Tiffany DID have an epiphany!

     I am an easily distracted person and it has happened with my blog too. I lost focus of what my original idea and goal was for my blog. My goal was to share ideas that have helped me survive being a mom to a bunch of kids and hopefully help or inspire someone along the way. My kids told me I need more pictures and to show more of our fun ideas. So, I will honor their requests as I share our summer fun and my path to "self re-discovery".  

                                              family picture taken November 2013

     I think there's always room for improvement in every area of our lives. In this "season of self RE discovery" I have recommitted to being a better full time mom to my sweet kiddos and a better wife. This was on my mind while I was grocery shopping this week and I  had an epiphany of sorts while in the freezer section at Kroger.  

      As I was making my grocery list this week I'd asked the kids what they wanted for lunches. They're suggestions included some frozen tv dinner type meals,  spaghettios and fruit salads. As I was loading my cart with these simple, cheap frozen entrees I looked at the ones I had chosen to buy and (here's my epiphany) I thought I can make ALL of this at home. It's healthier, still inexpensive, and it can be another opportunity for me to teach them how to cook. So, I tossed them back in the freezer.  I will be swapping quick frozen entrees with extra sugar and preservatives for  fettucini noodles with milk, butter, flour, spices and Parmesan cheese to make creamy garlic parmessan cheese sauce and will add broccoli or spinach for an added veggie punch. I will be making fresh vegetable snacks with the use of one of my favorite veggie websites VeggieVenture This site has some of my favorite dishes ever! The kids wanted to order pizza and...you got it! we are making fresh homemade pizza instead. It takes a bit of time to prep meals like this but it's still not more than 30 minutes. I can handle that!  

     I also started the T25 workout today with the kids. I need to be a better example of being active and taking good care of the body God gave me. After we did the workout this afternoon, I was famished and  realized I hadn't eaten anything yet today. With the T25 dvd set came a little nutrition booklet with healthy, appropriate sized recipes. As I was reading through this I found several that sounded quite yummy. I mentioned a few out loud, the kids even got excited about them. Natalie, my 13 yr old, said, "mom you go get in the shower and I'll make the Chicken Waldorf salad for you." She did and it was delicious!! I love the traditional Waldorf salad that has mayonnaise and whipped cream but this one is just as good and so much healthier!  Below is the recipe. It was so filling and satisfying I wasn't the least bit hungry for several hours.

Chicken Waldorf Salad 

(this makes one serving)

 5 oz cooked, cubed chicken breast

1/4 medium Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced (I prefer bite sized pieces)

1 TBS chopped raw walnuts

1/4 C red grapes, halved

1 TBS citrus vinaigrette

Citrus Vinaigrette

(this makes several servings and so very delicious!)

3 TBS fresh orange juice 

2 TBS fresh lemon juice 

1/2 tsp raw honey

2 tsp dijon mustard (or to taste, I prefer less mustard)

3 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)

In medium bowl combine juices, add honey, whisk together. Add mustard, mix well. Store remainder in fridge for a week. 

     Getting my blood pumping with my kids and providing healthy meals makes me happy. The fact that my 13 year old knows how to read and follow a recipe and that the other kids are developing good habits makes me even happier!  Find what makes you happy and enjoy every minute!