tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54373194215855316192024-02-19T01:42:48.500-07:002 Kids and Tired CooksReal Life. A Tired Mom. Everyday Recipes. Random Thoughts and Ponderings.Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.comBlogger402125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-62762141446757895272023-06-16T06:00:00.001-06:002023-06-19T14:12:38.386-06:00Пятница Ponderings: The Shoulds and Wishes<div><span>Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate <br /></span>Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian<div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">-------------------</b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHLbRy7DXBFMjJqiwvaWhQ1pndiLhorEnH3_jq4KQVcJtfBmy5tt6QhOymt5BszgALPQKEXEAvjTIS8XA6ZOw-LuOHnkJJ0_HvYBA0ZugLPNFBjZ0f5rEBW-Zha-WNy-DLUfPzzQlofW_cUtcl8NQTGnbJhAPKwgqyCf79olYajXSsB9pcwuEzoaPTA/s6000/renaud-confavreux-N_ssiyf4SUc-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHLbRy7DXBFMjJqiwvaWhQ1pndiLhorEnH3_jq4KQVcJtfBmy5tt6QhOymt5BszgALPQKEXEAvjTIS8XA6ZOw-LuOHnkJJ0_HvYBA0ZugLPNFBjZ0f5rEBW-Zha-WNy-DLUfPzzQlofW_cUtcl8NQTGnbJhAPKwgqyCf79olYajXSsB9pcwuEzoaPTA/s320/renaud-confavreux-N_ssiyf4SUc-unsplash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Do you ever stop and think about your life?</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever stopped and asked yourself, what have I done with my life?</div><div><br /></div><div>It's an interesting conversation to have with yourself:</div><div><ul><li>I had a good childhood.</li><li>I grew up.</li><li>...</li><li>Graduated high school. </li><li>Graduated college. </li><li>Got a job/started a career. </li><li>Made friends. </li><li>... </li><li>Met The Doctor and got married. </li><li>Had children. </li><li>Raised children. </li><li>...</li><li>Started a business with The Doctor. </li><li>Got a dog. </li><li>Did a little traveling.</li><li>...</li></ul></div><div>Bullet points are great, aren't they? Little bits of information, but all the details are unknown or it's assumed that the speaker will fill them in later.</div><div><br /></div><div>I don't think I will. Because all those unsaid details? Those are the things I remember, cherish, appreciate, regret, and ponder.</div><div><br /></div><div>In those details are also questions. Why did we make that decision? Did I do the right thing? What if I'd done that instead? Would it have been better to...? How did that affect...? </div><div><br /></div><div>As with most things in social media, everything appears perfect on the outside. I don't follow "influencers" on any platform and I hate the manufactured manipulations of TikTok, so I'm not on there. But, I do follow friends and family on Instagram and Facebook. And I love seeing what happens in their lives and celebrating events and accomplishments with them and mourning when they mourn. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, in seeing what others do, it's so easy to think, "They've made a difference, but I haven't." Or, "they've traveled and taken advantage of opportunities and I haven't." Or, "I hate people with perfect teeth." And, "I should have learned about health and learned to like exercise when I was younger." And of course the ubiquitous, I wish. "I wish I had tried harder... I wish I had said this or done that..." </div><div><br /></div><div>Are those things true? Perhaps. Do those people look at others they know and think the same thing? Perhaps.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all have "shoulds" and "wishes" in our lives. But, does it help to look back on our past experiences and think about all the negatives? Only if you can learn from it.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week, I've had more shoulds and wishes showing up in my internal conversations. They come and go. Sometimes they pass and often they linger. It's been fascinating and educational to process them.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't change what I did or didn't do 20, 30, or 40 years ago. However, I can control what I do going forward. It's taken me a long time and a lot of soul searching and soul healing to learn this. And even then, it's still a process.</div><div><br /></div><div>What about you? Do you have moments of should and wishing? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-36419513018906236662023-04-28T06:00:00.001-06:002023-06-19T14:15:07.420-06:00Пятница Ponderings: O Me! O Life!<p> Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate</p><div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire2sOlaJLaFpALGlywX35dkfPKloUCO3fSVB-aOTj1hrQpfEpbcDHelSUqcR2NKwO8lAuL-ezD3mNZxu31ZDnRVT9X4SKDQggGflDtTjig7y8vJTYXISmcWxCzGfdHsto708YQHpDMojXSSx71ny9a-82GF7UHY3A0UFaAEpkqSSVtUalzqtBUHXE1w/s5094/aliis-sinisalu-yOh9lWBDjP4-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3396" data-original-width="5094" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEire2sOlaJLaFpALGlywX35dkfPKloUCO3fSVB-aOTj1hrQpfEpbcDHelSUqcR2NKwO8lAuL-ezD3mNZxu31ZDnRVT9X4SKDQggGflDtTjig7y8vJTYXISmcWxCzGfdHsto708YQHpDMojXSSx71ny9a-82GF7UHY3A0UFaAEpkqSSVtUalzqtBUHXE1w/w320-h213/aliis-sinisalu-yOh9lWBDjP4-unsplash.jpg" title="Aliis Sinisalu via Unsplash" width="320" /></a></div>Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian</div></div><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">-------------------<br /></b></div></div><div><i>O me! O life! of the questions of these recurring,<br />Of the endless trains of the faithless, of cities fill’d with the foolish,<br />Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)<br />Of eyes that vainly crave the light, of the objects mean, of the struggle ever renew’d,<br />Of the poor results of all, of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me,<br />Of the empty and useless years of the rest, with the rest me intertwined,<br />The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?<br /><br />Answer. </i></div><div><i>That you are here—that life exists and identity,<br />That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.</i><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">--Walt Whitman (1855, 1881)</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPvgy1xioEsqOEBeMeb8HHlTdZrRan_edROBm6qHDFROlrhmRDetVfMPaVcy8G1np16BO0-yg3cFMeLQBtgDuB-sn0u5r_9JYo3Lve3aQyWMjCGqp216EDEVl3925Bjc8jAisuVliDuDKCrvubLX_BP6Br5kqxmYqMS5K8ZAxFT0VKMGARQRnDvBkJA/s984/FOTO_20230422_120103-1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="814" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPvgy1xioEsqOEBeMeb8HHlTdZrRan_edROBm6qHDFROlrhmRDetVfMPaVcy8G1np16BO0-yg3cFMeLQBtgDuB-sn0u5r_9JYo3Lve3aQyWMjCGqp216EDEVl3925Bjc8jAisuVliDuDKCrvubLX_BP6Br5kqxmYqMS5K8ZAxFT0VKMGARQRnDvBkJA/w166-h200/FOTO_20230422_120103-1.jpg" width="166" /></a></div>I discovered Walt Whitman in an American Literature class in college. The professor was grumpy and I didn't love the class, but I discovered Whitman in it, so I am grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have my somewhat battered, but still in good shape, copy of <i>Leaves of Grass</i>. It's one of maybe 3 books I kept from my academic life. And over the years, I still pick it up and read. Whitman speaks to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Artist needed a stack of books to do a photo assignment for his photography class last week. Among the books I chose for him was <i>Leaves of Grass</i>. And because the pages are well worn and familiar pathways, I opened it to this poem.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this poem, <i>O Me! O Life!</i>, still resonates so much.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, I could go into some literary analysis and tell you that Whitman is speaking about the post-Civil War years and the industrialization, etc. And trying to find meaning in everything, as well as telling us to live good lives.</div><div><br /></div><div>All that has merit. Certainly. </div><div><br /></div><div>But, one of the things I love most about literature is how subjective it is. Yes, authors have reasons for writing and their imagery can be specific and we learn about it to hone our critical thinking skills and all that is important. (Except those short stories that scar you for life. I'm looking at you, Faulkner and your stupid, <i>A Rose for Emily</i>. And you Gilman and <i>The Yellow Wallpaper</i>.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I love how literature speaks to the individual. What did you think about while reading it? What came to mind? Don't tell me what the author meant, tell me how it affected you? What feelings did it invoke? </div><div><br /></div><div>It's one of the reasons I never became a teacher. Well, that and the fact that I don't like other people's children in a classroom setting, so be glad I'm not there.</div><div><br /></div><div>In <i>O Me! O Life!</i>, Whitman asks the question, Why are we here? What is so good about this place and this life?</div><div><br /></div><div>Who hasn't ever asked that same question of themselves? I certainly have. There are so many possible answers to that question, especially depending on your specific religious beliefs. But, I'm not here to discuss those. </div><div><br /></div><div>I love the last stanza. The <i>Answer</i>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Whitman says, "That you are here—that life exists and identity, that the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse."</div><div><br /></div><div>Life does exist. You exist. I exist. We exist here, in this moment. You are part of this enormous experience we are all having on this beautiful, amazing planet. That nature came together to create you is wonderful. You have a role in this powerful, ongoing, play. What is that role going to be?</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes our life circumstances are terrible. Sometimes we can't control them. We are going to feel happy, sad, scared, anxious, joyful, mad, terrified, incredulous, amazed. We are going to experience it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>And from those experiences, what is your verse going to say? Have you ever thought about it? </div><div><br /></div><div>Will it say:<br /><br /></div><div>That you made a difference? </div><div>That you wasted your opportunities?</div><div>That you were kind?</div><div>That you were angry?</div><div>That you listened?</div><div>That you helped people when you could?</div><div>That you criticized others and put them down?</div><div>That you have regrets? We all do.</div><div>That you were open-minded?</div><div>That you were closed and rigid?</div><div>That you lived only for an after-life and not the present one you're in?</div><div>That you loved and learned?</div><div>That you cowered and hid?</div><div>That you fought back and won?</div><div><br /></div><div>My verse is probably contradictory and rambling and all over the place. But, ultimately, I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F-ce_aO1MM3vSPFamz7P1u4gE-WQqHhB1v5aVAi-dTXPcsSeVbqwO9nqzqZRV9M04YR9Uea2CWgXwo3mKa-mAeqz7MlWx6P5lKqr1uJetAJnd0eID6pVwAsVuU1s-Jqd7b7i5n5BIIcjk1AgakXbr-twXORz9QX_DS1xClpU1t0BYDRQMnuHFKtL-Q/s984/FOTO_20230422_120221.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="984" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6F-ce_aO1MM3vSPFamz7P1u4gE-WQqHhB1v5aVAi-dTXPcsSeVbqwO9nqzqZRV9M04YR9Uea2CWgXwo3mKa-mAeqz7MlWx6P5lKqr1uJetAJnd0eID6pVwAsVuU1s-Jqd7b7i5n5BIIcjk1AgakXbr-twXORz9QX_DS1xClpU1t0BYDRQMnuHFKtL-Q/w320-h194/FOTO_20230422_120221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>hope it shows change and knowledge and learning; and gratitude, and kindness. That for all my snark and insecurity, there is kindness and love. That I have put more good into this powerful play than I have taken out of it. Perhaps by the time I am finished it will.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wonderful thing is that our verses are still being written; they are not set in stone and published in the Book of Life yet. I am still working on mine. I hope you are too.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is your verse going to say? What do you want it to say? </div><div><br /></div><div>As you decide, may I offer this suggestion: whatever it is, make it extraordinary.</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/46/B8B88E2F560927363D43B0434262B1B8.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none;" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-3469525276383757992023-04-10T06:00:00.004-06:002023-04-10T06:00:00.232-06:00Hot Chocolate Mix<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtAIlubwD_gNX1sYFact16UiyjpYQtIaJJnCyIT0EeWRWQ-K5u4QXt4hJSDNmNhRr1MwN1EMTcnZrixRa3oIQ8viyv1X0u9d4_oySfidn5Hu2Ku2J4burwGYeTXAQ4JUgDWV9s32CyWImcOJ05DVNtsrTQdySHlPju-q8HQWNyp4xz-AsUmoUj3Zf/s1448/FOTO_20221215_212736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1448" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtAIlubwD_gNX1sYFact16UiyjpYQtIaJJnCyIT0EeWRWQ-K5u4QXt4hJSDNmNhRr1MwN1EMTcnZrixRa3oIQ8viyv1X0u9d4_oySfidn5Hu2Ku2J4burwGYeTXAQ4JUgDWV9s32CyWImcOJ05DVNtsrTQdySHlPju-q8HQWNyp4xz-AsUmoUj3Zf/w421-h285/FOTO_20221215_212736.jpg" title="copyright 2kidsandtired" width="421" /></a></div><p></p><div class="hrecipe">Ingredients</div><div class="hrecipe"><ul><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><div>2 cups dry non-fat milk</div></span></li><li class="ingredient">1 1/2 cups powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredient">1 1/2 cups cocoa</li><li class="ingredient">1 bar white chocolate, chopped</li><li class="ingredient">1 bar dark 70% chocolate, chopped</li></ul>Directions</div><div class="hrecipe"><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">Stir all the dry ingredients together. </li><li class="instruction">Chop the chocolate (I use a food processor) and add it to the dry ingredients.</li><li class="instruction">Stir or whisk it all together.</li><li class="instruction">Store in an airtight container. (Likely for about 3 months, but mine never lasts that long.</li></ol></div><div class="hrecipe">Hot Chocolate Directions</div><div class="hrecipe"><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">Add about 3 T of cocoa mix to a mug.</li><li class="instruction">Stir in a cup of hot water and mix.</li><li class="instruction">Add a dollop of half and half or heavy cream.</li><li class="instruction">Enjoy.<br /><br /></li></ol></div><p><i></i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphtyrVSyMt6LUAEcyACSOUVR0hASc9Zmr6B0YE96lzb_2HfrScFt_UlgmBoCcsk56x7T5z9EySYPNW3oMTQz8Ik_FL62h1hxeeCIx7F7AN4Rj3aNVGWz2bkeQKNhkc1MXgtE1-QipXim_qlMNrfd_tZ3kd6lIGfaazX1mCF69UixxoSz9PEbjCmky/s1291/FOTO_20221215_204714.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1291" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgphtyrVSyMt6LUAEcyACSOUVR0hASc9Zmr6B0YE96lzb_2HfrScFt_UlgmBoCcsk56x7T5z9EySYPNW3oMTQz8Ik_FL62h1hxeeCIx7F7AN4Rj3aNVGWz2bkeQKNhkc1MXgtE1-QipXim_qlMNrfd_tZ3kd6lIGfaazX1mCF69UixxoSz9PEbjCmky/w200-h153/FOTO_20221215_204714.jpg" title="copyright 2kidsandtired" width="200" /></a></i></div><i><i>Holly's Notes:<br /></i><i>My son and his girlfriend gave me the most adorable Hot Chocolate Bar and mug for my birthday last year. I enjoy a cup of hot chocolate every evening, regardless of the weather.</i><p></p></i><p></p><p><i>I wanted a homemade hot chocolate mix that I could do at home and after looking at a few different ones, came up with this one. I like less sugar and milk than most call for. </i></p><p><i>My preference is Ghirardelli bars for the chopped chocolate. Although I have also used Lindor.</i></p><p><i>I also add a little extra chocolate piece to each cup: a Ghirardelli square (mint, caramel). Or an Andes mint wafer. I stock up on candy canes at Christmas and add a bit of that for mint flavor. You could add cinnamon red hots for different flavor.</i></p><p><i>If you like marshmallows, add those.</i></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-19429433255476677912023-04-07T06:00:00.001-06:002023-04-07T17:29:48.861-06:00Пятница Ponderings: My Favorite Teacher, the Librarian<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMajAjh46ezCrJDaDUWPdCBZRzwb3YjzrzaN93Q3H3jPCY-qWJ6VN17q7CIQV0TLiul4eszhKcCajoJafIUM8Jk4fHAoNH1Iz8BSi472qv9asUcL3bDcE5c_0aKrmItfSbipTYYRKP33bin8InHL0BPZC6qtqNuiZRofz7x1Hgw9SH7vyC2smzdrc_LA/s3848/robyn-budlender-3jRGSA2IH0c-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2566" data-original-width="3848" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMajAjh46ezCrJDaDUWPdCBZRzwb3YjzrzaN93Q3H3jPCY-qWJ6VN17q7CIQV0TLiul4eszhKcCajoJafIUM8Jk4fHAoNH1Iz8BSi472qv9asUcL3bDcE5c_0aKrmItfSbipTYYRKP33bin8InHL0BPZC6qtqNuiZRofz7x1Hgw9SH7vyC2smzdrc_LA/w200-h133/robyn-budlender-3jRGSA2IH0c-unsplash.jpg" title="Robyn Budlender on Unsplash" width="200" /></a>Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian</p><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">-------------------</b><br /></div><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b></div><div>We often ask the question of people, "Who was your favorite teacher?" And everyone has a favorite or two.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have had many academic teachers through the years. Through elementary, junior high, high school, and college. Many stand out for different reasons. Some good. Some not so good.</div><div><br /></div><div>I loved Mr. Willis, my high school humanities teacher. His humor, his love of story and his ability to make you think. There was a reason he was favorite teacher every year. Mrs. Aslin taught me so well about English and grammar in high school, that it prepared me for earning an English degree in college. She had Robert Redford posters on her wall.</div><div><br /></div><div>And there are others.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, the teacher I always talk about is Mrs. Lennon, my elementary school librarian. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was a child who read. I loved books before I could talk and even read them myself. My parents fostered that love of books and my Christmas stocking and Easter basket always contained a book. My mother rarely said no when I wanted a book. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a kindergartner, I discovered the school library. And, oh what a wonderful place that was. So magical. That old school is long gone and replaced by a subdivision now. (Isn't everything?)</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaE7sleL8woabYQRPBIqg8oK7xrKzApO7iU1Z8jsrk6Ig5aqgnLPP-l0hJjpdhJC4ukplv0I_RL0FHiaUDrTnBuAkQ2OT8XHYV73kJavciZWXikyx67gtEz0vrpBPtErCGJt_A_LAObL075XFlQMWBXYxCb5cB0DPjvVaJI1USbvKzyZZquq_dsRd2Q/s409/8429632.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="270" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaE7sleL8woabYQRPBIqg8oK7xrKzApO7iU1Z8jsrk6Ig5aqgnLPP-l0hJjpdhJC4ukplv0I_RL0FHiaUDrTnBuAkQ2OT8XHYV73kJavciZWXikyx67gtEz0vrpBPtErCGJt_A_LAObL075XFlQMWBXYxCb5cB0DPjvVaJI1USbvKzyZZquq_dsRd2Q/w95-h144/8429632.jpg" width="95" /></a></div>But, I can still picture it. I can see the shelves. The children's section, with its colored rug. The walls, full of shelves. The globe and atlas. The round tables, where I so often sat, reading a book. </div><div><br /></div><div>I can picture the shelf where I first found Beverly Cleary and where I checked out <i>Fifteen </i>so many times, I lost count. </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRFzNn6S7X6d59WatpU7fDKm9zxG_lZkhE4Kr_xC-F0bCR7gZcSCjvlgphRQPYF11Tox9aZh6ShVKYcUaxAW112e8_tp8XO7g11IUMe9vfUyS7ANJmIsiVrUKYU0WPoq_7UxfOPoid_mdScmYAqwWpZ3d8uREeRkfEblYny5GInR_awmw1URthJDIHQ/s627/641714.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="441" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizRFzNn6S7X6d59WatpU7fDKm9zxG_lZkhE4Kr_xC-F0bCR7gZcSCjvlgphRQPYF11Tox9aZh6ShVKYcUaxAW112e8_tp8XO7g11IUMe9vfUyS7ANJmIsiVrUKYU0WPoq_7UxfOPoid_mdScmYAqwWpZ3d8uREeRkfEblYny5GInR_awmw1URthJDIHQ/w98-h139/641714.jpg" width="98" /></a><br /></div><div>Or the shelf further down the row, where I found <i>A Room for Cathy</i> by Catherine Woolley. How I loved Cathy's imagination.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mrs. Lennon was kind, and soft-spoken. She smiled. She encouraged. She never told me that I couldn't read a particular book. That a book was too old for me or above my reading level. She let me check out any book I wanted.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPiHtjB07N1CyzrFx1MMI7S6o9ztg-xaJXLxzyWREtGXe0qBvDpnB78JkVjOwPuNiL7cSPiqcYv2bgc_TtwXSdRwuREZIM6BEwJHIu3y8oyd_Fynbkiy0bkjrsQfHb90oqvFMiuaAK8RXwP4Ipr2fwB-WEiacUr6tr-maQIezDsnAdTFiR99jdWatUg/s318/231850.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="318" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJPiHtjB07N1CyzrFx1MMI7S6o9ztg-xaJXLxzyWREtGXe0qBvDpnB78JkVjOwPuNiL7cSPiqcYv2bgc_TtwXSdRwuREZIM6BEwJHIu3y8oyd_Fynbkiy0bkjrsQfHb90oqvFMiuaAK8RXwP4Ipr2fwB-WEiacUr6tr-maQIezDsnAdTFiR99jdWatUg/w130-h115/231850.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>Mrs. Lennon introduced this little kindergartner to <i>Corduroy</i>. A book I adored and eventually read to my own children.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 6th grade, I was able to be an aide and help her and my love for the library deepened. I went on to be a library aide in junior high school.</div><div><br /></div><div>One year, a teacher complained to my mom that I was reading in class. I had finished all my assignments so I could read. But my teacher said that, to the other kids, it looked like I wasn't doing my work. My incredulous mother replied, "You have a child who wants to read and you want me to stop her? No. I won't do that. Just send her to the library."</div><div><br /></div><div>So off I went. To my favorite place in the whole school. And Mrs. Lennon welcomed me. And loved me. And let me read.</div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to be librarian from those magical experiences. That was always my career goal. I graduated from college with a degree in English and my university discontinued their MLIS program that same year, which was devastating. While, I looked into it elsewhere, the cost and necessary location move seemed out of reach at the time. So, I returned home, where I had a good job, and gave it up. I've considered over the years going back to school to get that MLIS though. Perhaps some day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Library science has changed so much since I knew Mrs. Lennon in the 1970s. But, the joy of reading and the joy of discovering the magic of a library will always be there for me. I like finding libraries when we travel.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODRqRxJI-f-GCyrSQ_wI5pjZXH2aZPb7blhcB7PWHPXpxYySNdye-3-j89JD_TsJvyjW9d8OzDedIuBFaEgG-uhXFmWjb5s17cDFmmrRsAffj0KDemRGl7M2xb9QvIHNu3-P3WRtXlzR0ApKxzZ7updaDMWjM3YjQDAB7ZMsLXPT7vkgxlXzJLvjG4A/s246/913304.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="184" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODRqRxJI-f-GCyrSQ_wI5pjZXH2aZPb7blhcB7PWHPXpxYySNdye-3-j89JD_TsJvyjW9d8OzDedIuBFaEgG-uhXFmWjb5s17cDFmmrRsAffj0KDemRGl7M2xb9QvIHNu3-P3WRtXlzR0ApKxzZ7updaDMWjM3YjQDAB7ZMsLXPT7vkgxlXzJLvjG4A/w105-h141/913304.jpg" width="105" /></a></div>When I was older, pre-driving age, I would ride my bicycle to our public library, often. I vividly remember the day I walked out of the children's section and into the adult section and found <i>Double Date</i> by Rosamond du Jardin.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still love the library and the ability to reserve a book online if I don't have time to wander the shelves.</div><div><br /></div><div>I often took our children to the library when they were little. We checked out so many books and read them and loved them. Each boy had his own library book bag and library card. We participated in their summer community programs. They would always get excited when it was time to go back. They too, knew the library was a magical place.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they learned very early in life that Mom might say no to toys and trinkets at the store, but she always said yes to getting a book. Much like their Grandma did for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>They both still enjoy reading. The Boy in particular. And we share thoughts about books and text each other when we've finished one. The Artist discovered audio books and graphic novels and those are his preferences for reading. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>I often wondered about Mrs. Lennon over the years and I finally looked for her. I discovered that she passed away this past January, and my heart broke. She was 91. I wish I had reached out earlier to tell her how much I loved her and what a profound influence she had on my life.</div><div><br /></div><div>What a life and legacy she left. And how grateful I am to have known her and felt her love and influence in my life. I am so very indebted to her for introducing me to the magical wonderful place that is a library.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-26384138804213321992023-04-01T06:00:00.002-06:002023-04-07T17:28:22.890-06:00Weekend Reflection 4/1<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1i1FEt8ukGrRVfAQ6ARiiqsMhh-svWMPPtXF_RjI285B-6IGfEEUZtb7HY1xNkYPSugprSCu9ti90PzUbDQ2X7Da19HD3WIaI5FATws7P93GMYeagpzkQ1CBoCIktwg0DWFuSySq2DohzMPJI8n804nDYn-0zXPrZDwcYrYyOAO9iS6aj2qjq8gCmQ/s835/mug%20and%20books.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1i1FEt8ukGrRVfAQ6ARiiqsMhh-svWMPPtXF_RjI285B-6IGfEEUZtb7HY1xNkYPSugprSCu9ti90PzUbDQ2X7Da19HD3WIaI5FATws7P93GMYeagpzkQ1CBoCIktwg0DWFuSySq2DohzMPJI8n804nDYn-0zXPrZDwcYrYyOAO9iS6aj2qjq8gCmQ/w176-h200/mug%20and%20books.jpg" title="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203013895694499724/" width="176" /></a> <b>Looking outside...</b>it's overcast and drizzly. I think Spring forgot she was supposed to be here now. I normally don't mind rainy weather, but I'm really missing sunshine. We got a little bit yesterday and it was wonderful.</p><div><div><span><b>Listening...</b>to Seether, <i>Nobody Praying for Me</i>. I love it when I find new songs because of my boys.</span></div><div><span><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><b>Loving...</b>that even though Spring is taking her time, I can still hear the birds singing. </span><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thinking...</b>that people need to get a grip. My boys could tell you about Michelangelo's David when they were in elementary school. It's art, not pornography. </span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span><b>In my kitchen...</b>We had Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms for dinner last night. So good. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>The Artist likes to try new recipes, so we are doing a version of Ratatouille this weekend. We did Jambalaya a while back and it was a hit.</span></div><div><span><br /></span><span><b>Wearing...</b>black pajamas, black sweater and slippers</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Hoping...</b>for some reading time. With the rain today, it's a cozy, inside day.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Reading...</b> Still working on <i>The Authenticity Project</i> by Claire Pooley. Haven't gotten as much reading in this week as I'd planned.</span></div><div><br /><b>Today...</b>is a new day. I like new days.</div><div><br /><div><b style="font-family: inherit;">Quoting... </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time Waits for Nobody</span></div><span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for nobody</span></div><span><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We all must plan our hopes together</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or we'll have no more future at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We might as well be deaf and dumb and blind</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that sounds unkind</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But it seems to me</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've not listened to</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or spoken about it at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fact that time was running out for us all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for no one</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've got to build this world together</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or we'll have no more future at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because time</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You don't need me to tell you what's gone wrong</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You know what's going on</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And it seems to me we've not cared enough</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or confided in each other at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It seems like we've all got our backs against the wall</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for no one</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've got to trust in one another</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or we'd have no more future at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because time</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for no one</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best to be friends with one another</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or we'd have no more future at all</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Time waits for nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For nobody, nobody, nobody</span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For no one.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Songwriters: Dave Clark / Guy Charles Clark / Marty Stewart</span></span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="color: black;"><b>Feeling...</b>what a week. Nashville has affected so many in different ways. </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">I just want to know why it's so hard for people to care about one another. Seriously? Why? </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">We have a culture problem. We have a culture that says, "Me. Me. Me. I'm the one who is important. I'm the one who matters. What I want matters and if you don't want the same things I do, then you're hateful."</span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">It comes from both sides of the fence. And no one is standing in the middle saying, "We've got to trust each other. We've got to talk. We can find middle ground on the things we both care about." </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">It's exhausting. It's tragic. It's extreme. And, it's not making our country, or our world a better place. </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div>Listen. Actually listen. You don't have to agree. But, you should be willing to listen and find those things you have in common and work towards a solution that helps everyone, not just you. Growth and progress only come with change.</div><div><br /></div><div>Elect people who will do this. From both parties.</div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span><b>Planning...</b>this next week. Always.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Gratitude...</b><span style="color: black;">for puzzles. For my husband who gave me the day off work yesterday. </span></span></div><div><span><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">From my world...</span>Some things are timeless. Freddie Mercury recorded <i>Time Waits for No One</i> in 1986. I think the lyrics are so very relative to today. And I love hearing him sing. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Listen. Think about what you can do to make this world better. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Be kind. Do good. Make a difference. Love is a verb.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LGjt291COa0" width="320" youtube-src-id="LGjt291COa0"></iframe></div><span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What about you? What are you reflecting on this week? How has your week gone?</b></span></div><div><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-26196588592249103802023-03-31T06:00:00.008-06:002023-04-07T17:27:13.950-06:00Пятница Ponderings: Parenting our Children<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA13fCE3ub-ewiCJz7aDBnBixoPqm6W4XNy4nWJYYwx5zUz-4dNLAG-dwLY3EN-8RloDpsx7F1_YT13A1miGB9uJ4Hf-vZMO603RPgywdbv5RuGkwsoeOrqNI2gOVRTEvVSp4_UqXIK06UB_Q1kC0tdcoUvDWJiTdXfwmqYmsQLvGYGeeCqJ6SnzPKw/s4323/aaron-burden-BFO5GRhzp48-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3246" data-original-width="4323" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrA13fCE3ub-ewiCJz7aDBnBixoPqm6W4XNy4nWJYYwx5zUz-4dNLAG-dwLY3EN-8RloDpsx7F1_YT13A1miGB9uJ4Hf-vZMO603RPgywdbv5RuGkwsoeOrqNI2gOVRTEvVSp4_UqXIK06UB_Q1kC0tdcoUvDWJiTdXfwmqYmsQLvGYGeeCqJ6SnzPKw/w274-h206/aaron-burden-BFO5GRhzp48-unsplash.jpg" title="https://unsplash.com/@aaronburden" width="274" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate </span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian</div><p></p><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">-------------------</b><br /><br /></div><div>It's interesting where your mind goes sometimes. I saw a post about some particular parenting style and it got me thinking about our parenting experiences.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our children are adults now. Only one still lives at home. It's different parenting adults than it is<br />children. But, I'm glad they still seem to need us. </div><div><br /></div><div>Over the years I have purchased parenting books. And never read them. I have seen so many articles about parenting styles. And I rarely paid much attention.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Doctor and I are both products of how we were parented. We all are. And it's up to us to make the conscious choice to parent the same way we were or change the pattern.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we had children, like most people, we talked about how we wanted to raise them. And what it came down to, was Love. It was important that our children knew that they were loved. That was it. </div><div><br /></div><div>No matter what, we wanted them to know that we loved them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because of his childhood, it was very important to The Doctor that anger and raised voices and yelling were not a part of our home life. And we achieved that. I can count on one hand, the times I actually yelled in anger. And each time, because it was an anomaly, the boys were shocked almost into submission! But getting angry never solves anything, so we didn't do it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Boy asked one time if we ever spanked them. We said, on occasion, until they were able to understand us and reason. But it was rare, it was more of a tap and distraction and neither one of them even remembered it happening. Hitting kids serves even less purpose than yelling. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead, we talked to them. As soon as they were old enough to communicate, we asked a lot of questions when they misbehaved. The reason behind their actions. I still remember The Artist drawing on the wall. And instead of getting angry that he did it, The Doctor asked him why he did it. The reply? "I ran out of paper." It became a teaching moment, rather than an anger moment. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Doctor is especially good at turning things into teaching moments. Still. I am in awe of him as a father. </div><div><br /></div><div>We were never afraid to be firm with them. They spent time thinking about actions. They lost privileges. But always, always, after one of them got into trouble, we followed through with love. Those teaching moments come from love and the time taken to talk about what happened.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they were little he and the boys would have Snuggle Nights, where they would camp out in the living room. They watched movies and talked. And they knew they were loved. </div><div><br /></div><div>The boys learned to ask questions. They learned to express themselves and advocate for themselves. They learned that we would talk honestly with them about anything. </div><div><br /></div><div>We had so many amazing conversations. We still do. </div><div><br /></div><div>We also said, "Yes" as often as we could. It is often so instinctive to automatically say, "No", when a child asks for something. So, we said, "Yes" as often as we could. Because, then, when we said, "No", they knew there was a reason. So we went to parks and zoos, and played with Play-doh and played water balloons and did things even if I was tired or busy, because saying, "Yes" really isn't that difficult. Even the snake exhibit at the library. Still proud I managed that one, because I am deathly afraid of snakes. But it was important to them and not, ideal, but it was also not difficult to say, "Yes". And they knew that they were loved. </div><div><br /></div><div>Are we perfect? No. Have I apologized to my children for a reaction or saying something without thinking first? Absolutely. Are they perfect? No, but I think they're both pretty darn amazing. Will they have things they need therapy for? Probably. But I'd like to think they're resilient enough to deal with it. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Boy and the Artist love each other. Big brother may have had some fights, over the years, defending his little brother. But, they look out for each other and support and encourage each other. Even now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do they know they're loved? Yes, they do. And I believe they would tell you that. We say and text, "I love you" often and we give lots of hugs. We always have. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Boy doesn't live at home anymore, but he's still nearby. And we text. It's so fun when he shares things. The book he just read. The recipe he and his girlfriend made. I do the same and I know he texts with his Dad and brother. </div><div><br /></div><div>We don't wait for him to text or check in, and neither does he. We just share bits of our lives with each other. And conversations and texts with the Artist who still lives at home, but is in school, works, and has a social life. </div><div><br /></div><div>It happens because they know they're loved.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love is a verb. Kindness is important, especially in families. Love your children first. Talk with them, not at them. </div><div><br /></div><div>Our children are not us. Let them be them. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-2905313998600082023-03-28T15:47:00.000-06:002023-04-07T17:33:03.409-06:00Lasagna...Keto<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx2O0u6FHCbQqxqwXkHegP_s6gndia2xCb0iSJOUDuvG3_DpCHUux_LnPTfKrgsC6biN6Xu0cP8URz3-JThiy4OFWO0PqrKSlMKrgm7xDmkhBZl8WQSKtPSmaikO4WwR86-nhpWOAx4CziP4Nq7gCjV0ogpjmupahWk9oJ_ZrcSs5oVXbYLe4-Yea/s2471/keto%20lasagna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2142" data-original-width="2471" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUx2O0u6FHCbQqxqwXkHegP_s6gndia2xCb0iSJOUDuvG3_DpCHUux_LnPTfKrgsC6biN6Xu0cP8URz3-JThiy4OFWO0PqrKSlMKrgm7xDmkhBZl8WQSKtPSmaikO4WwR86-nhpWOAx4CziP4Nq7gCjV0ogpjmupahWk9oJ_ZrcSs5oVXbYLe4-Yea/w447-h387/keto%20lasagna.jpg" width="447" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="hrecipe">
Ingredients</div><div class="hrecipe"><br /></div><div class="hrecipe">Noodles<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 large eggs </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">4 oz cream cheese, softened </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 tsp Italian seasoning </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 tsp garlic powder</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount"><div>1/4 tsp onion powder</div><div><br /></div></span></li></ul><div>Sauce</div><ul><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 lb</span>
<span class="name">ground beef</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 lb</span>
<span class="name">bulk Italian sausage</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 clove</span>
<span class="name">garlic, minced</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 T</span>
<span class="name">basil</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 can (14 oz)</span>
<span class="name">stewed tomatoes</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cans</span>
<span class="name">tomato paste</span></li></ul><div>Filling</div><ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span> <span class="name">mozzarella cheese, grated</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">1 cups cottage cheese</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 </span>
<span class="name">eggs, beaten</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 T</span>
<span class="name">dried parsley</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">Parmesan cheese, grated</span></li>
</ul><div><br /></div>
Cooking Directions</div><div class="hrecipe"><br /></div><div class="hrecipe">Noodles<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">Cream together the cream cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese and seasonings. </li><li class="instruction">Mix until well combined.</li><li class="instruction">Fold in mozzarella and mix well.</li><li class="instruction">Spread the mixture into a greased, parchment-lined 9x13 pan.</li><li class="instruction">Bake at 375° for 20 to 25 minutes. </li><li class="instruction">Cool, cut into thirds.</li></ol><div>Sauce</div><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">
Brown beef and sausage together. Drain. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Add garlic and basil. Stir. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Add tomatoes and tomato paste. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix together and simmer for 15-20 minutes.</li></ol><div>Filling</div><ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
In a bowl, blend together cottage cheese, eggs, parsley, and parmesan cheese.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Layer everything in a 9x6 loaf pan. (Sauce, noodle, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, etc.) </li><li class="instruction">You'll have three layers.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake at 350° for about 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.</li>
</ol>
</div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Holly's Notes:</i></div><div><i>I found the noodle recipe at <a href="https://peaceloveandlowcarb.com/just-like-the-real-thing-lasagna#tasty-recipes-12196-jump-target">Peace, Love and Low Carb</a>. The Doctor has missed lasagna and I was thrilled to find this recipe for noodles. So, I used this recipe for the noodles and the meat sauce from my Best-Ever Lasagna.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>This super easy and very rich. But, oh my goodness, it has gone over well at our house.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>If you have extra sauce, it freezes well.</i></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-4483058686326457552023-03-25T09:25:00.001-06:002023-04-07T17:25:28.308-06:00Weekend Reflection 3/25<p style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGR_YHYwW478LjkYftR3kQjElbuo7irR7FYBCLMAZjgbrAYwidNp2Rl489ldOoIcb_A3Hgd7shLp3VPpdkBn1hmCHgbO2NFp6tDkxJgnxZukapr-96wrufsLTPVjWhlo1Fnn1g02fehKAoDMT-tBF1GOWSt9Bz6rlL90AB1mgUFqryos4aZVNY6ol2A/s835/mug%20and%20books.jpg" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGR_YHYwW478LjkYftR3kQjElbuo7irR7FYBCLMAZjgbrAYwidNp2Rl489ldOoIcb_A3Hgd7shLp3VPpdkBn1hmCHgbO2NFp6tDkxJgnxZukapr-96wrufsLTPVjWhlo1Fnn1g02fehKAoDMT-tBF1GOWSt9Bz6rlL90AB1mgUFqryos4aZVNY6ol2A/w176-h200/mug%20and%20books.jpg" width="176" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;"> <b style="text-align: left;">Looking outside...</b><span style="text-align: left;">it's overcast and cloudy, but I can see blue sky. Spring in Idaho is always a tetchy thing. It always takes a long time to decide it actually wants to stick around. </span></div><p></p><div><div><span><b>Listening...</b>to <i>Without You</i> by Mötley Crüe. It's in my playlist. Despite being Gen X, I don't love heavy metal as a whole, but there are some individual songs that I really like.</span></div><div><span><br /></span><span style="color: black;"><b>Loving...</b>that our weekend isn't planned and we have no obligations. After peopling all week, it's become important to me to find peace where I can.</span><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thinking...</b>that I haven't done a Weekend Reflection in about 3 1/2 years. Probably because the last three years have left me weary and exhausted. It's time to get back into writing. I've done some updating on the blog and restarted some recurring posts. </span></span><br /><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span><b>In my kitchen...</b>grilling steak and chicken. Last night we did take-out and I have leftover salmon for breakfast this morning. So yummy.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Curbside pick-up is one of good things that came out of a pandemic. I hope it never goes away. No crowds, no people, less noise.</span></div><div><span><br /></span><span><b>Wearing...</b>red/black pajamas and black sweater with slippers. It's Saturday. Don't judge me! </span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Hoping...</b>for some reading time.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Reading...</b><i>The Authenticity Project</i> by Claire Pooley. Book number 6 for this year! </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I read no books in 2021. I tried. I tried so hard to read. But the last three years have been stressful, 2021 in particular. Working in healthcare during a pandemic has been exhausting. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>I read 4 books in 2022. Including <i><a href="http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/2022/10/remarkably-bright-creaturesbookreview.html">Remarkably Bright Creatures</a></i> by Shelby Van Pelt. So, so good. Read it. It's awesome.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This year though, I decided to do the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/challenges/11633-2023-reading-challenge">Goodreads Challenge</a>. I chose 24 books, because that is two per month. I've read 5, so I'm on track. It's been good to get back into it.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Not reading has not stopped me from purchasing books, though. And, with few exceptions, all books purchased in our home the last two years are from indie bookstores. Yay me!<br /><br /><b>Today...</b>is a new day. I like new days.</div><div><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Quoting... </b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIAxYMSPuuNrxFzjdh-WnVLYvXHJDEDzxvAcVl6l-o8Cbnitx0mJhvcdRp1ht3q7MSExGDLZajF_RYtD_jxZVbTpNDCDBFnVGpXATfvrjakFBCYFat5p_I4Zxf1LL_-mSoEFKj46_zsG1GzS7C_vGN1F94ah3wH0oS5jkZbZ4vkenJ_-KvcvMKWsLow/s1080/276135019_10158400710401604_8545326331695750474_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKIAxYMSPuuNrxFzjdh-WnVLYvXHJDEDzxvAcVl6l-o8Cbnitx0mJhvcdRp1ht3q7MSExGDLZajF_RYtD_jxZVbTpNDCDBFnVGpXATfvrjakFBCYFat5p_I4Zxf1LL_-mSoEFKj46_zsG1GzS7C_vGN1F94ah3wH0oS5jkZbZ4vkenJ_-KvcvMKWsLow/s320/276135019_10158400710401604_8545326331695750474_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Source: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tinybuddha/photos/a.10151314980076604/10158400710416604/">Tiny Buddha</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><span style="color: black;"><b>Feeling...</b>weary. We still mask in our office because it's a medical facility and while most of our patients are respectful, some aren't. But it has protected us and our patients for three years. </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">But this world right now? We have too much war, illness, drama, politics, anger, and dissention in our world right now.</span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">Our personal spheres of influence are the most important. We left our high-demand religion about 4 years ago as a family. Although it's been one of the hardest transitions I've ever made, I have seen my heart become softer and I find myself much more accepting and less judgmental. </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: black;">And these last two years especially, I have come to realize that I can't influence the world. I can't change things politically, globally or on any big scale. But, I can affect my sphere of influence. My little bubble. And my mantra has become, "Be kind. Love is a verb." If you've read anything I've written here, you know. I want every patient who walks into our office to know they matter. I want my boys' friends who come into our home to know they matter. And I want to believe in ripples. That what one does, affects another. I think the world needs more kindness.</span></div><div><span style="color: black;"></span><b><br /></b><span style="color: black;">So, I am tired of rhetoric and cruelty that hides behind keyboards. </span></div><div><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span><b>Planning...</b>this next week. We had off Thursday and Friday because The Doctor had jury duty. So it is a nice long weekend for me.</span><br /><span><br /></span><span><b>Gratitude...</b><span style="color: black;">for kind people. For take-out. For sunshine.</span></span><br /><span><br /></span><span><span style="font-weight: bold;">From my world...</span>I started doing puzzles in 2020. I have a puzzle table and sorting trays. I like to sit and do puzzles to calm and distract me. I share some of my puzzles here on the blog as well as on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/2kidsandtiredpuzzles/">Instagram</a>.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This one is by Cobble Hill. </span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Puppies make me happy.</span><br /><span><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJzjRN_wL6uj5IIv_40UGxFZJoCwbJb2LedIzVReRVTjtYiEhC7KRUeW92wKVyVevbFuokPm_v2Ty1Oo4CHHTMx9tZatIP2UbvNm3Sx4ucg1TMPFTO7aHtqi6oT37R8EhgK2bFyES74GYKbPr1olddeoub5_tPZ9J5Tv9REW6EV_67O3ZP9XHZrEk8mQ=s2014" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="2014" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJzjRN_wL6uj5IIv_40UGxFZJoCwbJb2LedIzVReRVTjtYiEhC7KRUeW92wKVyVevbFuokPm_v2Ty1Oo4CHHTMx9tZatIP2UbvNm3Sx4ucg1TMPFTO7aHtqi6oT37R8EhgK2bFyES74GYKbPr1olddeoub5_tPZ9J5Tv9REW6EV_67O3ZP9XHZrEk8mQ=w424-h307" width="424" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What about you? What are you reflecting on this week? How has your week gone?</b></span></div></div></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-23721415112756437392023-02-15T06:00:00.000-07:002023-04-07T17:30:48.647-06:00Blueberry Cheesecake...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL8fZQFBC1aKqZnnPQiesWjnHhD18B4PSUKv67o4vVTqJ0V8NuqF1PPPsstT13gdj9IpZ4reltXdpCMwwBplmLnO2yJPRTCZtfmXIw9dI7_l2AuVEV5DJ-kcSLhNh76S4mZVOz-gqKs0mqPyLuTu-5yQVTvas1lLTLtYoeJZLsfkPrV5NN90RVcXG/s3357/blueberry%20cheesecake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="3357" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJL8fZQFBC1aKqZnnPQiesWjnHhD18B4PSUKv67o4vVTqJ0V8NuqF1PPPsstT13gdj9IpZ4reltXdpCMwwBplmLnO2yJPRTCZtfmXIw9dI7_l2AuVEV5DJ-kcSLhNh76S4mZVOz-gqKs0mqPyLuTu-5yQVTvas1lLTLtYoeJZLsfkPrV5NN90RVcXG/w384-h316/blueberry%20cheesecake.jpg" width="384" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ingredients<div class="hrecipe"><br /></div><div class="hrecipe">Topping<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 cups fresh blueberries, divided </span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/3 cup Allulose</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/4 cup water</span></li><li class="ingredient">2 t. lemon zest or 1/4 t. lemon juice</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 t. Xanthan gum</li></ul><div>Crust</div><ul><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 1/4 cup almond flour</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup chopped pecans</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup powdered Swerve sweetener</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 t. salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">1/4 cup butter, melted</li></ul><div>Filling</div><ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">12 oz cream cheese, softened</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">3/4 cup </span>powdered Swerve sweetener</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">3/4 t. vanilla</li>
</ul><div><br /></div>
Cooking Directions</div><div class="hrecipe"><br /></div><div class="hrecipe"><br /></div><div class="hrecipe">Topping<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">Keep out a handful of the blueberries and combine the rest with the sweetener and water in a saucepan over medium heat.</li><li class="instruction">Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer about 7 minutes. </li><li class="instruction">Remove from heat and stir in remaining berries, lemon zest and Xanthan gum.</li><li class="instruction">Stir to combine and set aside. </li></ol><div>Crust</div><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">In a bowl, mix together the almond flour, pecans sweetener and salt.</li><li class="instruction">Stir in the melted butter until it clumps.</li><li class="instruction">Press the crust firmly in a 9x9 in pan or pie pan.</li><li class="instruction">Bale about 15 minutes at 325°. </li><li class="instruction">Remove and let cool.</li></ol><div>Filling</div><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">Mix the cream cheese and sweetener until well combined.</li><li class="instruction">Add in 1/4 cup whipping cream.</li><li class="instruction">In a different bowl, beat the remaining whipping cream with vanilla until it has stiff peaks.</li><li class="instruction">Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.</li><li class="instruction">Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.</li><li class="instruction">Pour the blueberry topping over the filling.</li><li class="instruction">Refrigerate to set.</li></ol><div><i>Holly's Note:</i></div><div><i>A dear friend served this for dinner one night and we loved it. The original recipe came from <a href="https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/keto-blueberry-jamboree/">All Day I Dream About Food</a>. I have also halved it and served it in a loaf pan. It is absolutely divine.</i></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-82469873558400972572023-01-06T06:00:00.003-07:002023-04-07T17:22:01.974-06:00Пятница Ponderings: Word of the Year<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTIkK3n-N3U0izMO1g7kibWnfCKxSCOGuzD9EZpoIKsKOXXRTyYZH9XrDy1rdF4TC7FIjZPrm93hK81qju8M-OODR-XQdHeOYk4yUl9cl3N93VxcAl7HFdqUUZRZ5flGz-cDi3zxDzjsJxeUNVugkRfDv2Up_1xRnxfdD8j6tz21hUdNNxYoL2HDNQ/s5184/angelina-litvin-K3uOmmlQmOo-unsplash.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cTIkK3n-N3U0izMO1g7kibWnfCKxSCOGuzD9EZpoIKsKOXXRTyYZH9XrDy1rdF4TC7FIjZPrm93hK81qju8M-OODR-XQdHeOYk4yUl9cl3N93VxcAl7HFdqUUZRZ5flGz-cDi3zxDzjsJxeUNVugkRfDv2Up_1xRnxfdD8j6tz21hUdNNxYoL2HDNQ/w248-h165/angelina-litvin-K3uOmmlQmOo-unsplash.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>Ponder: to consider something deeply and thoroughly; meditate <br />Пятница (PYAHT-nee-tsuh): Friday in Russian<p></p><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";">-------------------</b></div><div><b style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></b></div><div>Choosing your word of the year. Good for growth or a trendy bandwagon?</div><div><br /></div><div>I've never really chosen a word to represent me or to focus on. I'm not opposed to it, by any means. Anything that facilitates healing and personal growth is a good thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just like I don't make official goals or resolutions each year, but I attempt to continue on my journey of healing and growth.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have seen many posts throughout social media about the word of the year though. How to choose it, what a person's word is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For some, I see it as a way to get attention. " Look at me. I'm an influencer. Here's my expensive necklace or vinyl lettering of my word for the year."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yeah, I tend to scroll past those posts. Can't relate, but I can see their need for significance. I hope they somehow find it and that their word does mean something to them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I pause at the posts which are honestly reflective. Where the person has shared their word and why. I am often enlightened and touched by those posts. And truly, most people who share their word or their decision-making process are reflective. Their journey is important and the word they choose is important.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div>The last few years my focus has been on authenticity. I don't have the word posted somewhere. I don't wear it on a chain. But it's there. </div><div><br /></div><div>I grew up in a high demand religion. A religion that dictated how I lived, how I dressed, what I didn't eat or drink. How to think. </div><div><br /></div><div>High demand religions don't allow people their own voices. They don't allow you to be yourself and discover your own wants/needs/personality. They make you believe you have the ability to choose your life for yourself, but you really don't. </div><div><br /></div><div>And I realized a few years ago that I wanted more. So, I have been on a journey to discover who I am and what I want and how I think and what I believe. It's a process and I keep finding more layers to uncover and examine. It's one of the hardest things I've ever done.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, in doing this work, I've discovered that I value kindness above anything else. I often say that love is verb, but I truly believe it is. I have found that I am kinder and less judgmental now. I have come to learn that all of us have a divine sense, that the fact that we exist makes us remarkable. I believe that people are inherently good and I wish they could all see that for themselves. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am becoming me. I am learning who I am at my core. Not who someone else expects me to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I want this life that I lead, right now, to be the best one possible and if I can, one that does the most good to make this world a better place. And it definitely is a process of ups and downs and layers. And growth and regression and progress and mistakes. </div><div><br /></div><div>But it is mine.</div><div><br /></div><div>So my word? </div><div><br /></div><div>Authentic. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am striving to be authentic in my life and my story and I hope to be able to allow other people authenticity in theirs. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What about you? </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-8250891815658922072022-12-21T06:00:00.001-07:002022-12-21T06:00:00.173-07:00Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6pDckMlWDDVQKkZwvrKV76JBjRYWk7Tv1AqheLXFEUMW_KTrRyYKBnf5f_0ZkCXApZ3dXvOyON1vgTma5TTb5ts-OSge5oa3cWzKpVixt0fJtPJ_i443u1-vp6jm9Uu98nFxcOpAW-o36JsRx62UmUyuHV0PCQOv9Ublckc32qLokc2SlxSCXWEz/s2852/stuffed%20mushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2330" data-original-width="2852" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6pDckMlWDDVQKkZwvrKV76JBjRYWk7Tv1AqheLXFEUMW_KTrRyYKBnf5f_0ZkCXApZ3dXvOyON1vgTma5TTb5ts-OSge5oa3cWzKpVixt0fJtPJ_i443u1-vp6jm9Uu98nFxcOpAW-o36JsRx62UmUyuHV0PCQOv9Ublckc32qLokc2SlxSCXWEz/w414-h337/stuffed%20mushrooms.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ingredients<div class="hrecipe">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">16 oz mushrooms, stems removed</span></li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">16 oz ground sausage</span></li><li class="ingredient">4 oz shredded cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredient">4 oz cream cheese</li><li class="ingredient">1 egg</li><li class="ingredient">1/2 t. salt</li><li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 t. sage</span></li></ul><ul>
</ul><div><br /></div>
Cooking Directions</div><div class="hrecipe"><ol class="instructions"><li class="instruction">Place the mushroom caps on a rimmed baking sheet.</li><li class="instruction">Combine the filling ingredients and spoon some onto each mushroom</li><li class="instruction">Bake at 400 for about 25 minutes or until done.</li></ol><div><i>Holly's Note:</i></div><div><i>I adore mushrooms. The original recipe came from <a href="https://joyfilledeats.com/keto-sausage-stuffed-mushrooms/">Joy Filled Eats</a>. I made some adjustments to flavors and I actually make these on 4 Portobello mushrooms, instead of the small caps. They make 4 nice "burgers". The caps make a great appetizer.</i></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-23286263917797562082021-08-25T11:15:00.001-06:002021-08-25T11:15:46.390-06:00French Onion Meatballs<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaR-FtTRGl9UkeuGzIAjZafR5SfMMGyF7jOnwLokbrWZPGCVacYnVQ5Oh0XmXF-YplA_kRVSMkGoTAuEaxj9m68yu8yfaye_KuOqXDvr03sXKGMaSbP1JYk2Ta70kAtJNPm7JND-9oY/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="283" data-original-width="356" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLZaR-FtTRGl9UkeuGzIAjZafR5SfMMGyF7jOnwLokbrWZPGCVacYnVQ5Oh0XmXF-YplA_kRVSMkGoTAuEaxj9m68yu8yfaye_KuOqXDvr03sXKGMaSbP1JYk2Ta70kAtJNPm7JND-9oY/w414-h329/french+onion+meatballs+pic.jpg" width="414" /></a></div><br /></div>
Ingredients<div><br /></div><div>Meatballs<br /><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>1 pound ground pork or beef</li><li>½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese </li><li>⅓ cup pork rind crumbs (I left these out)</li><li>1 T. fresh parsley chopped </li><li>1 T. fresh sage chopped </li><li>1 egg </li><li>1 t. minced garlic </li><li>1 t. onion powder </li><li>salt and pepper to taste </li></ul><div>Sauce</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>2 medium onions</li><li>2 ounces butter </li><li>1 can (14.5 oz) beef stock </li><li>1 t. minced garlic</li></ul><div>Topping</div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>½ cup shredded mozzarella</li><li>1 T fresh parsley, chopped (optional)</li></ul></div><div><p>Cooking Directions</p><ol class="instructions"><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Preheat oven to 425.</li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Thoroughly mix together meatball ingredients.</li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Line a large baking tray with parchment paper and shape meatballs. I use one of my cookie scoops and get about 20 golf ball sized meatballs. </li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Bake for 18 minutes. </li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">While the meatballs cook, place the butter into a large, deep sided pan.
Thinly slice your onions and cook them over med-high heat until they are caramelized. Personal preference as to how long that is or how caramelized.</li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Add the beef stock and the garlic, salt and pepper and simmer until the sauce is reduced and thickened. </li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Nestle the meatballs into the sauce and top with the extra mozzarella cheese.
You can either broil the pan until the cheese melts or place a lid on it on the stovetop and cook on low until the cheese melts. </li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Serve garnished with chopped parsley.</li><li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Serves 4 (well, 3 at our house...)</li></ol><div><br /></div><div><i>Holly's Note:</i></div><div><i>I found the original recipe at <a href="https://www.sugarfreemom.com/recipes/low-carb-french-onion-meatballs-gluten-free-keto/">Sugar-Free Mom</a> via a friend on Facebook. This is delicious and so, so easy. I never have fresh herbs on hand, so I just used dried sage and a homemade all-purpose seasoning. I also left the pork rinds out. I thought the meatballs held their shape just fine. I also cooked the meatballs for about 18 minutes in my oven. The first time I made this, I followed the recipe and cooked them for 30 minutes, but that was too long.</i></div><p><i>I have both broiled the cheese and just let it melt on the stove top and I prefer it broiled.</i></p><p><i>These were a hit.</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmSlSWRjzQnIVtgLzgZSvj0-bmRRtACKNpdyW2OtB0UDrQ8GhjRUDheG_kCBSl5gIpoTfgDjykC5Is4lb-srBNEaQ_p_DWUraDrCmhVyEDBHxJTcZEiBnAxycw9rek17Q1oQWv50oKlk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="194" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmSlSWRjzQnIVtgLzgZSvj0-bmRRtACKNpdyW2OtB0UDrQ8GhjRUDheG_kCBSl5gIpoTfgDjykC5Is4lb-srBNEaQ_p_DWUraDrCmhVyEDBHxJTcZEiBnAxycw9rek17Q1oQWv50oKlk/w171-h611/french+onion+meatballs+nutrition.jpg" width="171" /></a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-40489226316844526012019-10-06T16:33:00.001-06:002019-10-06T16:33:53.737-06:00Pizza Chips...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaImTf2K3s12MYO093Mh26Xv_8bCBrP6sq01PjgAff5vhHOqVb-HpTwuHK_f1pv0OcTQoKqc1jwNXrg7I8VTdVi4xJ-TOjP2kmWvVYjvFqfyx_cFy5Fgalw6iUOs1evxgtr8eALf6PLOo/s1600/FOTO_20191006_155731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1307" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaImTf2K3s12MYO093Mh26Xv_8bCBrP6sq01PjgAff5vhHOqVb-HpTwuHK_f1pv0OcTQoKqc1jwNXrg7I8VTdVi4xJ-TOjP2kmWvVYjvFqfyx_cFy5Fgalw6iUOs1evxgtr8eALf6PLOo/s400/FOTO_20191006_155731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 t. dried basil</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 t. dried oregano</li>
<li class="ingredient">1 t. garlic powder</li>
<li class="ingredient">⅓ cup mini pepperoni slices</li>
<li class="ingredient">Salt and pepper to taste</li>
<li class="ingredient">Marinara sauce, optional</li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Preheat oven to 350.</li>
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine mozzarella cheese, basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.</li>
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Spoon cheese mixture into a greased mini muffin tin. Top with pepperoni.</li>
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Bake for 5-8 minutes or until cheese is melted and edges are slightly brown.</li>
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Cool for 10 minutes.</li>
<li class="xs-mb2" style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-increment: step-counter 1; margin: 0px 0px 1rem; padding: 0px;">Serve with marinara sauce, if desired.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Serves 6<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuXvEuZlwn9YlVOa_iC4RHDeN8i5B-wBpBjRF8tSOVL7GoSyGxaSkaibzelctHiWxCtauLgrj0BoOCTJr4eLNfQI27NdY9Unc2GtMUQkqkKwH26dmrY2rsdGAaQSa2xqbXlDFZMbbKHg/s1600/FOTO_20191006_161629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="492" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSuXvEuZlwn9YlVOa_iC4RHDeN8i5B-wBpBjRF8tSOVL7GoSyGxaSkaibzelctHiWxCtauLgrj0BoOCTJr4eLNfQI27NdY9Unc2GtMUQkqkKwH26dmrY2rsdGAaQSa2xqbXlDFZMbbKHg/s400/FOTO_20191006_161629.jpg" width="146" /></a></div>
<i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<i>I found this recipe at <a href="https://tasty.co/recipe/pizza-chips">Tasty</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Sometimes you just want a snack and this one is very moreish. We eat them as is, so the nutrition facts don't include the marinara sauce. Obviously the carbs are higher with the sauce.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-14193911268931173232018-03-11T11:09:00.000-06:002018-03-11T11:09:58.997-06:00Toffee Bars<a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AWO7r8iCkBaLZGNubjZjZHhfMTAyZ2o1Ymd3ZGo&hl=en"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Printable Recipe</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxYHbNs3lo9B7DWKp6WfvYIK1n1gGuOTA2oIm5G-e9SYxgRp_THupGVbTLEZLX-WOr_Kq9lMaIVfPD0_4Nv64ZRbJtkxev83WCxseI0VL0perLSRjMAat1sx_Gf0sHXAw_Bp1tKaPKrw/s1600/toffeebars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqxYHbNs3lo9B7DWKp6WfvYIK1n1gGuOTA2oIm5G-e9SYxgRp_THupGVbTLEZLX-WOr_Kq9lMaIVfPD0_4Nv64ZRbJtkxev83WCxseI0VL0perLSRjMAat1sx_Gf0sHXAw_Bp1tKaPKrw/s400/toffeebars1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
1 cup butter<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1 egg yolk<br />
1 t. vanilla<br />
2 c. flour<br />
1/4 t. salt<br />
1/2 lb chocolate bar (You want at least 8 oz of chocolate.)<br />
<br />
Mix all ingredients then spread on 9 x 13 greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. While hot frost with giant chocolate bar. To do this: simply break the chocolate bar apart and set the pieces all over the toffee. It will melt in about 2 minutes! Spread it and voila! Chocolate frosting. Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired, and cut into bars while still warm.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaYw77JXQCaW8nw_9OAbxtBOQCaLRdjAUwv3kPqKxyEh2SBN2yF0VjIaSUKQnwdZhrBaouXF48a5_wLahW8LFqV-YYFZ4QRPQHTmgn8A00GJdlUBugWmXFSRoqxwh-P_fTjdbaqNJvv4/s1600/toffeebars2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjaYw77JXQCaW8nw_9OAbxtBOQCaLRdjAUwv3kPqKxyEh2SBN2yF0VjIaSUKQnwdZhrBaouXF48a5_wLahW8LFqV-YYFZ4QRPQHTmgn8A00GJdlUBugWmXFSRoqxwh-P_fTjdbaqNJvv4/s400/toffeebars2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="alignleft">
<script type="text/javascript">
amzn_assoc_ad_type = 'banner';
amzn_assoc_tracking_id = '2kidandtirboo-20';
amzn_assoc_marketplace = 'amazon';
amzn_assoc_region = 'US';
amzn_assoc_placement = 'assoc_banner_placement_default';
amzn_assoc_linkid = '2AR6PRJVGBWLAOZ5';
amzn_assoc_campaigns = 'primeent';
amzn_assoc_p = '26';
amzn_assoc_banner_type = 'category';
amzn_assoc_isresponsive = 'false';
amzn_assoc_banner_id = '0Z17THSPYXCS0FZB7YR2';
amzn_assoc_width = '460';
amzn_assoc_height = '60';
</script>
<script src="//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&Operation=GetScript&ID=OneJS&WS=1"></script>
</div>
<i>Holly's Note: </i><br />
<i>My mom used to make these, but only when she needed to take a dessert or treat to a meeting or event. We'd get a taste and then they were gone, for other people to enjoy. When I grew up and had my own kitchen, I started making them. Just because I could. My boys love them. They don't last very long at our house, but they are absolutely delicious.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hershey's stopped making their giant bars of chocolate. Bastards. Now, they're 7 oz. Cheapskates. So, I usually get one of the 7 oz bars and a smaller one, to make it about 10 oz. I've used chocolate chips and they're fine too. Just use milk chocolate and not semi-sweet. I'm usually not that particular, but this is just better with milk chocolate.</i><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-87782767381855845532017-03-20T06:00:00.000-06:002017-03-20T06:00:08.454-06:00Shredded BBQ Pork...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJ0i3GfQEfCLVV1DcLCyGYSxyIcBTojBb_cOtMgi031XojbQdY-a4ghf9AUW3jdfHGoS2FZklHwi1SmpfS-S89tdvKKjV7yW-ldXL85zbSb388zse9EPfMsX6Z07-8_dzAQ-a_iGL9Uk/s1600/shredded+bbq+pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJ0i3GfQEfCLVV1DcLCyGYSxyIcBTojBb_cOtMgi031XojbQdY-a4ghf9AUW3jdfHGoS2FZklHwi1SmpfS-S89tdvKKjV7yW-ldXL85zbSb388zse9EPfMsX6Z07-8_dzAQ-a_iGL9Uk/s400/shredded+bbq+pork.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2.5 lbs</span>
<span class="name">pork loin</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cups</span> <a href="http://www.ghughessugarfree.com/#product">G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce</a></li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Put the pork in the crock pot.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Season with salt and pepper.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Cook on low for about 6 hours.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Shred pork loin and put it back into the crock pot.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix the bbq sauce with the shredded pork.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Cook for about 3 more hours.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Serve over salad or wrap it in a low-carb tortilla.
</li>
</ol>
</div>
Serves 4<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohWwMhI26TVbUIYKGgCgzsstbPMF2Bl5xOH_C-ymdWTcLhSMs2fa-b4SQmvGTmARhm5I7A3o-jY55nbO8xB_XQYtOWuKeb8DqDH7wqrcCELpTbUHySMMpH7oqqTOn5isanfrmcoTrppk/s1600/shredded+bbq+pork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohWwMhI26TVbUIYKGgCgzsstbPMF2Bl5xOH_C-ymdWTcLhSMs2fa-b4SQmvGTmARhm5I7A3o-jY55nbO8xB_XQYtOWuKeb8DqDH7wqrcCELpTbUHySMMpH7oqqTOn5isanfrmcoTrppk/s1600/shredded+bbq+pork.jpg" /></a><i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<i>I found some pork on sale at Winco and since BBQ was sounding good, I figured I'd give this a go. </i><br />
<br />
<i>So, so, so good. We love the <a href="http://www.ghughessugarfree.com/#product">G Hughes Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce</a>. It's amazing. The Hickory flavor is our favorite. I find mine at Albertsons, here in Idaho.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The Doctor prefers to eat his shredded pork on a salad. I like to wrap mine in a low carb tortilla. Before Keto, I would eat mine on a toasted bun.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The carbs are a bit higher, but The Doctor simply adjusts what he eats the rest of the day to allow for them.</i><br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-29660677263652798262017-03-17T15:37:00.001-06:002017-03-17T15:37:50.888-06:00Ham and Egg Cups...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLhzCcaKdEVnQN5MQ8YFThF34UR374l33mybRMoRhtQFbILrWiIOma5hlcgjxzOJ2TFe2F0WTOb-VzsjaQAPzYiRT8b5pBrZMi1kyliB_MvBXUo9pdAH5fa3mhrJ-z8idtA_e091u0Js/s1600/ham+and+egg+cups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeLhzCcaKdEVnQN5MQ8YFThF34UR374l33mybRMoRhtQFbILrWiIOma5hlcgjxzOJ2TFe2F0WTOb-VzsjaQAPzYiRT8b5pBrZMi1kyliB_MvBXUo9pdAH5fa3mhrJ-z8idtA_e091u0Js/s320/ham+and+egg+cups.jpg" width="295" /></a></div>
Ingredients<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">12 slices</span>
<span class="name">deli ham</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">10</span>
<span class="name">eggs</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">cream or half and half</span></li>
<li class="ingredient">6 T real bacon pieces</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">shredded Colby Jack cheese</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">2 T diced onion</span></li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Whisk the eggs and milk together.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Line a greased muffin pan with a slice of ham in each spot.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Place some bacon pieces and onion in each ham cup.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Sprinkle cheese over the bacon pieces.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Pour the egg/milk mixture into each ham cup.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Baker at 350 for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Makes 12 ham cups.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl55gGO2odghWoBOBGG2HeufwsqP_n665z1JQ3Ed9Yjt_h9W6bC1Wy4u3RM-En6sHL8hYHr_ZbOE9BeEq8fQ9BeWYF9z2HvV5hSvmpvUCU1Qd2bGAn23EPhiG5aDcwkBEcMLNKdi63Rxw/s1600/ScreenHunter_193+Mar.+17+15.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl55gGO2odghWoBOBGG2HeufwsqP_n665z1JQ3Ed9Yjt_h9W6bC1Wy4u3RM-En6sHL8hYHr_ZbOE9BeEq8fQ9BeWYF9z2HvV5hSvmpvUCU1Qd2bGAn23EPhiG5aDcwkBEcMLNKdi63Rxw/s400/ScreenHunter_193+Mar.+17+15.34.jpg" width="150" /></a><i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbm-SQKtQyvyymyRyks0c35dK0w9l8aQptH9Lz5de6tAeRBN02NERuLF43rJLAKD8r5L8faBj7an6jfGVCXuFAwcew3t3lkGYoJoyjdfXmpLfhFSVj_zJqWMWB-iI6Ri5ouLhyV_0WQdg/s1600/ScreenHunter_193+Mar.+17+15.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i></i></a><i>Original recipe found at <a href="http://www.ditchthecarbs.com/2015/06/02/ham-and-egg-cups/">Ditch the Carbs</a>, which is an awesome site you should be visiting.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You can also add any kind of vegetable <span style="text-align: center;">you want. Just make sure you figure those into your macros.</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>The Doctor likes to have these as snacks or fat bombs. They last in the fridge for a couple of days and are just as good cold.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-19779189656928502122016-12-13T06:00:00.000-07:002016-12-13T06:00:28.385-07:00Chili...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aCs_2I79Fm-s3c2x6wMrKy5su85UPv3Tj2a4AAWxf3BdIB-HGxwcXE-UOL1CvRxCJRsPYxHUTGMHefMr26KVN6qA-MDRasLbzCTZiUn2Q-y1Q2zXl6D110kuD01Yc1dVgZ_KUoES2v4/s1600/chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0aCs_2I79Fm-s3c2x6wMrKy5su85UPv3Tj2a4AAWxf3BdIB-HGxwcXE-UOL1CvRxCJRsPYxHUTGMHefMr26KVN6qA-MDRasLbzCTZiUn2Q-y1Q2zXl6D110kuD01Yc1dVgZ_KUoES2v4/s320/chili.jpg" width="289" /></a></div>
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<ul>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 lbs</span> <span class="name">ground beef</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1/2 cup</span> <span class="name">chopped onion</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">3/4 cup</span> <span class="name"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y39QRVU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Y39QRVU&linkCode=as2&tag=2kidandtirboo-20&linkId=c57eb5aff95f6739eaa615d411fdecaa" target="_blank">G Hughes Smokehouse Sugar Free Hickory BBQ Sauce</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=2kidandtirboo-20&l=am2&o=1&a=B00Y39QRVU" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 1/2 T</span> <span class="name">Worchestershire sauce</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 1/2 T</span> <span class="name">vinegar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 T</span> <span class="name">liquid smoke</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 T</span> <span class="name">chili powder</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 T</span> <span class="name">smoked paprika</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 T</span> <span class="name">cumin</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">2 cups</span> <span class="name">water</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">5 slices</span> <span class="name">bacon, cooked and diced</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">1 - 1 1/2 T</span> <span class="name">minced garlic</span></li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="amount">Pinch</span> <span class="name">Roasted Red Pepper flakes to taste</span></li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">In a skillet, cook the bacon and onion until done.</li>
<li class="instruction">Drain and set aside.</li>
<li class="instruction">In a soup pot, brown the ground beef.</li>
<li class="instruction">Drain.</li>
<li class="instruction">Add the remaining ingredients, including the bacon and onion mixture and simmer for several hours.</li>
<li class="instruction">You can also cook it all together and then dump it in the crock pot so it simmers until you're ready to eat.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Serves 6.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7VAR5wgVQgdlH3pay7N-UBstCt6LtIez6Waj1O69LKcSqbIOFV41KSHqVQPmPMn_xijII5tK9UcWW8Ph6714GLUPYBwnlGONcSQDtklSnDxHe1wh1H_sJU2TzFj07AD0jduSvYemZcw/s1600/Chili.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7VAR5wgVQgdlH3pay7N-UBstCt6LtIez6Waj1O69LKcSqbIOFV41KSHqVQPmPMn_xijII5tK9UcWW8Ph6714GLUPYBwnlGONcSQDtklSnDxHe1wh1H_sJU2TzFj07AD0jduSvYemZcw/s400/Chili.jpg" width="140" /></a><i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<i>The Doctor loves chili and as I was wanting to make it, but not sure how it would work with Keto, I read through the recipe and realized that it would take very little to make it Keto appropriate. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>First thing was to eliminate the brown sugar. I planned to replace it with Stevia, but the sugar wasn't missed at all. I also replaced the tomato sauce and ketchup with our favorite <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y39QRVU/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00Y39QRVU&linkCode=as2&tag=2kidandtirboo-20&linkId=c57eb5aff95f6739eaa615d411fdecaa" target="_blank">G Hughes Smokehouse Sugar Free Hickory BBQ Sauce</a>. It's amazing. Here in Idaho, I can only get it at Albertsons, but it is also available at Amazon.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Other than those changes/additions, the recipe is unchanged from my original. Obviously I don't serve this over Rice Pilaf like I used to. The only time I do that is if we are having other people over for dinner. The Doctor usually has this with a salad.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-51163755042861379292016-12-09T06:00:00.000-07:002016-12-09T06:00:11.538-07:00Egg Scramble...Keto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNi_MyemV2jxHMBK2HsA8KcPipx7gR0YzO7sAuuR9dPcjsxnRzvSDZ330Bu75re5Zvju3ql1ZtgdeBCfWjU8TJfZQhzPwRmcaGiuXzN9QpMaFm05Ki1UZ1ukfiscgSsEIetqoj0ZKf_I/s1600/egg+scramble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNi_MyemV2jxHMBK2HsA8KcPipx7gR0YzO7sAuuR9dPcjsxnRzvSDZ330Bu75re5Zvju3ql1ZtgdeBCfWjU8TJfZQhzPwRmcaGiuXzN9QpMaFm05Ki1UZ1ukfiscgSsEIetqoj0ZKf_I/s320/egg+scramble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of the easiest meals we do for Keto is an Egg Scramble. Seriously, it takes 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">4</span>
<span class="name">eggs</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 t</span>
<span class="name">skim milk</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">shredded colby jack cheese</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 T</span>
<span class="name">real bacon pieces</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient"><span class="name">3 slices bacon, cooked</span></li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Whisk together the eggs and milk.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Pour into a hot skillet.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add cheese and bacon pieces.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Season with salt and pepper and scramble until done.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Serve with bacon or sausage or any kind of breakfast meat.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Serves 1<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ21O-v855R5SjjpEPNg8xAIeRdJH8xDV8AFijSntOzeIaOOE8QHF0jcyYShWeEFO1wlrE6P3wG0xBqzG1jql08iqr3bFnA-eFRLs97aWr6v3F9NcWVGj1QY_yb4IBkcdZP9WKyfoaTM/s1600/ScreenHunter_193+Dec.+08+10.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ21O-v855R5SjjpEPNg8xAIeRdJH8xDV8AFijSntOzeIaOOE8QHF0jcyYShWeEFO1wlrE6P3wG0xBqzG1jql08iqr3bFnA-eFRLs97aWr6v3F9NcWVGj1QY_yb4IBkcdZP9WKyfoaTM/s320/ScreenHunter_193+Dec.+08+10.38.jpg" width="115" /></a><i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<i>I cook the bacon in my George Foreman Grill at the same time I'm scrambling the eggs. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Obviously this serving size is just for The Doctor and fits his daily macros. Adjust it however you want to fit yours. If you use sausage links instead of bacon, the nutrition info changes.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>For me? I just add an extra egg and slice of bacon to his and take my portion out before he eats his.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-4525987920276216502016-12-08T10:01:00.002-07:002016-12-08T10:01:36.593-07:00Ketogenic Diet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYM35FsCl9pKE4xElDzE2EfX15q1lN5j6ECMA9RiheVxSZljAXSmWXb6xgyYmKtAKJXyiVd2yjHCGlMHtp3lg_DAM2n3nAY2YDMXid9qviwOQl6NFvJjFzztBF7tq7CqkDWiVAY1U5iI/s1600/bacon+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYM35FsCl9pKE4xElDzE2EfX15q1lN5j6ECMA9RiheVxSZljAXSmWXb6xgyYmKtAKJXyiVd2yjHCGlMHtp3lg_DAM2n3nAY2YDMXid9qviwOQl6NFvJjFzztBF7tq7CqkDWiVAY1U5iI/s1600/bacon+small.jpg" /></a>My husband has been following a Ketogenic diet since May. He has lost 95 lbs and is on track to lose 100 lbs by New Years. In an effort to help him, we have been experimenting with Keto recipes and ways of cooking and I will be sharing some of those recipes and ideas here on the cooking blog.<br />
<br />
Keto is, in a nutshell, simply avoiding a high carbohydrate (sugar) intake and provides the body with energy from fats and protein. It encourages the body to burn stored fat to make up for not eating as many calories.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanYqsG4bqjZzekMKjlpSnvC05DHABSsaONdCBKrGpa8tRvMv-X4CMQ3QLiC2Cn6sGd_STv566ASTaA_ZLB18TLuwWbCC9rifEYGwTCXcUMMdXzxd62M2upSXVqSgu_5QtmDOF788hf6w/s1600/Face+may+1+to+Dec+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjanYqsG4bqjZzekMKjlpSnvC05DHABSsaONdCBKrGpa8tRvMv-X4CMQ3QLiC2Cn6sGd_STv566ASTaA_ZLB18TLuwWbCC9rifEYGwTCXcUMMdXzxd62M2upSXVqSgu_5QtmDOF788hf6w/s400/Face+may+1+to+Dec+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 1 to Dec 5, 2016<br />
Progress Pics</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To find out our more or follow The Doctor's journey check out <a href="http://shrinkingdrb.blogspot.com/">Shrinking Dr. B</a>. There, he shares his journey with Keto and weight loss and you can find helpful videos, progress pictures and inspiration there.<br />
<br />
More to come. Stay tuned...<div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-12162839108130645742016-03-21T06:00:00.000-06:002019-08-10T09:01:45.822-06:00Mint Oreo Cookie BarkPrinted Recipe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MCy7MvWejyA36q2hTsT1og3nCLfoJ8y_1TrPNlqR-ubICYn3JHkG4TNIvkY0uAMo7zxJmv3y4ZedqKwVphnppipIG8PY_KY_kwbiY7SWwMcKk1VWmEXEHWwcn7jrfYHf7RKeDdhW0So/s1600/cookie+bark2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MCy7MvWejyA36q2hTsT1og3nCLfoJ8y_1TrPNlqR-ubICYn3JHkG4TNIvkY0uAMo7zxJmv3y4ZedqKwVphnppipIG8PY_KY_kwbiY7SWwMcKk1VWmEXEHWwcn7jrfYHf7RKeDdhW0So/s320/cookie+bark2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">~15</span>
<span class="name">Oreos</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">24 oz</span>
<span class="name">White Vanilla Chips</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 to 1 t.</span>
<span class="name">Mint Extract (to taste)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2-3 drops</span>
<span class="name">Green Food Coloring</span>
</li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Crush the Oreos. I just put them in a ziploc bag and use my rolling pin. You want a blend of crumbs and cookie chunks.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Melt the chips. I just put them in a pan on the stove and melt them on low, stirring constantly. Once melted, add the food coloring and extract along with the crushed cookies. Mix well.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Spread onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Your call as to how thick or how thin you want the bark.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stick the pan in the fridge for about an hour or until hard. Break the bark into pieces and enjoy.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<i>Holly's Note:</i><br />
<i>We have a favorite chocolate store that is in Boise. We don't get over there as often as my boys would like, but when we do, they love the Mint Oreo Cookie Bark. The Boy got the bright idea to make our own. I looked around the Internets and found several recipes that were all similar. Most recipes called for 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of extract, I used 1 full teaspoon.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>These were a hit. The boys said they were perfect and just like the ones at their favorite chocolate store. </i><br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-80300038102430729482016-03-12T09:00:00.000-07:002016-03-12T09:00:20.008-07:00Weekend Reflections 3/12<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Looking outside...</b>.</span>the sun is shining, but there is a chance of rain this afternoon. However, we should hit high 50s, which will feel so warm!<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Listening...</b>to a music mix with headphones while I work on computer. That seems to be the MO these days. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Current song is Kiss <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHkojuUSDO8">Beth</a></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Next up is Jason Collett <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAva3m-HXlk&list=RDUAva3m-HXlk">Rave on Sad Song</a>s.</i> (Discovered from watching the film <i><a href="http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com/2015/10/before-we-gofilm-review.html">Before We Go</a></i>. Not something I would normally go for, but I really liked it.)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Loving...</b>that Spring is on its way. There were fat Robins in our yard yesterday. I love every season except Summer. I don't do well with the heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Thinking...</b>that we need to do some spring trimming in the yard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>In my kitchen...</b>I am enjoying my morning cup of hot chocolate. We grilled steak last night for dinner, so I need to figure out something for tonight. These people I live with? They expect to be fed every day. Seriously! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Wearing...</b>red penguin pajama pants and a black t-shirt with gray fuzzy socks.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Needing...</b>to work do the transcription tape from yesterday and put in a couple of ours for editing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reading...</b><i><a href="http://amzn.to/1RcB7OU"><span id="goog_845305884"></span>The Secret of Pembrooke Pa<span id="goog_845305885"></span>rk</a></i>. I finished <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/080072044X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=080072044X&linkCode=as2&tag=2kidandtirboo-20&linkId=RXJOPLDYZLTYJKEQ" rel="nofollow"><i>The Mistress of Tall Acre</i></a> and loved it. Review goes up Monday on the book blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Today...</b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Doctor is at work. The Boy is contemplating whether he can golf later because golf season has started for the High School Golf Team and he golfs every day, even when it's drizzling. The Brother is up in McCall for a scout camp out. I think they went tubing last night.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hoping...</b></span>“There is some good in this world, and it's worth fighting for.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Planning...</b>I don't know what I'm planning, actually. Some times it's nice to just go with the flow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gratitude...</b>for so many things. The flowers that are starting to creep through the ground (my peonies are pushing their way up). Rain instead of snow. Amazing Young Men's leaders for my boys. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>From my world... </b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dKrVegVI0Us" width="460"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I am giddy, absolutely giddy for this movie. It is probably going to break my heart in a thousand ways, but damn, I am absolutely excited to see it. I love Tony, but I am #TeamCap all the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: 'times new roman';">
<b>What about you? What are you reflecting on this week? How has your week gone?</b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-21504966879665947872016-02-29T06:00:00.000-07:002016-08-31T14:55:53.073-06:00Andes Peppermint Crunch Cookies<a href="http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AWO7r8iCkBaLZGNubjZjZHhfNzFnenRibnZjdw&hl=en"><span style="font-size: 85%;">Printable Recipe</span></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn85E9_6ASb-8mqnNp_jyZ5q3loHfg1pofsFtP2GJaTEpVxXs8TrFZmdlPwq-Z-o83adtruXcS4YiBJsQiNVrQBUFvFr0ul7XChk_hOweN2wH1j4ZDLsfNMfupvsJSTLgsiBd5qNV59E/s1600/peppermint+chunk+cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikn85E9_6ASb-8mqnNp_jyZ5q3loHfg1pofsFtP2GJaTEpVxXs8TrFZmdlPwq-Z-o83adtruXcS4YiBJsQiNVrQBUFvFr0ul7XChk_hOweN2wH1j4ZDLsfNMfupvsJSTLgsiBd5qNV59E/s400/peppermint+chunk+cookies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">butter, softened</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">brown sugar, packed</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/3 cup</span>
<span class="name">granulated sugar</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1</span>
<span class="name">egg</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 t.</span>
<span class="name">vanilla</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 t. </span>
<span class="name">baking soda</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 3/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">flour</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name"> oatmeal</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 cup</span>
<span class="name">grated, sweetened coconut</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 1/4 cup</span>
<span class="name">pecans, coarsely chopped</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 package</span>
<span class="name">Andes Peppermint Chips</span>
</li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Cream the butter and sugars until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Beat in egg and vanilla.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Add baking soda, salt and flour. Mix completely.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Stir in oats, coconut, nuts and baking chips.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Drop by spoonful onto baking sheet. (2 T. size for large cookies, 1 T. size for small cookies.)
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake at 325 for 20 minutes for large cookies and 12-15 minutes for small cookies.
</li>
<li class="instruction">
Do not overbake. They're crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<em>Holly's Note:</em><br />
<em>This is the recipe on the back of the <a href="http://www.tootsie.com/rec_pepcrunch.php">Andes Peppermint Chip</a> package. The Doctor loves these because most cookies that have mint in them, also have chocolate in them and since he can't eat chocolate, he's usually out of luck. I hate coconut and I love these cookies. The dough freezes well too. I can only find the Peppermint Chips around Christmas time, so I have to stock up then!</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em></em>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This post was shared at <a href="http://thenewmrsadventures.blogspot.com/2014/10/flashback-friday-party_10.html">Flashback Friday</a>, </i><i><a href="http://kitchendreaming.com/5/post/2014/11/happy-holidays-link-party-week-2.html#.VF7bLvnF9BY">Happy Holidays Link Party</a>, <a href="http://creativekkids.com/tasty-tuesdays-recipes-for-complete-easter-dinner/">Tasty Tuesdays</a>, <a href="http://mamaldiane.com/the-gathering-spot-193/">The Gathering Spot</a>, <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2016/02/youre-gonna-love-itleap-day-edition.html">You're Gonna Love It</a>, </i></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-90483576872796877302016-02-24T06:00:00.000-07:002016-02-25T12:25:57.290-07:00Lucy and Ethel<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8NPzLBSBzPI" width="460"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
Because who doesn't love Lucy and Ethel?<div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-25203064124415577972016-02-22T06:00:00.000-07:002019-08-10T09:02:32.602-06:00Best Ever Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AHmdkW-q6EW7pe_vOmOrSeN2uFDIa2DiJJkcdZEla8Q/edit?usp=sharing">Printable Recipe:</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoRzh2Nsj-KiuoffW0Eu3X-gId4Fj2H_40SN2TutnNJu3uyD_qcD4iNNBMn-lzSfeAkKrSwlQUdn5BNY3-cO_IIxUPwq-UR0DcRW3XJL_Om0K5O4AOSVu0hAEfRIgLESNDWqecUONQ_c/s1600/lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHoRzh2Nsj-KiuoffW0Eu3X-gId4Fj2H_40SN2TutnNJu3uyD_qcD4iNNBMn-lzSfeAkKrSwlQUdn5BNY3-cO_IIxUPwq-UR0DcRW3XJL_Om0K5O4AOSVu0hAEfRIgLESNDWqecUONQ_c/s400/lasagna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="hrecipe">
<span class="item">
</span>
<br />
Ingredients<br />
<ul>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 lb</span>
<span class="name">ground beef</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 lb</span>
<span class="name">bulk Italian sausage</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 clove</span>
<span class="name">garlic, minced</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 T</span>
<span class="name">basil</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 can (14 oz)</span>
<span class="name">stewed tomatoes</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cans</span>
<span class="name">tomato past</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1 box</span>
<span class="name">lasagna noodles, cooked (~9)</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cups</span>
<span class="name">mozzarella cheese, grated</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 cups </span>
<span class="name">2 cups cottage cheese</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 </span>
<span class="name">eggs, beaten</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">2 T</span>
<span class="name">dried parsley</span>
</li>
<li class="ingredient">
<span class="amount">1/2 cup</span>
<span class="name">parmesan cheese, grated</span>
</li>
</ul>
Cooking Directions<br />
<ol class="instructions">
<li class="instruction">
Brown beef and sausage together. Drain. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Add garlic and basil. Stir. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Add tomatoes and tomato paste. </li>
<li class="instruction">
Mix together and simmer for 15-20 minutes.</li>
<li class="instruction">
In a bowl, blend together cottage cheese, eggs, parsley, and parmesan cheese.</li>
<li class="instruction">
Layer everything in a 9 x 13 pan. (Noodles, sauce, cottage cheese mixture, mozzarella, etc.) </li>
<li class="instruction">
Bake at 350° for about 30-40 minutes or until bubbly.</li>
</ol>
</div>
<em>Holly’s Note:<br />
My sister got this recipe from Jr. High School Home Ec. Back in the day when we had Home Economic classes. I make the sauce alone, tripling the recipe, and then freeze it flat in bags and use it as <a href="http://2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/pasta-sauce.html">Spaghetti Sauce</a>. My family prefers it over any canned or jar sauce. When I prepare the lasagna, I prepare a 9x9 pan for our family and then freeze a 9x9 pan for later.</em><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5437319421585531619.post-75319372061285879752016-02-18T08:00:00.000-07:002016-02-18T09:28:22.673-07:00Cookie Dough<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKer5KHmsp8V-rluLa6EmZIY5ffi3aUxryBrI3D5x3Z4D6IrctkacNFNU84ysJod41gw1qtuTMpizs4oRsvevEpsSkdFx21ABuai3TfTzO4U51NW9F6LHnybrnSTKL-bw84ZyLHupV4C8/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKer5KHmsp8V-rluLa6EmZIY5ffi3aUxryBrI3D5x3Z4D6IrctkacNFNU84ysJod41gw1qtuTMpizs4oRsvevEpsSkdFx21ABuai3TfTzO4U51NW9F6LHnybrnSTKL-bw84ZyLHupV4C8/s1600/cookie+dough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
©Holly B. of 2 Kids and Tired Cooks 2007-2014 All rights reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than <A HREF="www.2kidsandtiredcooks.blogspot.com">2 Kids and Tired Cooks</A> or <A HREF="http://feeds.feedburner.com/2KidsAndTiredCooks
">2 Kids and Tired Cooks Feed</A>, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.</div>Holly (2 Kids and Tired)http://www.blogger.com/profile/13075380878850295214noreply@blogger.com0