This evening Sharon asked me, "Mom, do you remember when we used to have microwave popcorn? That was when you couldn't make it on the stove."
I love that she remembers the challenges that we had together. Before she went off to Kindergarden, I wasn't able to play with her in the yard, take her to the Y to play ball, bake with her or even put her to bed at night. Now, I can do all of those things and even more. It's the little things in life that matter most...even to a ten year old.
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I have to make this a quick post because John is getting into everything and I don't have the girls here to help watch him.
It's hard to believe that I have done so much this morning at it's only 9am! I just took banana bread out of the oven and my carmel rolls are almost done rising. It still amazes me that I can phsyically measure and stir ingrediants to make homemade baked goods. Plus, I'm doing it while stopping to get John out of trouble (he's one and into EVERYTHING). I love that I can take the time to enjoy all the sweet things in life. I am so blessed. I feel like this may be turning into a cooking blog and that is not my intention. However, the new thing I did today did involve food. With that being said, I made homemade cinnimon rolls today!!! They are beyond delicious. I was a bit hesitant to try making this because I didn't know if I'd be able to roll the sticky dough after I had flattened it out and put the sugar and cinnimon on it.
Even though it's been three years on my new medication, I still second guess my abilities. I'm not sure how long it will take me to get over the "unknown" I'm like a big kid and I'm okay with that. Like I have stated in previous posts, when I successfully complete a new task, my reaction is very similar to that of a five year old who has tied their laces for the very first time. I'm okay with that too. Life is too short to not fully appreciate all the little things I can do. I am thrilled that I can share these experiences with my parents, daughters, husband and of course all of you. I truely appreciate the support. While we were at the cabin celebrating the Fourth of July, Steve and the girls picked Strawberries (I watched John). When we returned to the cabin, Winona and I spent nearly 2 hours washing and cutting the Strawberries. When we started the process, I thought that I would only be able to do it for a half an hour. I wasn't sure if my hands would begin cramping or if my feet would get too sore standing for a long period of time. Winona kept saying how much fun she was having and that she could "do this all day." Her positive energy kept me going and I was happy to be working by her side. I do need to admit that Sharon filled in for me so I could take a 15 minute break. It is so rewarding to be able to participate in my families activities.
We cut up two pallets worth of Strawberries Winona and I cutting while Steve sugars the Strawberries With all of these strawberries, I had to make Strawberry Shortcake. I have to admit, I didn't have a clue how to do it. Sure, I only used Bisquick for the cake cake, but I had never made whipping cream from scratch. I grew up in a household where we used Cool Whip. :) Since there were no instructions on the heavy whipping cream, I had to ask Steve how to make it. It turned out quite well and I'm thinking that there will be more Strawberry Shortcake in the very near future. Winona There are a couple lessons here: 1) keep a positive attitude as it will surely rub off on others 2) No matter what you do together as a family, a memory is being created. 3) Strawberry Shortcake is really yummy and there is no substitution for "whipping cream" I hope you will go out and enjoy the little things in life and see that they are the most important. Even though I have always tried to keep a positive attitude, I hated to cook! In the past, it would take me double to triple the time to make a classic Minnesota Hotdish ( a can of creamed soup, meat and noodles). Plus, the end result wasn't as good as what most people could make. Mine would often be over cooked and dry. In fact, Sharon would use Ketchup at nearly every meal to mask the taste. Through the years of struggling to cook I became very unsure of my abilities and doubted myself a great deal. Therefore, we ate frozen lasagna and other entree's weekly.
One year ago, I decided that enough was enough and I was going to teach myself how to cook! At first, I wouldn't change a single thing about any recipe that I found online, fearing that if I did it would turn out terribly. In the beginning, I'd often call my parents or e-mail Steve at work with questions such as, "how do I know when the pork chops are done?" to "why should I use fresh garlic over powdered garlic." It's been quite the journey. My cooking has improved a great deal and I even feel comfortable cooking for those who are not in my family. After I try making a new recipe, I often feel proud of myself. In fact, yesterday I made two loaves of white bread. After 3 hours of prep and baking, I pulled the pans out of the oven and all but jumped up and down with gratitude because it looked just like it was supposed to. The kids and I took a taste and their expressions told me that I exceeded their expectations. I think the girls were just as happy as I was that I succeeded in my baking. I can't believe how far I have come in this last year and am so excited to continue creating more delicious meals for my family, without it feeling like such a chore. Oh, and I must add that there is only 1/4 of a loaf left! |
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