Family Time

Ciao, 
I love finding quotes that seem to really speak to me.  I can be a very introspective person. Always trying to figure out why I think certainly things, how things make me feel, etc.   Basically trying to find those qualities that are uniquely mine.  


During my daily "quote"  travels, I came upon this one and it spoke volumes to me.  And, what kind of friend would I be if I didn't share it with you. 


  "No matter what you've done for yourself or for humanity; If you can't look back on given love and attention to your OWN family, what have you really accomplished?, Lee Iaocoa 

My mind then started to drift into thinking about the different styles of families these days.  I went onto the web to look for photographs that enhanced the meaning of the quote.  I soon found myself laughing at my labels for the different types of families the clip art best depicted.  Hope these bring you some laughs too!

The Rockstar Family 

The Gym Going Family 

 Single Parents @ The Park 

I brought myself back from the daydream I seemed to have derailed to.   Family, pre-derailment topic that was on the table.

"We need to start saying, " I love you" out loud more often, rather than just thinking it.  When given a change, be an attentive listener, putting down your magazine or turning off the TV and/or computer screen while someone is talking to you.  Make time to sit down and engage in conversation -- actual sentences back and forth - not grunts and nods as you , or they, dash out the door or look back over a shoulder.  Make eye contact.  Tell a joke.  Make yourself, and those around you, laugh.  Have fun.  Be a kid again.  Lighten up!  Give yourself a compliment"

"Your Turn:  Today, start by saying, "I love you" and expressing appreciation to your friends and family members as the most important job and priority on earth.  After all -- it very much may be".

 As I've mentioned many times, I adore reading.  My inspiration and quotes for the chat today came from the book, Good Morning, 365 positive ways to start your day by Brook Noel, author of The Change Your Life Challenge.  I highly recommend this book if you find yourself in need of positive messages and/or just need a gentle reminder.

MsPhotoShooter  xoxo

Real Love

I just downloaded an app on my iPad called, "The Love Dare ~  Day By Day".   The words and reminders about how to live life are very valuable.   Many people think of the Love Dare as a book for marriage based on the movie, Fire Proof.   However, I believe these words of wisdom can be used with any kind of relationship.  Even if you are the only one living/acting  this way, it will still improve the relationship by 50%.   


To me, personally, life is all about family.   There is nothing I would put before the health and happiness of my family.   I honestly love from such a geniune place.  There have been times in my life when I have been hurt because I love so openly and put my heart out there for all.   I'd rather be hurt than to go through life being any different.   I also believe strongly in forgiveness.   People make choices and/or behave based on where they are in life and what they know.  If they knew better, they would act better.  I believe people deserve second changes if they are genuinely sorry and want to make amends.  Life is way to short to hold in anger.   

Loving God and others is what life is really about.  No matter who you are or what you do, it comes down to whether you'll live a life of love or not.  And there is a vast difference between the two.   One is PRICELESS... and one meaningless.

Love is the most important ingredient to any meaningful relationship.  It is fundamental to true significance.  Your quality of life is directly tied to the amount of love flowing in you and through you to others.   Love is infinitely more valuable than riches, fame, or honor.

The absence of love leaves a devastating void.  When it is not present, your spirituality becomes superficial, your benevolent deeds self-cetered, and your sacrifices insincere.

Prayer:  "Lord, teach me what real love is and make me a loving person." 

I lift my friend to YOU !

Casting Crowns – Prayer for a Friend

J:    May he someday find peace with his spirituality and realize he needs to know your love. 

C:   May she continue on this spiritual and life changing journey.  May she know that through your love and guidance that she will find the perfect path to achieve her dreams.

B:   May he someday realize how much he is loved by me and that family relationships are important in the grand scheme of things.  May you watch over him and keep him safe.  

J:   May he continue to find the strength and health to take care of,  F,  and may his life burdens be light so he can enjoy these later years.

F:   May she open her heart and mind to asking for help so,  J , doesn’t have to take it all on and he can enjoy his own time left on this earth.  My she embrace her medical conditions and act accordingly to improve her life.  

J:   May he someday come to peace with his childhood and open his heart to being loved. May his children someday learn the truth and be reconnected with family that was taken away from them many years ago. 

E:   May you watch over him as he grows up.  Give him strength that he needs to be a child of divorced parents and to always know he is loved unconditionally and the divorce had nothing to do with him.  May he also realize how much joy he has brought to my life that never existed before him.

M:   May you watch over him as he goes through treatment for his cancer and help lead him into remission.   

G:   May she find the strength to take care  for , M , both physically and emotionally, during this difficult time and may they have many more years together.

J:   May he someday come to realize all members of his team have  value in their own way.  

D/J:   May they understand the hurt they caused by their actions and be patient while others recover from it.  May they find peace within their hearts and let go of their  hatred.

S:    May he someday understand that being a good father is not measured by how much money you give your kids.  Instead, may he realize they would prefer quality time with him and to know  that his love is genuine and unconditional.   

M:   May she find comfort in knowing she has become such a wonderful, spiritual, and gracious women.  May her family and friends realize how much she loves them and their importance in her life.  May she be blessed with improved health and vitality for her remaining years. May she realize her potential and follow her dreams.  

These friends I lift up to you !

Amen !

Prayer For A Friend lyrics

Lord, I lift my friend to You, I've done all that I know to do

I lift my friend to You

Complicated circumstances have clouded his view

Lord, I lift my friend up to You

I fear that I won't have the words that he needs to hear

I pray for Your wisdom, oh God, and a heart that's sincere

Lord, I lift my friend up to You

Lord, I lift my friend to You

My best friend in the world, I know he means much more to You

I want so much to help him, but this is something he has to do

And Lord, I lift my friend up to You

'cause there's a way that seems so right to him

But You know where that leads

He's becoming a puppet of the world, too blind to see the strings

Lord, I lift my friend up to You

My friend up to You

Lord, I lift my friend to You, I've done all that I know to do

I lift my friend to You

Adele

To be young and oh so talented.  Adele, she is an inspiration to all.  She is not the perfect weight, but she is perfect for herself and that is all that matters.   She is such a role model to other young girls.  Be yourself, imperfect at your best. Believe in your dreams and don't let anyone stop you.

Take a look at this video and you can't help falling in love with her.  

Great Book & Powerful Message

My daughter and I went to the Family Christian Store the other day and I found this book (shown above). After only reading the first couple of pages, I felt like I was meant to read this book.  It's powerful message made me stop in my tracks and think about my life.  I'm a firm believer that God puts perfect situations/people/etc.. in our path to learn a particular lesson at that moment in time.  As they say, "When the student is ready, the Teacher appears".   So true in my case.  

This book spoke right to my heart.  In fact, I was so impressed that we ran out the very next day to get a copy for my daughter.  I plan to highlight passages that have special meaning to me and I knew she would want to do the same. 

I know God has a plan for us.  We need to appreciate where we are in life, because we are exactly where we should be at this perfect moment.  

"God's choices for you on this leg of the marathon was by design.  

That's why you're here.  In this position.

Facing this project.

Married to that man.

Involved in that friendship.

Dealing with that issue.

Living in that neighborhood.

Spearheading that committee

Participating in that activity.

Mothering those children.

Living this life". 

Sunday Morning

I love Sunday Mornings... I feel refreshed after having been to church the night before.  Church certainly makes me feel centered and content.

Today, my beautiful daughter and I went to our local Starbucks to have our coffee.  We ordered some delicious drink concoctions with whip cream to go with our tasty blueberry scones.  We sat in the comfortable leather chairs and out came our books, laptops, etc.

Yep, she is one of those that had the special order
Extra Carmel on that Frappacino ! 

It took me a few moments before I could relax and focus on my book with all the energy surrounding me.  The after church crowd had arrived for their Sunday refreshments so the place was hopping.  The Barista working seemed amped on caffeine and was trying to keep up with all the orders coming in.  The orders of triple pump this, double cup that, extra hot or iced that, and extra carmel on that Frappacino.   Oh Boy !

Wise Words

Very wise words...  

Single Mothers...

Hello World...

Are you a young women who is trying to make it is this world?   Are you a single mother who needs someone who is working her way through the same issues that you probably are?  Do you need support, understanding, and a sympathetic ear?

Well,  I 'd love to refer you to my daughter's blog.   You can follow her journey and share ideas, concerns, difficulties.   After all, we are truly never alone in this world if you reach out to others.    I love her writing and I'm sure you will too.

Every Step I take

My beautiful daughter and her amazing little boy 

My daughter and her little boy @ 4 yrs
A little boy's hero... HIS MOMMY !!
 (look how he looks up with love at her)  

My daughter serving  our country...
Master-At-Arms , United States Navy , Reserve 

I couldn't be more proud of her...  I love you, Honey !!!   

and remember.... 

Very true !! 

Like A Heat Wave ..

This past weekend was like a heat wave.   My beautiful daughter and I went shopping @ the mall in the Valley and it was 108 degrees.   Thank God for AC in the Mall !!

We then went and hung out at the pool at my ex-husband's house.  Yes, you heard that right.  We have been divorced for about 20 years, but we are still good friends.     Here I am relaxing and trying to make the best of the heat...

Learn Something New

Hello,

If you follow my blog posts, you will soon learn something unique about me. I have a passion for trying something new.  I'm always seeking new adventures to learn new things.  I'm on a mission to live this life thoroughly as our days on this planet are never guaranteed.  I don't want to ever have regrets.   You will soon learn I have a passion for life.

Photo Credit:  Google images 

Here is a perfect video that shows how fun learning new things can be...  

Learn Something New

What did you learn today?

Cook-in-Training

Ciao,
I've never been much of a cook.  In fact, I was never really taught how to cook.  My beautiful mother passed away when I was a very little girl.  She was very ill for many years before her passing,  so kitchen time with me was just not an option.

Of course I can make some basic things.  My kids and husband have survived on my cooking for all these years. ;-)      However, I just never enjoyed it.    I didn't know the basic cooking techniques and every meal I prepared felt stressful and I put way too much pressure on myself.

Here I am today, trying to find my way in the kitchen and learn to love cooking.  I also love photography, so I've decided to practice a little with food photography.   Hopefully, my skills will improve in that arena too, as you will soon see by the photographs I post below...lol

Today, I decided to try a recipe that I "Pinned" on Pinterest.   If you are not aware of what Pinterest is, then check back here  for a future post all about my new Pinterest passion.

The recipe I have chosen to try today uses the crock-pot.  In my opinion, the crock-pot is probably the greatest invention of all time, besides the microwave.   :-)

The recipe is for "Chicken Enchilada Soup".  I love soup and given I am trying to eat a little lighter, I figure this would work well with a nice salad for dinner.    The particular recipe came from the Tasty Kitchen and here is the link to find this and other fabulous recipes for you and your family too.

The Tasty Kitchen

I made my ingredient list and off to the store I went.   I wanted to know exactly what I spent to make the soup, so I didn't add anything else to the cart.   This might be a good technique to use in the future, as you know how hard it is to make it in and out of a grocery store with exactly what you went for.   Success !!

Yummy stuff 

As you can see by my reciept below, the total cost of the soup was $18.35.  Not bad in my book, as this breaks down to approx. $3.06 per serving.   (tip:  You can even cut the cost down more by using less expensive brands.)

The cost is awesome

Let the fun begin ....

Rinse the black beans 

Place in the crock pot 

Add diced tomatoes to crock-pot  

Add Frozen Corn 

Add diced onions 

Mix all together 

Add boneless chicken breasts 

Mix Enchilada Sauce, Cream of Chicken Soup and Milk together 

Pour on top of everything in crock-pot

Cover crock-pot and cook on high for 6 hours

 The house has smelled so good the entire day as this amazing creation cooks.  I have also been stress free through this whole adventure today.. LOL,   Now for the final unveiling (que the music)  hahaha 

I proudly present the finished product !! 

 The soup not only looked good but tasted wonderful as well.  This makes approximately 6 servings has about 200 calories per bowl with lots of fiber... Whoot Whoot ... I'm one happy camper now.  

Livestrong

Good Day Mates,

Photo Credit:  Livestrong.com 

 I wanted to share a recent website / iPhone app that I downloaded/joined and have started to use.  It is amazing for those of you who have any "life improving" goals you've set  for yourself.

There is great recipes, exercise tips, motivation blogs,  etc.  It looks very informative and you can log your calories, exercise,  and even graph the changes you have made (for those who are "Visual" people like myself).

My goals that I have set for myself are to get more toned and lose a few more pounds for health reasons.  I'm not perfect and never plan to be.  I always say, This is me... my imperfect best!   However, given my recent health scare, I'm ready to make a few more healthy changes.

 The website is called:  Livestrong

Photo Credit:  Livestrong.com

I encourage you to check out this site and see if it might be something you could benefit from as well.  It's also free for many of the features, so you can try it out and if it works for you, then upgrade the service to get even more options.    (Pay it forward)

Have a beautiful, healthy, happy and blessed, Sunday !
Maria :-)

Date Night

I love Date Nights!   When did you last have one?   Don't you just love them too?   Whether you are single or married for a bazillion years, like us, they can be a great way to stay close and connected.  As we all know, life tends to get in the way sometimes so we have to make the time.   

I try to learn something new about my husband every day.  I love listening to him tell me about his gym workouts, as I can certainly see his gorgeous muscles getting more and more defined each day.  In fact, I think he gets more handsome as he gets older.   He still has the ability to make me laugh, which is truly a wonderful thing.   More than anything, I love how I feel being with him.

My Handsome husband and I
at the renewal of our wedding vows  ! 

We decided to try out the new restaurant in town called "Market Broiler".    I decided I wanted to add more fish to my diet so this sounded like the perfect place.   When we arrived it looked like the place was crowded, but the wait for a table was only 10 minutes, which isn't bad for a Saturday night.    

We read through the menu trying to figure out what would be a good fish to try.  I haven't been much of a fish eater over the years, but this is something I want to change for my future.    I was looking for something that was reasonably healthy, but not something that was plain or fishy tasting , as I know this would cause me to not want fish again.   I had a health scare recently, so I have committed to making some healthy lifestyle changes.   

We both decided to try the Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi & Coconut Shrimp.   Given that the Macadamia Nut topping and the coconut shrimp wasn't the healthiest of options,  I knew I had to make some sacrifices to keep everything within a healthy balance.   

My compromises:  I asked for water with lemon instead of a usual soda.   They brought a loaf of fresh baked San Franciscan Sourdough bread w/ butter to the table.   I am proud to say I didn't even touch it.    The smell of hot bread sitting in front of me was almost to much to handle.  I would have asked for it to be taken away as not to waste, but before I knew it my husband was feasting his way through it.  Must be the muscles needing the carbs, I figure ! lol    I, however, kept myself  busy looking at the menu until our waiter returned to take our order.   

I ordered a dinner salad to help curb my appetite so I didn't start in on the bread.  When our waiter asked what kind of dressing I wanted, I had to think for a moment. Hmmmm...   In the past, I would have quickly ordered blue cheese or ranch.  Not today!  I decided to try the Lite Raspberry Vinaigrette.  Oh My Goodness, that dressing certainly put a smile on my face.   I then asked to switch out the white rice with fresh tomato slices and steamed veggies.   

Macadamia Nut Mahi Mahi & Coconut Shrimp
Photo Credit:  MJ Nault Photography 

I've decided to be a "Foodie-in-Training"  and really step out of my comfort zone and try new things.    What a wonderful date night we had.  The food was awesome, the service fantastic, spending alone time laughing with my husband was pure bliss, and most of all I am grateful we have the ability to afford a night out like this.  

Market Broiler Website