http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waYUzxK8TYA- A must listen song on gratitude.
Dave Price has a way with words. You must check out this link on thanksgiving. He really sums up very poignantly, how we can take the normal, mundane, common everyday, and make it into the moments of gratitude. I love the quote he uses. You just have to check it out.
My Stoop
Copy Rights for Laura
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Winter, atmosphere and tradition
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl8iYAo90pE&feature=channel - Please listen first
Many of us grow up with deeply ingrained, powerful tradition during the holidays. No matter our religion, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. What is it that your family shares for the holiday as it relates to tradition? As a mom, I see how very important tradition is for my own children as it relates to structure and family importance and fond memories. I remember that it was so important for me as a child. I looked forward to that same thing year after year. It made me feel part of a community and I knew what I could look forward to.
I think it is worthwhile to reflect on what traditions we have for our families. I remember when I was in a group one time speaking about food and how this group denied the importance of food traditions. Let us not in any way deny our children the joy they recieve by the religious or traditional buffets we serve on holidays. I want you to know as a psychotherapist in the field of psychology how our children crave this familiar traditional and most structured family events. This is emotionally healthy for them.
I work with at -risk families. The number one hope for kids whether they say it or not, is to be able to sit at a dinner table with family on holidays like they see and witness in the movies. I want us all to reflect on how children yearn to have an intact family they can share traditions and dinner with. Please do not ever punish children for the parents issues. Every child needs to be loved in the community and did not ask to be judged.
This wish is not complicated. Every child deserves this simple wish. Please know that their are children in your own neighborhood that you have no idea, need your help. I remember as a child that because my parents had issues, I was labeled. I am pleading with all of you to see that children do not deserve to be judged. Please open up your heart and see that young children are ONLY in need of love and support. Please listen to my joyous video by Enya to relax you. Do Not ever judge a child because of the parents.
Many of us grow up with deeply ingrained, powerful tradition during the holidays. No matter our religion, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. What is it that your family shares for the holiday as it relates to tradition? As a mom, I see how very important tradition is for my own children as it relates to structure and family importance and fond memories. I remember that it was so important for me as a child. I looked forward to that same thing year after year. It made me feel part of a community and I knew what I could look forward to.
I think it is worthwhile to reflect on what traditions we have for our families. I remember when I was in a group one time speaking about food and how this group denied the importance of food traditions. Let us not in any way deny our children the joy they recieve by the religious or traditional buffets we serve on holidays. I want you to know as a psychotherapist in the field of psychology how our children crave this familiar traditional and most structured family events. This is emotionally healthy for them.
I work with at -risk families. The number one hope for kids whether they say it or not, is to be able to sit at a dinner table with family on holidays like they see and witness in the movies. I want us all to reflect on how children yearn to have an intact family they can share traditions and dinner with. Please do not ever punish children for the parents issues. Every child needs to be loved in the community and did not ask to be judged.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Laura's Ultimate Meatloaf
Ingredients
- 2 pounds hamburger
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Italian Bread Crumbs
- Italian seasoning
- 1 egg
- 1 piece bread
- 10-15 pieces of Cubed Cheddar Cheese
- Lawry's salt
- BBQ Sauce- 3 tbsp
- Salt & Pepper
- Garlic Salt
- Milk
Combine hamburger and all ingredients together in a Tupperware bowl. After combined, add more bbq sauce on top.
Bake at 350 for one hour.
You will be so happy you tried this. Please let me know if you cook it ok?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Thunder Snow in Minnesota
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGRC2LYmHfU click on this link
I must share with you a funny little Minnesota winter story. We heard on the news last night that we were in for a winter snow storm. This would be our first storm of the winter. In fact, more or less, the first snow, period.
I woke up this morning to white on white. I saw my youngest off to a basketball game in Prior lake and hoped she would make it there safe. My son came down the stairs at this early time of the morning, 7:00 A.M. to be exact. We both looked out the windows in utter Minnesota wonder. The trees hung low with the weight of the snow covering them. The road outside my home looked more like a field of snow. My son exclaimed that he saw the neighbors tree literally crack off it's base and fall to the ground covering part of the road.
Now this was a Minnesota winter weekend, the kind I was used to as a child. My son and I just had to go out and adventure, even though the weather men and women were advising us against it. We thought it might be fun to go to our local Caribou. This is one of the special outings that I share in with my kids.
I drove down our beautiful culdesac, down Foxgate Road. Wow, my Jeep was kicking butt on these snow piled roads. It looked as if the snow plows had not been here yet. How could that be? It was now around 9:00 A.M. As Jacob and I headed down the next crossroad, we could not believe our eyes. There right in front of us was a tree, hanging down from high above as if it had given up. The weight of the snow had won this match.
We got ourselves out of the car and just stood there gazing, as if we had seen a ghost. Giddy, as if we were on a snow day, my son ran out to the middle of the private neighborhood road and jumped up onto the thick tree branch. He sat on that tree and it made me think somehow that this was a scene from the book of Tom Sawyer. It made me giggle with delight. My son now fourteen, still loves the pure, natural, good old fun things in life. How beautiful and humorous nature and god's wonder could be.
I took out my camera, as I knew this was a perfect photo opportunity. I took pictures of that tree branch and more Minnesota winter beauty. As, Jacob and I headed home, we hit yet another adventure. One more tree down in the middle of the road, but this time I think I was the one playing snow day fun. Yes, I still have much of the child in me, I took my fourteen year old son's challenge. I tried to see if I could fit the car and I under the tree, which did remind me of London bridge. Jacob stood outside the Jeep and pleaded, "mom, please, I think the car will fit under the tree, it would be so cool". He watched as his single silly momma took on this adventure.
I bet you are wondering what happened. What did become of this mom as she indulged her son in his most sinister challenge? Check out my picture. I won't leave you hanging. I made it under that tree with only one branch in the front passenger car door.
This is winter fun in Minnesota. What a great time with my son.
I must share with you a funny little Minnesota winter story. We heard on the news last night that we were in for a winter snow storm. This would be our first storm of the winter. In fact, more or less, the first snow, period.
I woke up this morning to white on white. I saw my youngest off to a basketball game in Prior lake and hoped she would make it there safe. My son came down the stairs at this early time of the morning, 7:00 A.M. to be exact. We both looked out the windows in utter Minnesota wonder. The trees hung low with the weight of the snow covering them. The road outside my home looked more like a field of snow. My son exclaimed that he saw the neighbors tree literally crack off it's base and fall to the ground covering part of the road.
Now this was a Minnesota winter weekend, the kind I was used to as a child. My son and I just had to go out and adventure, even though the weather men and women were advising us against it. We thought it might be fun to go to our local Caribou. This is one of the special outings that I share in with my kids.
I drove down our beautiful culdesac, down Foxgate Road. Wow, my Jeep was kicking butt on these snow piled roads. It looked as if the snow plows had not been here yet. How could that be? It was now around 9:00 A.M. As Jacob and I headed down the next crossroad, we could not believe our eyes. There right in front of us was a tree, hanging down from high above as if it had given up. The weight of the snow had won this match.
We got ourselves out of the car and just stood there gazing, as if we had seen a ghost. Giddy, as if we were on a snow day, my son ran out to the middle of the private neighborhood road and jumped up onto the thick tree branch. He sat on that tree and it made me think somehow that this was a scene from the book of Tom Sawyer. It made me giggle with delight. My son now fourteen, still loves the pure, natural, good old fun things in life. How beautiful and humorous nature and god's wonder could be.
I took out my camera, as I knew this was a perfect photo opportunity. I took pictures of that tree branch and more Minnesota winter beauty. As, Jacob and I headed home, we hit yet another adventure. One more tree down in the middle of the road, but this time I think I was the one playing snow day fun. Yes, I still have much of the child in me, I took my fourteen year old son's challenge. I tried to see if I could fit the car and I under the tree, which did remind me of London bridge. Jacob stood outside the Jeep and pleaded, "mom, please, I think the car will fit under the tree, it would be so cool". He watched as his single silly momma took on this adventure.
I bet you are wondering what happened. What did become of this mom as she indulged her son in his most sinister challenge? Check out my picture. I won't leave you hanging. I made it under that tree with only one branch in the front passenger car door.
This is winter fun in Minnesota. What a great time with my son.
Friday, November 12, 2010
A Letter One of my Online Writers Wrote To Educate Us All
I had to share this link with all of you for many reasons. All of us as human beings falter. We are not perfect nor are we perfect parents. This woman put it all out there for us to learn so many lessons. Read the link above, but please chew on these facts:
14. Think about your commitment as a parent and what it is you would like to work on as a parent. Perhaps it is to listen better. Maybe you want to spend more quality time and not quantity time with your children. Perhaps you want to work on apologizing or being able to negotiate with your child.
From one writer to another
Laura, Mom
- We all make mistakes
- We all need boundaries
- As parents, we have to set boundaries lest we produce little sociopaths in the world
- We must build up our children and each other
- We need to have a sense of humor in our failings
- We must be able to apologize to each other and our children
- Most of us can forgive, we just don't forget
- Structure is healthy
- We need to model positive behavior for our children
- It is what we do, not what we say that affects our children the most- researchers agree to this
- Tell your kids how much you love them and why: How nice to hear specifics on what it is you love most about them.
- Praise your children for "Just Who They Are"- Again, tell them when you praise their artwork, what you like about it. Ex: I like how you had the red color mixed with the orange on your pumpkin. I like how you drew it, the face was so crazy. " I noticed you picked up your room without me asking", Great job. "
14. Think about your commitment as a parent and what it is you would like to work on as a parent. Perhaps it is to listen better. Maybe you want to spend more quality time and not quantity time with your children. Perhaps you want to work on apologizing or being able to negotiate with your child.
From one writer to another
Laura, Mom
My Cheesy Chicken Recipe
I have two children twelve and fourteen years old. They are such picky eaters. I will add my cheesy chicken recipe here for you if you have the same issue with your children. Winter is coming as well, and we need as many great warm meals to serve our kids as we can, atleast ones they will eat.
Last night, I served this dish. I heard right away from my daughter " Mom, you know I hate chicken, I won't eat it. " I told her it was the cheesy chicken dish she loved. Once I said that, my children were going up over and over for more servings. This is so kid friendly.
Ingredients
put one cheese slice on each chicken breast
add one can of cream of mushroom on top
add one can cream of chicken or broccoli on top
sprinkle Italian bread crumbs across the top of the dish
sprinkle the melted butter on top
Bake on 350 for one hours
This dish is great served with baked potatoes
From my home to yours
Mom
Last night, I served this dish. I heard right away from my daughter " Mom, you know I hate chicken, I won't eat it. " I told her it was the cheesy chicken dish she loved. Once I said that, my children were going up over and over for more servings. This is so kid friendly.
Ingredients
- 7 or 8 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- Italian bread crumbs
- colby jack cheese
- cream of mushroom or broccoli
put one cheese slice on each chicken breast
add one can of cream of mushroom on top
add one can cream of chicken or broccoli on top
sprinkle Italian bread crumbs across the top of the dish
sprinkle the melted butter on top
Bake on 350 for one hours
This dish is great served with baked potatoes
From my home to yours
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