Not a Loud Mouth Mom: Thank you

Not a Loud Mouth Mom: Thank you: Geez! Is it me, or does it seem as if the media increasingly bashes educators?! I am thankful for: Barry Davidson , my high school math tea...

Thank you

Geez! Is it me, or does it seem as if the media increasingly bashes educators?! I am thankful for: Barry Davidson, my high school math teacher, for changing my life forever by urging me to go away to college; my Home and Careers teachers for cultivating my love for cooking/baking and teaching me how to crack an egg, and properly measure with the meniscus; my earth science teacher, Mr. Hahn ( Peggy... Hahn Moran), for sparking my love of the physical sciences; my teachers of english, u(Ms. McPhillamy, for one) for encouraging me to write, and for teaching the proper mechanics of writing; for my physical education teachers, who taught me that participation in sports/fitness leads to confidence and leadership skills; for my health teachers, for introducing me into the world of health; for Mr. Kaye, my biology teacher, who showed a video that led to me to always wear a seatbelt (and provided me with the information to share with my parents to urge them to do so as well)...The list of educators who helped shape my life can go on and on...Perhaps those who are so critical of educators should take a few moments to reflect on the ways in which teachers have made a positive impact in their lives! Thank you, to all of the hard working and dedicated educators out there! Please know that there are still many people who respect you and are grateful for your service!!

Not a Loud Mouth Mom: A Year in the Life of a New Mother

Not a Loud Mouth Mom: A Year in the Life of a New Mother: On the way to dinner, "pre-baby" The day after Calleigh was born: I am lying in the hospital bed, thumbing through a People Magazine a...

A Year in the Life of a New Mother

On the way to dinner, "pre-baby"

The day after Calleigh was born:  I am lying in the hospital bed, thumbing through a People Magazine and casually eating breakfast.   It is 8:20 AM.  A nurse wheels Calleigh's bassinet into my room.  I check my watch and (I am slightly embarrassed to admit) I state, "I asked that the baby (notice I did not refer to "the baby" as "Calleigh" yet) not be brought to my room until 8:30."  The nurse dryly replies, "Well, she's here now" and exits the room.    I call Josh and beg him to "hurry and get to the hospital".  I feel as confused about how to care for "the baby" as if I was abandoned in the middle of a country in which I do not speak the language. 
Feelings of terror and sheer panic flood through my typically (pre-baby) calm mind.

A week after Calleigh is born:   I am feeling calm, confident, and well-rested, as we were fortunate to have a baby nurse live with us and educate us for a week an a half.  Little do I realize that this is the "calm before the storm".  Unfortunately, some people attempt to tell me that.  Fortunately, I am in a state of denial.

An angel in whites: Shantee, baby nurse

Stay tuned, until tomorrow, as the journey continues....

Not a Loud Mouth Mom: Quinoa Chili

Not a Loud Mouth Mom: Quinoa Chili: This dish is healthy, hearty, delicious, and (best of all) easy to cook! The fluffy texture of the quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") complement...

Quinoa Chili

This dish is healthy, hearty, delicious, and (best of all) easy to cook! The fluffy texture of the quinoa (pronounced "keen-wah") complements the crunchy/grainy texture of the beans and the sweetness of the corn and tomatoes.  I usually prepare this dish on a lazy (if a lazy is possible with a toddler ambling about!) Sunday afternoon.

 Quinoa Chili

2 tablespoons oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 to 3 carrots, chopped
2 to 3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
14 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed
14 ounces pinto beans, drained and rinsed

1 package of frozen sweet kernel corn
1 cup quinoa
2 cup vegetable broth
salt and pepper to taste
avocado and cilantro, to garnish

Directions:

1) Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Saute onions, carrots, and celery until soft, about 5 minutes. Add cumin and garlic, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

2) Pour can of tomatoes into saucepan. Cook 1 minute, then stir in beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then stir in broth and quinoa.

3) Cover and cook over medium heat until quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve topped with fresh avocado and cilantro.

Quick, Easy, Delicious Meal (Nutritious too!)

Vegetable Tortellini White Bean Soup

• 2 1/2  tablespoons canola oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 "box" of vegetable broth
• 3 cups water
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of chopped tomatoes
• 1 bag (16 ounces) of Birdseye Steam Fresh Vegetables (I typically use fresh vegetables when cooking; however, when time is of the essence, frozen vegetables will suffice)
• 1 can kidney beans
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 bag cheese tortellini (frozen)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat and add the garlic and onion.  Saute for 2 minutes, then add the vegetable broth and 3 cups of water.
2. Add all of the remaining ingredients, except the tortellini.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 5 minutes.
4.  Add the tortellini and simmer until the tortellini are cooked (approximately 5 minutes).
5.  Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
6.  Serve and enjoy!