Complete Gratitude

Today I was fortunate enough to spend the afternoon with family.  Now you may think that doesn't sound like a load of "woo-hoo's," but my family is not typical.  I have complete and utter gratitude for my cousin Sara, her family, and the service that her husband Justin has pledged to our country.  With that service comes sacrifice.  You see...Justin was deployed on Sunday.  As in, yesterday Sunday.  Today was a day to be with family, have some laughs, and celebrate the love that we have for each other and the dedication we will show to Sara and her three kids, Jason (1st grade), Ava (Kindergarten), and Addison (8 months)...don't forget the two wiener dogs!!!!  Sara is one tough momma.  She is the toughest momma I know.  We may be cousins, but to me she is like a sister.  We grew up together and I trust her like no other.  She is fiercely loyal and I am so proud of her and all the military families.  I may complain about my family having to deal with a tough work schedule, but I never have had to know of a year long deployment.  My thoughts and prayers are with you JT!  Thank you, thank you, thank you....Here are some pics from today...

Now we move on to some business news.  I am so excited to share, that we have been accepted into the Arts in the Park craft fair, in Eden Prairie, on Saturday, May 18th!!!!  The craft show takes place in Purgatory Creek Park from 9 am-4 pm.  

The address is:

13001 Technology Dr

Eden Prairie, MN

There is live entertainment, concessions, and children's activities.  A great outing for the family and you can support local artists!  If you need more information, check out www.edenprairie.org

This is our first craft show and we are so excited!  My mind has been crazy the last couple of days, planning and preparing.  We only have ONE month until showtime!!!!  Cannot wait!  It is going to be a great experience and a great trial run for Pie Day in August!

Finally, I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes.  Our Uncle Paul from Colorado was just here in Minnesota, visiting for a volleyball tournament/league (his daughter plays) and whenever I think Paul, I think of chicken enchiladas.  The first time I had these, was when my husband and I were out visiting the family in CO and Paul made them for us.  To die for!  We make them every couple of months!  I wanted to share the wealth with you...I don't have a picture, but I can tell you they are white and cheesy/bubbly goodness!!!!

Chicken Enchiladas

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, boil in water

8 oz. cream cheese

1 cup sour cream

1 small can diced green chiles

1 small diced onion, sauteed in butter

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Salt 

Tabasco

8-12 burrito size tortillas

1 pound grated mozzarella

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream...I know...right?

Shred chicken, mix with cream cheese, sour cream, chiles, onion, pepper, salt, and Tabasco.  Fill tortillas with chicken mixture, roll, place seam side down in 9x13 pan.  Cover with cheese and whipping cream.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly brown.  Serve with salsa.  Enjoy!!!

Distractions...

Two weeks ago I purchased everything needed to create my own website.  Granted, I graduated with a marketing degree, so I thought I would have enough creativity seeping throughout me to design a website.  Boy was I wrong!  Creating a website has as many highs and lows as watching the MN Twins.  If you are a Minnesotan, you know what I am talking about.  When I first started, I was so excited!  A website!  www.cindybluedesigns.com!  My own e-store!!!!!  Wow!!!

Now, I work on it for five minutes and I am like....Pinterest....wanna watch a movie...root canal???

I have discovered that running a small business from home has many challenges.  Let's point out the obvious...kids.  In my house they are named Natalie and Eli.  The latter, who loves to be naked and is learning to potty train.  Secondly, my husband.  Yes...he isn't demanding like a child, but he does have needs.  Like food, clean clothes, a semi-quiet house while he sleeps days/works nights...nothing too extravagant.  There are just so many temptations on top of work.  Such as, I should be doing another load of laundry, what about dinner, did I dust (wait, I never dust :), let's clip the dogs nails...you get the point.  Staying focused is my greatest task!!!!!

What is it, in your life, that you can relate to this?  I even have on my classic tunes, the house is quiet, I have a great cup of coffee...I am totally set up for success today.  So, why don't I feel success?  Focus, success, motivation...there is so much pressure for these things.  Not by society, by me.  I want CindyBlue Designs to be a success, to prove to the world that my mom is a fantastic artist and I know I have the drive to do that.  I just have to keep pushing my ass to get it to where I want it to.  That takes a lot of work, drive and a lot of time.

Some comfort for me today.  Perfection is not a goal, living my life to my greatest abilities is my goal.  I will leave you with this:

I can do this I know
I can make myself go
I can keep on through pain
I can work 'til I gain
I can weep but then smile
I can rest for a while
I can rise from defeat
I can retake my seat
I can overcome odds
I can pray to my God
I can win victories
I can use ALL OF ME!!!

Excerpt from Prayers on My Pillow by Celia Straus

Up a Creek Without a Paddle...

Four weeks ago I injured my back.  The super-mom I am, or was trying to be, I had my arms full and was walking to the house, when I slipped on some ice.  I managed not to fall...WHEW...remember, I am Super-Mom!!!, but I twisted my back in such a way, that I have been laid up ever since.  Not so super...it really just sucks.  I feel like I am literally up a creek without a paddle.

I am averaging two chiropractor visits a week and relying on my husband to run the house and take care of the kids.  Not such a big deal you say?  Maybe not for you...BUT, I am a stay at home mom with a Type A personality.  I have a hard time watching him fill the dishwasher or sort laundry, let alone make my daughters lunch and give my son a bath!!!!  Don't get me wrong, I feel so blessed to have him around to help me when he can and I have learned to let go of some control (some), but it is hard to sit and watch the world go by while you catch up on Grey's Anatomy on the couch sitting on a ice pack.

The silver lining from this injury would be the extra down time with my kids.  I have been able to stop and listen to Natalie read.  I have been able to sit and do a puzzle with Eli.  I may not be able to do the laundry but I can fold it!  I have been able to catch up on the mundane computer updates for CindyBlue  Designs.  Yes, I complain.  Who wouldn't?  I have two young kids and I want to play around with them, chase them, go outside and enjoy the spring weather.  I need to thank God that I am overall healthy, I have a husband who has a night-job and is able to care for me during the day and kids who love me unconditionally.

I may be up that creek without a paddle, but I am learning to put my feet over the side, let my toes dip in the cool water, and take it day by day.