A lesson on saying Yes

It was last Thursday.  It had snowed the day before, and we got about 4 inches of fresh powdery snow... the first accumulating snow of the season (which was much too early, if you ask me).

All day Ellis was asking to go play outside.  I kept pushing him off and pushing him off because frankly, I didn't really want to go outside.  The high was only like 28 degrees, and dressing up a two year old to play in the snow is a bit like going to Costco on a Saturday.  "Not worth it,"  I said to myself.

I managed to "redirect" his requests to go outside all morning long, but the moment he woke up from his nap he said, "Mommy!  Let's go play outside!"  

He had taken a late nap that day, and woke up just when I'd be prepping supper...

I thought hmm... how can I get out of this?  I texted Zac & asked him if he had any plans after supper. I knew Zac wouldn't mind being outside with him.  I told Ellis that Daddy would play outside with him after supper, and it would so fun because it would be dark out!  

But then I got to thinking.... it's gonna be even colder once that sun sets... probably not the best time for a two year old to be outside...

Zac texted back: "No plans. But I'm starving! What's up!?"

I replied: "Ellis really wants to play outside.  So either I go out with him now & we eat supper late.  Or he goes outside after supper.  But will it be too cold then?"

Zac: "Go now and play while it's nice."

Me: "I mean, I could just tell him no..."

Zac: "Go play!"

So at 4:30 pm instead of making supper, I spent 17 minutes bundling up me and my baby and outside we went.

And we had so much fun!  We shoveled the driveway and the back deck, we made snow angels, we watched the tractors go by, and we jumped in the leaves covered in snow.  And I thought to myself... why did I say "no" to this all day?

I often forget the power of fresh air.  It instantly lifts our spirits, even if it is a hassle to bundle up during winter time.

More than that though, I forgot the power of setting aside the dang To Do List and saying YES to playing with my child, who really only wants two things... my time & my attention.


And the best part of playing outside in the wintertime?  Warming up with a cup of hot cocoa!

Cheers to a lesson on saying YES!

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #5

Another week, another menu!

Have you made any dinner ideas that I shared so far?  Let me know -- I'd love to hear what you think.

Chicken Fried Rice

Pic via Cooking Classy

We love everything about this, and Ellis does too.  And, it's a healthier option than picking up Chinese from a fast food restaurant but still satisfies the craving.

Crispy Slow Cooker Carnitas

Pic via Cafe Delites

This was a new recipe for us last week, and it will go in the rotation as a keeper!  I love that it uses the crock-pot, then just requires a few minutes on broil to finish it off (Don't skip this step!!  The charred/caramelized pieces are THE BEST!)

Dump & Bake Chicken Taco Casserole

Pic via The Seasoned Mom

Full disclosure:  I didn't love this.  It was ok -- but I think if I made a few variations to it next time, it would be better.  First off, I wouldn't bake it with the chips on the bottom -- I'd save the chips for crushing on the top when it's done.  Second, I would pre-cook the chicken & shred it.  The recipe says to add it raw, but I had to bake this wayyyy longer for the chicken to be done.  We also subbed out the green chili for black beans, because it's what we had on hand. We also used salsa instead of a can of diced tomatoes.


I hope you are enjoying these posts, and they are inspiring you to get in the kitchen!

Fall at the Beach

It was a sunny October Sunday afternoon.  Zac was bow hunting, and Ellis had just awoken from his nap.  It was one of those days where it was too nice to sit inside, but still chilly enough that you had to bundle up a bit.

If you're from the area, you know our Fall has been a bit of a downer weather-wise.  Most days are windy and rainy, but this particular Sunday was beautiful.

I knew we wouldn't get many more days like it, so we grabbed our hats & headed to the beach.

Ellis loves to throw rocks in the water, and I love to search for sea glass -- a new hobby I picked up this summer (I've got half a mason jar filled already!)

While we were there, a sweet elderly gentleman named Stuart started talking with us.  He is a Door County native -- been there for 78 years.  He told me that he fulfilled a bucket-list item last year -- he's walked the shore line of every beach in Door County.  Impressive!  He told Ellis that he liked his stocking cap (go Pack go!), and praised me for getting outside & playing with my son.  We chatted a bit more -- mostly small talk -- then went our separate ways.

There is no other point for me to share this story, other than for me to remember this day.

There was nothing particularly spectacular about it... it was just really good.  The sun was warm on our faces, the beach glass was plenty, and we had a great time with each other making up our own games and building a castle out of shells and beach sticks.

These are the days I dreamt of before becoming a mom. <3

What's for Supper? | Menu Planning #4

Hello Hello!

It's Menu Planning Sunday, where I share what's been on our menu to help inspire you to get cooking!

Crock Pot Low Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

Pic via Sugar Free Mom

This was a new recipe for us this week, and it's a keeper!  It was super easy & I love how low-carb it is.  I used pre-shredded cabbage in a bag and it was 100% worth not having to shred a big head by hand.  Cut corners where ya can!

Marinated Elk Steak

I'm a super bad blogger & forgot to snap a pic to tell you about this meal, but wanna know the best venison/elk marinade there is?  It's the one on the back of the McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning bottle:

• 1/4 cup olive oil (I use avocado oil and it's just as good)
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 tsp. seasoning
• (We also add a few peppercorns)

Mix together in a gallon freezer bag with the meat & let it marinade at least 30 minutes (all day or over night is best).  Then grill those babies up and YUM!  I pared our steak with oven-roasted veggies.

Baked Spaghetti & Meatballs

Pic via Best Cuisine Recipes

OK.  If I'm being 100% honest, I didn't use this recipe.  I was in a hurry & just ended up doing spaghetti & meat sauce, but this is a recipe I want to try. 

Notice that cast iron skillet?  I got one for Christmas a couple years ago, and I don't know why, but I am intimidated to use it.  Do any of you cook with a cast iron skillet?  If so, give me your tips & tricks!

My love/hate relationship with Fall

Ok.  Maybe this post title is a little bit of a stretch.  I mean, hate is such a strong word.

The truth is, Fall used to be my favorite season.  Now that I'm a mom?  It's not my favorite anymore.

The first reason I hate Fall?  Asthma.

If you have asthma and/or are a caregiver for someone with asthma, you know.
Spring and Fall SUCK.

I mean, did you even know about Asthma Peak Week? Lemme tell you what, it's a real thing.  Per the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (from 9/16/19): "This week is known as Asthma Peak Week – the week out of the year when asthma episodes, attacks and hospitalizations tend to be the highest. In the third week of September, both adults and children with asthma are exposed to more asthma and allergy triggers such as ragweed pollen, respiratory infections, and dust and mold in school buildings."

Ahh, is that why my kid has had a cold turned sinus infection and we haven't slept for 3 weeks?

The second reason I hate Fall?  Hunting season. And deer in general.

Zac, I know you're reading this.  And I will never ask you to quit hunting.  But, I hate hunting season.

And, we seem to manage to clunk a deer with our vehicle(s) every year.  This year?  $8200 worth of damage:

The third reason I hate Fall?  Black walnut trees.

That is so petty, I know.  But seriously.  We have 4 too many black walnut trees in our yard, which equals MILLIONS of black walnuts that have fallen to the ground and need to be picked up. Ain't nobody got time for that.

Honestly, I could give you at least ten more reasons why I hate Fall.  However, I know there are plenty of reasons to LOVE fall too.

So here's the part of the post where I take my bad attitude and turn it around...

I need to remember that Fall is just another season, and it will not last forever... much like any hard season in life.

I know that almost 98% of life is what you make of it.  You can only control You.  So in my effort to be more of a Positive Patty and less of a Negative Nelly...

I'm thankful for doctors and medication that can help my child breathe.
I'm thankful for venison meat in our freezer.
I'm thankful for Auto insurance... of that $8200 claim, we only had to pay our $250 deductible.
I'm thankful for the shade those black walnut trees provide in the heat of summer.

Also, Halloween is in Fall.  Who doesn't love Halloween?  I mean, look at this cute Train Engineer:

Here's to my better Fall attitude... at least for the rest of the day ;-)