A thousand tears...

I want them all! I wish I had the super mom ability to save them all! Read their stories... maybe you can help :)

These angels (mostly) with Down Syndrome have been abandoned by their families and are just waiting to be loved. **Wait... grab a box of kleenex**

http://www.reecesrainbow.com/waitingchildgallery.html

Lightbulb moment...

After being late for swim therapy last week, I had all intentions of being early this week. I pulled up to the hospital 15 min early... feeling proud as a peacock! Then I realized I left the swim bag at home. 45 min away. After a few seconds of quivering lip and teary eyes, I put the car back into gear and headed to walmart.

So, frustrated with myself again, I walk in to therapy 15 min late. Get into the pool in my newly bought workout shorts and tank top (Macy in a onsie). Trying to smile at the always cheery and welcoming therapists. (They could care less what we're wearing or if we are late. They are just happy to see us!) So my grumpy moods sends me into a worry mood.



That's when I got my "Aw Ha" moment. Those sweet therapists reminded me that Macy is doing so great. They also reminded me that it is impossible to compare any child to another, and that it doesn't help anyone. They love Macy and they are so great at what they do! They highlighted the positive things that Macy has learned; ie To Breastfeed (that's a big one!)



So I spent some time tonight, down on the floor with Macy. Face to face. Encouraging her to reach for toys. Making high pitched sounds and listening to her laugh. and you know what? She is such an amazing little angel! She is doing awesome... and I am so glad I took the time to notice! I can't express in words how grateful I am to have her in my life! Her face lights up when she sees me and in that moment... I know she is mine... and she knows that I am hers!

A little comfort from my kitchen to yours!

Who doesn't just LOVE a great creamy chowder on a cold day?

This is my GO TO recipe. I always have everything on hand needed to make it. It is fool proof. I usually pare it with biscuits or french bread. It is also very versatile. Tonight I am adding a can of corn, a can of green chilies and I'm using farmers sausage instead of ham. But you could use the basic soup and add whatever. I am also going to add a layer of sharp cheddar to my french bread before rolling it. Try this recipe... You'll LOVE it!

Creamy Ham and Potato Soup

Ingredients
3 1/2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
1/3 cup diced celery
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 cup diced cooked ham
3 1/4 cups water
2 tablespoons chicken bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground white or black pepper, or to taste
5 tablespoons butter
5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk

Directions
Combine the potatoes, celery, onion, ham and water in a stockpot. Bring to a boil, then cook over medium heat until potatoes are tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Stir in the chicken bouillon, salt and pepper.

In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour with a fork, and cook, stirring constantly until thick, about 1 minute. Slowly stir in milk as not to allow lumps to form until all of the milk has been added. Continue stirring over medium-low heat until thick, 4 to 5 minutes.

Stir the milk mixture into the stockpot, and cook soup until heated through. Serve immediately.