Holidays=Drinking

Why is it, the holidays make me want to drink?  In excess?

Good question?  It must be, since it is past my bedtime and that is what I am pondering at this late hour of 9:14 p.m.

It's interesting.  What you say?  The holidays.  I love Christmas.  I love the movies, the baking, the time with my kids, the snow, and the magical feeling that comes along with it.  I don't really care for the hustle and bustle though.  Thanksgiving  is ok.  Halloween is for the kids.  I picture the meme of Santa saying, "Calm the F*$@! Down.  It's Only October!"  Well, now it is November and in a couple of days, it will be December.

Don't take this rambling the wrong way.  My immediate family is a sweet side of fabulous, but when you put us all together...cue the dysfunction.  As with any family, there are topics you CANNOT talk about...politics for sure (half are democrats, the other half republicans), gun control, stay away from religion, family "hot" topics.  What does that leave?  The kids in college with their vicarious experiences, stories about the children, the WEATHER, business, latest "fad" movies, the cousin who loves to talk about herself....

I am sure some of you will read this and think that we aren't that bad, my family will take offense and have feelings hurt.  Well, I have news for you.  This isn't your blog :)!

Let me put it this way.  My mom and my favorite movie to watch before Thanksgiving is "Home for the Holidays."

Have you seen it?  If not, you need to!  Now this movie is Robert Downey Jr. PRE-PRE-PRE Iron Man trilogy.  Mom and I tend to pick out which character in the movie symbolizes us. My favorite is the old aunt with the fruit loops necklace.

So, here I am on the Eve of Thanksgiving Eve with no fingernails (I chewed them off) and dreaming of my bottle of whipped cream Vodka

and being tipsy by noon!  It's the best way to bake you know...half in the bag :)

While the children are coloring turkeys, I will be sipping Creamsicles and thinking that in a mere 28 days it will all be over!

Happy Thanksgiving, from my family to yours!

P.S.  To all you mommas....here is my recipe for Creamsicles....

All you need is:

Ice
Whipped Cream Vodka
Sprite or Sierra Mist
Orange Juice

I do 1/3 of each beverage.  Mix it to your specific tastes.  Trust me, you can't even taste the vodka.  This is a great party drink.  Enjoy!

Thankfulness Times 30!!!

There are 30 days in November and since November also carries the holiday of Thanksgiving and massive gluttony, I thought I would write about the thirty things that I am most thankful for.  I am going for the non-traditional here.  Let's start with the basics and move on from there.  I am thankful for:

1. My husband of 8 years.  My marriage.  The need I feel for him still after 13 years together.  Without him I am nothing.  He is my rock, my paper, and my scissors.

2.  My kids.  I always wanted kids.  I have been blessed with the two most loving and accepting kids. They love me through my mean-mommy days and they love me through my best days.  They make me want to have more good days than bad.  I never thought I could love anyone so much, and then I had TWO kids.  They amaze me.

3.  My dog, Cinder.  We rescued her a year ago from a shelter and she has been a part of this family ever since.  We are not the Benzens without her.  Cinder has turned my husband into a dog lover, so much so, we had our Christmas pictures taken with her.  She completes our entire family.  The acceptance of a dog is like nothing I have ever seen.  She knows when I need a snuggle and she knows when to get out of my way.  Mostly, I just want to snuggle her.

4.  Candy Crush.  Hell to the Yeah.

5.  A good book.  I am on the third Hunger Games book and I don't get a ton of time to read, so when I can't put it down...you know it is fabulous!  I love to read.  I love books.  The smell, the sound they make when you open them, the turning of pages.  So thankful for books.

6.  Magazines.  I subscribe to six or seven magazines.  Some for me, some for the kids, some for the business.  Yes, I have an iPad, but there is something about the tangible.  I love that.  I love the simple things still.  A magazine, writing a letter to my grandma, putting in a disc in the DVD player....consider me old school 32.

7.  My home.  We live in an older, stucco home and she is SOLID.  I generate safety from my house and "she" truly is a home.

8.  Mr. and Mrs. Darwin Nelson.  They started out as teachers back in High School, but I can honestly say that they are truly friends.  Friends that the kids consider "GandG Nelson."  Friends that I can call on when I have a question about business or life.  They are friends, but more so, they are family.  We love them.  So thankful for the Nelsons.  So thankful.

9.  Snow!  I love winter, I love the snow...but I hate to be cold.  Let me repeat this...I HATE to be cold!  I LOVE the snow though!  It is so beautiful.  One of the true gifts from God.

10.  My brother and sister.  Older and Younger and I am stuck in the Middle.  I have learned so much from both of them.  Very thankful for my siblings.

11.  Chocolate and Coffee and Carbs and Chips and Ice Cream...I am so thankful for FOOD!  I love to eat!

12.  Thankful for the passion to cook and being blessed with the ability to be fairly good at it.  There is no greater joy than providing for your family through food....andy my bestest friend Josh....

13.  I am a stay at home mom.  Everyday I get to do what I love.

14.  My husband has two jobs.  One full time and one part time and I guess you could consider the on-call one too!  Blessed and thankful for employment!

15.  HALF WAY!

16.  Technology.  I love TV, Movies, my computer, iPad, the kids Leap Pads...I know when to turn it off, but it is so nice to have.

17.  Heat.  This time of year it is the little things to be truly thankful for.  My family has so much when others have so little.  I am thankful for never being cold or hungry.

18.  Finances.  My husband and I have finally gotten a "strong-hold" over our finances over 8 years of marriage.  No better feeling.  No credit card debt and the truck is almost paid off.  To finally have control is an amazing feeling.  It took a change in attitude, but I am so thankful that we are finally there and we did it together!

19.  My mom and dad.  What would life be like without my mom and dad?  So boring.  We have weekly meals together, they are so amazingly awesome to my kids and they have never questioned it when we needed help.  My mom and dad are such a gift to my family and they bring us all absolute joy.  Trust me, never a dull moment when we are all together!

20.  Reliable vehicles.

21.  Having a husband who is blessed with the gift of song.  He is so amazingly talented and I am thankful that every day I get to hear that gift.  You are missing out if you haven't heard him sing.  I am very biased :)

22.  A college education.  Yes, I am a stay at home mom, but my time at Bethel has and never will be wasted.  I have a love for learning that can never be extinguished.

23.  My in-laws.  Always accepting and loving to myself and my family.

24.  Faith.  I have a faith in God that will not waver, no matter what the circumstances.

25.  Friends.  True friends that have stuck by me through everything.  I am very guarded and choosy with who I let in my life, so to have this select few that has stuck with me, by my side...is such an amazing gift.

26.  CindyBlue Designs.  What would I do without my small business?

27.  My grandma.  There is nothing I can say that I have not already said about her.  Such a truly fantastic woman, with undeniable class and grace.

28.  My grandpa.  He was taken too soon, but the memories I have of him live inside.  So thankful for the memories.

29.  Rainy Lake.   Where the memories start and where the memories will end.

30.  Passion.  Passion for photography.  Passion for love.  Passion for everything I do.  Passion that gets me through.

Marianne

Our New Normal? Life as a SWAT Family.

Friday was the day.  The text came in.  Possible call out tonight.  What does that mean for me?  Instant panic attack!  My heart rate increased, I had rapid breathing and sweaty palms.  Is this what it's like to be married to someone on a Special Response Team (SRT)?

I didn't really know what to expect when my husband would be called out for the first time.  It is a waiting game.  Waiting for the warrant to be signed.  Waiting for the word "go."  To anyone else, this may not seem like a big deal.  Family caught word that there may be a "call out" and all they could say was "it's gonna be so awesome!"  After that, all I heard was guns and blah, blah, blah....  People forget that this is my life.  My husband is not just a man on SRT or a dispatcher, firefighter, or EMT...he is my husband and the father of my children.

Forget awesome.  You just said guns and awesome in the same sentence.  Thats all I heard.

My brother-in-law is a cop.  He has trained for everything my husband is doing.  My husband is a medic for SRT.  He is not a gun slinging, handcuff handling, taser wielding police officer.  He is a bandaid bearing, emergency kit carrying and blood clotting professional....who has to wear a bullet proof vest.  I trust the men who are covering him.  I trust the training that my husband received at Camp Ripley and trust that God will protect the men when the call does come out.  What I do not trust is the unknown.  The not knowing factor and the unpredictability of others.

So the next time you want to talk me and IN FRONT of my kids about how awesome it is.  Think twice.  I support my husband 100% in everything he does.  I love his passion and live for that.  The support doesn't remove the fear.  This is something I am learning.  When he was a worship pastor at a church, you didn't really have to worry about any of these issues.  As time goes on it will get easier.  I am excited for the experiences that will be presented to my husband but I am still a wary wife who has a lot to learn about trust, faith, and remembering always who is in control.

Road-Trippin

Two weeks ago, I was lucky enough to road trip from Minnesota to Colorado with my sister-in-law, Nora and my best-guy-friend, Josh.  This was a HUGE adventure for me!  I had never left my husband or my children by myself before, but I did it, and it was AWESOME!

I had been to Colorado once before to visit family but that was before Ross and I were even married.  The mountains did not disappoint...absolute beauty!  My good friends, Nancy and Gary, own a mountain home in Crystal Lakes, about one hour from Fort Collins, and the views are something I will never forget!

We enjoyed hiking, watching snow move across the mountains, fireplaces and wine, catching up on some reading, lots of laughs, "neat" nature, and an interesting flight home.  Looking forward to my next trip away, hopefully it doesn't take me another 8 years to leave my husband and kids!

Check out some of my pictures!

One Word: COFFEE!

That's right.  Give me coffee and no one gets hurt.  Funny thing is, it never used to ALWAYS be like this.  Before I had kids, ew...coffee was gross.  Give me a Coke and I was good.  Then Natalie came.  Sweet, colicky, didn't want to nap, Natalie.  I started to drink coffee less than a month after her birth.  I needed it.  I craved it.  I haven't gone back.  If anything, I have gone to the dark side.  How dark?

I have a Bunn Coffeemaker.  I have a Cuisinart Grind and Brew Coffeemaker.  I have a Frappuccino Coffeemaker.  I have an Espresso Machine.  I also buy my coffee beans in bulk from Costco.

We take coffee drinking very seriously in my house.  So much so, my husband has joked that he wished there was a way to hook an IV up to my arm and insert the coffee that way, before I even get out of bed.  Personally, I don't think I am THAT bad.  

My son knows that when the coffee maker beeps, he comes and tells me "coffees done, momma, your coffee is ready."  Good boy.

One of his first words was Caribou.  Smart boy.

Some people have addictions to porn.  Some are addicted to food, shopping, gambling, or the like.  I literally have an addiction to coffee.  Not the best answer to migraines (so my doctor informs me), but I guess it could be worse!

Remember...Coffee before Talkie...ALWAYS!

Marianne

Another...Five Facts You Didn't Know...About ME!

Let's keep the list going...

1. I am a Disney fanatic!  I love Disney cartoons!  This started when I was young and just never stopped.  I think they are fantastic!!!  Somedays I feel like I am a 10 year old in a 32 year olds body.  My cousin Sara and I would ALWAYS act out scenes when we were younger!

   

   Sara and I

2. I have an uncanny ability of memorizing lyrics to songs.  You play some Ace of Base or TLC and I start singing along like it was 1995!

   

   Back in the Day...circa 2000...not 1995

3. Food Network is my friend.  Give me an episode of Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen,  Next Iron Chef...I will be a happy girl.  I like TV...no...I LOVE TV and movies!
4. In 5th grade, I took 3rd place in our schools spelling bee.  It wasn't first or second....but what the heck!  I placed!!!!!  The word I got wrong?  Anniversary.  I have never spelt that word incorrectly since.
5. Finally, I am a stomach sleeper

**Bonus Fact!  I used to own a white rat named Abigail.  There you go!

This now ends the TMI portion of Staying Grounded in Faith and Family!  Have a great day!

Marianne

Meatloaf...with Bacon!

I actually thank my momma for giving me a great meatloaf recipe.  The only problem is, it isn't really a meatloaf "recipe".  Whenever you get a "recipe" from her, it reads something like this..."a dash of this, a sprinkle of that, a glob of butter"...you get the idea.  My favorite recipe from her is her meatloaf.  Surprised?  It is not your typically Loaf.Of.Meat.  Be thankful people!  I am going to share it with you!

Mama Blue's Meatloaf:

1 Pound Hamburger

1 Pound Ground Turkey or Chicken

1/4 Cup Oatmeal with a Dash of Toasted Bread Crumbs

1 Egg

1/2 Medium Onion-Cut in Small Pieces

Pepper

Gariic Powder

Generous Squirt of Ketchup

3 Pieces Bacon-Cut in Half

What to Do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In large bowl, combine meats.

Add all other ingredients.  Gently mix with hands, until blended.

Take meat mixture and put in loaf pan.  Give another "hearty" squirt of ketchup to the top and add the bacon.

Cook for 30 minutes and pour off fat.  Cook for another 40 minutes or until done in center.  Total cook time is roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes.

I hope you love this as much as we do!

Do you have any meatloaf tips?  How do you prepare yours?  Any secret ingredients?  Share in the comments!

Marianne

Dealing with Migraine Pain...Meh!

Today...was one of those days!  I woke up and instantly knew.  Gross.  Ick.  Yuck.  Ugh!  Migraine!

If you are a migraine sufferer, you know exactly what emotions I am talking about.  At this point in my life, it isn't even an emotion I feel.  It is a sense of dread.  Why dread?  My day is pretty much ruined when I get a headache of this magnitude.  It is nearly impossible to be a mom, a wife, or even function with a migraine.  Can I get an AMEN from all you other Momma Migraine Getters?!?

I have been getting migraines since I was 16.  I am now 32.  Do the math.  That is a whole lot of years of complete SUCKAGE (is that a word)?  I have been on medication to prevent the migraines, medication to take when I get the migraines, I have had a change in diet and exercise, no alcohol, no chocolate, lighten up on salt, watch out for too much sun or humidity...basically...be careful how you live your life.  Avoid these triggers.

I am going to be completely honest.  Migraines make me angry.  Let's take today for instance. My family had a perfect opportunity to enjoy our Sunday together.  I spent the entire day in bed and plus my in-laws had to take my kids, when my husband went to work, because I couldn't function well enough.  That angers me.  I missed out on an entire day, because the sound of my son's voice made me cringe.  This is sad to me.

I have to look at the bright side of all of this.  I only get a couple migraines a month.  I rarely end up at the hospital...yay? and most of the time, I can feel one coming on, so I can stop it before it blows up.

I do have a couple tips for those of you that suffer from this torture.  If you are like me, you are always looking for a new type of "relief."  Once the migraine hits, try to:

1. Take some Tylenol/Advil and then take a nap in a dark room with a fan running.  There is something about the sound of a fan that is so relaxing.
2. Eat an apple!  Weird?  It helps or just eat anything!
3. Caffeine!  Sometimes the cause of the pain, but when I need relief, it helps!
4. Ice pack on forehead.  So soothing!
5. Hot pack on neck...awesome!!!!
6. Limit bright lights and loud noises...if possible...hardest one for me to eliminate!
7. Take a hot bath or shower
8. NO electronics...there is no need to update Facebook right now!!!!!
9. Get some fresh air!
10. Drink some water!  Stay hydrated!
11. Peppermint oil on your forehead...just a dab :)

These are the main things I try to do whenever I get a migraine.  When I stick to this list, typically within 24 hours all major pain is gone.  If you suffer from migraines, what do you do to ease up the pain?  Any suggestions?  Share them below!

Making the Switch...Blogging Hiatus...No Show...Lights Out...Whatever...

Where have I been and why am I posting so many things at once????

Last month I switched over to WordPress but I am not happy with it.  I am a Blogger girl.  I think it is in my blood.  What does that mean for you, my loyal following?  I'm BACK!

The posts that you are seeing today, are ones that I did over on that "other" account.  I tried to import them in but I am not technologically  smart for that, so copy and paste I go!

The writers block is coming to an end!  I miss sharing my stories of life and craziness!  Let's get back to it!

Marianne

Five Facts You Don't Know About...Me!

My Sister and I Fondling Mermaid Rock

These are in no particular order...they are all just...ODD!

1. I have a tendency of sticking things up my nose and then trying to shoot them out to see how far they go.  Doesn't everyone do this?  No?  Shoot...
2. I used to have my lip pierced.  Not professionally done either.  My friend did it...with ice...and a needle.  It seemed smart at the time!
3. I snort when I laugh super hard.  Like a pig.  Yes, I snort....like a pig. 
4. After having 2 kids, when I sneeze unexpectedly...I pee.  Just a little.  Too much?     
5. I love history!  Especially anything that has to do with the Titanic or Tutankhamen.  I am a nerd.  A really big nerd.

I gave you 5 odd and somewhat embarrassing facts.  This was fun!  There may have to be a follow-up post to this!  Do you have any oddities for me?  Don't be shy!  Share them!!

Marianne

Remembering Fire Prevention....

This is a post I wrote last month but wanted to repost it.  Earlier in the week, my husband was fighting a fully engulfed house fire, where two people lost their lives.  We are from a small community and any loss hurts.  Remember the tips.  Take the time. Be safe.

Last week was a very important week in schools nationwide.

It was Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Prevention week is especially important in our house, because my husband is a firefighter and he, along with his department, conducted fire prevention at our local elementary school.

We capped off the week with a chili feed at the fire hall.  It  was a fun and informative week!  We had a great turnout by the community in support of our local fire department and the kids learned a lot about fire safety!

       

I am pleased to announce, that my husband is my guest blogger for today.  Please give a friendly hello! to my "hot" firefighter husband who loves to put the wet stuff on the red stuff!  He is going to share some tips about keeping cool during an emergency and some about fire safety.  I now hand it off to Ross!

Wow. Well than... It's a pleasure to give a few tips on fire safety!

I, along with my department, had the privilege of going to the elementary school to teach kids about fire prevention.

We taught kids from Pre-K to 4th Grade. We made things simple. Here are some of the main points we taught them:

1. Smoke detectors. Where are they in your house? How many do you have? How often do you test them? How do they work?

2. Make sure to find 2 ways out of your house. Try this in every room. Even if you're on the 2nd or 3rd level, how can you get out? If you're upstairs and you can't get out through the door, open your window and wave something.  Be SEEN!

3. Meeting Place. If you have a fire in your house, get out and STAY OUT. Find a meeting place where your whole family can go, to find each other.  Go home and talk to your family about where you would go if you had a fire.

4. Stop, Drop, and Roll. The younger kids loved this station! We made flames for the kids to put on themselves and we said, "if you had fire here, get it off!" We taught them about what to do if their clothes caught on fire.

5. Smoke. If you had smoke in your house, where does it go? UP! Smoke rises. So, we built a smoke tunnel that simulated how low you have to get.  Again, another favorite for the kiddos!

6. Learn your address. Do you know your address has a first and last name? My address's first name is "208". My last name is "Elmhurst Ave". How do you teach 1st or 2nd graders this? Make it simple. Go home and have your parents teach you what your address's first and last name is!

We wanted the kids to think about these things and go home and talk with their parents. We always get stories from parents that say, "thank you for sending my child home with lots of questions!"

This is one of the funnest weeks for my fire department. We get on the level with the kids and have some fun!

We ended the week with inviting families to the fire hall for a chili feed and had numerous activities for them. They sprayed water out of the hose, made fire trucks, took home coloring books and fire hats, and played in the smoke tunnel! Great time!

So, my tips for you. If you're a parent, if you're a grandparent, and those rugrats come over from time to time, make sure your smoke detectors are working and in every room, make sure you always can find 2 ways out of each room in your house, and find a good meeting place if you ever have a fire in the home.

Thank you, Marianne, for the opportunity to give your readers some tips on fire safety! 

Thank you to Ross!  Be safe everyone and don't forget to practice these tips!

Marianne