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!

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.

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!

Helping those in need

I've run a few errands and settled down into a coffee shop to write and deliver to those wonderful readers out there a new, exceptionally written blog. 

Throughout the course of my errand running, I walked past three Salvation Army kettle bell ringers. As the temperatures plummet and the holidays approach, we are reminded with each bell that tinkles, that there is a great need in our community. Individuals, families old and young alike are in need. 

Maybe you find yourself on the receiving end this year or possibly you are in a position to give assistance to those who desperately need it. Please don't hesitate to contribute, even if you don't think it's much, every penny counts. Some stores are making it easy, you can scan at the register and your donation is put onto your total bill, whether paying by credit, check or cash, easy and convenient! 

Maybe this year you can't spare any extra money but you could donate your time. Here is the perfect opportunity to do so. Please consider donating a couple of your valuable hours to help those in need, right in our own town. I've decided that you are never too young to learn about volunteering. I will be signing our entire family up for a shift or two to ring bells and show them how we can help and hopefully make them feel good about giving. So as the bells sound, count your blessings and help fulfill somebody else's blessing too.

You can sign up to volunteer online at this link.

Seasons of change

Well today, as I sit and type out this blog post, I am struck by the sights and sounds of the end of summer.

It's still glorious and warm, robins dance in our yards and butterflies are still plentiful. But there is that underlying hint of fall. A sudden cool breeze or just the way the sun hits the pavement tells of a season soon to be upon us. 

My kids are anxious and ready for the steady drum of routine, and so is their mother! So while we are ready to end the chapter of another summer in Wisconsin, how are you preparing for fall? Do you read through the Halloween costume magazines that are already filling our mailbox? Do you glance longingly at your favorite pair of jeans or sweatshirt that has sat patiently on your shelf these past months? Maybe a long-neglected closet is screaming your name, to be purged and cleaned? I have a long and lengthy list of activities to be done and clothes to be worn once the seasons change and the kids head to school. I'm not ready to pack the beach towels up quite yet, and I am still planning on wearing my shorts for a bit longer, but I'm mentally preparing for cooler days and time spent with my hands curled around a steaming mug of coffee. 

Living in a place that experiences four true seasons is comforting. We get out and embrace all the time when the heat and sun is plentiful, somehow soaking it in to carry us through during our bitter months of winter. Summer takes on an almost mystical tone, because we don't have the luxury of having it with us year round. I think each season brings it's own enjoyments, fuzzy sweaters, an old pair of boots, or your favorite swimming suit. So until summer is officially over, I'll take a few more swims in the pool and hopefully enjoy a few more nights dining outside with friends. After all, that is one of the beauties of living here, 90 degrees one minute, and minus 30 the next!

It's back-to-school shopping season!

Are you all set for the kids to go back to school? 

Have you purchased their supplies, double checking the list and making sure all of their number two pencils are sharp? 

 This year I am sending all three of my children off to school, the youngest for the first time! She will only attend three mornings a week, but it's a big step for all of us! I'll suddenly find I have a few extra quiet hours in my day, some extra time to devote to errands or other chores. I can hopefully volunteer a bit more in my kid's classrooms, or run an extra mile! The possibilities seem endless at this point, however I know the time will fill fast and furiously. 

 It is scary to shop for school supplies for three kids. I read that the average family spends over $600 getting kids set for this milestone! That is A LOT of number two pencils and crayons! We had a tradition growing up that my mom took my sister and I up to Minneapolis and we shopped for a day for a few special back-to-school outfits. We had a blast doing it, at least my sister and I did. I remember how excited I was to shop for brand new things, then carefully selecting what I would wear for the first day of school! 

 My son could really care less about what he wears, but my daughters are starting to form very strong opinions already! Jeans? No way! Buttons, forget it! So while this is a bit frustrating, it poses a challenge and one I am up to facing. So I'm almost done packing up the folders and markers, washing and organizing all of the clothes so the kids are all set. Now there is just enough time to savor the last few weeks of summer vacation before our new school year journey begins.

Paying it forward

I read a post on my Facebook page from a fellow mom blogger who took her three young sons to a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. In front of her sat a young twenty-something man and his girlfriend. The lady told of how her sons were so excited, but did not exactly sit still. 

She said the man turned around and engaged her son during the game, running him down between innings to see the field, trying to snag a ball. He was delightful to her kids, and the mom was super grateful! 

At one point he promised that he would get her child a baseball. At the end of the game he took him down to the side to try to get a ball from the players and coaches, but they returned empty handed. She said her son started to look sad, when the man pulled a baseball out from behind his back and handed it to the little boy! He then whispered "I promised you a baseball, and I always keep my promises!" 

At some point during the game he had gone and purchased a baseball for her child! The mom went on to say that this was the highlight of the entire day for her young son. He talked about it non stop on the way home and even went to sleep hugging his baseball! 

 She sent this story out because she wanted to properly thank this young man, and to remind all of us that even a small act of kindness can make all the difference. He touched this family and through the story she told, it seems like he has brightened the lives of so many others! I loved reading this, and will try to remember that it doesn't take a big gesture, sometimes holding a door open for a stranger, or maybe plugging a meter that has run out for someone, can really say you care. And when we pay it forward, we all win in the end.

A post-reunion post

I wrote recently about attending my high school class reunion.

 It was such a wonderful night and so very much fun to reconnect with long-lost friends! There were people in my life who were fantastic classmates and even better friends, even if it was a couple of decades ago.

Facebook is a wonderful tool to help keep in touch with those who we may not otherwise see. But there is no replacing a good hug and an animated conversation face to face. 

 It was great to see how we have all aged and come into our own. We shared stories, some of which I had completely forgotten about! I graduated with a rather large class, almost five hundred kids. And we had a pretty poor turnout for all three days of the reunion. For the people who did make the effort, it was such an uplifting time. The same sense of humor was found in the group of guys who always caused a bit of trouble in the lunchroom. The same gaggle of girls who always dressed to the nines, were still doing it today. It is nice to see that some things never change, I took great comfort in that. It was also great to see who has become parents, and hear them brag about their kid's achievements. We have also lost a few classmates, and stories were shared about these special people. 

 For just a few hours time went a bit backward, and that was a nice feeling, one that I hope will last a bit until our next get together!

A trip down memory lane...

I am packing up to take a big trip down memory lane. 

I am about to attend my high school class reunion. 

 I won't tell you what year it is, but let's just say it's a big one, a significant number. At least enough years have passed by that the attending guests will probably only vaguely resemble their high school selves, me included! And this isn't necessarily a good thing! 

How did you envision yourself a couple of decades after school? Were you married, were you traveling the world? Had you conquered some of your milestones, or had you just realized you should have goals and milestones to achieve? 

I've thought about this a lot in the months leading up to this weekend. Who am I really? Do I resemble the person I hoped I'd become? I think the answer is yes in so many ways, but I also know that I have oh so far to go. It is a great test to look back at the past years and see the accomplishments or lack thereof and take stock of my life. 

 Or I guess I could go into the reunion as simply a great opportunity to reconnect with some people I haven't seen in far too long and have a fun, wonderful evening. I'll just have to see how the night goes! So I'm dusting off my yearbook, trying to memorize names and faces and forging forward to see a glimmer of my young self and all those others who were so important in helping to shape the person I am today.

Gone fishin'

Well, we are about at the mid point in our journey through summer. 

 Are you getting out and staying active? Have you eaten your fill of farm-fresh strawberries? 

 Or are you like me and wondering where the time has gone and why this season has to fly by in a blink when other, colder seasons seem to drag on forever?

I have checked a few goals off my list, including going fly fishing for the first time in more than ten years! We live in an area blessed with spectacular places to explore and try to catch a beautiful trout or two! Within 30 minutes of leaving our home, we were standing in the middle of stream, surrounded by bluffs and the peace of being in the middle of nature, alone with nothing but our thoughts and a fly rod! It didn't even dampen my spirits to walk away without a fish. I felt fulfilled enough just to have started my day off this way. 

I've often said this area is what you make of it. There is no shortage of actives to try out. We have the beautiful Mississippi right out our doorstep, and the lush streams that feed it just over the bluffs. So go grab a pint of fresh-picked berries, grab a friend and try to hook into a new hobby! Or maybe you are a master fly fisherman or woman? Teach this beautiful sport to someone new. But don't wait too long, summer is halfway over!

Fly Fishing

Fishing Reports

Tradition!

If I had to describe a family tradition we do every year, without fail, it would be coloring Easter eggs with my grandparents.

My father's father was born in 1919 and one of this man's greatest joys comes from dunking many dozen hard-boiled eggs into little cups of color. Each and every year, through moves and new houses, my parents, grandparents and now my kids, get together and color seven or eight dozen eggs.

There is the discussion of the proper way to boil the eggs, are they peeling well this year? How does the color look? Which crayons work best to write the names on the eggs? My husband just laughs and can't really understand our love for such tradition. But we've managed to do this every year, without fail, for the better part of thirty five years.

No one gets a bigger kick out of it than my PaPa. He positively beams at my kids as they dunk their eggs in each cup to get the perfect color. He's the first to enjoy a cracked egg, always remarking at how it peeled or didn't peel. At 94 he's slowed down a bit. But nothing dampens his love for coloring eggs. And I say to my husband, the look on my grandpa's face as he looks around the table at his family is reason enough to keep up this tradition.

Good friends and great bakers!

I spent the better part of a day last week baking cookies.

Trust me when I say that I am no baker! I absolutely love to cook, but somewhere in my lineage, the baking gene passed right over me!

As luck would have it , my mom was down for a visit, and I chose two family recipes, so she could assist me. The results were wonderful, all due to my mom's tips and helpful guidance!

The cookies were made for a cookie exchange being held at a friend's house. If you've never participated in a party like this, I highly recommend it! It's a fantastic excuse to get a group of friends together, and it sets such a festive tone.

Everyone was told to bring three dozen cookies, a container to bring our confections home in, and include the recipes to exchange. We put our goodies into our bins, dividing them equally. We had a beautiful selection and were fortunate enough to get to sample and take home some amazing cookies! I dare say I have very talented friends! One of my girlfriends at the party is from Europe and she remarked several times what a wonderful tradition this is, and one she will be introducing to all her friends when she returns home!

It's funny how things we are used to doing we tend to take for granted until their splendor is pointed out to us. With every cookie that I and my family have nibbled on this week, I've tried to reflect on the morning spent in the company of good friends and great bakers!

Cherry Cookies
Great Grandma T's Recipe
1 3/4 C Flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 C butter- room temp
2/3 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 C maraschino cherries chopped and squeezed

Cream butter, mix sugar and egg. Add dry ingredients and vanilla, last gently stir in cherries.
Roll into quarter size balls, press with fork dipped in water.
Bake at 400 for 8-10 minutes. Don't let them get brown!

Truman is a ton of love

Ninety five pounds. A little or a lot? In my case, it's a ton! A ton of love that is, as mine comes bundled in the form of a beautiful white labradoodle.

I know I've made a few references to my pooch before, but he's just such a great guy I thought I'd write a bit more. When my kids are having a bad day, or don't even want to get out of bed to start their day, they will gladly take an early morning lick in the face or a hug to cheer them up and wake them up!

He's there and excited to see us if we leave him for five minutes or five hours. Unconditional, devoted canine love! We had a dog prior to this guy, who we lost when he was eight to cancer. We all took his loss very hard, but my daughter was devastated. We debated just when the right time would be to get another dog, and what type would suit our family the best.

I did a lot of research, and stumbled upon a local breeder of labradoodles. We visited with her before she even had any puppies, and really liked her small litters and beautiful dogs she offered. Then the wait was on until the day that our guy was born. We had the privilege of going to pick our puppy, and wow was that a fantastic experience! I think in the end, our baby, Truman, picked us. He gets as much love as he gives, and I love every last wag of his tail and shake of his paw. I think he's the best four legged buddy a girl could ask for! Dog, woman's or man's best friend? Do we really have to pick sides?

Check out this link: She Knows Pets

A nation in mourning

As I pondered what to write for my entries this week, I had several ideas, especially with the holidays approaching.

But all of that went out the window the moment I heard of the unspeakable tragedy that occurred in Connecticut--26 innocent people who won't be around to see the holidays, sensely taken before their time.

When I read about the school shootings, as a parent, I fought every urge not to drive directly to my kids' school just to hug them as hard as I could. I'm sure I'm not the only one, and maybe many parents did just that.

It's impossible to try to reason or make sense of this violent act. I've read words of wisdom from leaders in the community and struggled with how to handle discussing this with our children. How can we expect them to comprehend something so awful if we, as adults, can't? I didn't want to scare my kids or put unnecessary thoughts in their heads, but I know that they will hear about it at school. We allowed them to watch some of the news coverage and had a discussion where they could ask any questions they wanted.

As the weekend winds to a close, the start of a new school week begins. I am certain that the thought in every parent's mind is the safety of our kids as they enter into their school and start their Monday. How do we let them go without some reluctance?

There is no good way to write about such a situation. I want my kids to have a carefree, idyllic childhood. I will do anything I can to try to see that they do, including sending them to a school they love. I will hug them extra hard on Monday as I drop them off, and I may arrive extra early to greet them as they are dismissed.

As a mother, I will keep the families of Connecticut in my thoughts and prayers and hope that they know they have a nation of parents who are grieving with them. They are not alone, and they will never be forgotten.

J. Bells is still watching! Where is he now?

Our elf, Jingle Bells, has struck again.

He's been a bit more mischievous this year, much to the delight of our kids!

He's been spotted high on top the Christmas tree, suspended from a door lock in a pair of undergarments, and hidden in a potted plant. The other morning he was on the kitchen counter covered in flour and had made a snow angel!

It sure has been a terrific way to see the kids get excited for Christmas. Every visitor to our house gets to see where Jingle Bells showed up that day. We get to listen to the kids tell the tales of what the little elf has been up to, and how he is full of magic!

We have seen the kids behavior improve when they know Jingle Bells is watching, so who knows, maybe he is magical after all! The time of holiday magic is so very brief. Before long the kids will be doubting Santa's existence, a thought so very sad to imagine. I'll do anything I can to keep the holiday spirit, even if that means helping Jingle Bells cause trouble the month of December!

Dear Santa,

I've been a pretty good girl this year.

I've managed to get my family through most of 2012 with only minor amounts of complaints.

We enjoy dinner together around a relatively tasty, home-cooked meal more nights than not. I've tried to keep my kids involved in fun activities, and I help them get there on time (almost always!). The dog is fed and exercised on a regular basis, but I know there is room for improvement there! Overall he seems happy and moderately well trained.

So this year Santa, if I make it onto your nice list and not the other, there isn't too much to ask for. I'm happy with my family and friends and the majority of my possessions. My clothes are ok, I don't wear much jewelry and my car runs fine.

This year, I'l like to see more smiles on people's faces. I'd like to read more stories of people "paying things forward" and being kind to one another. Maybe I should try harder to do more of that. So this holiday season, I'm going to try to enjoy the spirit of Christmas, and maybe my gift will be trying to make that feeling last throughout the year! So Santa, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Love,
Tracey

The Silver Screen

Who doesn't need a break from everyday life?

One of my husband's absolute favorite things in life is going to the movies.

Talk about disconnecting and "letting" go. We can be transported to anywhere the screen wants to take us. Over the past few weeks I've been lucky enough to get to three movies! This maybe a personal record for me!

My husband and I were fortunate enough to get to see the new Bond film and Lincoln. I think there are two people, fictional and real, that my husband would/could claim as idols. He would choose Bond's snazzy wardrobe and Lincoln's wisdom! We were whisked away for a few hours, and afterward we had the pleasure of several lengthy discussions, especially concerning the Lincoln film.

It's not often anymore, that we are able to truly shutdown and tune out the happenings in our day-to-day world. Why not channel the excitement of a British spy or try to empathize with a world leader during a major turning point in our nation's history? Even better, try to do this while and enjoying a big tub of popcorn or box of Junior Mints! The next time you find yourself at the movies, enjoy the journey! It's only too soon we are back to reality, and our everyday wardrobe too!

How do you approach the idea of getting older?

Do you embrace it with open arms or do you run away in fear and denial?

Birthdays, as we age, are definitely different from those of our youth. When we were younger we shouted from the rooftops and wanted everyone to know when the big day was and just how old you were going to be.

At what age did that change?

I tell everyone that I'm 29, again. I'm not ashamed of my age, I think a lot of how old we are is a state of mind. We've all seen some young-at-heart grandma's and others who are old before their time.

I recently celebrated my 29th birthday, or so I said. My big day happened to fall on a Monday. I did manage to have a babysitter for a few hours so I carved out a little "me" time. I treated myself to an hour at the gym followed by a massage! Then I took the kids and we picked up my birthday cake.

We went out for Chinese (my choice). Dinner was followed up with cheesecake at home, where my kids presented me with their homemade cards and a sweet coupon book, redeemable for hugs, playdates and kisses! Overall, my Monday birthday was great! I embraced the year that passed and am already looking forward to the year ahead. Sometimes turning 29 a few times has it's advantages!

You can go home again...

We recently went back and visited the town in eastern Wisconsin where we lived for the first five years of our marriage. We had our first two kids there and forged lifelong friendships with people who knew us BK, (before kids)!

It had been two years since our last visit, which is far too long in my book. We stayed with our friends who have four kids of their own, bringing the household total for the weekend to eleven people, seven of whom were under the age of thirteen.

Our kids meshed perfectly and played nonstop the entire weekend. We were fortunate enough to gather ten friends for an adults-only dinner out and met up with several more couples after dinner. Needless to say, this was such a priceless visit.

Our kids saw the house where we lived and the people who loved them from day one. It made my friendship jar overflow.

I loved seeing my husband joke with his buddies and my kids rekindle friendships that they didn't even know existed. There is a saying that you can't ever go home again. But I am proof that that simply isn't true. We are just lucky enough to say that we have two places that feel like home, one of which is where we live and the other where we are welcomed with open arms anytime we want! If you ever find yourself in need of a pick-me-up, might I suggest contacting an old friend or visiting people who know and love you best. It's a great way to feel loved.

Thanksgiving.

An often overlooked holiday, but happens to be one of my favorites!

Sure, it lacks the excitement of Christmas or the drama of Halloween, but that's precisely why I like it! It's a time to get together with family or close friends and just celebrate with a great meal.

We always have the traditional turkey with all it's fixings. After a slice of my grandma's homemade pumpkin pie and a glass or two of wine, conversation and relaxation is enjoyed at it's utmost. Sure, there is always the logistics and clean up to plan for, but the pleasure is in the togetherness.

I'm excited to journey back to my parent's house this year where my grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousins will all be together. This will be the first year that my husband will try deer hunting with my father! Who knows, maybe this will be part of our new tradition! My mother will be fixing the main courses, and she has put me in charge of bringing dinner rolls and a green salad. I think in the grand scheme of Thanksgiving preparation I'm getting off as lightly as possible. I guess that means I'll be on dish duty!

However you plan on celebrating the holiday this year, I hope it's one of your best ever. I know when I look around at my little family, I have everything in the world to be thankful for.