Fair Weather Friends

"You are the rain that falls on my earth."

Jalyn tells me.

This could be taken either way.

He and I absolutely love the rain (when and if we ever see it!) However, rain to some is seen as a nuisance.

I reply "is this a good thing or a bad thing?"

"A good thing mommy, and I hope you land on a rainbow."

What Jalyn was telling me is that I am his everything. In his five-year-old language, he is saying that no matter what ups and downs we encounter, we will face them together. When times are tough for me and us, he hopes that I'll land on a rainbow to catch my fall (as I am the rain.....follow me?)

Throughout life, we meet many people. Some come, some go, and some simply linger.

I've had many (as we all have) that come around much more often when they have something major going on in their lives.

I've spent numerous hours (away from my own dear ones) happily comforting those experiencing pain of all kinds.

Yet when their storm passes and one blows in my way they are no where to be found.

I have a handful of true friends that I know would be there for me through thick and thin, and they know that I would always be there for them, and a few is all anyone really needs to feel completely blessed.

It still stings when you've felt like you've given a piece of yourself to someone who was not sincere.

As I tucked Jalyn into bed tonight he looked up at me and said: "mommy, even when I'm old and it's not cool to hug mommies, I'm going to hug you anyway".

My little buddy, my best friend. You always make me laugh. Thank you for always reminding me what/who is truly important in life. Who has time anymore for fair weather friends?!

Today I vow to give more of myself to my constant, loyal and amazing friends and family.

Question:

I choose from your great book recommendations, Twilight.



I am nearly finished with the first book. I can now understand the craze surrounding the movie, what a great book.



My question is should I watch the movie when I'm finished or should I wait until I've read all four books?



~Rie

Surrounded By Angels

Pray or worry... you can't do both.
A wise aunt told me recently. So instead of worrying about my upcoming surgery, I'm praying about it.....all the time.

It's never a comfortable feeling having to undergo anethesia, but my life is in His hands as it always has been.

I realize during our time of need just how surrounded we are by angles, truly.

Our nanny and friend, Laura, has been an absolute godsend. The children not only love her, but we adore her. What piece of mind she has brought to our home.

Shannon, my friend and sister-n-law (I got sooo lucky:). She is taking the children Wednesday-Sunday if needed. This is no easy task and one we are so grateful for. When she has our children, I do not worry one bit. She is fun, energetic and loves our kids unconditionally.

My mom who is flying out Wednesday to help me recover from surgery. She will likely stay in the hospital room with me overnight. There is nothing like having your mom with you in time of need. We are going to lunch after she flys in, just the two of us....I can't wait. A mom knows a daughters unspoken needs. A mom knows what to say and do to make things better. I am so happy she's coming, as much as I tried to fight her, I am so happy.

Your supposed to imagine places that make you happy when your stressed. These pictures are my happy place. I will be dreaming of pineapple filled delicious drinks, guava juice, cool, damp air blowing through my hair, riding in a convertable top down along the ocean, a glass of wine while listening to the soft music ocean-side, lucious rain forests and never-ending waterfalls.

Calgon, take me away.

Helllllloooooooo Ladies

I went out with the girls on Saturday night.

I took you out of the closet and dusted you off.
I tried you on and took pictures so I could share you with my readers.

You are my favorite pair of heels.
You make me feel youthful, sexy and special.

My back screams at me when I get home and take you off.......but it's not permanent.

This night I had to settle for flip flops.........

I promise that after my surgery I will plan another girls night out and invite you.

P.S. I have some really great news to share but for now my lips are sealed, stay tuned for my big announcement!

Go Fish!

Today we tried a new after school snack we named "Go Fish". (Very creative...I know:)

You will need small pretzel sticks, cream cheese and gold fish.

You take your "fishing pole" (pretzel's) and add the "bait" (cream cheese) to the end.

Then go fish!

There's just one rule......

You have to eat what you catch! No throwing em' back!

Have fun!

Rie's Recipes

First things first, do you see the inspiration for my blog design?

As promised, here is another of my favorite recipes. I found it in this cookbook . I LOVE this cookbook! This recipe is "easy peasy" (as Jalyn would say:) I have received several requests for this recipe therefore I found it blog worthy!

Can you teach me how to do that mommy???

~You will need a pizza stone. If you don't already have one, they tested seven stones in different shapes, sizes etc.....The Baker's Catalogue Pizza Baking Stone ($49) came out on top.

~Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position, place a baking stone on the rack, and heat the oven to 500 degrees. Let the stone heat for at least 30 minutes but no longer than one hour.

Basic Pizza Dough
(makes two pizza's)

4 1/2 cups bread flour

1 envelope instant or rapid-rise yeast

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups warm water

~pulse 4 cups of the flour, yeast, and salt together in food processor (fitted with dough blade if you have one) to combine. With the processor running, pour the oil, then water through the feed tube and process until a rough ball forms, 30-40 seconds. Let the dough rest for 2 minutes, then process for 30 seconds longer. If after 30 seconds the dough is sticky and clings to the blade, add the remaining 1/4 cup flour 1 tbsp at a time as needed.

~Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and form it into a smooth, round ball. Place the dough in a large, lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with greased plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours, before using.

~Split the dough into two equal parts working with one at a time (keep the other piece covered). Roll it out between two pieces of parchment paper.

~Lightly brush the outer 1/2 inch edge of the dough with oil. Spread 1 cup of the pizza sauce over the dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the edge. Sprinkle with mozzarella and 2 tbsp Parmesan (try different cheeses, get creative!) Add whatever you heart desires on top.

~Slide the parchment paper and pizza onto the hot baking stone. Bake the pizza until the edges are brown and the cheese is golden in spots, 8-13 minutes. (Prepare the second pizza while the first bakes.)

~Remove the pizza from the oven by sliding the parchment paper onto a large cutting board. Slide the parchment paper out from under the pizza. Let the stone reheat for 5 minutes before baking the second pizza.

Quick Pizza Sauce

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

salt and pepper to taste

~Cook the oil and garlic together in a medium saucepan over medium heat until sizzling and fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and simmer until the sauce in thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. (The sauce can be refrigerated in a covered container for up to 4 days.)

Easy Peasy............Enjoy!

March...Seriously???

Can you believe it is March???
This is what March looks like in Arizona...

You may be saying, oh man I wish I were there! But let me tell you......this is a bad, bad sign. Warm weather this early can only mean one thing.........

A VERY HOT SUMMER!

So Before you become too jealous, think how lucky you'll be when we can't even put a toe on our concrete this summer! (let alone a cute little bottom:)