a back that needed patting...

My grandmother always gave me the best advice, off the top of my head I can think of three pearls of wisdom that have helped me: the most important relationship is the one with yourself, you can never really know someone else, and when you marry it should be to someone who brings out the best in you. I am so thankful that I listened.  I am reminded daily how lucky I am to have a partner so loyal, honest, and caring.  He's my hunter, my barometer, my heart, and my space heater.

Like most people I had an idea of what I was looking for in a partner.  I had images of a two story colonial with 4 smiling children, 2 minivans parked side by side, and a husband whose ambitious career perfectly matched mine.  It has taken 33 years of life experience and 9 years in a marriage to shed some light on the sham I had envisioned so many years ago.  Don't get the wrong idea, I didn't settle.  In reality I do not live in a two story colonial and will never have 4 perfect children, God gave me an abundance of flour and I've been busy making roux.

I know beyond a doubt that Tarzan is the perfect life mate for me.  Without even a grimace he cleans up squished bugs, fresh vomit, and all unidentifiable messes.  He never shys away from explaining the most difficult words or concepts to Cheetah.  His ability to define words like sexy and explain theories like time travel in a way that a 5 year old can comprehend is astounding.  He puts his own needs and wants on the back-burner time and time again, his sacrifices are never mentioned and his back is often left patless.

I have often struggled with my self esteem but my relationship with Tarzan has changed that aspect.  The unyielding love and devotion this man has for me has helped me to see myself as he does; beautiful, strong, good, and worthy.  I have never had to ask him how he feels for me; I see it in every dish that is washed, every yard that has been mowed, every book he reads to Cheetah, and in every note he leaves for me.

I love you Tarzan.  Thank you for being more than I ever dreamed of and everything I never knew to ask for.

a few chews down memory lane

The Smith household has been playing with their food for a few weeks now.  We've been making food that makes us giggle, sigh with contentment, and takes us on a stroll down memory lane.  Besides pizza and turkey sandwiches; hotdogs are a staple in Cheetah's diet.  He orders corndogs and hotdogs but never eats the 'bread' he likes his dogs au natural.  In the interest of 'funning up' his dogs I began searching on pintrest and I found these cute pictures and I knew of a trick to turn hotdogs into a seafood delight; they were both a hit with Cheetah and they been requested daily since their introduction.

Cheetah has developed a love for several of my childhood favorites like gumbo, mexican cornbread, and porcupine meatballs but Tarzan became concerned when he learned that Cheetah wasn't a huge fan of some of the items that were offered at the school cafeteria.  We did a recap of the week's menu and decided to school Cheetah on two staples from Tarzan's childhood: meatloaf and sloppy joes. 

I got this yummy meatloaf recipe from The Pioneer Woman's site but the sloppy joes came straight out of the can.  I forgot how yummy sloppy joes are and it's a fairly inexpensive meal to fix in a flash.

Tonight we are noshing on the gorgeous meatloaf accompanied by fluffy mashed potatoes and green beans. It's been fun reliving some of our childhood memories while making some for Cheetah along the way.  What are the 'go to meals' in your house?  Are they the meals you ate as a child as well?? 

Wordless Wednesday

Wax on, wax off.

It has been busy couple of weeks in the Smith household, we have signed up for a new after school program and it has taken some time to get used to our new schedule.  For some time now, Cheetah has shown interest in karate and Tarzan and I were more than happy to sign him up for some extra physical activity.  I knew I was going to be pleased with him learning some techniques in self-defense but really had no idea how much help it would be in the behavior department.

He still has his moments where listening and focusing can be taxing but it's obvious that he realizes it and tries his best to keep it in check.  Not only has karate helped him to learn the correct behavior for social & school situations but we have also seen a huge change in his self-confidence.  It even shows on the playgrounds we have been frequenting.

NO CRAWLING!!!

I know that no matter how long he stays in the program, only positive things can come from earning stripes for memory, discipline, and fitness.  My 'Little Ninja' is thoroughly enjoying his time in the dojo and I love seeing the accomplished look on his face each time we head home.  It's a win - win!

Guest Post: I am that Mom

Check out my guest post on my dear friend McCall's blog for her 'I am that Mom week', and if you aren't a groupie of her's...what are you waiting for?!?!?