A new take on pizza

Pi, pie, slice, za. However you refer to it, pizza is delish.

It can come in any endless variety--thick crust, thin, hand-tossed, wood-fired or baked. Maybe you prefer yours loaded with meat or heaped with veggies. Whether it's traditional or gourmet, there is no shortage of option for the ever-loving pizza. 

Our family recently took a short road trip to an establishment where they served wood-fired pizza right on the farm. It was a beautiful drive from the La Crosse area, up Hwy. 35, through Fountain City. From there you wound your way down a winding country road, up and down beautiful lush valleys. The destination is a family-owned farm where they serve pizza on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the summer. 

We read on the website to bring your own chairs or blankets to have a proper picnic-style dinner. I packed some juice and water, snacks and veggies, plates and utensils and we were set! The kids grabbed a spot on the lawn near the swing set. We ordered our Za at the window, we were pizza numbers 65 and 66. They were currently working their way through the thirties. We settled onto the blanket as the kids ran and played, with the many other kids and families who were relaxing nearby. Somehow our beer seemed to taste better out in the open, the smells of campfire and pizza ever present. Our wait didn't seem so long, without having to contain kids and make them sit. Within about 45 minutes we had our two pizzas and sat down to enjoy! The kids devoured a cheese pizza, and we enjoyed ours with beautiful heirloom tomatoes and a touch of bacon and basil. Not too shabby for a Friday night! 

I had packed the fixin's to make s'mores, and the farm provided the sticks and the fire pit. We didn't even have to bribe our kids to finish their food to get dessert! Our drive home was relaxing and everyone fell into bed more than happy! Next summer if you find yourself with a free Thursday or Friday evening, might I recommend packing up a picnic basket with some goodies and a blanket and heading to Suncrest Gardens outside of Fountain City. It might not be great for the waistline, but it sure is wonderful for the soul!

Wrestling with technology

Technology, good or bad? Helpful or not? 

I think my answer to this is simple, when working properly and used in moderation, technology can be a wonderful and enhancing addition to our everyday lives. However, there is always the evil flip side to this scenario. 

Often times technology seems to operate and go about it's merry way, not behaving the way we want or need it to! Think about all the computer gadgets now in our vehicles and the constant updates, upgrades, notifications we receive on our computers. We have a home equipped with some "smart" technology. Our heating and cooling system is run via an iPad in the wall. Looks neat, until it isn't working properly. I have spent more time on the phone with repair people and can practically call them friends for how frequently they've needed to come "fix" things. My husband swears our next home will be equipped with the bare bones and less technology is better. 

I have to say, it is nice to have fun music at my fingertips, a car that cools to my desired temperature, the ability to see loved ones face to face, even when they live thousands of miles away. Most of the conveniences we live with would be very difficult to give up. Today I am grateful that we have an alarm on our freezer when the door is left open, even if the beeping is truly annoying! It saved us a lot of money not having to replace those waffles and ice cream! 

There is always the constant battle in our home with our children and technology. They are so accustomed to electronics--iPads, Tv's, smart phones, digital cameras and so on. We have to monitor their frequency and what type of sites they are visiting. If given the chance, our son would love nothing more than an uninterrupted day spent playing MineCraft on the iPad. Rules are constantly in place so this won't happen, but it really is a battle! So to live in relative peace with the technology that is such a part of our lives, I must keep chanting the mantra use in moderation, and if broken, be nice to your repair guy/gal, they may be your new best friend!

Breakfast saver

Ok all of you parents who have sent your kids back to school, can I get a yee-haw? It's a bittersweet time for sure, for some more sweet than bitter or vice versa. But now you may find yourself deep in the throws of the morning chaos. If you are a well-oiled machine in the morning, you need not read on, but for those of us who could use some help or assistance, I have been introduced to a wonderful new breakfast option that may save you some time during the a.m. rush.

I am borrowing these recipes from a wonderful blog site called The Yummy Life. The blogger, Monica Matheny, has some wonderful tips and recipes, she's well worth checking out when you get an opportunity. www.theyummylife.com 

My new go-to breakfast is an overnight, no-cook refrigerator oatmeal. You will need a Mason jar with a lid and a great imagination! I found some awesome rubber Bell jars with lids at Menards, but I'm sure they can be found in various other stores. This is packed with nutrition and makes for a great grab and go option if need be. You simply fill the jar about with about a half cup of old fashioned oats, not the quick or steel cut variety. Pour a bit of milk over the top, any kind will do. Then add greek yogurt, I love the plain Chobani, around a half a cup, but add more or less to your liking. Then simply fill in the rest with whatever concoction sounds good to you! Yesterday I mixed raspberries and a bit of vanilla extract. The second jar had blueberries and maple syrup. The last jar I used almonds, honey and some cinnamon. Then you simply shake or mix well, cover and set in the refrigerator to enjoy in the morning! The oatmeal soaks up the liquid and you have a wonderful, hearty breakfast. My kids each picked a flavor that they liked and devoured it! It's such a great thing to prepare the night before and know that one extra step is complete for the morning.

Share your favorite recipe, there are so many to try! Enjoy.

Water

Water. We all need it, we've all heard the eight cups a day rule. Some days this is easier to "swallow" than others.

My sister religiously carries a water bottle with her everywhere, she gets her minimum requirement and then some each and every day. My parents, especially my dad, get their water intake through just about anything else besides water! We have been after him for years to drink more water.

A great way to start your morning is with a nice glass as soon as you wake up. It hydrates you and helps you face the day, even before your coffee or breakfast drink of choice. Why not start off with a cup and be ahead of the game?

I recently discovered the magic of a water pitcher with a diffuser through the middle. It allows you to flavor your water with anything you like and change the flavor as often as you want. Brilliant! Today's flavor happens to be blueberry and basil, fresh picked from my pots in the backyard! It's refreshing and keeps tempting me to drink more! I've experimented with many flavor combinations, some we have enjoyed better than others. Cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, peach, lemon, lime, mint, orange, all have been sampled throughout the summer. I'm thinking about trying lavender next. Really there is no right or wrong, just change your ingredients every few days and enjoy!

Sounds silly, but water is so important to keeping us healthy and if you can swap out a glass or two of water in place of a sugary drink or soda, it's a win win! Now I have to get to work to convince my dad of this practice. Maybe I haven't hit upon the right flavor, just gives me motivation to keep trying. Water, who knew it could be so fun?

Another chapter ends

Well it is truly that time of year again, when the days are getting a bit shorter and the kids a bit antsier. 

That's right, the end of summer is just around the corner. Sprinklers will be jumped through just a few more times, Kool-Aid and lemonade stands will be flipping their closed signs over until next season. Soon the days of sleeping in and staying up late will be over, replaced by frantic mornings rushing out to catch buses and race into school. All over the city parents are checking their back-to-school lists and checking them twice. 

It seems that this summer was on super warp speed for some reason. I think it had something to do with the weather, and summer arriving so late after such a rainy spring. Then when it hit, it hit with a force and it continued on at a frantic pace. About a week ago I was lamenting the fact that I would be sending my kids back to school so soon, and I wasn't ready. 

Then another week went by, and the whining seemed to amp up to an almost unbearable level, and suddenly, school cannot start soon enough! I'm sure I'm not the only parent feeling this way! Kids are tired of the same old same old, and I'm ready for some routine to enter back into our lives. Brains need to be challenged and bedtime routines reestablished once more. Now I would feel so much better if those dang school lists were complete. Can anyone tell me where I can find the elusive skinny dry-erase markers? 

Ah summer, you will be sorely missed. Come back soon, and thanks for all of the wonderful memories.

Refreshed in the North

As the summer slowly slipped from July to August, our family closed

the chapter on yet another week-long family tradition.

We spent the week up at a lake cabin near the Hayward area. While no vacation could ever be "perfect" this was a much-needed escape and came close to reaching this title. We spent the week on a glorious lake with fantastic weather nearly every day. 

Some very close friends of ours were just across the bay with their three kids. Our families are close, and our kids get along swimmingly! They played hide and seek in the dark, sat by a campfire, roasted countless s'mores, fished and swam daily and just generally enjoyed each others' company. 

By having their companions to play with, the adults were able to enjoy some conversation and down time. We didn't solve any critical world issues, but we didn't even try! We too enjoyed our companions and the scenery of the great outdoors. Even our dogs romped with abandon and ran to their hearts' content. 

The only down side was the week came to far too abrupt an end. Why don't these moments stretch on a bit longer? Why does a hot dog taste so much better roasted over an open flame? Why is the sound of your kids' laughter like music as they bounce across the water on an inner tube? Like I said, it wasn't perfect. The gnat bites along my leg are evidence of that, but that was so worth it! So we came back a bit lighter, a bit more refreshed, even if we are scratching and itchy for the next few days! 

So until the great north woods beckons again, we have some wonderful new memories to carry us forward.

Seeking balance

As I approach the horizon to middle age, I sit and ponder my life. 

Using the Balance Your 7 website is a nice guide. What areas can I improve on, where do I find I have strengths? I know that overall I am a pretty happy, relatively "balanced" person. My mind could certainly be sharper, and I could foster my sense of community and spirituality a bit more, but I have decided to focus on work for this particular blog. 

As a college student and early twenty-something person I always envisioned myself working in a fast-paced environment, with lots of travel and new experiences. I did get the opportunity to work like this for many years, but then along came baby number one, and my corporate days were over. I never imagined myself as a stay-at-home mom, but now I have a hard time thinking of doing anything else! I consider myself very fortunate to be able to stay home and be with my kids, shuttling them to and fro. Lately though, I'm getting a severe itch to go back to the workforce. The problem is, I'm not sure into what capacity this would be! My skills are all rusty, and buried under so much dust, I'm not sure they exist any longer! So I've decided to write my ultimate job description and see if anyone is "hiring" Here goes:

Enthusiastic, well-seasoned individual seeks challenging new role in life. Job must include travel to wonderful locales, opportunity to sample the cuisine and tons of shopping. Willing to sacrifice some weekends. Will write about my experiences and shop for clients upon request. Can start immediately.

Fur baby

I am one of those people, I will confess, who takes their dog to daycare! What, you may say? 

My husband certainly disagrees with this practice! He wonders why we have a dog, and then spend money on having him exercised by someone else! But I counter with all of the positives, he's being socialized with all types, he's getting over eight hours of exercise, and he LOVES it! 

Yes, it is costly, and I generally only bring him in the winter months. I have another confession (shocking, I know) I brought him last week just because he looked sad and a bit depressed. I brought his best friend Bob too, and they had a blast! He came home and slept for the rest of the day and half of the next as well. With all of the rain we have been having he hasn't been getting as much exercise as usual, and I want him to live forever! 

He's my special friend and such a wonderful member of our family, I'll do just about anything to keep him around longer. So while I know there are just as many pet mommies and daddies who spoil their fur babies just as much as I do, there are others shaking their heads. Well, the look on his face was worth it. And this may not tie directly into how I balance my seven facets of health, it does make me happy and bring a huge smile on my face to see my pooch happy and tired. So it lightens my spirits and helps me check one more thing off my to-do list for the day.

Time

Time is a strange creature. 

When you are young, you have all the time in the world. Just watch a kid stroll home from after school, not a care in the world, unaware of time. Summers used to feel like they stretched on endlessly, one hot afternoon after another, until, like magic, it was time to go back to school. 

You probably heard the saying a time or two as you got older how "time flies." Maybe it means time moves faster as you age. Well suddenly I'm that person and time seems to be melting away. I felt like I had all the time in the world, my kids would stay young, I would forever be far from "middle aged" and life was just ducky. 

Now I face the prospect that I have a child nearing the end of his time at grade school, and having to wear deodorant! My first babe now has feet the same size as mine and soon will surpass me in height. And if he ever ate veggies that would be sooner rather than later! I'm no longer looking forward to my thirties, they too will soon be a thing of the past. Thank God that 50 is the new 40! Ha. 

And time this summer, where oh where has it gone? June was all but a blur and then we welcomed another Fourth of July and oohed and ahhhed at yet another fireworks show. I'm still in denial that we are past the middle of the summer season. Heck, I just started wearing shorts like, last week! So Time, please oh please slow down just a little bit. 

Let us enjoy the brightness of a fresh-bloomed flower and the chirp of a baby bird. I want to ride on a roller coaster until I'm dizzy with laughter and eat a fresh ear of corn dripping with butter. My kids need to stay young and innocent just a bit longer, because this far from "middle-aged" mom needs them to! I'm not quite ready to talk about the remember whens, and the used to be's just yet. I want to embrace the now and soak up every moment before it too is gone.

A 'novel' summer

Well now that we are officially into the summer season, do you gravitate towards one type of reading material or another? 

Maybe you don't have time for books and can only peruse a magazine article. Is this the only time of year you can sit and devour a good novel, maybe while sitting on a beach or flying somewhere fun? Do you read a certain type of book this time of year, lighter hearted or maybe dark and stormy? 

I am always up for a good read, if I had my way my nose would be buried in a book more often than not. I have recently finished a great book that was perfect for anytime of year, but short enough to read on a quick vacation. It was titled Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. Without giving much away, it tackled some pretty hefty life questions in a rather light hearted and uplifting way. She is a British author and the book has a sprinkling of British humor, truly enjoyable. 

I have also just finished The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flag. She is the same author who wrote Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. This is a fast, enjoyable read and part of it is set in Pulaski, Wisconsin. It's a book filled with large, enjoyable characters who make this a fun novel to page through. 

I am a bit behind the times but I am finally finishing the Divergent trilogy. It's a bit darker but filled with enough action to keep it interesting. I can only read so much about a dystopian society, but it does prove, if nothing else, entertaining. My kids are required to read a minimum of 20 minutes per day, either with us or on their own. So far this is working and with the idea that they can pick a new book at the library and keep it fresh, we are all happily reading our way through summer! If any of you readers out there have any must-read suggestions, please send them in! In the meantime, here are a few summer booklists to get you started.

A Plan for Your Summer Reading
Summer Books of 2014

Green thumb?

Those of you with a green thumb, raise your...um...thumbs! 

I will not be one to do that, I'm more of a garden/plant destroyer. Don't get me wrong, it isn't because I don't want or try to grow things, I think I'm just lacking in experience and general knowledge about how to go about keeping things green and healthy. But I am trying to change that. I have planted a few containers on our patio and so far so good. I've even "harvested" some rather tasty basil and dill and a few tomatoes are starting to grow. 

I am fortunate to have some very talented gardener friends, and we have the perfect spot set aside to add to these herbs, hopefully by next summer. They are going to help guide me in the planning and planting process! Yippee! 

We have participated in our local community garden, and have added weeding to our kids' responsibilities. It is so very important that they see how food is grown and participate in the process. I think we all gain such an appreciation for food and the work that goes into it. I will never forget the joy of picking a tomato fresh from the vine and eating it, warm and juicy. I have really enjoyed sending my kids out to pick some herbs for a salad or cut some lettuce and then they realize that it was growing right in our backyard. Even our son tried some. Success! So the next time I ask for a thumbs up to all who garden, maybe I can raise a partial thumb. At least I'm trying!

Bread. Simple.

Bread. How I love thee. There are not many people who can claim otherwise, we are a society of bread lovers! Unfortunately bread can come with some issues. Maybe you are gluten intolerant and cannot indulge like others. Or you are cutting down on the carbs you eat, and have to restrict the amount you enjoy. 

Still bread remains such a simple food delight, especially in our household. Sure, if my kids had their way they would eat only white bread, with very little nutritional value. I buy only whole grain or whole wheat, but occasionally we eat some wonderful baguettes or a loaf of crusty French. I was recently introduced to a new method to baking this crusty delicacy. 

A baker in Brooklyn discovered a new way to make a simple loaf of this bread right in our own homes, without the need for fancy equipment or ingredients. Instead of keeping this to himself he went to the New York Times and shared for all to enjoy. My girlfriend hosted a dinner and prepared a loaf for our meal, and what a treat it was! The dough is prepared fourteen to twenty hours prior to baking, and left to rise on your countertop. Then it is baked in a dutch oven or heavy cast iron pan at a high heat for approximately sixty minutes. The result? A large loaf of crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, bread with just the perfect amount of a rich warm brown to color the outside. It was fabulous and we all indulged! 

The recipe is here, and I urge you to give it a try! If you yourself cannot eat this, it would make a great gift for all of your bread-loving friends! Take it from me, a non baker, even I can tackle this one with success. Enjoy!

Same body. New challenge.

The first of the seven in Balance Your 7 is body. 

As I age, this particular component seems to be taking on a mind of its own! I try to exercise on a regular basis, and as I reach closer to middle age, my metabolism is definitely not what it used to be. 

To combat this I've just started a new form of exercise called TRX training. It is commonly used by the military to train soldiers. Using bands suspended from the ceiling and using your own body weight, various exercises are performed. Sounds easy right? Ha, who would have thought your own body, that thing you are trying so hard to shape, could prove so challenging and resistant? Because of our schedules and the ages of our kids, I have found that I need to exercise early in the morning, or it never seems to happen. Lucky for me a local gym is offering early classes, and three times a week happens to be TRX! 

I am now into my second week, and if you see me out and about you may notice I'm walking rather stiff and sore, a TRX side effect! I hurt in places I never knew possible, and am loving every minute of it! The beauty of the class is you can tweak each exercise to fit your ability and level of difficulty. Within each exercise, different muscle groups are isolated and worked for approximately thirty seconds to a minute at a time. Our classes last for approximately 45 minutes, and time flies! 

I want the body I had when I was 22, before kids, able to eat and drink what I wanted without side effects. I know that is no longer possible and that particular vessel is long gone, so in the meantime I need to keep this body as healthy as possible. It helps to shake things up a bit, try new things and see just how far you can push yourself. This is a great, safe way to do that. Who knows, I may even see faint glimmers of that 22-year-old in there somewhere! I dare you to go out and try something new for yourself and whatever current body you have today! 

To read more about Gundersen Health's Balance Your 7, click here.
To read more about TRX, click here.

Embracing Summer...

After enduring a cold, unrelenting winter and a wet, dreary "spring," we have finally made it to summer! I know my spirits are lighter and brighter seeing the sunshine and feeling the warmth of the sun again. Everything in our area looks so fresh and green, and pops of color are adorning our streets and doorsteps! We have so much to experience living in an area that truly gets all four seasons. It is fun to see how everyone embraces or rejects them, as the case maybe.

In our house, summer is welcome with wide open arms. Socks and shoes are shoved aside for the feel of bare toes and flip flops. The change in season also brings the end of a school year for the kiddos. With that comes the added schedule change and activity planning. I've written before about the fine line in keeping your kids busy and involved in activities, but also trying not to over schedule and allow them free time, *and gasp* a chance to be bored!

My friends and I have discussed how we would play outside from sun up to sun down, rarely breaking to eat. Sunscreen was never a priority and neighborhoods were our domain to explore. Although times are a bit different, and the importance of sunscreen is a big priority, it's still wonderful to let your kids be kids. Drink from the garden hose when you get thirsty, set up a lemonade stand and charge a quarter to all your neighbors who may stop by. Lay on a blanket and watch the clouds, just because you can!

Sure summer camps and organized play are great, and essential for this mom's sanity, but I am trying to have less "organized" and more figure it as we go time. I'm devising a chore chart so we don't steer too far off course, but I'm remembering to embrace summer because as we know it is far to fleeting in this part of the world. So go forth, put tassels on your bike handles, swing on a swing, drink from a hose and stop to smell the roses! Hello summer!

Preparing for the Final Days

One of our favorite rituals involves lazy Sunday mornings, dressed in our most comfy of comfy pj's, steaming mug of coffee and settled comfortably on the couch watching the show CBS Sunday Morning. It's a fantastic program that features short stories, sometimes based on a theme, usually very interesting and always well delivered. My husband and I could always be found this way on any given Sunday, enjoying our hour or so of a.m. television.

Well those days are gone! 

Now it's usually recorded and watched whenever we can grab a free chunk of time, more often than not, mid-week and in between refereeing our three kids. Needless to say, it does not carry the same effect it does on a lazy, quiet Sunday morning! But we manage to forge on and still enjoy the show. A few weeks ago we happened to both be seated together and caught up on the latest episode, and much to our surprise the show featured a wonderful segment on our own Gundersen Health System! They showed scenes of downtown La Crosse, and interviewed some locals in a coffee shop. In case you missed it, the theme for the week was death. A grim topic for sure, but this segment remained rather upbeat. In our small town at last count, 96 percent of the people who passed away here had created advance directives. That's the highest percentage of end-of-life planning in a nation where only about 30 percent of all adults have such a document.

An advance directive is a statement of patient preferences that tells everyone else: This is what I do (and do not) want to keep me going--and perhaps most importantly, who will speak for me when I can't. It is a fantastic program that helps ease the burden of decision making if such an event arises. It's not the most pleasant topic to discuss, but at some point the end comes for all of us, in one form or another. A hefty topic to ponder while sipping coffee on a sofa! But it did raise a discussion between my husband and I--one where we both shed some light onto how and what our wishes would be. 

La Crosse is definitely doing something right! The segment is a great reminder of having things in place, and planning ahead if possible. It's worth watching, if for no other reason than to see our community in a national spotlight, for taking the initiative that may help many families.

"The ultimate content of this conversation, I think, isn't about death," said Gundersen's Bud Hammes. "I think the ultimate topic that's being discussed is how people care for each other. And so what comes out at the end of the conversation is, 'I love you, and I now know how to take good care of you.'"

Being Prepared for the Final Days

The Power of a Compliment

Never under estimate the power of a compliment. 

I was finishing up getting showered and dressed recently at the local gym. I was on the fence about the outfit I had packed but seeing my other option was sweaty gym clothes, I got ready with the clothes I had packed.  

Within five minutes I had two strangers come up to me and tell me how they loved my pants, and one lady said my entire "ensemble" was beautiful! Now trust me when I say that I am the furthest thing from a fashionista. I will occasionally take a risk, and on this day I was wearing some rather snazzy red pants. But those words--compliments from complete strangers--powered me forward. 

I felt lighter as I left, and more confident in my selection. I went through my day just feeling a bit happier, and believe me when I say that I tried to pay those compliments forward. You never know just how a few choice words may impact someone. We all face aversion and various challenges. Some of us more than others, but words are very powerful. They can be a deadly weapon, if delivered correctly, or a soothing balm. They may be someone's most cherished gift, sound advice from a loved one or a lesson never forgotten. Or those words might just be someone's kind compliment that lifts a stranger's spirit, if only for a brief moment. Never underestimate the power of a compliment, make it meaningful and go hand some out today! They are free and sometimes more appreciated than you realize.

On yoga...and spirituality...

Down dog, up dog, warrior one, warrior two, crescent lunge, child's pose. 

Some of you may recognize some of these yoga terms, others may not. They are all terms used to describe certain poses done during a yoga practice. 

Whether challenging your balance, your coordination, your strength or maybe your spirit, the benefits of yoga are too numerous to mention. For me lately, it's been a place I've been going to, at the end of a busy week, to stretch not only my limbs but my psyche as well. I've found a great sense of peace and a calming effect that yoga has on me. 

One of the core elements to Gundersen Health's Balance Your 7 is spirituality. 

For some, there is an obvious place to find this, a church or place of worship is where you seek comfort. For others it maybe in the company of nature, or fellow friends. I find myself enlightened in multiple places, one of which is while practicing yoga. Lately the positive energy in my classes has been almost palpable, something that lifts one's spirits, especially needed during this dreary period of weather we have been experiencing. I look forward to gaining physical strength with each class I attend, but also I find I've been looking inward and finding out a bit more about myself too. 

Self discovery and growth is not the side effect I thought I would find in a sweaty yoga class, but when struggling to do dancer pose or going up in wheel, I learn a bit more about who I am and how I can continue to travel in the same direction or change course if need be. There are many mottos to live by, many ways to live. Yoga may not be for everyone, I'm so thankful I found it and it found me, may I continue to grow with each practice. 

I feel like someday my soul will thank me!

Want to learn more about yoga?

Lifelong learning

I've written before about my attempts at learning to play guitar. 

I haven't visited this topic in quite awhile, simply because I feel that I am a miserable guitar student, at best. That is not to say that I have not thoroughly enjoyed my dive into this pool of opportunity. I love the way that it challenges my brain and lights up a sense of learning that I have never experienced before. 

I attend my weekly guitar lesson, and now it is something that our 8-year-old son does with me. In our hectic schedules, we don't often find the time to have some quiet together. So now we find ourselves, once a week, trekking to lessons together. 

We will often talk about school or the books he's reading, or whether we like a certain song on the radio. Sometimes we drive in comfortable silence, me just enjoying having my not-so-little buddy alone in the car with me for a bit. He's doing a wonderful job learning to play, and far outpacing me as a student. It is rather humbling to have your 8-year-old show you up so handily! 

Lucky for me he doesn't read this blog, so this isn't a fact I'll be sharing with him anytime soon! My husband has taken his new skills to a different level, and has starting jamming with a couple of fellow friends. I played with them not so long ago, and it recharged my enthusiasm for learning to play! There is something energetic about playing with others, even if you are in the wrong key the entire time! But we ended the jam almost sounding, dare I say, mediocre! No, we are not booking any gigs soon, or even ever, but it was a fun way to put into practice all that I've been learning. 

My husband aspires to write his own song soon, this too will enhance his joy that he's found in playing guitar. I'm fortunate to have found this little hobby so enjoyable. It's enhanced my appreciation for music, and will continue to do so for years to come. Now, if I only practiced like I am supposed to, I might be able to play a recognizable tune! One thing at a time.

Transforming a house into a home

While the list varies from person to person, some of the most stressful events in life include moving. 

I can attest to that, especially when you toss in three kids, a dog, and a whole lot of stuff! We made the move, and are on the other side of the difficult part. Whew. 

Now comes the unpacking, sorting, and placing of those things deemed worthy of gracing our space. Pictures that have resided in boxes for the past six years have been unearthed, to keep or not to keep? That has become the major question in our household. But I know we are fortunate and this is a great problem to have! 

We have explored our new neighborhood and the kids are already having a blast. We've been the recipient of several plates of scrumptious cookies and home-made meals, making a move almost worth it! I keep telling people that the house is a work in progress; every time I think I've made progress, there is more work! Ha! But our new place is already feeling like home, and our housing woes are already becoming a fleeting memory. 

I am trying to tell myself to take things one day at a time, one box at a time. There is no deadline for getting things done, and just enjoy the house one step at a time. It's easy to feel overwhelmed, unproductive. But this too shall pass. We have already hung things on the wall! Wow! That doesn't mean that this is where they will stay, but they are out of boxes and giving our walls personality. So as each day passes, and another box is emptied, we are one step closer to transforming our house into a home!

A Moving Tale

As Spring creeps ever closer, teasing us with temps inching towards 50, our family prepares for a big move into a new house. 

I've blogged in the past about our efforts to try to build a home, like the saying goes we "gave it the old college try." At this point in our lives a custom-built home is not in our immediate future. We ran into obstacle after obstacle, and after awhile it was time to start listening to what the cosmos were trying to tell us, and scrap the idea! 

After much time spent house hunting and weighing the pros and cons of one home vs. another, we chose a house we thought would best suit our family's needs and an offer was accepted! For the past few months we have been prepping ourselves for our move. 

As any of you readers know, moving is a dreaded chore to most. A few positives do exist, like the never-ending purge that seems to occur! How did we manage to accumulate so much STUFF? Wow, it is a bit amazing to think about all the things that have resided in our home for the past four years! But with that comes a duty to rid ourselves of the things we no longer use or want. Some have made it to local consignment shops, some to friends, some sold online, and a vast amount were donated. It is a very freeing feeling to shed some of the material weight we have been carrying. Of course, that means we are making way for a few new things that will be fun to purchase, but all in due time. 

For now, I must pack another box, carefully wrapping items in paper and labeling where each thing should go, or so I'd like to think. My version of reality is a bit different (think shoved into a container and thrown into the back of the truck and crossing fingers most things survive)! I've never claimed to be super organized, this is a true challenge for me. But somehow we will manage and the kids are very excited about new bedrooms, and a new neighborhood to explore. So while I pack another box, I'm focusing on the positives, a place to call our own will bring. I will be doing my best to make this experience as stress free as possible.

Let me know if you need any moving boxes as we will have plenty to spare in a few weeks!

What If...

What would you do if you suddenly won a pile of money? 

The Mega Millions lottery just reached it's third highest level ever, toppling the $400 million mark! The average American household earned just over $50,000 in 2011. 

It would take approximately 8,000 years to earn that amount of money! A tad longer than most of us are hanging around! My sister claims she wouldn't want that much money, she would not want the headache or responsibility! I told her I would gladly take that over for her. She might change her tune if she actually won! 

I will purchase an occasional ticket and for just a split second allow myself to imagine winning. Your world of opportunity could be endless, depending on how you would choose to live. But with this would come enormous responsibility, not only to try to stay true to yourself and those around you, but to give back. I have many fantasies about the things I could do with that amount of income, the ways I could donate and give to those who have so many needs. It would be a riot to just give to any cause or any person and have it actually make a difference! 

But do we really need millions to make a difference? Could we, the average $50,000 household give and have it impact someone? That answer is clearly yes. We could donate not only money but time or talent. 

I ate lunch with a group of kindergartners, and had several kids needing hugs. Still others simply wanted to tell a story and have someone listen. It didn't cost me a penny, I got to eat lunch and was entertained the entire time! But to that attention-starved kid, maybe I filled a need for a little while. So when I go fork over my dollar for the next chance to win unimaginable millions and wake up the next day to find out it wasn't me who won, I'll remind myself of other ways to win and give back. Those kindergartners might be seeing me a tad more often!

Room to Grow

While coming up with topics to address for the Balance Your 7 Blog, the category I tend to struggle with the most tends to be Spirituality. It's not because I'm not aware of the aspects found within this topic according to the Balance Your 7 website :

Spiritual wellness: Search for meaning and purpose, actions match your values and morals, find peace and harmony.

• Explore your individual spirituality
• Spend time alone
• Meditate
• Be tolerant of different beliefs
• Keep a clear sense of right and wrong

I try to incorporate most of this in my daily routine, although meditate is something I need to strive to do more often. What I struggle with is how to grow within this category. I try to find meaning in my daily interactions with people, yet I should reflect more on what those are and try to do this daily. I have an opportunity to spend alone time, and try to find minutes of solitude. Some days are easier than others. As a family, we have found a place of worship that we feel comfortable attending, but we have chosen not to make this a priority in our lives at present, a decision both my husband and I agreed to. I read the occasional book related to growing in spirit. One I've just started is called The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It's not the type of book I usually read, but it came recommended and might lead to some new personal insights or a fun discussion.

So at this time, I feel like this is an area that I can grow into. 

If given more time in my week, I would really like to look into having our dog become certified for the pet therapy program in town. If this were to happen, the two of us could visit local hospitals, nursing homes and schools. I've been witness to the comfort and joy that a therapy dogs brings to people in critical situations. They visibly relax and shed their troubles, if only for a short period of time. Our local Humane Society offers the necessary training to have your dog qualify for this program. I feel that not only would he benefit from interaction with others in new situations, but I would truly enjoy the experience. It would be a way to share the joy my dog has brought to our family, and what a wonderful way to get out into the community. Now to take a deep breath, and find the time to make this goal happen! I know that as person in need of spiritual growth, this would be a great seed to sow!

Weather or Not...

Living in this beautiful Midwestern state, it dawned on me, whatever would we talk about with one another if it weren't for our weather? 

We are one of a handful of places that can go from sunny and warm to downright miserable with a simple blink of an eye. We all must have wardrobes with everything at the ready, long underwear to swimsuits and tank tops! It's enough to make a person dizzy! I mean, why would you choose to live in say, sunny Arizona or southern California? How boring, sunny and warm almost every day! 

I challenge you to take a listen the next time you are in public, watching strangers interact. It is almost a given that the opening topic of most conversations will be centered around the weather. "Can you believe how cold it is?" "Will this winter EVER end?" "Wasn't the sunshine lovely, isn't it funny how 50 degrees felt hot?" 

At least these are a few of the snippets I gleaned from my outings this week. But it is true, that leading with weather as an opening topic, everyone has an opinion. We are in it together, and together is how we will get through the winter without an end! 

I think it's natural to take comfort knowing that our friends and neighbors are suffering right along side us, shoveling and shivering every January and February, and this year, March! But let's take heart, soon we can start to complain about rain, humidity and mosquitoes! The great part about living in Wisconsin, is there is ALWAYS something to talk about, so make a new friend and discuss the weather!

Turning lemons into...

How do you cope with unexpected news? 

Let me rephrase that, how do you cope with unexpected bad news? I've had three friends in the past few weeks each receive news that was not expected and not pleasant. One has learned that her young daughter has a lifelong illness that required a stay in the pediatric intensive care unit, a trip to Madison, and constant monitoring. This news will forever impact their wonderful family and require daily medication and monitoring. My friend reached out for help, and gratefully accepted when it was given. They are arming themselves with information, so they can prepare for what the future holds. She is facing this situation head on, and with an upbeat attitude. I admire that, as I know that it would not be easy to do. 

Another friend called to say that their beloved dog of 12 years had just curled up next to the fireplace, and never woke up. Her kids were at school, and she faced the dreaded task of having to tell them and explain why, how, and when he died. She was so sad, as it was completely unexpected. The positive side to this is he didn't suffer with a lingering illness, and the whole family was able to say their goodbyes. It's one of the hardest life lessons we have to learn, but it is a lesson and a very important one. They are still sad, but already talking about adding a new four-legged brother or sister soon! She's in for a shock, as she hasn't had a puppy in 12 years! 

The last unexpected bit of news was from a childhood friend who had learned that her husband of 10 years was coping with a "mid-life" crisis and wanted to move out of their new house, leaving their three beautiful daughters, so he could "work" on things. This bit of news came completely out of the blue and shocked her. They had a wonderful marriage, or so she thought, but apparently he had not been happy for quite a few months. I had a conversation with her today, and she is one of the strongest people I know. On top of this news, she had to have her gall bladder removed! She comes from a family of very strong-willed women, and she said she will not be someone who uses this as an excuse to quit. She is facing it as a chance to create an opportunity for herself and her girls. She is giving into some "poor me" time, and then moving on with her life. It's such an admirable way to handle it, and I know she will do just that. 

However you choose to handle bad news, hiding out, reaching out, or striking out, know that there are so many resources and people who are usually willing to listen and pitch in. I hope the news you hear today is positive, but if it isn't, don't feel like you are alone, seek comfort in friends and family, and maybe try to turn those lemons into lemonade, and add a shot or two if it helps! 

Dealing with Bad News

Feelings are one of the seven dimensions of wellness explored on the Balance Your 7 website. Click here for links to a variety of articles that may help when you're dealing with bad news.

Birkie Recap

Well I survived the darn ski race. It was quite the experience, not all of it wonderful, but overall very worth it! 

Just before departing for the weekend, I read one of Eleanor Roosevelt's famous quotes "Do something everyday that scares you." Well, this certainly captured that feeling the morning of the race. After receiving a dumping of about nine inches of fresh snow, the thermometer read three degrees above zero as we set out to ski! 

As a general rule, I won't venture out when it's below ten, but looks like I didn't have a choice on this day. So along with about 10,000 fellow racers, we donned our ski clothes and prepared to set off. I was at the very back of the pack, as I chose (one of the only WISE things I did) to ski the 12k race, the "Baby Birkie."

Many of the other racers started a couple of hours before. After stepping into skis and shedding our warm top layer, we waited for our time to depart. Our first kilometer was across an open field, with a direct head wind! Did I mention it was three degrees out? I had some serious second thoughts, but the choice to turn around wasn't much of an option, forward it was. Once we passed the field, the woods blocked most of the wind, the sun was shining, and I decided to try to enjoy the experience as a whole. I can easily say that I did!  

It was difficult terrain, mostly uphill and down, very little flat space to glide. But because of the snow conditions from the night before, and the fact I was skiing over snow that thousands before me had skied, it was like slogging through mashed potatoes! But the ski community as a whole is a smiling, friendly bunch, so I kept on slogging! I was so happy to have the finish line in my sights, and join up with other fellow finishers! And it gave me such a great sense of accomplishment that I completed something that really did scare me! That Eleanor was one smart lady. A friend asked me shortly after the race ended if I would do it again. At this point, with well over a year to prepare, I say sure, bring it on! And to borrow another great quote from Mrs. Roosevelt "I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on." 

I'll just sit by the fireside after I finish the race!

Plastic surgery is great option for many patients

Some friends and I recently had a discussion regarding plastic surgery. 

 To do or not to do? 

 We know several people who work in this field, and have had the privilege of seeing some of the wonderful things that plastic surgeons and their staff can achieve. 

Did you know how many patients after cancer treatments, see a plastic surgeon to have reconstructive surgery? They are able to do a flap, and give the patient back some feeling of self after radiation. Or maybe they have had to undergo a mastectomy and have elected to have implants. After speaking with the surgeons they say patients have such a sense of gratitude and are so appreciative to feel more like themselves with the help of this procedure. 

The other side to this discussion are more elective cases. Like my friends and I were discussing, after the combination of age and childbearing, our bodies are not like they used to be! Nor do we expect them to be, but after eating healthy and regular exercise, it can become a frustrating place to find yourself. I've seen women's self esteem plummet, due to poor body image. I'm not advocating for or against surgical options, but it is so nice to know that there are just that, options. 

The friends I know who have chosen to have an augmentation or a tummy tuck have been so very pleased. It's all done very tastefully and has boosted their sense of overall confidence with regards to their bodies. There are many things to consider, price, downtime, risk, and it is certainly not for everyone. But it is so wonderful to have such an option right in our backyard. 

I think the stigma of plastic surgery has changed, and needs to change. These talented surgeons offer such hope to patients, and it's not all about boobs and botox! Have any questions, don't hesitate to consult with your local Gundersen plastic surgeon today!


gundersenhealth.org/plastic-surgery

Heading to the 'Birkie' this weekend!

As this winter stacks up as one to remember, or maybe more accurately, one we may never forget, we can say we are more than half way there and spring will come. 

With that being said, my husband and I have committed to participating in our first ever Birkebeiner ski race. Some of you may be asking what that is. Well it's an annual ski race, either classic cross country or skate ski style, that occurs in Cable, Wisconsin every February. As I've written before, we have taken up the sport of skate skiing, and are now throwing our hat into the racing ring. Although, at this point, having not been on my skis in over a month, I am seriously reconsidering this decision! 

Who am I fooling, I'm not cut out for this! I guess I'm in it purely for the experience and the chance to head north with a great group of people. I will be attempting to finish 12 kilometers, and my husband will be skiing the Kortelopet, which is 23 kilometers. The true Birkie is 50 grueling kilometers, complete with a challenging course filled with giant hills and thousands of spectators watching your every move! 

I guess there is a place along the race course where the skiers come flying downhill and have to make a very tricky turn. It is here that a group of wonderful fans sit to "judge" those who fall, and just how spectacular their wipeouts are. 

Note to self, don't be fooled by what sounds like a great idea in June, because race time is officially here! I was half hoping for sub-zero temperatures so that I could bow out gracefully, ha! Are my nerves coming through in print? It will be quite the experience to be in the presence of elite athletes and watch them perform with elegance and grace. If nothing else I will definitely earn that post-race beverage! 

So while you watch those gifted athletes at the Olympics this weekend, remember that there is a tremendous event taking place in your own state. A ski marathon like no other. And your friendly blogger is a reluctant participant! Feel free to send those support vibes, I know I could use every one of them. See you on the other side of the finish line!

For more information about this fantastic race, its history and all the crazy events happening throughout race weekend, check out the link below.

birkie.com

Show someone you care!

Was your house been bombarded by red and pink like mine last week? Are your kids bouncing off the walls from the sugared hearts and sticky suckers they received in their Valentine exchanges at school? Did you spend hours creating the perfect Valentine for them to give or the perfect "Mailbox" to house all of their sweets? 

It is a fun holiday, and with the winter that we have endured it has certainly helped add some color and fun into our rather cold, white world! My kids were so excited for all of their parties at school, and to give their teachers the special treats they prepared, or rather their mother, prepared! 

Some consider it a Hallmark holiday. I say bah humbug to that! What better excuse do you need to send a fun card to your favorite aunt or special grandparents? My kids were racing to the mailbox all week to see their cards come with only their name on it! Brighten up your niece or nephew and send them a giant card like my sister did! Seeing the excitement that a gesture like this brings is worth it! And I haven't even mentioned the opportunity to indulge a bit in some chocolate, perfect! So forget your bah humbugs and remember to celebrate those you love. It doesn't take much to show that you care, and bringing a smile to someone is well worth it, on Valentine's Day and every day!

Warm up the winter with creativity in the kitchen

Cooped up and tired of the cold?

Maybe you are like me and tired of all the warm weather vacation pictures everyone (but me) seems to be flaunting on social media. What to do, what to do? 

Well, I have been turning my creative energy inward and started cooking! My husband and I have taken to researching recipes on a Sunday afternoon, and then going to the grocery store Sunday evenings for our weekly menu supply. Some have been real winners, like the teriyaki chicken with sushi rice. Others were not quite as successful, but fun to create anyway!

Sometimes we rely on old standbys. Like quiche. Never considered it for dinner? Well think again. It's warm, flaky, and can be filled with any ingredient to suit your palate. I tend to buy just the pre made, frozen crust. It comes in a two-pack. I will make one flavor for the kids, and one for adults. If you aren't up for two, they freeze beautifully. Voilà, dinner for next week is ready! 

While we all endure this endless winter, we need something to keep our sanity! Throw a dinner party and let your creativity shine. Not in the mood to cook? Try our take on the "European" dinner. We serve up some good cheeses, sliced meats and hearty bread. I added some grapes and some good nuts, and dinner is ready! Of course, with a nice glass of wine, most things taste even better. 

Good luck with whatever method you choose to battle through the winter. Remember, spring will come!

Is it the destination, or the journey that matters most?

Are you more about the journey you take or reaching your final destination? 

Do you take more pleasure in the accomplishments along the way, or maybe you revel in reaching the summit? 

After watching this past weekend's Superbowl game I couldn't help but reflect on this question. These football players just spent an entire season battling game after game, some overcoming injuries, to make it to the final game to see who is crowned world champs. Then it ended in a way that most would not have predicted, with an utter sweep and crushing, one-sided, defeat.

I can't help but think what a let down that game was to all of the Denver Bronco players and fans. But maybe they held onto the joy that the journey was along the way, throughout the season. They made it to the final game, one of the two best teams in the league. Despite the ultimate outcome, wasn't it worth it? As other teams and fans could only sit on the sidelines to watch, they participated in the pinnacle of well-fought journey. 

It's funny how this can be compared to life. Maybe we need to realize that the trip is as much about the journey and the lessons learned along the way, as it is about reaching our goals. Yes, to achieve a feat or goal you set for yourself is fantastic, but so are the pitfalls and achievements reached along the way. 

Life is filled with our own "superbowls." Just making it to the arena is an accomplishment, and not everyone walks away with the trophy, but remember the journey that helped you get there in the first place. Keep striving for the win, but don't forget to enjoy the ride.

Been puzzled lately?

Santa happened to deliver a beautiful 1,000-piece, very challenging puzzle to our house. We have set it up on our dining room table (can you tell how little we dine in the dining room?) and have been working on it little by little. 

 I have not attempted a puzzle in years, except the last winter up at a cabin, which only lasted for about two days, and was never completed. My husband has found the entire thing totally therapeutic and very relaxing. 

I've sat down to "just find a few pieces" and end up sitting for over an hour! It is not only relaxing, but very addicting as well! The one tip I would strongly encourage, do not let your 4-year-old "help." 

We recently found four pieces in her doll's dress. And because our puzzle is not quite complete, we are unsure how many pieces may be missing for good! Ahh, I guess it adds to the challenge. My good friend has a puzzle going for each of her kids, she simply sets it up on a cookie sheet. When they are not working on it, she slides it under her television stand, out of sight! 

Waiting for the next Polar Vortex to descend upon us hardy midwesterners, we need SOMETHING to keep us sane! Might I suggest a puzzle? Maybe you want a second one for your little "helpers" too!

Getting...and staying...active in the New Year

Have you started your January off on the right foot? 

Have you started a new exercise regime or continued with a routine from before? There was a very timely article on the Balance Your 7 website called 10 tips to restart your exercise habit and keep it going.

The gym is now packed with all sorts of New Year's resolution goers. I give everyone credit for getting out and getting active. 

Maybe the gym is not your thing. Try snowshoeing--one look outside and you can see that we have more than enough snow! Or skiing, cross country or downhill. Maybe walking in the mall or another building that would allow that. I know my mom and her friend walk every single morning in their neighborhood, but they head indoors when the weather doesn't allow. 

I've found that I need new motivation when trying to run that extra mile. I've started to download podcasts and books on cd to push me that extra step. I know I'm capable of going further physically, it's the mental challenge that I need to overcome. I try to keep my mind anywhere but focusing on the distance I have yet to go! That's why exercising with a friend is so wonderful! When given the opportunity it's so refreshing to workout side by side and suffer together! A partner keeps us in check and motivates us to push ourselves.

However you choose to start the year, try a new class or a new form of exercise. You won't regret it, and your body and overall well-being will thank you!

On marriage...and coffee mugs...

I've recently come to realize that my marriage is like my coffee-mug cupboard. 

Like most people we started out with a nice set of everyday dishes from our wedding, over 11 years ago. They are sturdy, very comfortable and you know exactly how your hand fits on the handle. But recently we have begun to notice some cracks, and chips in our sturdy mugs. A few have had to be tossed. 

We've begun to replace our everyday cups with new mugs purchased while traveling, or at a certain special event. We've had to learn how these hold our coffee, and at what point do we stop filling them to fit in our cream. Our cupboard has become a bit more exciting, though far less uniform in looks. Some of our new mugs are large with a picture of the resort we visited. Some are curved and perfect for that steaming tea. 

We have changed and grown as a couple. Yes we have cracks and chips, but we have learned to adapt or move on. Sometimes it's necessary to inject a bit of new into the so-called cupboard. There are days where I reach for the sturdy, tried-and-true mug. I like how it feels in my hand, I know just how high to pour my coffee. But then I have my favorite new mugs too, the one with the initials of my hometown, or the emblem of a favorite cafe. There is nothing wrong with change, in fact, we all change, it's recognizing it that counts.

So whatever your mug cupboard looks like, be open to new but don't forget to embrace the old too!