welcome to my world

Kid quotes.

2011-07-14T21:04:00.001-05:00

It amazes me what my kids remember or come up with sometimes. Here are a couple I want to remember...

Last night Jesse was reading a book to Olive for bedtime.
Jesse: "This is a momma kangaroo."
Olive: "That's not a momma! Mommie's have boobies!"

When we uncovered a bunch of ants hiding under Owen's toys he said, "Holy buckets of prune juice! That is a bunch of ants!"

Where do they get this stuff?

good times.

2011-06-19T18:40:00.008-05:00

Popcorn, candy, soda, bug spray, tiki torches, projector, sound system, friends and crazy kids. All set the tone for a fantastic night.

For the last couple summers we've hosted backyard movie nights for our friends and family. Our kids look forward to them all year long and I have to admit, Jesse and I do too. We have a great backyard that sets the perfect backdrop for this kind of shindig.

Our first this summer was Friday night. We had crossed our fingers all week that we'd get to have it as the forecast for rain was touch and go. That's South Dakota for ya! But, low and behold, the forecasters were wrong (at least over our part of town), the night ended up having perfect weather and our first 2011 movie night went off without a hitch.

This is what summers are all about. Spending time with the people we care about, hanging out and having a downright good time. These are the nights that I hope Owen and Olive think back to as memories of growing up and are able to do with their children someday. It gives me that warm fuzzy feeling.

Good times.

Thanks to my friend Megan for the pictures! Click here to see more.

For Grandma and Grandpa

2011-03-07T19:27:00.006-06:00

Sorry it took me so long to get this up for you mom and dad. Love you...

Happy Birthday to me....and Dr. Suess

2011-03-01T16:46:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday. I turned 34. Yep, 34 big ones! I haven't had a birthday yet that "bugged" me but I think this one is the start of the eeby-geebies of birthdays. I don't know why. I'm not scared of getting old. Maybe it's my insecurities in myself? When I was younger, I thought people in their 30's were so mature and grown up. In my eyes, they had their lives all in order and "had it together". I feel like I don't compare to those I "thought" were so grown-up. I'm still trying to figure things out but I'm okay with that! So Happy Birthday to me!

This week is also Dr. Suess' birthday. Owen's class is celebrating all week and have a special day each day. Yesterday they brought their favorite Dr. Suess book to share with the class. He brought "Green Eggs and Ham". Today they dressed up as their favorite Dr. Suess character.

Owen chose to be "Thing 1".

We had a great time making the costume. I picked him up from school this afternoon and asked him if he wanted to change when he got home and he said, "No way! I like wearing this!!"

Of course, Olive had to be like her brother so she wore a red shirt and pants to school and is "Thing 2". Unfortunately, I neglected to bring costume items for her head and tummy but she was content with the red outfit.

A good time was had by all.

Happy Birthday Dr. Suess!!!

VIP.

2010-11-02T23:24:00.000-05:00

Owen's 1st grade class has a weekly VIP student. A couple weeks ago, Owen was finally the VIP! It was hard to wait but we made it. His teacher sent home a "Something about Me"

worksheet for him to fill out.

Notice his favorite pet...not one of his best buddy kitties that have loved him unconditionally his whole life. Rather, he chose, "Morgan the dog", who he rarely sees as she lives in Branson, MO with my parents. Well, the stars aligned for Owen this week because Grandma and Grandpa Gage were home to help with harvest so Morgan was able to visit Owen's classroom. He was sooooo excited!

As was Morgan. She could hardly contain herself, waiting for the kids to come in

from the hallway after recess.

I was so proud of Owen. He was so grown up and willing to give each classmate their chance to hold and pet Morgan. That's my boy!

What have your kids done lately that makes you beam with pride?

Halloween on a Sunday.

2010-10-31T23:51:00.007-05:00

Olive woke up this morning and said, "I Minnie today mom?" So we got dressed and headed to church. And, why not? This year, Halloween is on a Sunday. I have to say, she was the cutest mouse there...

This is her mousey face.

The evening of trick or treating came and Jesse, Owen, Olive & our good friend Jordan headed out for a fun night; hitting a Trunk or Treat and then doing our annual tradition of walking down Phillips Avenue (think, neighborhood like in the movie Big) to trick or treat. I typically look forward to doing this with them but when given the choice to stay home and have some "just me time" for a couple hours, I took it!

Our adorable next door neighbor "Zander-stein" was our first trick or treater for the night.

I think a dragon and frankenstein make a pretty cute pair.

How was your Halloween this year?

So big.

2010-09-13T21:42:00.001-05:00

My other cutie pa-tootie.

Owen 1st grade

Resemblance.

2010-09-11T22:37:00.002-05:00

Olive got her preschool pictures back on Friday. I pulled the envelope out of her backpack as soon as I got her buckled in her seat to take a look. It immediately reminded me of a picture I'd seen before.

Olive. preschool picture

Me. Kindergarten picture

I don't know...do you see a resemblance?

The dress.

2010-09-07T21:34:00.009-05:00

It's the thing you dream of as a little girl. "The dress" you will wear the day you marry your prince charming. It's grand in your dreams and you think you have "the perfect" one etched in your memory for that special day. Then the time comes and you don't have to dream anymore, but instead you get to pick it out. I've heard it time and time again. Girls go to try on dresses and they put "the dress" on and they just know. And when I did, I just knew.

So, when I recently had the opportunity to put "the dress" on again, I took it! It had been hanging in our basement closet since the day we moved into our house and hanging in the garment bag since the night of our wedding. Over 9 years it had been since I had even laid eyes on it and I didn't even know what to expect.

It was my girl friend Megan, who is an amazing photographer who gave me the chance to wear it again and I will be eternally grateful to her. I wasn't able to completely zip it up in the back (2 children and 9 years later) but I felt as pretty and womanly, if not more, than I did the day I wore it to marry My prince charming. It made me happy and I smile every time I think about that day.

Full Life Photography

What made you smile today?

Neglect.

2010-09-06T14:18:00.000-05:00

It's been a busy summer! So, I've been neglectful of my blog. Believe me...I have plenty to post and will soon. Here's a sneak peek:

Olive turned 3
Water fights with Grandma
Owen starts 1st grade

and so much more....

Check back soon!!

Okay, one picture.

Amen sister.

2010-07-16T18:07:00.004-05:00

Click on the article to view larger.

Amazing.

2010-07-14T18:00:00.032-05:00

The other night there was a beautiful light show in the sky followed by a summer rain storm. Like most kids, Owen was spooked a bit by the lightning, thunder and ultimately down pour of rain. We were driving home from a birthday party that evening when the silent lightning began lighting up the sky. Owen sat quietly in his seat, trying to be brave but even in the darkness of the car ride, I could see anxiety covered his face. I said to him, "The lightning is just God taking pictures with his flash on Owen." which offered a little relief. Not much time passed when the thunder began and after a booming crash, Owen reminded me that thunder is God bowling and that he must have gotten a strike on that last one. The storm moved in and rain began to drop from the sky which he related to God using his watering can to water the earth. We continued driving through the storm in silence, watching in awe the greatness of the storm. Owen was obviously deep in thought so I asked him what he was thinking about. He replied, "How does God take pictures, bowl AND water the earth...all at the same time?" I could just imagine the picture he had in his head. Can't you? My reply, "God can do some amazing things."

Isn't that the truth?

9 years.

2010-07-07T13:50:00.007-05:00

9 years ago today we took our vows...

I, take you, as my partner, joining with you today in spirit, offering you friendship and love. I promise to honor your growth and freedom, to cherish and respect you, and to love and embrace you in times of failure and times of triumph. I promise to care and to protect you, to comfort and to encourage you and to love you beyond the time that death may part us.

These still ring true and I love you more today than I ever have. Thank you for choosing me!

I love you Jesse.

Happy Anniversary!

Lissa

"I have found the one whom my soul loves." Song of Solomon 3:4

A sponge.

2010-07-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

It still amazes me every day all that a young mind takes in each day. Learning, remembering and applying to their conversations and everyday lives. After picking Olive up from school, aka. daycare, I asked her what they talked about that day and she responded, "I a American."

It truly caught me off guard, leaving me speechless, only able to respond, "You are an American?" She said, "Yep. But you a American mommy. I Olive."

Music man.

2010-06-15T15:52:00.000-05:00

Owen loves music. I should say LOVES music. He's really interested in any instrument he can get his hands on. Guitar, check. Piano, check. Harmonica, check. Recorder (do you count that as an instrument?), check. His new obsession that he wants to buy/play is the violin. Hummm, we'll see.

But his first love is the drums. And, I have to say, once he gets going, he's a natural.

Thanks for the warning.

2010-06-12T15:49:00.003-05:00

Owen has pretty much stopped taking regular naps since he started kindergarten but on the weekends typically is in need of one (even though he believes he doesn't). Last night we had friends over late and he didn't get to bed until almost 11:30 p.m. So needless to say, he needed a nap today. After trying to convince me that he doesn't need to nap, he laid on the floor in the living room, snuggled in a blanket and played quietly with an Iron Man figure. After a few minutes of silence he says, "Mom, I'm usually pretty cranky when I wake up so you better be repaired."

Thanks for the warning Owen...

Storm trooper marketing.

2010-06-07T20:56:00.005-05:00

Have you noticed lately (at least in our city) that there are a lot of random people standing out on the streets, trying to attract business to their stores or going out of business sales? Tonight I saw a buff dude, looking very muscular and ripped, sleeves cut off his tight t-shirt, warm up pants and shade holding a sign pedaling memberships for a gym. Standing at attention, silently telling people, "This could be you if you join my gym."

There's also a video game store that always draws my son's attention anytime we travel down 41st Street. It's not very often that there is not a couple characters standing on the sidewalk, waving at the cars passing by to pull into the driveway and come buy all their discounted games.

My 6 year old son, Owen, is very sensitive in many ways. He has sensitive feelings. He has a sensitive sense of smell. He is sensitive and observant to others feelings and things going on around him. He notices things that others (even most adults) do not. Like fonts on logos being the same as other logos or cars of the same model of people close to us. He's sensitive to subtle changes or likenesses to people's appearances, clothes, the house, etc. So I guess I shouldn't be surprised, when we decided to put up a lemonade stand on Memorial Day that he came up with his own marketing idea.

Storm trooper marketing.

He made $8.50 in about an hour so I guess he's got the right idea huh? Needless to say, the lemonade was a success and lots of fun.

#1 in our book.

2010-06-04T22:59:00.004-05:00

Owen is playing ball again this summer and we are so proud! He's done an amazing job and is really coming out of his shell on the field. He's had a couple outs each game and is getting pretty darn good and hitting the ball straight past the pitcher. The nights have been amazing to take in the games and enjoy these little guys bloom into boys.

They rotate positions and get to wear the pitchers gear when they play home plate.

This is Owen's favorite position...

Did you notice he's #1?

I never thought.

2010-05-27T16:41:00.002-05:00

Today I did what I never thought I would ever do.

I canceled our cable. That means no more HGTV or Food Network, no more DVR and no more 100+ channels.  Feel my forehead! Have I got a fever? Am I losing my mind?

The answer. None of the above. We don't HAVE to do this but we WANT to do this.  I've been tossing around the idea to Jesse for a month or so. It's been a hard sell but as we reflected on all the television TAKES & CREATES for us we've finally come to the agreement that it's time to say good-bye for a while.

But, I have to be honest. As I picked up the phone to do the deed, I hestitated! Why is this something that is so hard? The pros so out weigh the cons!

PROS
1. Savings of about 75 bucks a month.
2. No more fighting with the kids about sitting in front of the tv.
3. Create an easier environment to interact together.
4. Decrease the desire of NEEDING and WANTING everything seen in commercials.
5.  An increase of contentness for what we already have.
6. No more TV in the bedroom! (wink, wink)
7. Force us to be creative in our time together as a family and as a couple.

CONS
1. No more HGTV - my all time fave.
2. Loss of DVR - what will we ever do!
3. Jesse won't get to watch the Tour de France this summer. He is in mourning a little with that idea.
4. No more On demand - me, me, me! Oh no...we're gonna be forced to interact more!

So you get the idea....

When I was growing up there was no such thing as cable. When it did come around, my parents refused to get it. I thought they were crazy and mean but now realize they were on to something. It's not services, things, and all that jazz that is important in life. It's the people that mean the most to you and how you spend the time we have together.

Cable will always be there and antenna's will assist in getting major channels for football season. We have the amazing world wide web with pretty much everything at our fingertips anyway. The DVD player and free library rentals are easy enough. The reality is, I'm excited to try it and reprioritize my life.

So, good-bye cable. We'll catch ya another time...
Lissa

Ezra.

2010-05-25T22:29:00.003-05:00

Olive loooooves to play babies....all the time. And she of course names them all. But her favorite to name almost every baby, whether a boy or a girl, is Ezra.

"Mom, baby Ezra is crying...he needs his mommy Olive."

"Shhh, baby Ezra is seeping. He tired."

"Baby Ezra need is high chair mom, so he sit and eat wit us."

Baby Ezra this, baby Ezra that...I guess you can't blame her for obsessing about baby Ezra because the real baby Ezra is just about the cutest little guy you've ever seen.

Meet Ezra, the son of our friends Sonja and Paul...

Summer is here.

2010-05-17T21:29:00.018-05:00

It rained all week and was a depressing, cold week. But, a ray of sunshine peaked through on Friday and the weekend brought warmth and happiness. Summer is here! We held our summer's 1st movie night on May 15th. A perfect night, weather and fun was had by all. Our friend Megan who is a talented photographer brought her camera and captured the night with grace. I've attached her take on the night which I have to say I completely agree...

Jack Johnson for Ray Charles (Life Every Day blog)
Our friends Lissa and Jesse throw out of this world backyard movie nights.
They hosted one Saturday night. Basically, it was the sizzle.Just a bunch of people getting together, eating some snacks, chilling out, and enjoying the general old school backyard ambiance.

Honestly, all night long I was drunk on the ambiance. Picture that sequence in The Sandlot when the boys are running through their neighborhood under the Fourth of July sky. The neighborhood. The nostalgia.

These movie nights are like that. But they traded Jack Johnson for Ray Charles... And frisbee for baseball.

It's also exactly like this movie-themed party featured in Martha Stewart's magazine forever ago that was lodged in my brain somewhere far back. But, this was for real.

Everyone hung out for a while, talking, playing, having fun.

The homemade screen worked really, really well. If you want tips from Lissa on setting this thang up, click on her link up there and drop her a line.

This is Lissa... (ok, I have to interject...I am not a fan of pictures of myself)
Invites are simple. Just invite every facebook friend you have and let them RSVP for an idea of who's going to make it. They used our church's equipment. Simple. Worked SO well.und was amazing, even
And when the sun got low, it was show time.
This was so much fun. And, we have good word there's more to come this summer. Thanks Murawskis! You really know how to throw down an awesome cinematic fiesta.

Doesn't she have a way with words? I love her and her blog! Not to mention pretty much everything else about her. She inspires me! Thank you Megan for documenting the memories for us.

Mark your calendars for the next your honey or just a group of friends and join us June 18th at 8:00 p.m. Movie TBA (rumors are Top Gun but still being decided) but will be for ADULTS ONLY! Murawski Movie Night. Grab yo

Like brother, like sister.

2010-04-26T20:30:00.003-05:00

Growing up.

2010-04-25T00:23:00.006-05:00

Owen turned 6 on April 14th. When first meeting him he appears to be a quiet reserved young man; he's got most people fooled. He's a creative, sensitive, talented, goofy boy who just takes a bit longer than most to come out of his shell but is always out to have a good time. I couldn't be more proud of him. I love you boo!

Together.

2010-04-02T14:54:00.008-05:00

When I look at this picture I sometimes wonder what you both were thinking at that very moment. Could you ever imagine what your new life together would bring? Your life together through tragedy in dad's family. Through the birth & adoption of your children. Building a new home of your own. Building a successful farm and almost losing it through a tough time. Deciding to take in a number of foster children, opening your hearts to more happiness, stress and hurt but never giving up on any that lived in your home whether it was 1 day or 3 years. Being strong spiritual examples for those who surrounded you, especially your children. And that doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of your life together.

But this one day, the day you decided to commit yourselves to one another, is so special. The thing I admire you both for so much is that you were serious about your commitment. Even though you had no idea what the years would bring, you both were ready to face the future...together. Through thick and thin, you did it together. Doing it separately, was not an option. And I want to thank you for that. Thank you for setting an amazing example for me and my family. For my children and someday their children.

And now, 55 years later, your marriage is more solid than ever. I love hearing dad tell you mom that he "loves you more today than he ever has". Wow! That is awesome. I hope my husband can say that to me after 55 years.

Congratulations on 55 years together and never giving up on each other. I love you both very much.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!
xoxoxo - Lissa

T.G.I.S

2010-03-31T16:36:00.003-05:00

Thank - God - It's - Spring!

Murawski family rules.

2010-03-31T16:10:00.002-05:00

I saw this idea here and had to do one for us as soon as I saw it. It's hanging in our kitchen above our island for all to see. I downloaded free scrapbook backgrounds and stuff here and my talented husband put it all together for us. We got it printed at a local print shop and framed and matted it with a reused frame from home to finish it off. We love it and it's fun to see the kids refer to it to remind each other about the rules. So cute!

I know, it's been a while

2010-02-26T14:55:00.004-06:00

It's not that I haven't thought about blogging. I actually think about it often. I have a few blogs I follow religiously and look forward to reading everyday. When they don't have something new, I eagerly wait to check later in the day to see if they have posted another look into their lives. So why, can I not, get mine done? I was chatting with a wise friend and fellow blogger who gave me a couple good ideas on how she does it and still gets all her mommy, wife, friend, teacher and all the other hats she wears done yet still has time to express herself through her blog. I'm putting it out there for all to read and hold me accountable. So, here's two easy goals I'm setting for myself so as not to feel like I'm "failing" at something I really enjoy doing and using to express myself.

1. Post a minimum of 2 times a week.
2. When i don't have time at that exact moment, write down short thoughts when I think of blog ideas for later posts.

That's it. I can do it. So here we go...

my baby is growing up

Today I took Olive to get her first big girl hair cut. She's gotten her hair "trimmed" several times but not really "cut". We decided to go with the bob which Jesse has been wanting to do for quite some time but I just wasn't ready. But, today I let go.

Being the girlie girl she is, Olive ate it up. She was soooo into it. She ooooed and ahhhed at herself in the mirror after Julie finished cutting it. Turning her head from left to right to check herself out and batting her eyes at the little darling looking back at her. And to top it all off, she got sparkles sprinkled in her hair before she left. Not just any sparkles either...."urple sparkles mom!" It turned out so cute. 2 going on 13. trouble...

rocco

2010-01-11T20:52:00.007-06:00

Meet our precious little nephew Rocco Nicholas. Isn't he adorable? Can't wait to meet you buddy! Good work Nick and Amy...

quote

2009-12-29T20:33:00.000-06:00

Olive and I were reading a story and there was a baby crying. Olive said, "Aww, baby crying. He need a band aid!" Then she saw a sad little girl in the story and said, "and her need her daddy."

girl time

2009-12-28T22:47:00.018-06:00

While Dad, Owen and our neighbor Tina played outside in the snow, Olive and I had a chance to have a little "girl time" and give ourselves pedicures by the fire.

blizzard of 2009

2009-12-26T15:06:00.003-06:00

We got 18 inches of snow in the last couple days. Just in time for Christmas...and still snowing!

Our year in photos - 2009

2009-12-24T10:17:00.011-06:00

It may take a moment to load...enjoy!

olive my love

2009-12-16T17:51:00.005-06:00

dear miss olive,

I found you this afternoon being a little mother to your babies. What a good little mommy you are...lining each up so they can see the book you will read to them. Kissing each on the head, whispering "comfy baby? good." in their ear and leaving a mark of your kiss dribbling from their heads. So precious you are that leaves me speechless and teary as I watch you, my pride bursting from my soul.

Thank you for being so sweet miss olive. I love you.

love,

mommy

2009-12-13T21:44:00.005-06:00

I love the show Semi Homemade on the Food Network. Sandra Lee takes recipes and converts them into quick and easy recipes with part store bought items such as frozen or canned items and homemade items like fresh veggies, fruit, herbs, etc.

My mother-in-law, Judie, introduced us to a delicious soup recipe that she found and has now become a family favorite. She makes it "semi homemade" but I've even made it easier and call it my "tastes like homemade" recipe. It's called Meatball soup. SO easy and delicious. This is one of those recipes you can make and eat right away or throw in the crock pot to stew for the afternoon, waiting to eat for supper.

Meatball Soup
-1 jar of spaghetti sauce of your choice (our favorite is Ragu Chunky...roasted red pepper and onion)
-1 can of beef broth
-1 pkg. Italian flavored frozen meatballs (this is where you can get semi-homemade but I choose to go frozen)
- 29 oz can of homestyle large cut veggies (carrots, potatoes, peas and onion) or chop your own

Combine the spaghetti sauce, beef broth and meatballs in large pan or crock pot. Heat through. Add canned veggies 15 minutes before serving. (you don't want to add sooner otherwise they will get mushy and fall apart) If you do fresh veggies you obviously have to add sooner to cook through.

Serve with bread or crackers and parmesan cheese. So easy and delicious!

2009-12-10T17:00:00.012-06:00

Taken by Full Life Photography. See all our new family photos at http://murawskipics.shutterfly.com/

2009-12-03T20:56:00.006-06:00

How do you choose a lucky number? Where does a "good" number come from? For me, I've always been drawn to the number 7. You may be thinking, "That's a pretty common lucky number to choose." but I think it chose me. When I think about significant things that are part of my life, more often than not, the number 7 is somehow part of it. It's just a natural draw...here's what I mean.

I was born on 2 - 28 (divisible by 7) - 19...7-7
I wear size 7 shoe
I am part of a family of 7
I was married on 7 - 7
My first child was born on the 14th (divisible by 7)
My second was born on the 21st (divisible by 7)
We live on 3-7th Street
I became an aunt for the first time when I was 7
I have 7 blood relative nieces and nephews
My favorite day of the week is Sunday, the day of rest...the 7th day of the week.

Okay, now I'm stretchin' it but you get what I mean. A consistant number for me...do you have a constant? It's kind of fun to think about huh?

2009-12-01T21:12:00.004-06:00

So I've been busy! I'm sorry. A new post will be coming soon...

joy.

2009-11-07T21:21:00.015-06:00

Marginless living

2009-11-01T21:52:00.010-06:00

In his book, Margin, medical doctor Richard A. Swenson suggests that we have developed a new disease by overextending ourselves. He calls it "marginless living".

Why do so many of us feel like air-traffic controllers out of control? How can the salesman feel so stressed when the car is loaded with extras, the paycheck is bigger than ever and vacation lasts four weeks a year? How is it possible that the homemaker is still tired despite the help of the washing machine, clothes dryer, dishwasher, garbage disposal, and vacuum cleaner? If we are so prosperous, why are the therapists' offices so full? If we have ten times more material abundance than our ancestors, why are we not ten times more content and fulfilled?

Something is wrong. People are tired and frazzled. People are anxious and depressed. People don't have the time to heal anymore. There is a psychic instability in our day that prevents peace from implanting itself very firmly in the human spirit. And despite the skeptics, this instability in not the same old nemesis recast in modern life. What we have here is a brand-new disease...It is the disease of marginless living.

Margin is the amount allowed beyond that which is needed. It is something held in reserve for contingencies or unanticipated situations. Margin is the gap between rest and exhaustion, the space between breathing freely and suffocating. It is the leeway we once had between ourselves and our limits. Margin is the opposite of overload.

If we were equipped with a flashlight to indicate "100 percent full," we could better gauge our capacities. But, we don't have such an indicator light, and we don't know when we have overextended until we fell the pain. As a result many people commit to a 120-percent life and wonder why the burden feels so heavy. It is rare to see a life prescheduled to 80 percent, leaving a margin for responding to the unexpected that God sends our way.

Wow. Does that hit home. When I read that in black and white, it sounds so sad and makes me think, "well, why don't people do something about that." But, I know it's not that easy. I'm being hypocritical.

I don't want that to be my life. And, I definitely don't want my children to grow having it be theirs. My prayer tonight is that God gives me the strength and guidance to live within my margin. And my hope is you will too.

fall fun.

2009-10-31T23:03:00.010-05:00

Soup for the soul

2009-10-10T16:09:00.009-05:00

Mmmmm... We eat chili throughout the year but the craving for it at least 2-3 times a month comes when the weather gets cooler. It's one of our family favorites. And you can't have chili without the side of cinnamon rolls. Some say it sounds crazy. Others also grew up with it. If you haven't had it, you gotta try it.

Nothing brings back childhood memories of school more than chili. It made a regular appearance on our lunch menu throughout my school career. I remember the days sitting in class, just waiting for the lunch bell to ring. You could smell chili and cinnamon rolls throughout the building and even when I had open lunch in high school, the decision to eat in the lunch room rather than go across the street wasn't hard (even though the rest of my friends typically bailed on me). There's just something about the chili and cinnamon rolls that grabbed my soul.

And is still does. There's nothing else like it and it's so easy to make! Throw it in the crock pot on low and let it stew all day. We like ours mild to medium (on the account of the little ones) but enjoy it every time. Here's how I make it.

1 pound ground beef browned & drained

1/2 large onion diced

1 green pepper diced

16 oz. can tomato sauce

1-8 ounce can light kidney beans

1-8 ounce can Bush's chili beans (mild, medium or hot depending on your preference)

(You have to get Bush's. The generic just don't measure up.)

1 T. Mexican chili powder

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. dried cilantro

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. black pepper

Throw it all together and stew for as long as you have time to. We've eaten this within an hour of making all the way to 8 hours later. Obviously the longer it stews, the better.

Enjoy...and don't forget the cinnamon rolls!

Dear Judie,

2009-10-02T19:39:00.022-05:00

You've given me so much. The wonderful husband you gave birth to on September 30, 1976. If not for him, I wouldn't have the unconditional love and daily awe that comes from the two amazing children your son and I parent. I wouldn't be in the house we live in, have the opportunity with support from you to stay home more with the kids and ultimately have the life I have right now. But more than that, you've given me children who love and dream about grandma coming to spend the day with them. You've given me the opportunity to bask in the glory of and brag about how wonderful a mother-in-law I have...which cannot always be said my others. You given me unconditional love, dependance in our times of need and the honor of being your first "daughter". Thank you for everything you do for us. From watching the kids to doing our laundry and dishes when you're babysitting. It goes unsaid to often.

Thank you and I love you Judie.

Quitter

2009-10-01T22:25:00.007-05:00

Yes. That's right. I'm a quitter. I have quit my defined life of full-time worker, part-time/full-time mommy and wife and am flipping this upside down. Now. Full-time mommy and wife. Part-time worker.

What an amazing feeling that is. How blessed I feel that I am able to make this change. And that I have a husband willing to make the change with me.

I wondered exactly what the definition for quitter was so I took out the trusty dictionary for the first time in I don't know how many years and looked.

Quitter /kwiter/ n. 1 person who gives up easily. 2 shirker.

Shirker? I had never heard this before so I proceeded to look that up too.

Shirker /sherker/ n. 1 person who shirks v. 2 evade, shun, dodge, get out of, shrink from.

Wow. That sounds so negative. That's not at all how I define my decision to be a quitter.

"Person who gives up easily." I find this a little ironic when I reflect on the leap of faith it has taken my husband and I to make this decision and follow through with it. And shirker? I don't think deciding to follow my heavy heart's pull to stay home and raise our children while they are young is any type of dodging, getting out of or evading. It's my responsibility and one that I am proud and excited to take.

So quitter? I don't think so...