Make Monday: Make a Difference, Take a Stand Against Gambling

I know, it is Christmas week and you're expecting a post about crafts, how to wrap gifts etc. Trust me, this is much, much more important.

This week you will be with family and friends. Tell them that you are against the expansion of gambling. As a parent, if internet gambling is allowed, that will turn any smartphone/kindle into a slot machine. Gambling, of any kind, is not good for children.

Conservative or liberal, you know the implications that gambling has on families. You'll be with your families this week. We have one question for you to ask your family members.

How has gambling effected you?

This week my father in law retired. At the party, my Uncle (in law) said, "They should make everyone pass a test of probability before they enter. The house always wins."

He also shared a story. "It (Prairie Meadows) was just going to be a small horse race track. It turned in to so much more. I know someone who lost everything and he was making good money. He declared bankruptcy. He lost his job. Just make good choices."

I feel for anyone who lost their parent/grandparent/Christmas this year because of gambling (suicide).  I feel for families who are brought in by the empty promises of wealth and lose it all.

Enough is enough.  Iowa Conservatives Against Gambling Expansion says, "No MORE!"  https://www.facebook.com/pages/ICAGE-Iowa-Conservatives-Against-Gambling-Expansion/639300049486581

Not here, not Iowa.

Food Friday: Cold Days, Hot Soup...Irish Queso Soup!

It's cold. Maybe not as snowy as Buffalo, NY, but cold.

Who doesn't love a good soup...especially when you can just dump it in the crock pot and go about your day?!!

I found a recipe for Pepper Jack Cheese Soup...but our boys didn't like the name. Our 5 year old said, "It's like queso, but with potatoes and ham."

Our 8 year old chimed in, "Ham and potatoes, that's Irish, right? So it is Irish Queso Soup."

And with that, this meal had its new name.

It is SO easy. Spray the crock pot and add...

• 2 Cans Diced Potatoes
• 2 Cans Chopped Green Chilis
• 2 Cans Cream of Potato Soup
• 2 Cans Cream of Celery Soup
• 2 Cans Evaporated Milk
• 1 Package Diced Ham
• 2 Blocks of Pepper Jack Cheese (I just hand tore the blocks into smaller chunks)
• 2 Cups Water 

Start it on low, cook for 8 hours. Use leftover ham (chopped) or buy prepackaged ham.  I'm sure the sodium content is off the charts, but it is SO good.

Add pepper and cilantro for a little more of a kick, if you like.

Easy and yummy dinner.

Tooth Thursday: The Dentist with Our 4 Year Old...And I Feel The Worst.

Brendan (4), aka B, had three cavities filled today.  He played with another little boy (his mom called him T and he was 6) with Legos in the waiting room.

B climbed into the chair, and when the dental assistant said, "I have to put this bib on you," B replied, "I know."

I said, "It's not Cavity Carl's first rodeo." He's had three cavities before.

The dentist thinks it's due to a lack of enamel. Dr. Kerby asked if I had taken antibiotics during pregnancy, and I had. And yes, I feel bad.

The 6 year old was in the chair next door. He was SCREAMING. B said, "What's his problem?" The assistant said, "He has to have one cavity filled. They are just putting the bib on him."

B replied, "I have free (3) cavities! And have da bib. And he's older dan me!"
I reminded him, "It's not a competition, dear."

B had "the gas" to help with the pain.

I asked B what he wanted, if he was good. Last night, his oldest brother got a slinky after a good parent/teacher conference. So, of course, all he wanted was a "swinky" of his own.

He sat so very still, he had tears in his eyes, the assistant wiped them away with the bib when they would run down his face. But he never once complained. One of his cavities was between his front teeth, and they had to get special small equipment to help fill it. B was a trooper.

And he got his "swinky" at Target after the fillings. I feel like a horrible mom, for him having low enamel on his teeth because of my antibiotics when I was pregnant with him, but God blessed us with such a tolerant and strong little dude.

Way to go, B. And yes, Mommy is sorry.

Make Monday: Make Memories and Help Veterans

Looking for something fun to do with the kids that helps injured heroes?

Why not build a gingerbread house?

The Puppy Jake Foundation is hosting a fundraiser, where all of the ingredients for your family's gingerbread home are provided.

 

The Puppy Jake Foundation raises and trains service dogs for our injured American heroes. It's a great way to make memories for your children and help those who served for our freedom.

You can print your entry form here. 

Food Friday: I (h)Ate School Lunch..And Had To Show ID

Today, I joined my 5 year old at school for lunch. I was appalled that they were serving a pretzel with cheese as an entree. Now that the election is over, I have time to meet with him for lunch.

When I got to his school, I had to show my ID. They scanned it. It printed my driver's license picture, my name, what time/date I checked in and even, "cafeteria", where I was going.

I just LOVE having to wear my drivers' license picture on a name tag....said no one ever. But showing an ID to vote is racist. <- note the sarcasm.

I DID find Sean's ISU hoodie that we've been missing, in the lost and found, while I was waiting for his class to come down the hall. He saw me. He grinned from ear to ear.

He was excited.

We waited in line, I had to pay for my lunch, of course, and Sean was excited that he could tell me how it all worked. I had been to lunch with his older brother before, but I let him tell me. The cashier did say, "I was hoping to meet you! I saw the shirts that your oldest wore last week and said, 'Your parents must work in politics!' Liam told me that his mommy does. And Republican! Good work!"

We gathered our utensils and trays. We could add "salad" and a banana. There was a sign that read, "You must take 1/2 fruit and 1/2 veggie in order for the school to be reimbursed for a full meal." Most of the kids passed it over, because, they're in kindergarten. 

And here was my meal. 

A pretzel, the size of a milk carton (no salt), milk, green beans (no pepper), cheese in a cup, and Caesar  salad...ish, again, no pepper.

Sean and I prayed before our meal, and that reminded the kid who sat across from him to pray. He wanted me to take his picture, in case his parents are friends of mine.

This is the "other" option for lunch, called a "kydz-able". And yes, that is how they spell it. Cheese, carrots, Goldfish crackers and grapes with yogurt. And milk.

How can children learn on snack foods for lunch? How is this accepted?  

The pretzel is going to breakdown to sugar and can cause a major tired crash this afternoon. There isn't enough protein to sustain either of these lunches. Most 'kid-friendly' yogurts are filled with sugar and dye, baby carrots are most likely cleaned with a chlorine sanitizer, the goldfish is loaded with salt, and chocolate milk is loaded with sugar. Nothing in either of these lunches will help fuel the minds and bodies through the afternoon of school.

I wonder how many members of the School Board have eaten this lunch, and gone about their day, with nothing else to eat?

I've asked my boys if they want to take cold lunch. They always refuse. At their school, kids who eat cold lunch, have to sit at a different table than those who eat "hot lunch" or a "kydz-able". How is that not segregation?

How is any of this acceptable? This is not lunch food, this is snack food. My challenge to you, tweet, Facebook, share this post. Our kids deserve more than snacks for lunch.

Food Friday: Leftover Chicken Tacos Make Chicken Tortilla Soup

How about two quick meals for your family for the price of one with a complete different taste?

Yes, please! The other night we had chicken tacos and tonight we are using the leftovers for Chicken Tortilla Soup. All easy recipes and family approved!

Chicken Tacos

1 pound of chicken breast, thawed
1 jar of your favorite salsa
1-15 ounce can of black beans

Pour contents into crock pot. Cook on low until chicken is cooked through. Shred chicken. Serve with tortillas, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips. Good with bean dip. Use corn tortillas for gluten free meal.


6 Can Chicken Tortilla Soup

1-15 ounce whole kernel corn, drained
2-14.5 ounce can chicken broth
1-10 ounce can of chunk chicken (or use your leftover chicken tacos)
1-15 ounce can black beans
1-10 ounce can dried tomatoes (with green chili peppers optional)

Pour everything into a large stock pot and simmer until chicken is warm. Serve with cornbread. Gluten free without cornbread.

Make Monday: Make Memories

Believe it or not, I won a contest from our local TV station. KCCI, to be exact.

I know, I'm like a unicorn. Something you hear of, but you've never met. But I won.

We couldn't use the whole package, because the best time to use it was early June, when my husband was working, I was in the midst of a special congressional delegate election, establishing a new non-profit group, and the boys had scheduled for Cub Scout/Star Wars/Library camps.

But our family really needed to reconnect. And we did.

My husband was off of work early on Friday. Even though the house was a disaster, when he got home, we packed up.

We surprised the boys, all 4, after school, at Grandma's house.

I drove the 2.45 hours to the hotel room. The kids were tired, they were hungry. They wanted to know where we were going. And then we got to the hotel.

We checked in, put our bags in the room, just steps from a restaurant. A 28 inch pizza for $29.99? Cheaper than what we would pay for a meal for all 6 of us.

Yep. A good photo op. The room service information said "it feeds 10 adults". It should have read, "It feeds a Catholic family with 4 young boys."

We did have left overs...but not many.

After dinner, we went to the room and crashed. Daddy in one bed with the middles, me nursing Harry and, the oldest, Liam, with his kicking legs. It's no wonder he doesn't sleep at night!

We woke up, ate breakfast, and went back to the arcade. After about 10 minutes, David and I decided it was time to get the boys outside. Because being an arcade family is not what we want to raise the boys in.

So we visited the sites. Snake Alley....the boys ran both up and down it...

Harry chases his brothers down Snake Alley, "Wait, wait you guys! I have wittle wegs!"

And we even visited the Mississippi River.

I was "Super Mom" when I used a stick to flip a dead fish so the boys could inspect (no touch) it.

And then I thought we should visit a park....and there was a slide that made me nervous. 

But they loved it.

I thought they would love playing in leaves for a great fall photo...

And I thought wrong...

Really, Harry? Really?!?!


Thankfully, we had a great lunch at Big Muddy's...Brendan chose the kid's unlimited salad bar, and he loved it...and this money saving mom loved it! Only $1.99!

After lunch, we decided to see what else Burlington had to offer. It was the largest spine in the world, in honor of Dr. Aunt Sandy Bowman, the family Chiropractor! It is anatomically correct and carved out of a tree! Only in Iowa!

After that, we found the Our Lady of Grace Grotto. The boys loved seeing all of the Geodes and learning about the Stations of the Cross.

When I have a garden, I want this.

We went back to the hotel, played at the pool and crashed....ish.As much as you can crash with one adult and two kids in a Queen sized bed.

Sunday morning, after checking out, we went to an awesome mom and pop restaurant called the Hungry Bear.

The pancake was the size of the plate....and the syrup was in a clear squirt bottle...why I have never thought of that?!?!

And the omelet....we all ate for less than 25, including a $5 tip.


Our boys had so much fun...we made so many memories...

Throwback Tuesday post....that continues our trip....will be posted tomorrow...

Food Friday : Better Than Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup--Using Leftovers!

I wouldn't make that claim if it wasn't true. I have the talent of "back-engineering" recipes, like my mom, and making it better. The trouble is, I don't measure, I just dump the ingredients, taste test, repeat.

We had a lot of left over chicken this week, so I saved it, and decided to make my Chicken Gnocchi soup. After posting pictures, I've been asked for the recipe. It's different every time I make it, but it's still better than Olive Garden.

Ingredients:

1 stick of butter
1 bag of shredded carrots
1/2 chopped white onion
3 stalks of celery-diced
Leftover chicken (or two cans of diced chicken breasts)
1 package of Gnocchi
2 cans of chicken broth
2 cups of water and 2 chicken bullion cubes
1 package of frozen spinach
1/2 pint of heavy cream
Pepper to taste

In a large stock pot (I use my dutch oven pot), put the onion, celery, carrots, frozen spinach and butter. Let the veggies cook on medium heat, until the butter is melted and it is all cooked down (about 10 minutes). Toss in everything but the cream, bring it to a boil, boil for about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down, add the cream. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding pepper to taste.

Yum! I made this batch to freeze for our elderly neighbors, but, of course, the boys wanted to taste test it. And they LOVED it.

They're eating veggies and they love it. I'm using up leftovers. WIN! WIN!

"Wave of Light" Wednesday

Please, light a candle at 7PM and keep it lit for at least an hour, to participate in Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.

Make Monday: Make Your Own Way

*This post is about being a strong woman. A strong woman and mother. Mommy's Recess receives no money from the Ernst campaign or those who fund her.*

In April 2003, I had agreed to work for Senator Grassley as his only person on his campaign staff for 2004.

I had just graduated from Iowa State University in December in 2002, and had worked for Chuck Gipp as the House Majority Leader in the 2003 session.

I had to have health insurance, as a woman. I paid for it, by myself, as a 23-24 year old. But that's just being personally responsible. After all, I had graduated from College, I didn't feel the need for my parents to be burdened by my insurance, be it health, car etc.

Since then, I've met my husband, I've worked, we had a child, we married, I continued to work, he went to Iraq and served his country. I continued to work when he had trouble finding a job.

Thankfully, he found a job, a job he's been at for 6 years. He climbed the ranks. After our third son was born, we could not afford daycare. So I stayed at home. It wasn't easy. It was tough. It still is tough.

I work at home. I am thankful that our boys can go to Grandma's Pre-School, free of cost, while I focus on my work. But I have no insurance, except for my husband.

And now? His insurance, his pay, will be deducted even more because of Obamacare.

Stop the socialism of America. Stop encouraging Obamacare. Vote for Joni Ernst. Vote for any Republicans in your district.

I made my own way. My parents made their own way.

As the 8th great grand-niece of Abigail Adams, make your own way. Make yourself who God made you to be.

All of my ancestors came here legally, new Americans should not have their first act as a citizen, should not be an illegal one.

Friday: Our Son's School Thinks He is Fractured....

I received an email today, an email no to parent wants to read.

"Hi Sarah!  I just wanted you to know that I have been keeping an eye on Sean's small motor skills and working closely with him on handwriting skills.  If it's ok with you, I would like the Occupational Therapist to pop in for a visit next week just to observe and offer any other activities for me to use with Sean.  Let me know if you have any questions.  Thanks so much!!"

I wanted to write, "He is in kindergarten. He is brilliant, sweet, charming and smart. Maybe he doesn't write his name correctly, but there's no need to have an "Occupational Therapist" visit him. We can work with him. He writes right to left, and it would be better for him to have his parents talk to him, than a complete stranger.

Kids are cruel. If they notice that Sean is being followed by someone that is not from the classroom, he will be teased. He is emotional and strong. He has been since birth. I can imagine if someone teases him, he might react in a manner that may be physical. And his father and I don't want that.

Please, before you bring in an Occupational Therapist, let us work with him."

However,

I responded to the email with, "Please, tell me more. What have you noticed?"

I am waiting on a response. Sean is NOT fractured. He is in kindergarten. He is learning. If you put this stigma on him that he is "different", he will feel that way.

He IS special. He is awesome. He thinks differently.

Maybe it is the educational system that is fractured or broken.

Maybe he won't conform to Common Core.

Maybe he is like his mom.

He goes his own way. He is smart, strong and determined. I am not turning away help, but let his parents help him before you bring in a "specialist."

Edit: I just spent 20 minutes on the phone with Sean's teacher. She is fine with us working with Sean until conferences mid-November.


 

 

Flashback Friday---Food Friday! Our Most Popular Food Post!

We're in the process of getting back to posting daily, but to hold you off, and tide you over, here is our top visited post, which is also a food post! Crock-pot Potato Soup!

http://www.mommysrecess.com/2011/03/food-friday-crock-pot-potato-soup.html Over 4,400 views!!

BUT, I've managed to improve the recipe. And even though it doesn't have as many page views, it is SO much better. http://www.mommysrecess.com/2011/09/food-friday-best-crock-pot-cheesy-baked.html

Enjoy!

We're BACK!!!

But we hope to help with everything moms need to stay sane! :D

Shuffle Saturday: Cheeseburger Soup in Homemade Bread Bowls

Just call me Sarah semi-homemade--minus the matching curtains with the outfit. Who has time for that?

This recipe is SO good....as always, I don't measure (just dump, dash, pinch) when cooking....

It's really an easy recipe...I use the Wisconsin Cheese Soup in the bag at Fareway (local grocery store) from Taste Traditions (frozen soup out of Omaha). While the soup is boiling in the bag, I brown 1.5 lbs of ground beef with diced red onion. Drain the meat, cut up some pre-cooked bacon, add to drained beef/onion.

Dump the boiling pot (plugging the sink to get humidity in the house in the winter), cut open the bag of soup and pour into the already hot pot. Add water and chicken bouillon. Dump the meat/bacon/onion mix in the pot with some pepper. Add shredded cheddar cheese and some frozen hashbrowns.


For the bread bowls: I use Rhodes loaf bread (3 loaves make 7 bread bowls), let them rise, tear them apart and roll them into balls with a little corn meal on them. Bake at 350 for an hour, take them out of the oven, cut a circle with a knife in the top, spoon out the insides (for dipping) once they're cool enough to handle.

Ladle the soup into the bread bowls and enjoy!

Nom, nom, nom.