Tomato Basil Soup...

This is one of my favorite recipes that I got from a friend.  We don't eat it as soup though.  We use it on our pasta.  If my 4 year old eats it up then I'm thrilled.  Nowadays, she'll ask, "do I eat that".  We always say yes even if she just picks at it.  However, she does eat this one most of the time.  

Tomato & Basil Soup
Servings: 6

Ingredients
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup chopped carrot(s)
1 cup chopped onion(s)
1 cup chopped celery
1 tsp. dried thyme
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 leaf bay leaf
1 28 oz can and 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 3/4 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 Tbsp. chopped basil

Directions
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped carrots, onion and celery. Sauté` until beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Mix in thyme, garlic and bay leaf. Add all canned tomatoes with their juices and vegetable stock. Simmer about 20 minutes. Add whipping cream; simmer 5 minutes. Mix in 4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil. Remove bay leaf. Working in batches, puree soup in blender. (Definitely small batches unless you are ok with it on your ceiling) Transfer to large saucepan. Season soup with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta or as a soup.

New year, new me....

 No doubt in anyone's mind, 2020 was not a good year.  Things changed and hoping it's not forever.  I would love to visit my family in the summer but not if it's still like this and if it is, probably won't go back to NY unless I have to.  I don't like the idea of living in a police state.  That is not American to me. 

On another note, I will try my hardest to improve my diet.  I noticed that when I eat my weight in sugar cookies, I don't feel that great.  Glad to say the sugar cookies are now gone and I'm quitting it cold turkey.  Just going to be mindful of what I put in my mouth so no big plans.  Just tracking and being mindful.  Drinking more water, less sugar.  

It's nice to get back to normal (haha).  At least what I've been used to the last 9 months.  In my office at home, working at my desk.    Setting my meal plans so we have things to eat at dinner other than fast food.  I guess that's one thing that WFH has helped with.  Making better dinners for us.  I refuse to go back to eating on the fly.  This is working out so much better for us.

4 Years Old already.....

Time has really flown by.  Just yesterday I was arguing with J about driving to the hospital to deliver this precious gift from God.  And now, she's a  beautiful,  strong willed, loving but devious little lady.  Each day is a gift with her.  All I can do now is pray that I raise her right.  Teach her to be thoughtful and caring.  Teach her to look out for others when they need it.  To share with others.  She is a bit hyperactive and sensitive to foods that may cause hyperactivity and aggression.  We've noticed it a lot when she eats foods with dyes.  Trying to eliminate that.  This week has been hard.  But I love spending time with her.  Wish I was a bit younger and had more energy.  Need to up the exercise so I can keep up with her more.  But I don't let it stop me from being with her.  No one knows better than I how much she's wanted and loved.  I prayed for her for years.  Had lost so much.  I remember I was scared that when I did get pregnant, I wouldn't know what to do.  I was so wrong.  I will always remember the struggle but it was all worth it in the end.

It's always ok in the end.  If it's not ok, then it's not the end.  

I guess I'm saying that it's ok now.  Our journey to three is now complete.  I wish I could have another but it's not in the cards for us.  

That's the good part of this post.  Here's the other half.  2020 has been the hardest year of my life.  We're surviving.  I'm not sure how sometimes but we are.  I have learned to adapt.  I will say, I'm grateful, G went back to school in June.  I wasn't doing very well at that point.  Working with a 3 year old who was crying and wanting someone to play with her was hard to deal with.  Unfortunately, the tablet became her friend more than I would have liked.  G was showing signs of depression and it made me sad.  I know people say kids are resilient but I don't want the world to shut down and see her spiral down like that.  Also, J has been home since May but hasn't been very helpful when it comes to cooking, cleaning or caring for G.  Maybe it's a bit of depression.  But it's been hard.  I've found ways to come up with meals to cook easily.  Crock pot meals are the easiest and I go for easy.  At this point, I'll be working from home till at least the summer.  I'm hoping it's for good.  Hoping we can finish cleaning up the house, sell and move south for good.  I truly hate living here and feel like it will be restrictive like for good.  Politicians got a taste of power and now they just abuse it.  J was in 7-11 and his mask was below his nose.  The management didn't say anything but some crazy woman started yelling at him and chasing him down.  Started taking pictures of him and his car while he was driving.  What the heck was that.  If the store didn't care, why was she getting so close and invading his space.  What right did she have to do that.  I'm sure she called the police but really, what are they going to do.  7-11 wasn't her store and J has rights.  

Here's to a happy new year 2021.....BYE BYE 2020.  YOU SUCKED!

Giuliana Quotes 2019/2020 - Things I want to remember...

 I want to remember them so here they are.

Giuliana Quotes 2019/2020

The Year of 2020

2020 started off great.  Then it all got weird.  I packed up my office at work on March 20th thinking I'd be home for a few weeks.  Then a week later my daughter was home as well.  Work became a blur, while I worked from the kitchen table and tried to manage my 3 year old that didn't understand why she was not going back to school to see her beloved teacher and friends.  My potty trained little girl suddenly started having accidents.  Stopped taking naps, took walks with me only for her to say, "Mommy, I just want to go home"  She only had us and no one to play with.  I was working all day as best I could while trying to watch her and keep her entertained.  She got a climber with a slide, a new playhouse, bike, skates.  Anything we could do to keep her busy since the parks were closed and no kids were around to play with.  When daycare started up again, Giuli was excited to go back.  Although it wasn't allowed the kids hugged in delight.  Seems crazy to tell kids one minute to be affectionate and the next, not to go near each other.  Finally the parks re-opened and Giuli was back at playing with kids she'd meet in the park.  One man brought his daughter to the park and then tells me "Social distance please"  since my 3 year old wanted to play with his daughter.  My feeling is that if you are that worried, don't go to the park where there are little children. I'm not going to restrain my daughter and keep her away from other kids.  Restrain yourself and stay home.    Now we are coming to the end of the year, and I'm still WFH.  Giuli is still in daycare, and J is still home driving me nuts.  I think he'll be home till the end of the year.  

Some pics of my grown up little one.

Ready for school

Matching nightie's

Waiting for the Dr.

Chillin till we leave for school!

I'm just soooo cool!

I just love summer!

2020....

Happy New Year!  I'm starting the year off with a threenager.  I didn't know what that was till now.  Someone is mostly potty trained now.  Will poop in the potty at daycare but not at home.  At home she begs for her diaper to poop into.  She's starting to sleep in her underwear with no accident as of yet, but still won't poop in the potty.  Anyway, tantrums are worse than ever but attempting to just ignore her and let her scream.  But boy can she carry on forever.  She is so STRONG WILLED.  Just want to get back to our normal routine.  Back with the people she loves and misses.  I'll even be glad to go back to work.

Christmas, Hanukkah and the Birthday Girl...

Hard to believe she's three years old now.  I remember thinking I'd never be a mom.  Those days are over but I still remember them.  It's made me appreciate being G's mom more than ever.  God blessed me to have her.  Made my pregnancy go by healthy and uneventful for the most part.  Grateful she was born perfect.  She's difficult.  Strong willed.  Rambunctious. High energy that we need to channel.  I may be an old mom but I'm still a new mom trying to figure it all out.  I have some facebook groups I belong to and it helps to hear I'm not alone.  Everyone always eludes that their children are perfect.  My child's crazy behavior isn't an anomaly that no one else has experienced.  I will say that having a child like G is a reason many don't have another.  Of course, that's a joke.  But hopefully as she grows and matures she'll get better at listening and understanding.  That putting on her coat when it's 5 degrees is important.  Not kicking off her sneakers in the car when she doesn't get her way.  No matter what though, I'll love her to the moon and back.  She has made our life is complete.

Surprises...

I am so amazed at how much my little one knows.  Today is my birthday and J handed G a card.  She took off with it and J ran after her.  She came into my room and said, "Happy Birthday Mommy!"  and handed me the card.  She such a joy in my life.  I love this little girl to the moon and back.

Willfull little girls...

Well, that's what I got.  The most strong willed little girl ever.  Small but mighty.  Going through the terrible two's and trying not be spoil her.  She stomps her little foot when she doesn't get her way.  Two timeouts just today.  Throwing food, feet on the table, I want this I want that.  For the most part she's my little angel but today, it was NO, NO, NO coming out of her mouth.  Let's change your diaper....NO.  Take that hairclip out of your mouth....NO.  Pick up your toys....NO (but what kid wants to clean up anyway).   Dry hair, pajamas, brush teeth...NO, NO, NO....  The funny part is that she was in back up care a few days ago, she was on her best behavior.  Sat with all the other kids and ate her snack and drank her water out of her cup.  She spilled some water and got up, grabbed a paper towel, wiped up the spill and threw it away in the garbage can.  I was so proud of her and sad too.  So grown up.  Here's a pic of my little grown up girl.  Love her so much!

Two years ago on Mother's day...

My life changed.  J's life changed.  That's the day I had a positive pregnancy test.  Just that previous Sunday we went to South Carolina for our transfer.  The next day our miracle was brought to us.  Our lives have never been the same since.  At the time we did the transfer, I could never imagine how it would feel to be pregnant let alone a Mom.  I remember how much I tried to be hopeful and prayed.  At the time, I wasn't sure how I would make the transition to trying to have a baby to actually being pregnant and then having her.  She truly is a miracle that saved me and J.  He's different.  I'm different, And we have this awesome little person growing up by leaps and bounds.  She is smart and funny and the happiest little girl ever. 

Mothers day was always so hard and got harder every year.  I think about that time and know that there are women who are forever sad on that day too.  I hated going out that day.  Everyone wants to say Happy Mother's Day.  But all I wanted to do was hide at home.  It's changed for me but I know that pain.

Happy Mother's Day to all you Mom's and the ones still fighting to become one.