That debate, y'all!

I have been debating ever since I started my blog about whether I want to write about anything political.  It is easy to share recipes or stories about my days as a mom, but not quite as easy to write about something a little more controversial.  Let’s be honest though, it is not a secret that I am conservative in most of my beliefs or that I strongly disagree with our current president. I think the biggest problem with our society is that anyone who has an opinion different than the politically progressive liberals is afraid to speak up for fear of being labeled as a hateful, homophobic, racist.  

The thing is, that while I do believe, for example, that in the eyes of God and the church that marriage is between a man and a woman, I actually do not think that is an important issue for this election.  The decision has been made in the courts and as a Christian it is only my job to love others as He loved us.  My fear is, though, that the media is going to focus on certain “gotcha” social issues like that one and totally ignore other important things like national defense and the economy... and this entitlement society we live in is scary and dangerous, folks.  

I LOVE watching the Republican debates.  I think this is hands down the most important election we have ever had in our country.  I do not like the path that America is going down, and I truly believe if a conservative candidate cannot beat Hillary Clinton (or Bernie Sanders…seriously?) that America will never be the same.  As I have watched the debates and followed the candidates, I have gone back and forth over who I am going to vote for.  I actually haven’t decided yet, so I am going to give my thoughts on where they each stand after the debate last night. I would love some (nice, respectful) feedback on what you all think, too!

First off, those moderators.  They were absolutely terrible.  I could not believe how disrespectful their questions were, but that is the mainstream media for you. They managed to put down each and every candidate and were just flat out RUDE.  I was pretty impressed with how most candidates handled it, and I LOVED when Cruz and others called them out.  That was awesome.

As for the candidates:

Donald Trump: Right out of the gates my husband supported Trump and I said NO WAY.  I was seriously concerned he would be the nominee or, even worse, run as a third party candidate.  The funny thing is, as time has gone on Phil has decided Trump is probably not his vote, and Trump has actually grown on me (just a little!) He is still NOT my vote, but he sure does keep things interesting right?!  I LOVE how he does not care about political correctness and how he calls out the mainstream media.  I don’t think he had a great performance last night, but I thought it was hilarious when he called out Kasich when he tried to attack him. I also think he has softened up some since the beginning and comes off as a little more likable.

Ben Carson: In the beginning, he had my vote.  I think he is an amazingly smart man that truly looks to God for guidance, which is just what this country needs.  He spoke at a work event for Phil, and he has an amazing story.  I am going to be honest though, I have not been overly impressed with him the last two debates, especially last night.  I don’t know what it is, but I just don’t see him as president. If he ends up getting the nomination, I would back him 100 percent, but I am not feeling as enthusiastic as I was before.

Jeb Bush: Ugh.  I am so unimpressed.  For anyone that knows me well, you know I LOVE me some George W. Bush.  I think George W is a great man and did the best he could for our country and truly loves America.  I love the entire family, really…except Jeb.  He is just SO unlikeable and so boring.  I cannot get behind him.

Marco Rubio: Right now, I am strongly considering voting for Rubio.  I think his debate performances have been excellent.  He is very convicted and the more I see, the more I like. I don't know a lot about him, though, so I definitely need to do my research. 

Carly Fiorina: I am SO impressed by Fiorina.  I think she is an excellent debater.  She comes off as extremely smart.  I feel like I learn something from all of her answers and she is so clear and direct.  And can you imagine a debate between Hillary and Fiorina?  I would pay money to see that.  I think she would also be an excellent VP candidate.

Mike Huckabee: For someone that doesn’t get a lot of camera time, I think Huckabee did great last night.  He is so likable, and I love how he doesn’t attack the other candidates.  I actually voted for Huckabee in the last primary election.  He is one of my favorites even though he isn’t a front-runner.

Ted Cruz: At first I did not like Cruz at all.  He comes off as a little hokey and cheesy to me.  However, the more I see of him, the more I like him.  He stands by what he believes and does what he says he is going to do.  And how AWESOME was it when he called out those terrible moderators?!  That was the best moment of the entire debate. I think he had a really good debate performance last night.

Chris Christie: I don’t agree with Christie on some issues, but I do think he is an excellent debater.  I don’t plan to vote for him, but I think he is really important for the debates.  My favorite moment of his was when he called out the moderators for asking a question about fantasy football, when they had not even touched on ISIS.  Seriously, though, that is what is wrong with this country!  I also think he is strong on national defense, which I like.

Rand Paul: Meh.  I just don’t like him.  I do agree with him on making the government smaller and probably some other issues, but he is definitely not my guy. 

John Kasich: He isn’t my favorite, either.  I hated how he started the debate attacking everyone.  He took the moderators' bait, and that is exactly what they wanted him to do.  I think that is why I loved it when Trump called him out.  I do think he has some good ideas and has done great things in Ohio.  I just won’t be voting for him.

I think that just about covers it.  I am excited to see how the rest of this election cycle plays out.  As for now, I would like to see a Rubio/Fiorina ticket.  That may change, though.  The one thing that will not change, is that I truly believe every single candidate on the stage would be, as Huckabee said, a better president than Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I mean, come on y'all...can we at least agree on that?!

Now back to sharing recipes and mama stories... ;)  

Meal Planning Monday- Nanna's Turkey Chili

Meal Planning Monday is on Tuesday this week, because that is just life with a toddler and a baby, and this mama enjoyed a night out with girlfriends last night!

My mom has been making this delicious chili recipe for years, and it has always been one of my favorites, especially during the cooler months.  It was originally made with beef, but when I was breastfeeding Cole, I was forced to give up red meat and dairy.  I tried it with ground turkey instead, and I LOVED it!  Nanna even swapped the beef for turkey after tasting it.  I made it yesterday for a friend who recently had a baby, so I don't have any pictures of my little taste tester this time.  Cole probably wouldn't have tasted it anyways, since he is not into soups lately, but my friend does have a two year old and promised to share a picture if he eats it! Here is Nanna's EASY and delicious chili recipe, with a few small changes.  ENJOY! 

From The Store:

2 lbs ground turkey (or beef)

1 green pepper

1 onion

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 small can tomato paste

1/2 can tomato sauce

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1 can light red kidney beans, drained

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 cloves fresh garlic (or garlic powder to taste)

1 cup water

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)

5.  Add one tablespoon of chili powder.

6.  Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top (and of course beer for Phil and wine for me on the side!)

 I don't have any "after" pictures, since I put it in tupperware as I was running out the door last night.

UPDATE:  Here is a picture of the most precious taste-tester, ever, Carter!  His mama served the chili over rice, and he loved it!

Recipe Card:

1.  Brown the turkey (or beef.)  I add a little olive oil if the turkey seems dry/hard to break up.

2. Chop the onion and green pepper (I use one large green pepper or two small ones.)

3. Drain the liquid from the kidney beans.

4.  Add the turkey, pepper, onion, beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic (I have used both fresh and garlic powder) and tomato sauce (I use anywhere from half a can to a full can.  It just depends how "soupy" you like your chili.)
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.  I like to serve it with cheese on top.
6. ENJOY! :)

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Meal Planning Monday- Lasagna Style Baked Ziti

Cole's FAVORITE Meal!

One of the main reasons I am so excited about this blog, besides opening up about my heart for being a mama, is sharing some of my family's favorite recipes.  While I still have A LOT to learn in the kitchen, I have come a very long way since I burned my fingers making a frozen pizza the first time I hung out with my husband, Phil. I love trying new recipes, and I like to keep things simple. Like most moms of littles, I don't have time for a bunch of crazy ingredients.  I love slow cooker meals and things I can make the evening before or during nap time.  Cole has become the world's pickiest eater, which drives me insane, so I am always looking for recipes that he will eat.  I found this lasagna style baked ziti online, and I changed it up a bit.  It is Cole's FAVORITE, and Phil and I love it, too.  It is also my go-to recipe when I bring friends meals, because it makes so much and tastes just as good the second time around.  Enjoy! :)

 From the Store:

16 oz ziti

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, chopped

1 lb lean ground beef

kosher salt

black pepper

24 oz marinara sauce

10 oz spicy marinara sauce

4 cups spinach

1/2 cup ricotta

1/2 cup grated parmesan

16 oz bag of shredded mozzarella cheese 

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400. Cook the pasta according to the package.  Drain and add to large mixing bowl.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir until they begin to soften (this takes about 5 minutes.)

3. Add the beef (I love Greenwise lean beef from Publix), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to skillet and cook until meat is browned. 

4.  In large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta and 1/4 cup of parmesan.  (I like it to have a little kick, so instead of using all regular marinara sauce, I use one jar of regular marinara and about 1/2 a jar of spicy marinara- I LOVE Barilla spicy marinara.)

 5. Add 4 cups of spinach to the mixture (I use the bag of Publix baby spinach, and I tear it apart and tear off any long stems.)  This is an optional step, but I love the dish with spinach added.  It is also my sneaky way of getting Cole to eat something green! ;)

5. Spray a 9-by-13 baking dish with pam.  Transfer the mixture to the dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan.

I almost forgot, I always cook with a little wine... ;)

6.  Add the shredded mozzarella to the top.  I use about 10-12 oz of cheese (the 8 oz bag isn't quite enough, so I buy the 16 oz bag and use about 3/4 of it...this is a personal preference...I like a lot of cheese!)

7. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes on 400.  If you refrigerate for later, bake on 375 for 25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered (or until cheese is melted and turning slightly golden brown.)

8. ENJOY!  I like to serve a caesar salad on the side (I get the ready made bags from Publix, of course!) Cole will eat a large bowl of ziti and ask for "more ziti PLEASE," which is pretty much unheard of for my picky eater.

He said it was, "DELICIOUS!  Thank you, Mommy!" I hope you and your kiddos enjoy it just as much as he does.

Recipe Card:
1. Heat oven to 400. Cook the pasta according to the package.  Drain and add to large mixing bowl.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped onion and garlic. Stir until they begin to soften (this takes about 5 minutes.)

3. Add the beef (I love Greenwise lean beef from Publix), 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to skillet and cook until meat is browned. 

4.  In large mixing bowl, toss the pasta with the meat mixture, marinara sauce, ricotta and 1/4 cup of parmesan.  (I like it to have a little kick, so instead of using all regular marinara sauce, I use one jar of regular marinara and about 1/2 a jar of spicy marinara- I LOVE Barilla spicy marinara.)

5. Spray a 9-by-13 baking dish with pam.  Transfer the mixture to the dish.  Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan.

6.  Add the shredded mozzarella to the top.  I use about 3/4 of the bag. 

7. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20 minutes on 400.  If you refrigerate for later, bake on 375 for 25 minutes covered and 20 minutes uncovered (or until cheese is melted and turning slightly golden brown.)

8. ENJOY!  

Recipe adapted from: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/lasagna-style-baked-ziti

One Happy Mama

Well, here I go again.  I attempted to start a blog when Cole was a few months old, and I wrote a total of ONE post…that is right, just one.  I remember being so motivated and saying that I was going to blog every day or at least once a week.  That was two YEARS ago. It is crazy going back and reading that first post and remembering what my experience was like as a new mom.  So much has changed since I wrote it. I loved being a mom and was trying to embrace the chaos, but my life looked a lot different than it does now.  It is crazy how our transition to two babies has been exponentially easier than our transition to one…and that is only partly because Annie is the happiest baby ever born and Cole is, well Cole…

While things are far from perfect at our house (today was one of those days), I truly love staying at home with our babies.  I don’t think there is a better job in the world than being responsible for raising these tiny humans.  I cannot tell you how often I hear the phrase “that is awesome that you stay home, but I could NEVER do it.” My response is always that I cannot imagine doing anything else!  I truly believe this is what God has called me to do.

Today happened to be one of those days when I needed a little reminder.  I was forced to cut my Target run short, because of a toddler who was LOSING. HIS. MIND. over the fact that I would not purchase a third Thomas the Train for him.  Come on child, don’t you know I just need a few minutes to grab some diapers, candy corn, Fall décor and a new wardrobe while you sit quietly in the buggy with your sister? Is that too much to ask?!  I left the store flustered and embarrassed after another customer was particularly rude about the incident.  As I sat at my sweet friend’s house for a play date shortly after, venting about my morning, she pointed out the irony of what I was wearing: a sweatshirt that says “one happy mama.”  I just had to laugh.  As these strangers watched me very unhappily wrangling a crying toddler and seven month old baby, my shirt advertised that I was “one happy mama.”  Of all days to wear this shirt. 

Right then I realized it was God sending me a little reminder.  I really am one happy mama. Not every single moment is happy.  There are going to be many more moments like the one I experienced today. But I truly feel more joy in my heart than I could ever describe being able to experience these moments with my babies. I said a little prayer on the spot, "Thank you Jesus and my hardworking husband for this wonderful blessing of raising Cole and Annie. Amen."

I think what is missing today in this world of social media and perfectly painted pictures of families and motherhood is honesty. I have wrestled with the idea of blogging for a couple of years now.  I go back and forth questioning if it is worth my time and wondering if anyone would even read it. I am finally ready to get started, though, and I am excited to share some real stories about my experience as a mom.  I really hope I can encourage other moms to enjoy this incredibly crazy and exhausting but also beautiful, rewarding, priceless (and all the other good things) stage of life.  Let's be honest, I can consider it a success if I write a second post in the next two years. ;)  Thanks for reading, friends!