Peanut Butter Pie...

So, why does one make lean turkey chili and eat a decent portion size? To be able to eat this. Really, I'm not doing anyone favors by printing this recipe down because it's so good and easy, you'll have it inhaled before it can even set. But oh well...I like to share my discoveries and have been quite selfish about sharing recipes via blogsville. Something about me and peanut butter-I really don't care if I don't have it. I don't go ga-ga over the stuff-but this pie...dear me my I've changed my tune.

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
4 oz. cream cheese (I used light)
1 cup powdered/confectioners' sugar
1- 8 oz. carton frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 graham cracker crust (I bet it would be even more irresistable with chocolate crust)
1/4 cup salted chopped peanuts

In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, cream cheese, and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Pour into prepared crust. Sprinkle with nuts. Chill until serving. Refrigerate leftovers (as if there'd be any left).

You've been warned.

Sick

I am finally over whatever was making me nauseous and lethargic. I just can't imagine how some feel this way all the time due to ear problems or upset stomach. I had vertigo for the first time in my life two years ago and I thought I was going to jump out of my body. Thank goodness the fix was just an over the counter drug. Another reason to be thankful for living in a country where I can go out and buy medicine that would help this. The only side effect was I was very, very sleepy. Now that I feel better, I can go and workout. My body definitely needs it.

Homemaker Ramblings

My job description on any application is Homemaker. I feel pride in this title. I have three bosses. Two assistant managers S.E. and Koo. One big boss Lovely Hubby. I get paid in hugs and kisses and the freedom to pretty much make my own schedule. What I've learned being a homemaker that maybe useful to others thinking of doing the same.

1) Don't forget to find time for yourself(for me it's exercise, reading, and sewing). One hour, squeeze it in. When I was new to this job, I felt guilty when I would take a break and felt like I was cheating my family for not being there. But, my health suffered and I was really short with the kids because I felt overwhelmed.

2) Be thrifty as much as possible because kids are expensive and I'm not just talkin' diapers. Everything is temporary except for the relationship you develop with your kids.

3) Don't forget to spend time with your love-the man who made it possible for you to stay home. Taking care and talking about the kids is not meeting all his needs. I'm only starting to be better at this. Date night. Budget it in.

4) Get a tough skin against negative/well-intentioned busybodies (like myself) on how you should raise your kids. You know what's best for them. Trust yourself. Even if what's best for them is uncomfortable for you.

5) Get up and get yourself ready like you would go to work. When you feel better and look better, life's just a little bit more manageable.

6) Your kids and hubby never get tired of hugs and kisses...really. I'm not a real touchy feely person and it was hard in the beginning to do this but now, I stop and just kiss them and hug them. Even if I spend most of my day with them.

Okay, so it might not be so helpful but I guess I needed the reminding.

Windy, windy weather. I know I don't have a thing to complain about regarding the weather because where I live, it's pretty cool for the most part. The only thing I detest is cold sideways rain brought on my heavy winds. The wind in these parts are out-of-control strong. Two years ago, 80 mile/hour winds blew down our Costco shed. Blew the top off. This probably wouldn't have happened if we had locked it. The wind pushed the doors open and voila the wind came in and in a matter of minutes took the top off.

Today is so windy, I am almost thankful my kids have this week off of school because I don't want to leave the house. The boys are playing I Spy and buliding houses with tape and construction paper. I cleaned my cupboards in my kitchen and rotated food. Hopefully, I'll get to sew for pleasure and go running at the gym.

My mom and dad are coming for a visit. Along with them, my younger sister and her three boys are coming too. I'll have a house full and am excited. In the past (about three years ago), I would fret and clean for a week straight before guests come. Now, I just walk around with a vacuum and suck up any dust, crumbs, or junk around the house. In addition, just making sure their beds are cleaned and made up and bathrooms sanitized. Along with a stocked fridge it took me almost two hours. So much happier with minimal cleaning and grooming. It gets dirty while they are here anyway. Why go to all the bother? I would rather save my energy and play with my nephews. Hopefully, if the weather permits, we will be swimming, walking to the park, and go to a corn maze. Should burn some energy out.

I was thinking about what I would like my life to be like when I'm old. I mean grey-hair old. Given I reach this age range, I would like to be as it is now: being close to my boys, kissing my husband, and to be able to be able to have many people I love and care about near me. I hope to continue to be a good friend, wife, and most importantly mother (and grandmother I hope). I want to be the kind of grandma that attends all important and non-important functions of my grandkids. I hope my boys marry women who will allow me to overstep their personal space and can look at me wanting to spend as much time with them as possible-okay. I hope to be here long enough to see my boys turn to men. I don't know why I'm so sappy today. I guess I blinked and my boys are bigger, more independent and just too big for a lack of a better word. I've always said they are the sun and moon for me. May I always wake up and go to bed with both being present in my day.

Zumba

Zumba. Love Zumba. Equal to running, I love zumba. It's a hip-hop/salsa dance class and you dance for one hour straight. My arms are flinging. My pelvis is swinging and thrusting. I don't care if I look like I'm having a seizure. I just know my heart is in pure happy-mode in that hour I am dancing. My trainer thinks I should train so I can get lean and be in a rapper's video. The hot babes that dance around them. Yeah no. With Zumba and a full attire, I at least can dance better and have pure enjoyment in doing something that makes my heart laugh. Everyone needs to try Zumba. If nothing else, learn one move and show your husband. It's bound to make nightime rituals more entertaining.