This summer we have had company up to the cabin and I feel like I am able to be the host that my guests deserve. I'm able to do things for them that I never could have done in the past: clean the cabin, make side dishes to go with the dinner Steve grills, wash the dishes quickly so there's more time for chatting and putting clean sheets on their bed before they arrive, and so much more. These may all be simple things, but it all means so much to me. I love being around people, especially my close friends and family. These days, the time spent together is so much better because I'm not worried about them having to help me. For once, I'm finally able to take care of them. And I LOVE that!!!!!
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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. Winona and I went shopping at the Albertville outlet mall for three hours today. My goal was to get a pair of walking shoes. After trying on more than a dozen pairs and Winona's opinion of what looked good, I left with two pair. Plus, we had plenty of time to look around several of the other stores. I'm glad that I found what I was looking for, but honestly the best part was spending time together (and John). It really wasn't that long ago that I needed someone to take me shopping, because I couldn't walk from the parking lot to the store's front door without assistance. I love that I am living an independent life these days and can spend time with my fun, loving, energetic daughter.
It seems that these days I am never home. The kids and I are busy running to Cub Foods, the YMCA, Community Education Classes and the library. The other day, I told the girls that we weren't going to go anywhere, "we're staying home today." Like me, they were glad to have a day off of running errands.
Before my new diagnosis, I would go crazy because I rarely left the home. Day after day, I'd send the kids off to school and be by myself nearly all day long. If my mom wasn't coming over for the day, I would call her to chat and that would be my contact to the outside world. When my parents would be gone on vacation or visiting their friends, my company was the television. You see, at that time in my life, my hands didn't allow me to type easily or turn the pages of a book for more than an hour. These past couple weeks, I have been so busy running errands in the "real world" and it can get overwhelming trying to keep everything running smoothly. I have to say, that this is a much better problem to have and I have to remind myself daily how fortunate I am. 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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