Rachael's trip

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Two Weeks As A Single Mom

Tired? Tired can't even describe who I feel as I end my two week stint as a single mom. Lesson learned? I applaud single moms everywhere - I don't know how you do it!

For the past week, my darling husband has been stranded in Europe due to the eruption of a volcano in the far northern region of our world. This has been a lesson to me and to all of us of how interconnected we all are. For me personally, I have also learned that being a "single" mom is very tiring.

Each morning it was up at 5:00 am to get myself ready, talk with the hubby via internet,make sure my 13 year old daughter was out the door to school on time and that I was also out the door on time for my teaching job. Of course, the school year is ending so, the number of activities triple at this time as everyone tries to squeeze in that last important event. In addition to her regular busy school day Rachael has youth group, voice lessons, all county chorus practice, all state chorus practice, a talent show at church, and the all state chorus concert in Greensboro, NC.

Me? I had my regular faculty meetings, a SACS visit for school accreditation, and family geography night! I also had a new unit to write and papers to grade! Don't even get me started about the house! It will take one entire weekend (at least) to get caught up on the mess there!

Rachael and I did treat ourselves to a trip to IKEA last Saturday to pick up some practical and some fun things that we needed for the house. She picked out her dream loft and some cute pillows for her room. We bought the cute pillows and will wait on the loft.

This weekend we are in Greensboro for all state. It is nice to be in a clean hotel room with someone to clean up after us. I am even thinking about stretching this out for one additional night. Something about coming back to a clean room that is only a few minutes away from the venue appeals to my tired self.

To single moms out there - I applaud you. To my husband...I can't wait for you to get home - I will never doubt what a good team we make or take you for granted again!

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Asian Chicken and Broccoli

Here is the new recipe I tried this evening. I really liked it and Rande does too. To be honest - Rachael wouldn't even try it.

2 tsp oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips (I bought mine cooked already)
2 cloves garlic (I used 1 T of Tastefully Simple Garlic Garlic mix)
1 large bunch broccoli, cut into florets (5 cups)
1/2 c water
1/4 c Catalina Dressing
2 T soy sauce
1/4 t crushed red pepper
1/4 c cashew halves and pieces

Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high heat. Add chicken and garlic; cook 6 - 8 min or until chicken is done - stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and cover to keep warm.

Add broccoli and water to skillet; cover. Cook 3 - 4 min or until broccoli is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally.

Stir in chicken and all remaining ingredients excepts nuts; cook 2 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Add nuts.

I served this over brown rice.

Monday, April 5, 2010

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee!

I thought I would share this little Easter Video.