Homeschooling has been on my mind ever since Ava was in Kindergarten. My 5 year old, wispy haired little girl loved school. We loved her teacher and the school she was attending so we pushed homeschooling to the back burner.
As the years went on my desire to eventually homeschool didn't stop. In fact it grew more and more.
As of today, my girls were un-enrolled in the public school system. After years of prayer and discussions Joe and I agree that this next year will be spent homeschooling. We are taking it year by year only focusing on the 5th and 3rd grade.
God confirmed this is what we are supposed to be doing for next year. Not knowing the next step is nerve wracking but we stepped out in faith and know our next step will be revealed to us.
People always ask me why. Why are we doing it? The reason is simple.
We are doing it for our daughters.
We are doing it to better their education.
We are doing it so they can learn in the way God created them to learn.
We are doing it to have more flexibility.
We are doing it to have more one on one time with them.
We are doing it for their safety.
We are doing it for their wellbeing.
We are doing it so we can be a good influence on them and lead them to great, like-minded friends.
People always say "It's going to be hard."
Yes, yes you are 100% correct. It is going to be hard. Yes, it is going to take a major adjustment.
Yes, I am sure you think I am crazy. This is not new information. I am unsure of what the future holds and it's the fear of the unknown but I am up for the challenge. All I know is I love my daughters and I love being home, with them. Excitement is in the air and we look forward to our future!
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Ole Glory
One of my favorite sights is watching our American Flag wave. I have always loved our country and respected our flag and the people who defend it but let me tell you, the love of my country has grown leaps and bounds since marrying a military man.
People are thankful for men and woman like Joe. Every time we are together (and he is in uniform) there is at least one person who shakes his hand and says "Thank you for your service." Believe it or not, I am not very good at that. It's come second nature to me seeing men in uniform and that is something I will strive to be better with. Shaking the hand, holding the door, buying the meal, looking them in the eye and truly letting them know my appreciation. Hugs will also not be off limits. Especially if I find out they are "PJ's"- USAF Pararescue. Joe discovered a show on the National Geographic Channel called Inside Combat Rescue. Cameras follow a group of PJ's during their deployment at Bagram and Kandahar Air Bases in Afghanistan. Each mission they are focusing on saving the lives of their military brothers and even the lives of the local Afghans. Forget any 'military' movie you've ever watched on the big screen and tune into this show for true, real, live action. We've watched 3 shows so far and each one focused on a different set of guys and their families. Each show I've cried. Each show I'm moved. Each show I scoot closer to Joe just to feel him and hold him because he could and would die for his country like the men in the show. Its raw, its real and its touching. Everyone needs to watch at least one show. Set your DVR's and prepared to be amazed at our US Military.
Enjoy seeing the flag wave this weekend and take a moment to truly remember what it represents and how our men and women of the United States Military have paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom and liberty.
Enjoy your family.
People are thankful for men and woman like Joe. Every time we are together (and he is in uniform) there is at least one person who shakes his hand and says "Thank you for your service." Believe it or not, I am not very good at that. It's come second nature to me seeing men in uniform and that is something I will strive to be better with. Shaking the hand, holding the door, buying the meal, looking them in the eye and truly letting them know my appreciation. Hugs will also not be off limits. Especially if I find out they are "PJ's"- USAF Pararescue. Joe discovered a show on the National Geographic Channel called Inside Combat Rescue. Cameras follow a group of PJ's during their deployment at Bagram and Kandahar Air Bases in Afghanistan. Each mission they are focusing on saving the lives of their military brothers and even the lives of the local Afghans. Forget any 'military' movie you've ever watched on the big screen and tune into this show for true, real, live action. We've watched 3 shows so far and each one focused on a different set of guys and their families. Each show I've cried. Each show I'm moved. Each show I scoot closer to Joe just to feel him and hold him because he could and would die for his country like the men in the show. Its raw, its real and its touching. Everyone needs to watch at least one show. Set your DVR's and prepared to be amazed at our US Military.
Enjoy seeing the flag wave this weekend and take a moment to truly remember what it represents and how our men and women of the United States Military have paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom and liberty.
Enjoy your family.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
They are His
"They are not my children, they are not my children, they are not my children." I kept repeating that to myself when I started getting anxiety too early seeing as I was already worrying about my girls dating years.
The diva's and I went for a summer night walk around our neighborhood last night. One home we passed in particular had a mom and daughter sitting out in their driveway. 7:27pm a black ford mustang zipped around the corner and parked in front of their driveway. Boyfriend was there to pick up girlfriend. After a couple of minutes and me slowing the walk down to eavesdrop of the situation I heard the mom say "You are taking her for ice-cream? Well, thanks for picking her up, have fun and be careful." Then just like that, the daughter be-bopped to the black sports car and off they zoomed down the street. My mind instantly went to the future and that being one of my daughters in the black sports car zooming off into the sunset. That's when the phrase "they are not my children." came to my mind. I had to remind myself they are God's children. God's. He gave them to Joe and I to raise, love, nurture and provide for but they do not belong to us, they belong to Him.
The helicopter mom instinct in me will want to hop in my car, follow them just to ensure safety. That will probably be frowned upon by my daughters but you can guaranteed there will be tracking devices on their phones and their curfew on their first date will be 9:00pm. The peace of God will have to wash over me in that instance. I'll want to worry and fret with an added dose of anxiety. Lord help us get through their dating years....They are my world. I wanted them to stay this small forever.
Enjoy your family~
The diva's and I went for a summer night walk around our neighborhood last night. One home we passed in particular had a mom and daughter sitting out in their driveway. 7:27pm a black ford mustang zipped around the corner and parked in front of their driveway. Boyfriend was there to pick up girlfriend. After a couple of minutes and me slowing the walk down to eavesdrop of the situation I heard the mom say "You are taking her for ice-cream? Well, thanks for picking her up, have fun and be careful." Then just like that, the daughter be-bopped to the black sports car and off they zoomed down the street. My mind instantly went to the future and that being one of my daughters in the black sports car zooming off into the sunset. That's when the phrase "they are not my children." came to my mind. I had to remind myself they are God's children. God's. He gave them to Joe and I to raise, love, nurture and provide for but they do not belong to us, they belong to Him.
The helicopter mom instinct in me will want to hop in my car, follow them just to ensure safety. That will probably be frowned upon by my daughters but you can guaranteed there will be tracking devices on their phones and their curfew on their first date will be 9:00pm. The peace of God will have to wash over me in that instance. I'll want to worry and fret with an added dose of anxiety. Lord help us get through their dating years....They are my world. I wanted them to stay this small forever.
Enjoy your family~
Friday, May 30, 2014
Knock the dust off
Today is one of favorite days of the year. The coming days will be mornings of low-key calmness, more family time, vacations, the smell of sunscreen and staying up until the sun goes down. Being with my girls is one of my favorite activities. Don't get me wrong, the "DD's" (Dueling Diva's) whom my dad so aptly named, have their moments, or days. Getting under my skin seems to be one of their favorite past-times but with all that said, they are great girls and I love them and love being around them.
This day is an accomplishment for us. Remembering back to the 3rd day of school when I was not allowed to walk my little EJ to her kindergarten class and instant bawling ensued. Seeing the tears in her eyes broke my heart. She clung to me like her life depended on it and she was not letting go. Being her security is my job and I had to give her up and trust that she would be taken care of. Thankfully I was able get her down the hall to her class, she was still bawling and now sister and I had joined in. EJ's teacher was standing in the doorway. Finally I peeled her off my hip, little razor fingernails cut into my neck. Handing her over instant relief and peace came over me when I saw her teacher scoop her up and hold her. I knew then that she was in great hands. I was able to walk away knowing that she was being cared for and taken care of.
My mini-me had a great 2nd grade year. She's grown leaps and bounds in her reading and is now above level. She is already excited about starting 3rd grade and learning about cursive writing and multiplication.
My girls continue to amaze me. They are resilient and roll with the punches even when their normal routine shifts while Joe is gone on trips. I am proud to be their mom, I am proud that they are obedient (for the most part), show respect to others, practice their manners and try their best in school. Banana splits were on the menu tonight as an end of year surprise treat. One of my favorite things is to surprise people. I, myself, hate surprises but I love giving them. Thank you girls for loving your momma, thank you for telling me often, thank you for holding my hand and hanging out with me. Hope that never changes.... (Read this when you are 15)
I look forward to spending this summer with you.
Enjoy your family~
This day is an accomplishment for us. Remembering back to the 3rd day of school when I was not allowed to walk my little EJ to her kindergarten class and instant bawling ensued. Seeing the tears in her eyes broke my heart. She clung to me like her life depended on it and she was not letting go. Being her security is my job and I had to give her up and trust that she would be taken care of. Thankfully I was able get her down the hall to her class, she was still bawling and now sister and I had joined in. EJ's teacher was standing in the doorway. Finally I peeled her off my hip, little razor fingernails cut into my neck. Handing her over instant relief and peace came over me when I saw her teacher scoop her up and hold her. I knew then that she was in great hands. I was able to walk away knowing that she was being cared for and taken care of.
My mini-me had a great 2nd grade year. She's grown leaps and bounds in her reading and is now above level. She is already excited about starting 3rd grade and learning about cursive writing and multiplication.
My girls continue to amaze me. They are resilient and roll with the punches even when their normal routine shifts while Joe is gone on trips. I am proud to be their mom, I am proud that they are obedient (for the most part), show respect to others, practice their manners and try their best in school. Banana splits were on the menu tonight as an end of year surprise treat. One of my favorite things is to surprise people. I, myself, hate surprises but I love giving them. Thank you girls for loving your momma, thank you for telling me often, thank you for holding my hand and hanging out with me. Hope that never changes.... (Read this when you are 15)
I look forward to spending this summer with you.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, February 10, 2014
Happy National Angela Day
Today I had a birthday.
8 years ago I gave birth to my first born daughter 4 days before I turned 25.
I am horrible at math and I still know that the total equals me turning 33 today. (correct, dad?) :-)
My birthdays used to mean celebrating all month long. I loved and still do love birthdays but when it falls so close to your child's it starts falling on the back burner. That's perfectly fine with me because I have memories of fantastic birthdays and now its my turn to creating great memories for my girls.
Today I am thankful for:
Face Moisturizer because my skin does not look, act or feel 25 anymore.
My gray hair that I keep finding spurting out the top of my head.
The bags under my eyes. I inherited them from my dad and will forever remember him every time I look in the mirror.
A husband who doesn't care about any of the issues I just stated.
I am thankful for my health, my children, their health, my husband, family. I am thankful I am able to work from home and stay close to my kids if/when they ever need me. I am thankful for God and for his constant loving of me even when I feel its not deserved. Many blessings have been handed to me and many more to come.
Enjoy your family~
8 years ago I gave birth to my first born daughter 4 days before I turned 25.
I am horrible at math and I still know that the total equals me turning 33 today. (correct, dad?) :-)
My birthdays used to mean celebrating all month long. I loved and still do love birthdays but when it falls so close to your child's it starts falling on the back burner. That's perfectly fine with me because I have memories of fantastic birthdays and now its my turn to creating great memories for my girls.
Today I am thankful for:
Face Moisturizer because my skin does not look, act or feel 25 anymore.
My gray hair that I keep finding spurting out the top of my head.
The bags under my eyes. I inherited them from my dad and will forever remember him every time I look in the mirror.
A husband who doesn't care about any of the issues I just stated.
I am thankful for my health, my children, their health, my husband, family. I am thankful I am able to work from home and stay close to my kids if/when they ever need me. I am thankful for God and for his constant loving of me even when I feel its not deserved. Many blessings have been handed to me and many more to come.
Enjoy your family~
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
This Year
Mom's make sacrifices. Mom's put everyone's needs first over there own and we wouldn't have it any other way. Small things like serving up their kids meals first or keeping your child's clothes and shoe supply well stocked while you are still wearing things from 1999.
This year I've decided this is the year of me. I am taking care of me and making time for me.
For 8 years now its been all about the kids and the hubby and that's the way its supposed to be. Let me clarify, I am in no way complaining about my family, I love my family more than life itself and I would die for any one of them but in recent years I have slowly started to loose me. I feel like I've given, given and given more and in the process I'm loosing myself. Some days its all about going through the motions and just trying to make it to bedtime so I too can crash in bed.
Goodness, I will do simple things like wash my face before I go to bed or bigger things like enjoy a long weekend away with my husband. This year I will do whatever I think is needed in order for me to clear my mind and be a better wife and mom.
Other things on my list:
More working out
More pedicures
More blogging
More lunch dates with the Mr.
More massages
More sitting back and listening to music
More shutting the bathroom door after dinner and enjoying a bubble bath
Did I mention more working out ???
More praying over my family
More house cleaning done by a professional
More shopping so I am not wearing the same 3 outfits
Looking forward to starting to feel like "me" again.
Enjoy your family~
This year I've decided this is the year of me. I am taking care of me and making time for me.
For 8 years now its been all about the kids and the hubby and that's the way its supposed to be. Let me clarify, I am in no way complaining about my family, I love my family more than life itself and I would die for any one of them but in recent years I have slowly started to loose me. I feel like I've given, given and given more and in the process I'm loosing myself. Some days its all about going through the motions and just trying to make it to bedtime so I too can crash in bed.
Goodness, I will do simple things like wash my face before I go to bed or bigger things like enjoy a long weekend away with my husband. This year I will do whatever I think is needed in order for me to clear my mind and be a better wife and mom.
Other things on my list:
More working out
More pedicures
More blogging
More lunch dates with the Mr.
More massages
More sitting back and listening to music
More shutting the bathroom door after dinner and enjoying a bubble bath
Did I mention more working out ???
More praying over my family
More house cleaning done by a professional
More shopping so I am not wearing the same 3 outfits
Looking forward to starting to feel like "me" again.
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving 2013
The difference between last Thanksgiving and this is mind boggling to me. Looking back on time it truly seems to fly by. Wasn't it just last week that Joe was deployed? He's already been home almost 7 months already. Thanksgiving Day last year was hard for me and I just want to take a moment to say how thankful I am that he is warm and toasty laying next to me in bed. Snuggling up next to him last night remembering how I felt so alone and sad the night before Thanksgiving last year, remembering that all I wanted to do was reach out in bed and feel him on his side but all I felt was emptiness. Switch gears: Sad story over but just know that I am THANKFUL so thankful to have him home.
I am thankful for all the troops deployed (and spouses) this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving all!
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Who needs an ACL anyways?
It has been brought to my attention that I have not blogged in awhile. To be quiet honest with you I have kind of felt uninspired. There has been stuff going on my our world but I honestly don't really feel like blogging about it. Here is a quick recap of one thing that has been going on....
The middle of September Joe had ACL surgery. He promised me he would be a better patient than he has been in the past. The last time he had knee surgery, even though it was just a scope, it was painful and due to his lack of patience with the recovery process he pushed it and went back to work far too soon. This time around he agreed, took three weeks off and was/is more patient with the recovery. It is a long process though- Holy moly- 4 weeks into it and his knee is still swollen and he is still walking on crutches. Keeping his spirits up is starting to get harder and harder. I know its hard for him to still be limping and unable to walk without assistance and I sense his frustration. We celebrate the small victories. Putting his own shoes on or walking 3 steps alone, bending his knee at 90 degrees or driving. Physical therapy is helping and hopefully very soon he will be off the crutches and walking without pain.
The day after his surgery he started this leg machine. 30 degree's caused him pain but Dr's orders stated he had to exercise in the machine 3 times a day for 2 hours each time. In 14 days he increased 30 degrees to 100. It was hard for me to see him experience pain. Watching someone you love, who is insanely independent, in pain, struggling, needing help with simple tasks is sad to watch. I am so thankful I was here to help him and even more thankful he let me help him. So, to recap the moral of this story- Take care of your knee's so you wont need ACL surgery one day.
Enjoy your family~
The middle of September Joe had ACL surgery. He promised me he would be a better patient than he has been in the past. The last time he had knee surgery, even though it was just a scope, it was painful and due to his lack of patience with the recovery process he pushed it and went back to work far too soon. This time around he agreed, took three weeks off and was/is more patient with the recovery. It is a long process though- Holy moly- 4 weeks into it and his knee is still swollen and he is still walking on crutches. Keeping his spirits up is starting to get harder and harder. I know its hard for him to still be limping and unable to walk without assistance and I sense his frustration. We celebrate the small victories. Putting his own shoes on or walking 3 steps alone, bending his knee at 90 degrees or driving. Physical therapy is helping and hopefully very soon he will be off the crutches and walking without pain.
The day after his surgery he started this leg machine. 30 degree's caused him pain but Dr's orders stated he had to exercise in the machine 3 times a day for 2 hours each time. In 14 days he increased 30 degrees to 100. It was hard for me to see him experience pain. Watching someone you love, who is insanely independent, in pain, struggling, needing help with simple tasks is sad to watch. I am so thankful I was here to help him and even more thankful he let me help him. So, to recap the moral of this story- Take care of your knee's so you wont need ACL surgery one day.
Enjoy your family~
Monday, September 9, 2013
September Memories
This day last year we were 14 days away from embarking on a deployment. Dread filled every inch of my body. I remember the bags. I remember the packing and I remember the savoring every moment aspect of our last 2 weeks together as a family. This year I am SO thankful I don't have that sense of dread, I am SO thankful I am not overtaken by sadness and fear of the unknown. I am SO thankful my husband will be home with us on Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
Give your husband or wife an extra hug and kiss today in honor of all the deployed members who cannot hug or kiss their spouse. Be thankful for your loved one today. Savor each moment. Savor each touch and smell because besides the obvious of just missing him being home, I missed his smell. I am so happy he is home.
Enjoy your family~
Give your husband or wife an extra hug and kiss today in honor of all the deployed members who cannot hug or kiss their spouse. Be thankful for your loved one today. Savor each moment. Savor each touch and smell because besides the obvious of just missing him being home, I missed his smell. I am so happy he is home.
Enjoy your family~
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Dear Ava
Dear Ava,
Eighteen months or so ago, you started asking a lot of questions regarding Jesus, him living in your heart, heaven, hell and death. At the time I tried to answer them the best I could without thoroughly confusing you or scaring you. We left it at that and you seemed to understand the story of Jesus. Fast forward 6ish months later and we were fish-sitting, yes- babysitting a fish. Aunt Jackie and her family were on family vacation and we watched their fish, Blueberry for the week. We all ended up getting attached to that silly fish and ended up keeping him several weeks after Aunt Jackie got home. Finally we decided it was time to return him only to get a phone call a couple days later stating that Blueberry had died. I made the comment that Blueberry was now in fish heaven and that started your 20 questions again regarding heaven, hell, getting saved and death.
That afternoon, August 3, 2012, while sitting in our living room you gave your heart to Jesus and became not only my daughter but my sister in Christ. What a precious moment we got to spend together in the minutes after. Forever will I be thankful that I got to lead my daughter to the Lord. You are my life, you are my world. Your future is bright and you already have a calling on your life. You love talking about God, praying to God and telling everyone about him. Do not let that fire burn out.
This August 4th we came together as a family and had you baptized. It was a special moment in your life and I wanted the people who meant the most to you to watch you get baptized. An added bonus was your Pappy is an ordained minister and was the one baptizing you. You both have a special relationship and I know that him being the one to baptize you really meant a lot. I love you Ava with my entire heart and I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for your amazing life. Momma and dad are so proud of you. We love you!!!
**Can't really see in the photo but you wanted the cake to say "Happy Baptism Day" so in true Franco fashion we celebrated this occasion with a cake!
Enjoy your family~
Eighteen months or so ago, you started asking a lot of questions regarding Jesus, him living in your heart, heaven, hell and death. At the time I tried to answer them the best I could without thoroughly confusing you or scaring you. We left it at that and you seemed to understand the story of Jesus. Fast forward 6ish months later and we were fish-sitting, yes- babysitting a fish. Aunt Jackie and her family were on family vacation and we watched their fish, Blueberry for the week. We all ended up getting attached to that silly fish and ended up keeping him several weeks after Aunt Jackie got home. Finally we decided it was time to return him only to get a phone call a couple days later stating that Blueberry had died. I made the comment that Blueberry was now in fish heaven and that started your 20 questions again regarding heaven, hell, getting saved and death.
That afternoon, August 3, 2012, while sitting in our living room you gave your heart to Jesus and became not only my daughter but my sister in Christ. What a precious moment we got to spend together in the minutes after. Forever will I be thankful that I got to lead my daughter to the Lord. You are my life, you are my world. Your future is bright and you already have a calling on your life. You love talking about God, praying to God and telling everyone about him. Do not let that fire burn out.
This August 4th we came together as a family and had you baptized. It was a special moment in your life and I wanted the people who meant the most to you to watch you get baptized. An added bonus was your Pappy is an ordained minister and was the one baptizing you. You both have a special relationship and I know that him being the one to baptize you really meant a lot. I love you Ava with my entire heart and I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for your amazing life. Momma and dad are so proud of you. We love you!!!
**Can't really see in the photo but you wanted the cake to say "Happy Baptism Day" so in true Franco fashion we celebrated this occasion with a cake!
Enjoy your family~
Monday, September 2, 2013
Back to School
To get Emma excited to start kindergarten, and me too, about the upcoming school year I decided to throw a "Back to School" themed dinner. It didn't really help with my excitement level of having both my girls in school full time and the every morning routine of "Eat breakfast, stop arguing, no T.V. until you are ready for school, brush your teeth, LET ME FIX YOUR HAIR, NO you may not wear purple leggings with a red top go pick something else, WHERE'S MY COFFEE CUP???, stop fighting, go brush your teeth, don't mess up your hair I just fixed it, WHY ARE YOU STILL WEARING PURPLE LEGGINGS?" Every morning its organized chaos and every morning after I get home from dropping the girls to school I think "Wow, that was a crazy hour." So, to get us all motivated for that craziness I served a back to school dinner. The centerpiece was clearly stuff school related. Globe, markers, glue, crumpled paper etc...
The girls went through the lunch line and got their school inspired meal of pizza, jello, raw veggies, Capri sun and a piece of cake for dessert.
I even found Styrofoam plates that resembled lunch trays. The girls had a lot of fun eating their meal and wanted to eat school food the rest of the week. Can't believe both my babies are in school this year, gosh I am getting old. Back to school pictures coming soon....
Enjoy your family~
I even found Styrofoam plates that resembled lunch trays. The girls had a lot of fun eating their meal and wanted to eat school food the rest of the week. Can't believe both my babies are in school this year, gosh I am getting old. Back to school pictures coming soon....
Enjoy your family~
Friday, August 30, 2013
What's for dinner tonight: Penne Alla Vodka
Here is the recipe for the yummiest, most delicious, incredible, superbly creamy best tasting sauce you will ever taste. *If you make it and hate it, please don't tell me... it would break my heart.
Originally from my dad who originally got the recipe out of Carmines family style cookbook. Dad made some changes to the original recipe and I go with and agree with his changes. Here is our recipe.
Penne Alla Vodka
1/4 C. EVOO (Or extra virgin olive oil)
1/2 of a small yellow onion- thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
2 Tablespoons dry basil leaves
1 Tablespoon dry parsley
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (or if you don't like spicy- omit it)
1/4 C. Vodka
24oz Bertolli brand vineyard marinara sauce
1/2 C. Heavy cream
1 box Penne pasta
1/2 C. grated Romano cheese
1 C. grated mozzarella cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, cook them, stirring 2-3 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook the mixture another 2-3 minutes, be careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Add the basil, parsley and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook the mixture for about a minute.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Vodka. (stand back a little because sometimes alcohol can flame) Return the pan to the heat and cook the sauce for 2 minutes.
4. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Add the cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Boil it for 3 minutes or so or until the sauce starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Cover it up and keep it warm while the pasta cooks.
5. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 7-9 minutes or until done.
6. Drain the penne pasta well. Keep warm in large pot. Stir into the sauce 1/2 C. of grated Romano cheese and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the sauce over the noodles, **melt mozzarella cheese over top and enjoy!!!!!!
**If you have oven proof bowls or plates its best to melt mozzarella in the oven until it turns brownish but if not, melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or so....
Enjoy your family~
Originally from my dad who originally got the recipe out of Carmines family style cookbook. Dad made some changes to the original recipe and I go with and agree with his changes. Here is our recipe.
Penne Alla Vodka
1/4 C. EVOO (Or extra virgin olive oil)
1/2 of a small yellow onion- thinly sliced
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh garlic
2 Tablespoons dry basil leaves
1 Tablespoon dry parsley
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes (or if you don't like spicy- omit it)
1/4 C. Vodka
24oz Bertolli brand vineyard marinara sauce
1/2 C. Heavy cream
1 box Penne pasta
1/2 C. grated Romano cheese
1 C. grated mozzarella cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1. In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, cook them, stirring 2-3 minutes or until they begin to soften. Add the garlic and cook the mixture another 2-3 minutes, be careful not to let the garlic burn.
2. Add the basil, parsley and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook the mixture for about a minute.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and add the Vodka. (stand back a little because sometimes alcohol can flame) Return the pan to the heat and cook the sauce for 2 minutes.
4. Add the marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Add the cream and bring the sauce to a boil. Boil it for 3 minutes or so or until the sauce starts to thicken, stirring occasionally. Cover it up and keep it warm while the pasta cooks.
5. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 7-9 minutes or until done.
6. Drain the penne pasta well. Keep warm in large pot. Stir into the sauce 1/2 C. of grated Romano cheese and season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Ladle the sauce over the noodles, **melt mozzarella cheese over top and enjoy!!!!!!
**If you have oven proof bowls or plates its best to melt mozzarella in the oven until it turns brownish but if not, melt in the microwave for 30 seconds or so....
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
# 8
Happy Anniversary to my love. I am blessed and thankful to be spending my life with you. You mean everything to me and you are one of the only people I know who can make me laugh so hard that I have consecutive snorts coming out of my nose. I look forward to our life together, good or bad. Thank you for loving me even through my moody and cranky days. Thank you for saving the curled up chip or popcorn kernels for me just because you know that I like them. You sacrifice stuff, big or small and for that I am thankful. I love you with my entire heart and I look forward to many many many more anniversary golf dates. You are my hole in 1. (cheesy alert!!!!!)
Enjoy your family~
Enjoy your family~
Monday, August 26, 2013
amiamo l'Italia
"We love Italy"
Italy was by far best food we ate. I will post the recipe for the pasta later this week but it was lick off your plate delicious. Yum yum.
On Italy's menu we ate Bruschetta for an appetizer, Pasta Alla Vodka and caramel cheesecake for dessert. We learned about the leaning tower of Pisa, Colosseum, how to say hello and bye and finding Italy on a map. While making dinner we turned on live streaming to a radio station in Rome and listened to music. The girls got a kick out of not being able to understand the deejay on the radio and it took them awhile to understand that it was because he was speaking a different language. Italy is another place I want to travel with my family. I see a nice and long month-long vacation coming up one of these summers (many summers from now) visiting all the countries we have learned about.
Enjoy your family~
Italy was by far best food we ate. I will post the recipe for the pasta later this week but it was lick off your plate delicious. Yum yum.
On Italy's menu we ate Bruschetta for an appetizer, Pasta Alla Vodka and caramel cheesecake for dessert. We learned about the leaning tower of Pisa, Colosseum, how to say hello and bye and finding Italy on a map. While making dinner we turned on live streaming to a radio station in Rome and listened to music. The girls got a kick out of not being able to understand the deejay on the radio and it took them awhile to understand that it was because he was speaking a different language. Italy is another place I want to travel with my family. I see a nice and long month-long vacation coming up one of these summers (many summers from now) visiting all the countries we have learned about.
Enjoy your family~
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Pressure Cooker
Sometimes I feel like the worst mom. Just being honest here. There are days that the pressure to raise the perfectly, well-rounded child almost seems impossible. Being a parent you only want what is best for your child. You want them to be the best they can be, challenge themselves, love themselves for exactly the way God created them on top of training and teaching them the importance of manners, kindness, thoughtfulness, compassion, caring and showing respect to others.
Society says the child needs to be great at math, reading, comprehending, writing, spelling, penmanship, science, word problem solving, grammar, great social skills and the list can go on and on... It seems like everyone is trying to 'one up' their neighbor or 'one up' their child's friend from school. On top of making sure that they are A+ students they need to be active, enrolled in some sort of extra curricular activities and excel at them. AHHHHHHHHH!!! Deep breath. The pressure to keep my girls up with the Joneses' is too much sometimes. I didn't really start feeling the pressure until Ava was 5 years old. In kindergarten it started. Now, with Emma starting Kindergarten the pressure on her will begin.
I've come to the realization that I put pressure on my kids, more specifically Ava, because she's older. The pressure on me to create the perfect student is overwhelming. I want her (and Emma also) to excel in their school work, I want it to just come easy to them. School was hard for me. Nothing, N.O.T.H.I.N.G. came easy for me. Everything was a struggle. Everything took practice. I wouldn't have an eraser on the end of any pencils because I used them too often. I didn't want that for my daughters. I wanted "it" to come naturally to them. Math, simple. Reading, whiz through and read like a pro. Seeing things, solving problems, comprehending and memorizing math problems, piece of cake. Reading at the level they should be reading on, continuing to progress in those skills and not decline, easy peasy. I didn't want it to take work. A little work and challenge would be ok, but I just wanted those skills for the most part to just come naturally for them. Every child is different and every family is different. For our family personally its more important for us to eat dinner together every night as opposed to rushing off to after school activities. I cherish my week-nights with my family. I cherish my Saturday & Sunday mornings with my family. Every season the girls pick 1 activity to do. This year Emma picked Ballet and Ava chose gymnastics. If there is ever a time where they don't want to do anything then I wont make them. If we chose more than one per child it doesn't work for our family dynamic and that's Ok. Stop feeling like your child has to be involved in 2, 3, 4 different things all at the same time. They don't, and for us it doesn't work and I don't feel bad and you shouldn't either if your family functions in the same way.
All I know is in my opinion, my parents did it right. They didn't pressure me in any way to be something that I wasn't. They never made me feel dumb or that I was a horrible student. I wasn't a horrible student. The skills just didn't come to me but I did my best and I was always attentive in class, trying to learn and working hard. That's all I can ask of my kids, that they try their best. "As long as you do your best, God will do the rest." Spoken out of the mouth of my mom and I will pass that quote onto my girls. So, with this coming school year, I will help my daughters in any way that I can with their confidence level when it comes to school. Every child has different areas of strength and areas that need to be worked on. Taking the pressure off them to be the best reader, best speller, best math student will also in turn take the pressure off me and that's what I am looking for this year. Less pressure and more confident, happy kids. Bring on the school year!
Enjoy your family~
Society says the child needs to be great at math, reading, comprehending, writing, spelling, penmanship, science, word problem solving, grammar, great social skills and the list can go on and on... It seems like everyone is trying to 'one up' their neighbor or 'one up' their child's friend from school. On top of making sure that they are A+ students they need to be active, enrolled in some sort of extra curricular activities and excel at them. AHHHHHHHHH!!! Deep breath. The pressure to keep my girls up with the Joneses' is too much sometimes. I didn't really start feeling the pressure until Ava was 5 years old. In kindergarten it started. Now, with Emma starting Kindergarten the pressure on her will begin.
I've come to the realization that I put pressure on my kids, more specifically Ava, because she's older. The pressure on me to create the perfect student is overwhelming. I want her (and Emma also) to excel in their school work, I want it to just come easy to them. School was hard for me. Nothing, N.O.T.H.I.N.G. came easy for me. Everything was a struggle. Everything took practice. I wouldn't have an eraser on the end of any pencils because I used them too often. I didn't want that for my daughters. I wanted "it" to come naturally to them. Math, simple. Reading, whiz through and read like a pro. Seeing things, solving problems, comprehending and memorizing math problems, piece of cake. Reading at the level they should be reading on, continuing to progress in those skills and not decline, easy peasy. I didn't want it to take work. A little work and challenge would be ok, but I just wanted those skills for the most part to just come naturally for them. Every child is different and every family is different. For our family personally its more important for us to eat dinner together every night as opposed to rushing off to after school activities. I cherish my week-nights with my family. I cherish my Saturday & Sunday mornings with my family. Every season the girls pick 1 activity to do. This year Emma picked Ballet and Ava chose gymnastics. If there is ever a time where they don't want to do anything then I wont make them. If we chose more than one per child it doesn't work for our family dynamic and that's Ok. Stop feeling like your child has to be involved in 2, 3, 4 different things all at the same time. They don't, and for us it doesn't work and I don't feel bad and you shouldn't either if your family functions in the same way.
All I know is in my opinion, my parents did it right. They didn't pressure me in any way to be something that I wasn't. They never made me feel dumb or that I was a horrible student. I wasn't a horrible student. The skills just didn't come to me but I did my best and I was always attentive in class, trying to learn and working hard. That's all I can ask of my kids, that they try their best. "As long as you do your best, God will do the rest." Spoken out of the mouth of my mom and I will pass that quote onto my girls. So, with this coming school year, I will help my daughters in any way that I can with their confidence level when it comes to school. Every child has different areas of strength and areas that need to be worked on. Taking the pressure off them to be the best reader, best speller, best math student will also in turn take the pressure off me and that's what I am looking for this year. Less pressure and more confident, happy kids. Bring on the school year!
Enjoy your family~
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Un jour en France
"A day in France"
Several weeks ago we virtually visited Germany and last week was time for us to visit France for the day. Side Note: Every time I type France, I end up typing Franco and I have to delete the O and add an E. I just did it again. My finger is used to typing Franco I guess- Ok, on with the story.
This is turning into a fun activity that we are all enjoying. The best part is the girls are retaining the information. Randomly I will hear them greeting each other in German or French. Personally I am loving the pictures off of Google images. When it was time for us to "travel" to France we gathered around the kitchen table with my laptop. We read facts about France, looked and learned about the Eiffel Tower and why its called the Eiffel Tower. The girls learned a couple new French words, "Bonjour and Au Revoir," and we learned what the French flag looked like and replicated it. We ended the day with eating the French meal Steak Au Poivre with Ratatouille.
Apparently Emma thinks there are apple tree's in France :) Her picture is of the Eiffel Tower (in yellow) a bridge by the tower (in brown), sunflower and mountains.
The girls helped me prepare dinner again. Here they are helping me prepare the Ratatouille which is basically roasted vegetables.
Taking a picture of the finished product surprised me because with Germany I ate all the food then remembered I didn't take a picture. So, here you go... France's meal.
Next Up: ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Learning about daddies people.
Enjoy your family~
Several weeks ago we virtually visited Germany and last week was time for us to visit France for the day. Side Note: Every time I type France, I end up typing Franco and I have to delete the O and add an E. I just did it again. My finger is used to typing Franco I guess- Ok, on with the story.
This is turning into a fun activity that we are all enjoying. The best part is the girls are retaining the information. Randomly I will hear them greeting each other in German or French. Personally I am loving the pictures off of Google images. When it was time for us to "travel" to France we gathered around the kitchen table with my laptop. We read facts about France, looked and learned about the Eiffel Tower and why its called the Eiffel Tower. The girls learned a couple new French words, "Bonjour and Au Revoir," and we learned what the French flag looked like and replicated it. We ended the day with eating the French meal Steak Au Poivre with Ratatouille.
Ava colored the Eiffel Tower. There is also a bridge with people walking over and a bicycle just randomly sitting by the Eiffel Tower (that's getting rained on) She told me the bike was for the "Tour de France"
The girls helped me prepare dinner again. Here they are helping me prepare the Ratatouille which is basically roasted vegetables.
Taking a picture of the finished product surprised me because with Germany I ate all the food then remembered I didn't take a picture. So, here you go... France's meal.
Next Up: ITALY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Learning about daddies people.
Enjoy your family~
Friday, August 2, 2013
Bleeding Orange
Planning things and researching trips is how I function the best. Joe functions best flying by the seat of his pants. He walked into the kitchen Friday morning saying "I'm thinking of taking my girls to Stillwater today." Big smile on his face and a blank stare staring back at him. Quickly though I said "Ok" because I know that he loves Stillwater, Oklahoma State University and he's always wanted to take us to eat at Eskimo Joe's for their famous Cheese and Bacon Fries. After we got out of our PJ's and into something orange we headed out for our days adventure. Spending the day with Joe and my daughters is the best thing. When its just the four of us we function like a well oiled machine and with most of the outings the girls are on their best behavior with slight dueling between them.
We walked around the campus and Joe showed them the library -which we actually walked through- and the girls didn't make a peep and library lawn where students gather during the school months to study. He also showed them their dorm buildings that they will be living in when they are freshman. I am looking forward in 11 years to be taking another picture of Ava sitting in the same area of the library and in 13 years with Miss Emma. How cool would that picture be?
Ending the day with orange ice-cream only seemed fitting. We had a great time spending the day together and visiting one of Joe's favorite cities... Thank you honey for being more spontaneous than me. I had fun!
Enjoy your family~
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