"Don't Take Yourself So Seriously"

Since I started rewriting my blog again I have had a new excitement and added joy in my life now.  As I continue to write new posts, more ideas and thoughts keep coming to me. During the holidays my husband and I wrote our life goals. We wrote it in the perspective of our life story. We each did this separately.  It was so eye opening and exciting to actually plan our life (what we really want-vacations, career, everything...) Maybe one day I'll share mine on this blog. Well, one night at dinner with my hubby I was complaining talking about how hard motherhood was and he asked me what would my 89 year self say to me right now.  I immediately said without thinking "don't take everything so seriously" It made me think. I want so badly for order and peace in my chaotic hectic unpredictable life as a mother. And since this has been my subconscious goal, at times I feel unfulfilled, frustrated and a failure. In this attempt for order and perfection which motherhood is none of these things (nor is life for that matter ) I need to accept that it is messy and unpredictable.And that is ok! Naps will be missed, crying and tantrums are the norm and cleaning up is a never ending cycle .... It is not being negative. It is being real. And once we let go of this concept we can breath a little and find fulfillment and enjoyment in the little things. I also thought to myself,  "I don't know if anyone will actually ever read this blog and I that is ok." I guess I am writing this blog to me. To a young mother of young children. To motivate her, to relate to her, to give her useful tips to make her life a little easier. And that mother is me. I need to remind myself of these things constantly. I also hope to one day share this blog with my girls and hope it will help them when they become mothers too.

So what I would tell that younger mother today is "Don't Take Yourself So Seriously" and "Just Laugh at It"

Here is one easy go-to recipe I cook all the time. For the novice cook (like me) I use frozen veggies (chopped onions/peppers, jar minced garlic or garlic powder) I don't have time or energy to chop fresh veggies. This has made cooking so much easier and quicker for me. I also love already cooked chicken (Just Chicken from Trader Joes $5.49 12 oz) I usually can get 2-3 meals out of 1 container.

Easy Chicken Tacos
1. 1/2-1 cup shredded (Rotisserie chicken works too) or cubed chicken
2. 1/2 cup of frozen chopped onions
3. 2 teaspoon minced garlice or I just sprinkle some garlic salt
4. 15 oz. diced tomatoes (I like the to buy the one with added spices/peppers)
5. Dash of Red Pepper Flakes (if you like more spice)
6. 1 cup frozen corn
7. 1 tsp dried oregano and thyme
8. Sprinke of Bay leaves
9. 1/2 cup of water

1. Saute onions with Pam cooking spray until brown and stir in garlic cook 1 min
2. Add tomato, corn, and all other ingredients plus water
3. Simmer on Medium-low for 15-20min or until juices have mostly evaporated
4. Add cooked chicken in to rewarm in the last 10 minutes
5. Season with salt to taste
6. Wrap in (Low Carb- which I prefer) Tortilla or put over salad.
7. Enjoy!

Another useful tip: My daughters like to drink apple juice. I like to make it with half water and half juice so that it has less sugar in it. I take an empty juice bottle 64 fl.oz and a new juice bottle. I pour the new juice into the empty container till both are half filled. Then I add water to each till they are completely filled. I put both bottles in the frig and I have easy already water down juice ready to go and be poured in their sippy cups. Pretty simple and easy!

Have a wonderful day and remember to "laugh at it all" today!