that trauma makes you understand life like so many of us don't. I have been almost a veteran at this "living through a trauma" and i did mention before that i sit in silence often, feeling alone. Feeling like there's no point in giving my opinion or advice because YOU just don't get it! NOT that I am an expert because I am not! I continuously make mistakes! I am totally being selfish when I say and previously said..i don't feel alone any more. I do have amazing friends..and I LOVE my friends, I have had these friends for over 30 years, they are probably more like sisters. I share my life with them and i would never take them for granted...I NEED THEM!!
My friendship with this friend in particuliar has reached a whole new level, I have shared things with her that NOT too many people know. When I say..i don't feel alone, this is what I mean. I know that no matter what I say or admit to with this friend, there is NO judgement and I know this because she shares with me some of her most personal moments in life...
Through talking it seems that we have both recieved very similar counselling sessions, so our perspective on our recovery and our strength is very much the same and I don't feel so lonely anymore.
You know what else I love about our talks...she doesn't hold back! Like i said..I feel that I am very much a veteran with this post-traumatic syndrome, but once again tonight my friend reminded me their is always room for knowledge. We were discussing our teenage daughters and I had expressed my concerns with Kailey. We had been talking about choices that our girls are making and how we are different from them. How I wouldn't make the same choices as my daughter is...and sometimes I just don't understand that!! My dear friend reminded me that one of the hardest things is realizing that yes we did give birth to these girls, they are our daughters...but they are NOT us..they have their own personalities and decision making skills. She just put everything back into perspective...very simply. I like that...it reminds me of who I want to be, a better mother, a better friend.
She also tonight brought up a saying that she reminds herself of in times of difficulty.."Sometimes we just need to sit in our own shit!". You see... she gets it! We talked a bit about my blog that I wrote a little bit back regarding the movie "Extrodinarily loud and incrediably..." it was nice to hear someone say, I understand how you felt..see again, I don't feel alone!! She gets it! I talked tonight about how hard it is sometimes to remember back to certain times in my life, and how difficult it is to go back there. She responded with just that quote.."Sometimes we just have to sit in our own shit"...you know what?? She's absolutely right, and sometimes its nice to hear someone else give me that advice! She doesn't baby me, feel bad for me or even lie to me...Nor would I do that to her. We are candid with one another, we are honest and we are true.
My friend had a situation last week and was so happy to share this with me as she felt I would understand it. I love that she appreciates this about me!! She was picking up her daughter from a meeting, and as she was leaving the meeting her daughter was walking with a woman who has been a huge support for her whole family.
My friend was going to get out of her car to join the two who seemed to be having their own moment. They were clearly sharing in a conversation that seemed to be bonding them, my friend had sensed this from afar and decided to sit back down in her car and NOT join them. She wanted to allow them this moment, she knew it was perfectly healthy for her daughter to reach out to someone else and find understanding in another (not just mommy). She shared with me, how happy she was for her girlie, how wonderful it was that her daughter felt safe to step out of her comfort zone and trust in someone else and let them in. My dear friend spoke tonight about that incident and asked me...do you get it? Do you appreciate how happy I was for my daughter and how many other parents might get defensive or angry that their child found comfort in another?
I could totally appreciate that...and I completely understand it too. I explained how
my own son has a very special relationship with his nurse. He adores her..he shares everything with her, they laugh, joke, problem solve and understand eachother. It is such a wonderful relationship and in all honesty I couldn't be happier for him!! There is some space between Braden and I right now, sometimes I miss being the only "GO TO" person that he had. But, in order for him and I to have a healthy relationship...we need some space. Thankfully we are both knowledgable enough to understand that, because some parents might become jealous in situations like this. They would have a hard time coping with their child finding safety and trust in another person. I do watch as well from afar, and I can appreciate the relationship between them. There is no feelings of anger or jealousy at all...if anything, I am thankful she has come into our lives especially in such a critical time of family developement. OR maybe family changes...our roles are changing, and that is just normal..its suppose to happen. SO with that, we are blessed to have Jill. I couldn't have asked for a better supporter for Braden and I have complete faith and trust in her.
My friend was so pleased to hear that I TOO..live with this situation and in my opinion us mom's who respect our children and their feelings are the mom's who win all around. It's not easy FOR ME to have this space with Braden, I am his biggest fan, I honestly believe this man is a miracle and there is no one more proud of him than I. But in real life, in the real world...mommies and 18 year old men are not necessarily the best of friends..we are not meant to share every single aspects of our lives together. I do know that someday my boy will come back to me...he will again respect my thoughts and opinions and value our relationship. Until then, we are blessed to have Jill here...she is taking great care of my boy, and he just loves her!!
In times of pain and suffering...things change, better things emerge. Its focusing on the good that helps us survive, its being thankful for who we are and what we can offer and give back that make us rise above the others. Tonight we shared some wine with our dinner...we raised our glasses, and looked at one another..but neither of us said anything to our toasting...no words were spoken, we just knew.."Here's to us!"


My dearest friends...each of you have been instrumental in my life, you all have served a purpose. I am truly blessed to have each of you and I would not be who I am today if you wouldn't have been there in the beginning. Too the one who I call, when I want to seek revenge..you like no other has had my back through many times of sadness and anger. However you are one, who I have laughed with the very most in my whole life, you ALWAYS know what too say!! You know who you are~
To my longest friend, YOU are one who I have allowed to be close in my family. You are the one who has stood at the bedside of my medically fragile son. YOU have stood by my side being the least judgemental and has fiercly encouraged me to continue on...never to give up. YOU are the one who spoke in simple terms during times of frustration ALWAYS reminding me of who I started out as...YOU know who you are~
Until tomorrow my Zetas, my friends..good night and god bless~

Mondays Menu....Twice-Baked Potatoe Casserole

I stole this recipe from another blogger and just loved the sound of it! It looked sooo delish. I tried it, the family liked it...I didn't love it, but maybe i should make it one more time. I did forget to add the green onion at the end...so that sucked! This was a really easy recipe, little time consuming because I had to bake the potatoes first and cook bacon...all this stuff takes time. Kailey and I watched Paranormal Activity 3 while I made this and waited for it to finish. It wasn't too bad of a recipe I suppose, I think that I should have left it in the oven a little longer. I'll try again...


Ingredients
•1-1/2 pounds red potatoes (about 6 medium), baked
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1/4 teaspoon pepper
•1 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled
•3 cups (24 ounces) sour cream
•2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
•2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
•2 green onions, sliced



Directions
•Cut baked potatoes into 1-in. cubes. Place half in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the salt, pepper and bacon. Top with half of the sour cream and cheeses. Repeat layers.
• Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cheeses are melted. Sprinkle with onions.

Frustrations ahead...

Ok, today I was looking through some of my fellow bloggers and decided to get caught up on whats going on in thier lives. There is this one blogger who I normally absolutely LOVE to follow and read her daily posts. Typically I admire and agree with her opinions and thoughts about every day life. Today however I was struck by post and kinda taken back by what I was reading.
Botton line...her blog expressed her desire to keep her house clean...I mean excessively clean!! Her theory was "Cleanliness is godliness"...she went on and on about how god expects women to keep a home clean. She had a TON of quotes and versus from the bible stating that children are to be raised in a clean home and that every working husband has the right to return home from work to a clean house and a home cooked meal!! In one quote she states "The crumbs multiply. And then I have mini-anxiety attacks"...holy shit girlfriend, if that stresses you out..then give it a few years 'cause life's gonna kick your ass!!!
I WAS SHOCKED to be reading this crap! I was insulted...as a stay at home mom for 17 years..I was appalled to be reading this.
She states that there is something soothing about walking into a clean home, a clean closet which is organized, a clean pantry that you can see the floor and a little boys room with toys all in their places. OH BOY!! I do agree that those moments are nice, but my god they didn't happen often in my home!!
I think I was even more appalled by the comments that were left by other/fellow bloggers/mothers! You know, after being home for 17 years i have had my ups and downs with my feelings regarding this matter. I do agree that if your significant other is the full time worker outside of the home...then I do agree that whoever is home should carry a bit more of the weight inside the home. Mostly with meals..I have always been responsible for meals in our home and I have taken that seriously, but my husband has lifted his weight around the kitchen and at times has cooked us up some amazing dinners. As far as our house being cleaned...we certainly winged it and to be quite honest...Hubby has probably been slightly better than I at times. I have had different house cleaning trails, such as my parents cleaning it, Paul and I doing it together or just myself having cleaned it while maybe the kids were napping when they were young! I do have to admit though...when my kids were little...there was absolutely NO time to clean the house, it was strickly a non-issue in our home. My husband often walked into complete chaos, and just accepted as long as the kids were having fun playing, swimming, outside or creating something in the kitchen...he didn't care. It was alot less important for him to come running in after a full days work to a crazy scary witching hour. Yes the dreaded "Witching Hour" any good mom will remember that hour of the day. If my little blogs friends with the perfect house and dinner menu's haven't figured out this time of the day...then just wait friends, its coming!!


My witching our was from about 3:30-5:30pm, kids are up from nap demanding a snack..mom is crazy in the kitchen trying to coordinate a warm healthy meal, kids are bored, cranky and hungry and wants all YOU attention. Try to sit them down in front of the TV, but fighting starts, kids crying and dinner burning. DAD's hate walking into that...I learned that fairly quickly. So kitchen in disarray, kids demanding my attention and wanting cuddles, drinks and snacks...my outlook was alway's "F***K it! Order out!!
I certainly would NEVER make my children suffer because their father wanted a hot meal or mom needed to clean house before daddy got home! My house was a hot mess..filled with paper scraps, glue globs on countertops, wet bathing suits all over the floors, tape stuck to doorways, ceral bowls out all day long, sandwhich crumbs fed to our beloved Harley and chocolate pudding still smeared all over the baby's highchair...this is what MY hubby came home to most nights. Guess what?? I didn't ever feel like god was disappointed in me...i actually believe he'd be proud of me!! Proud for taking care and nurturing my children and honestly myself. I worked hard over the years to not get worked up over the state of my house.
One mom even posted a comment to this mother saying something along the lines that its "bullshit" when mom's claim they don't have time to clean their house because they are too busy playing with their kids"...how sad is that! She truly believed its more important to have a clean house then to play with your kids. Her words were "there is a time and place to play with your kids"...OMG, it really does infuriate me! I think it goes back to the days when I didn't even have time to pee. Those days when Braden's care was a full time job during the day, we honestly couldn't leave his side...the housework came last. After Braden's needs came, myself and finally my husbands. Then Kailey came into the picture and things got even better in the Martz household...actually Nana and Papa came into the picture too alot more during that time. Moral of the story with this blog is basically to say in my opinion having a clean house has nothing to do with God! I really do hope that the new and up and coming mommies learn to spend time with their children, nutrition is important and if you're a stay at home mom or dad then yes..please be aware that nutritional meals are best. I actually use to include my kids with this process. I was told that if you let the children prepare the vegetables being made in your dinner plan they are more opt to eat them. It worked when they were young...didn't take Braden long to let that go and just eventually start to refuse veggies all the time. I had to get creative and shred the veggies inorder to add it to sauce's used in pasta or casserole's.
Anyway's if you are a young mom or dad who is reading this...it is WAY more important to have happy, thriving and creative kids. SPending time with them is most important. A clean house is wonderful...I agree, but its the house that has a time and place to be cleaned...not the chidren!!