my girl carrie

 

 

"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day...when it's cold outside I got the month of May...I guess you'd say, what can make me feel this way?  My girl"  Carrie Coodles as Wayne-O refers to her has been my ray of sunshine for 30 years.  I thank God the day my brother John married her so she could be part of our lives.  Together we have endured so many obstacles, disappointments and life struggles, yet because of our unique bond, we have overcome so much because of our connection.  I don't know how to define it, for she is so much more than a friend or sister, so she is my girl, my go-to buddy.

 

I look forward to our Wednesday morning catch up chats.  We just shoot the breeze about our everyday events and lately we have been reflecting on our childhoods and such.  I learned  many things about her early days that she never shared before, which keeps me in awe of her.  She never ceases to amaze me with her strength and optimism.  We are on a journey together and share so much in common. 

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but will never break." ~ Chinese Proverb

 

 

We both had three kids and our firstborn entered our lives the same year.  Mike and Melissa bought their first homes at the same time and we shared the nerves and excitement with that experience.  Our boys got married the same year and once again we shared that joy.  With two of our three children on their own, we find ourselves enjoying our baby boys and appreciating our last fling as parents before they leave our nests.  We lost our moms the same year and both still have our dads.  We both grew up with a houseful of estrogen and love to dance. Once that beat gets going, there is no stopping us.  We share the philosophy that life is too short to live it with regret or hold a grudge and while we have learned some pretty hard lessons along the way, we realize letting go is sometimes the most healthy road for our souls.  That is a very tough call to make, and we support each other if we get to wavering about it.  Letting our kids make their own mistakes is another doozy of a call that warrants support from each other and we have had a thousand conversations about it.   We shared the Equinox adventure and added that to our profile together.  We know how to boost each other up and have never argued.  Even when we disagree, we hold such high respect for each other that we move forward on our paths and always share a happy story to make us chuckle.  No matter what befalls us, Carrie has always been there for me and I hold a ton of comfort knowing she has my back ~  I will always have hers.  I wholeheartedly believe it's basically all about taking turns listening and  being able to let loose of our feelings, concerns, vent once and again without worrying about any repercussions or misunderstanding.  She gets and accepts me and it is reciprocated.  We get the benefit of the doubt.  That is a beautiful thing.

Carrie and John raised  Melissa, Jason and Robert at a tender age and their family values are to be admired for they have grown so beautifully and continue the Mielzynski lineage as they have Vanessa and Joe with them. They know the secret to life is in compassion and their hearts are growing as big as their mom's.  You can see the pride in her eyes as she shares their accomplishments.  John is devoted to her.  She recently turned me on to Duck Dynasty hence we giggle about their escapades yet find the cohesiveness of their lives refreshing especially the ending sit down dinners with the clan.  It reminds us of our Thanksgiving dinners that we shared the last six years.  No matter how busy our personal family life gets, we always have that day to reconnect as one unit.

Her birthday is on Easter this year.  I heard a story about how a white tulip symbolized forgiveness and there is no one on this earth that knows how to forgive than Carrie.  Like the old adage, "be like a duck and let it roll off your back", she constantly inspires me to practice her profound wisdom. She may be much younger than me, but I tell you, Carrie really knows about life from living it. Her resources have helped me in numerous situations to assist others such as the senior exemptions for Uncle Steve and tax and insurance stuff for Dad and my sons.  She can easily start up her own business and now that she is taking time away from all the turmoil in the city and enjoying a more relaxing way of life, perhaps that is just what she will do.  All I know is that I am grateful to have her in my life. 

 

 happy happy happy birthday Carrie xo 

 

 

quack quack 

"where nana?"

 

As Dillan turns 21 months we are amazed at how he is mastering his language skills.  We saw it coming, but now that he clearly understands the world around him, it gets more exciting than ever.  He lets us know what he wants and does not want, which makes things easier around here.  He refers to bunnies as Doo Bee Doo because of a cute little song we found.  Even the box of Trix cereal is doo bee doo.  LOL.  He eats by himself and often likes to feed me, too.  We discovered this adorable site called Shawn the Train that is great at teaching all sorts of things such as colors, shapes, sounds and Baby Einstein is wonderful for teaching music and numbers.  Anything with music is a winner.  When Papi comes home from work they always look out for the moonie. 

Busy busy busy.  We play all day during our Dillan Days and he can build high towers of blocks with ease.  He mimics every sound he can especially cars, airplanes, firetrucks, birds, doggies and we have a little game going with snakes and lions.  He loves to get me to react to all sorts of stuff, and it works.  He shoots out belly laughs when he does.  Peek a boo is still the favorite.  He is beginning to draw and make googles all over paper and is ever so gentle with the Ponti and Thumper.  He pulls out the broom and has me sweep the floor with him.  When I pull out the windex, he is thrilled to perform the task of cleaning windows.  His all time favorite is watching himself in the videos I make of him.  Next week I will pull out videos of his daddy when he was a wee one. 

We are waiting for warm weather so we can resume our daily walks.  Meantime, he listens for the airplanes and birds and geese and mimics their sounds constantly. The cutest story is recently one Saturday morning he woke up and went up to his daddy saying Nana, so Mike asked if he wants a banana and he shook his head no, grabbed his coat and went to the door.  Mama asked him in Lithuanian if he wants to go by Nana and he said yes.  My heart was beaming for a week!  Now he asks where's Papi, Daddy, Mama.  He says Uncle T at cool (school) and calls a cookie ~ keekoo. 

Soon he will have his first haircut and we will miss the little curly Q.  He still plays with puzzles but his latest joy is playing with the plethora of cars and trains.  Mike taught him all the sounds and he makes them as he plays.  There are so many little moments when toddlers come into their own and the best part is being able to understand.  I like when they make their own version of words and am amazed at how quickly they catch on as if they are little parrots.  He waits for his Papi to come home during lunchtime and enjoys every second showing off what he learned.  Like clockwork, he settles down for his nap at 1.  We spend lots of time just looking out the window, snuggling and watching the snow fall, the geese gather in our garden and just telling him stories of when his daddy was little and how his uncles played and all the stuff they did growing up.  Soon we will visit the parks and discover so much more together.  I give him smooches all day for he is filled with lots of love and laughter. 

Our little choo choo, yai ya

 

 

doo bee doo bee doo, you are my sunshine xo

 



don't let others get the best of you

 

 

Some people will do things, just to get a rise out of you, to trip you up and bring you down ~ because they are threatened by your power or they want to have power over you.  Light often attracts attack ~ but light also deflects it if one chooses to have a strong boundary.

 

It is quite selfish to disturb someone else's peace and then blame them for being too sensitive.

 

Some egos might never grow or align with higher self, but that is their problem.  Don't let others get the best of you ~ let it bounce back into them by maintaining stability and neutrality, because they desperately need the wake up call.

 

Don't feed them or give them the satisfaction of hurting you.  To end its ruler-ship don't allow it in and don't allow it to make you a victim and don't become it.

 

In the face of it, let it empower your Spirit, because in that moment you are reminded of the goodness you are made of.  No need to sink into despair or the pain because you have to deal with those who don't hold Love and Harmony as Sacred...

 

If you hold it as Sacred, then you will enjoy the benefits and you will assist in reminding others of how beautiful life can be when you have respect for the most important qualities of life.

 

~ Maritza "Journey to Balance"

 

Amen. xo



little love bug

 



Little guy is such a useful one.  He enjoys helping me dust and sweep, feed the birdies and gives the doggies treats and even offers to share his beloved dee dee.



Dillan has a healthy appetite and delights in my cooking.  Now he revels in the fact that he can feed himself most times. He enjoys oatmeal, rice pudding, soups, pasta, apples, avocado, yogurt, bagels and sausage the most. I made a batch of pickles to satisfy his palate.  When he has his fill he shakes his head and says no.

We finally got some snow in these here parts and he could not wait to go out and walk around, chasing the geese, looking for the deer that hover in our backyard and I gave him a ride on the sled for the first time.  He had to get all bundled up and could hardly move. LOL 

His mom and dad will be on honeymoon in a few days and we can't wait to have him and Ozis stay with us.  Party time.  I bought some of his favorite things to eat and a few new toys to keep him busy.  He loves puzzles and trains and cars but mostly songs he could dance to.  I make forts and we play peekaboo constantly.  Giggles galore with the little fella. 

He is on the verge of talking up a storm and babbles all day about things and we have conversations using inflection as if we understand each other.  Right now his favorites are listening to the Gummibear Bubble Up song while he chases bubbles and Doo Bee Doo Bee Doo and Twinkle Star.  We sit on the sofa with the doggies at times and quietly browse through books while he is nestled in his Tigger blankie and holds his ba ba.  These moments take my breath away.  xo

 

 

 



comfort food for the soul

 

 

  One of my favorite things to do these days is prepare meals.  I have been digging up new recipes to add variety to our menu with much success.  Lately the raves have been for breakfast casseroles and pies.  Here is a new one I discovered from an Aldi flyer.

 

 Sunnyside Breakfast Casserole

 

dozen frozen hash brown patties

1 pkg. sausage patties

dozen large eggs

leaf spinach

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 cup half and half

fresh parsley
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat 13 x 9 pan with olive oil.  Pan fry the hash brown patties in a skillet.  Crumble the patties and evenly spread them into the baking pan.  Brown the sausage patties on a grill or in a skillet. Crumble sausage.  Evenly top the hash browns with spinach, follow with sausage and 2 1/2 cups cheddar cheese.  In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt and pepper.  Pour over the casserole mix and pat down the mixture with a flat spatula.  You can top with sliced tomatoes or just sprinkle remaining cheese and parsley.  Bake 45 minutes. 

To take the edge off the extreme weather, I decided to make good old fashioned homemade chicken soup.  The house smells so warm and cozy with the aroma.

 

Chicken Soup

 

3 chicken legs

10 yukon gold potatoes

3 celery stalks

6 carrots

1 onion

fresh parsley

allspice

vegeta

chicken boullion

salt and pepper

kluski noodles

 

Peel potatoes and carrots.  I save the scraps and mulch for the finches.  Chop onion, celery, potatoes and carrots and set aside.  Cook chicken breasts in stove or crockpot filling water to the top.  Add boullion, allspice, vegeta, salt and pepper to your taste.  Add chopped veggies and parsley to soup mix and cook for hours until chicken falls off bone.  Remove chicken and add some to soup if you prefer.  Serve with Kluski noodles.  Your soul will soar.

Since the kids are going to Cancun, I decided to take a stab at making Chicken Enchiladas.  I found a couple recipes and will attempt to conjour up my own based on them.

 

Chicken Enchiladas

 

8 chicken breasts

1 large can stewed tomatoes

1 onion

1 poblano pepper

1 can enchilada sauce

2 packets enchilada sauce mix

1 can tomato paste

cumin, cayenne and chili powder

cheddar cheese

fresco cheese

whole wheat tortillas

fresh cilantro and parsley

spanish rice as a side

 

Parboil the chicken breasts for 4 hours.  Remove from broth but save broth for the chicken soup above.  Chop onion and pepper and shred the chicken.  Mix in bowl with 2 cups broth and cumin, cayenne and chili powder.  Keep in fridge overnight. 

In skillet, saute mixture in olive oil for a few minutes.  Meantime, combine processed stewed tomatoes, enchilada sauce, tomato paste and 1 cup broth.  Cook on stovetop until well blended.  Add a little to chicken mixture and cook a few minutes.

 

Wrap tortillas in foil and bake in oven for 5 minutes to tenderize. Coat bottom of lasagne pan with enchilada sauce.  Dip each tortilla in same sauce then fill with chicken mixture, roll and line in pan with seam face down.  Add more enchilada sauce on top.  Finalize with cheddar and fresco cheese on top.  Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes or until cheese melts.  Garnish with cilantro, parsley, scallion, sour cream if you like and serve with Spanish rice and beans.  Ole.

 

Stay warm and snuggle with the ones you love. xo

 

 



to be nana

we see eye to eye

smooches

and huggies

 

 

life is beautiful xo

 



yoga for the soul

 

 

Fear can only grow in darkness.  Once you face fear with light, you win.  Steve Maraboli

 

My soul has been yearning for an outlet to embrace gratitude and serenity, and once again, I found the place that provides me with same.  Last week Darcy and I attended my sister's yoga class and our souls sang with glee.  Kiki has been instructing yoga for a decade and one of her locations is at the St. Joseph home in LaGrange.  The beauty of this place is in the multitude of artwork by Sr. Mary and the peaceful ambiance of the chapel.  It's amazing what happens in a mere 90 minutes. This week Steve joined me and he fell in love with the whole experience.  His comment was "this is exactly what I need." 

Thanks to my sister, Kiki, for providing this opportunity to keep in touch with my essence.  My love for you holds no bounds.  Our mantra: we shall overcome!

I can't go back to yesterday because I was a different person then... Lewis Carroll

 

but today, I can find joy in the moments that take my breath away. xo

 

 





to be dapa

 

pure bliss

mixed with strong arms to hold him

and singing silly songs

and a plethora of smooches and huggies

 

who could ask for more?  xo

 



mad hatter salad

 

Mad Hatter Salad

 

16 oz. coleslaw mix

7 scallions, chopped

1/2 cup butter

1 head fresh broccoli florets

6 oz. ramen soup (chicken or oriental)

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup pinenuts or sunflower seeds

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tblsp. soy sauce

dash of sesame seeds

 

In a small jar, combine vinegar, oil, sugar and soy sauce.  Seal and shake.  Set aside.

 

In a large bowl, toss coleslaw, scallions and broccoli.  Melt butter.  Crumble ramen noodles in bowl and mix with almonds and nuts.  Sprinkle seasoning packets over all.  Add to skillet or wok and stir until noodles and nuts toasted (about 8 minutes.)

 

Pour sauce over mixture in serving bowl, toss in sesame seeds and enjoy. 

 

Trust me, you cannot stop picking at this dish.  You'll keep coming back for more.   xo

the art of aging

 

This is our Big Daddy at 77. 

 

As the baby boomers age gracefully, we find ourselves with the important task of taking care of our folks as they endure their twilight years.  For those with larger families, the duties can be shared which can make for a much easier experience, but when only one person carries the load, it can be daunting.  There are numerous organizations that provide professional assistance and guidance if situations become unmanageable and we should accept that help when needed.  Sharing our concerns with others involved in their own family needs is very comforting for this is the world we live in and the right thing to do.  Avoiding nursing homes has always been my goal when caring for our loved ones and discussing progress with their doctors is a huge course of action to make sure they get the best care available.  It is known a child will always give the most loving and compassionate care because of the bond we have, however, most times we need an experienced medical advisor or caregiver to help us guide the way.  Give yourself permission to take breaks and share the load if it becomes too heavy.  Refresh and revitalize so patience is always in your heart.  I found this message to be extremely powerful and a gentle reminder of the circle of life.

 

"My dear child, the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don't interrupt to say: "You said the same thing a minute ago"...Just listen, please.  Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

 

When I don't want to take a bath, don't be mad and don't embarrass me.  Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a little one?

 

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don't look at me that way...remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life's issues every day...the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

 

If I occasionally lose track of what we're talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can't don't be nervous, impatient or arrogant.  Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

 

And when my old, tired legs don't let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked.

 Moments where I become confused and don't recognize you, please be calm and gentle and know I will feel your unconditional love.

 

When those days come, don't feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love.

 

I'll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared.  With a big smile and the huge love I've always had for you.  I just want to say, I love you..my darling child."

 

 

xo

 

 

 

 

 



to new beginnings and happy endings

 

 

 

Here I am all ready to give farewell to another year and welcome a chance to refresh.  Upon reflection,  this has been a yin/yang year as we have know extreme bliss and stress within the same time frame.  Something beautiful may occur to be followed by a lot of ugly.  This, however, is better than previous years, so I'll take it.  In order to prepare to rid our humble sanctuary of unwanted negativities I will lovingly purify each room with new mountain sage, holy water, sage citrus candle and special incense.  I will ring the bells throughout to clear vibrations.  Next I will open windows to release.  As we embrace the new year, I will smudge again and sprinkle holy water throughout, light our new candle and burn new incense to protect and promote enlightenment.

 

This is my ritual, but you can purge and purify in many ways as long as you affirm goodness and blessings as your heart and soul will be open to our universe.  Hold all in light with love.

 

We pave the way for hope and prosperity by preparing a special meal of steaks and crab legs with the classic spinach dip with hawaiian bread, veggies and healthy salad; and homemade chicken soup will promote health. We are not so much for the libations but I do have some warm glug with cinnamon at the ready.  The most important part of the day is to be with those you love and offer hugs and smooches as needed.

learn from yesterday

live for today

hope for tomorrow

 

xo

 



holiday treats

 

The holidays are not complete without a plethora of pleasing sweets. Just ask little Yai Ya.  He sampled one of my creations and the verdict was a big MMMMMMM. 

Mom's Wreath Treats

 

My mom made these every year and while I could not find her recipe, I conjured up my own using her basics.  These do not stay around for long as I have made four batches already; yesterday I used yellow to make sunflowers for the new year.  This one is guaranteed to please your pallate and the beauty of it all is absolutely no baking required.

 

3 cups each rice krispies and corn flakes (6 cups total)

(at first I could not find corn flakes and used frosted flakes, so you can easily use 2 cups krispies, corn and frosted flakes if you desire)

1 stick butter

1/4 tsp. sea salt

10 oz. mini marshmellows

(the large don't adhere as well, but you can still use them)

green and red food coloring and sprinkles

1 cup each pecans and coconut

 

Melt butter and sea salt in a large pot.  Add marshmellows and stir.  Remove from heat and add cereals, mixing quickly.  Add coconut and nuts.  Add food color.  Form into balls, mold and press on cookie tray.  Add green sprinkles for red wreaths and vice versa.  The wreaths will adhere quickly once they set, so no worries about falling apart. 

Janet's Thin Mints and Do Si Dos

 

Another stovetop cookie that is quite easy to make.  I shared the thin mints a few years ago, so I'll just add the pb recipe.

 

ritz crackers

1 bag each dark and ghiradelli semi sweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup oil

peanut butter

 

Spread pb on each cracker and set aside.  In a medium pot, melt all chocolates with oil and stir until smooth.  Remove from heat and dip pb crackers in chocolate and let sit on a cookie tray lined with wax paper.  This is important for if you do not use the paper, the cookies will stick to the tray and fall apart.  Cool in fridge or garage on days like today.  Bring back to room temperature for 20 minutes then separate.  Another winner.

 

Mom's Cherry Ring

 

I stumbled upon this recipe in a school fundraiser cookbook from years past and it was labeled Virg's Cherry Ring.  I had to make it at that point, as this season she has been channeling her baking skills into me all month.  I usually only make kolacky cookies but found myself following her footsteps in recipes for nut cups, almond and pecan crescents, sugar cookies as well as the tons of assorted kolackies and above recipes.  After yesterday I am done with sweets for a long time.  My goal is accomplished. 

 

1 cup water

 1/2 cup butter

 1 cup flour

 4 eggs

 1 cup milk

 3/4 cup sour cream

 3 (3/4 pkg.) vanilla instant pudding

 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract

 2 cans cherry pie filling

 

Cook water, flour and butter to boil, stir vigorously until it forms a ball (about 1 minute)  Remove from heat.  Add eggs and beat until smooth.  Drop dough by tablespoons onto cookie sheet to form 8" ring and smooth with spatula.  (I actually used my round pizza stone) Bake until puffs are golden (50 minutes on 400 degrees)  Cool for 20 minutes, then cut off the top with a sharp knife.

 

  Beat milk, sour cream, pudding (dry), add almond extract (about 1 minute)

 

Fill cream puff ring with pudding mixture, then spoon 1 can of cherry pie filling on top of pudding.  Replace top of cream puff ring and spoon remaining can of cherry filling on top.  Refrigerate. 

 

You can just make individual puffs if you do not prefer a ring.

Ponti waiting for a morsel ~ he has a huge sweet tooth ~ sorry Poncho, no can do for you

Had to add this pic of Bambi drinking out of her water glass (she prefers this to her water bowl)

Thumper ~ Ozis ~ Bambi hovering the table

Dillan and Thumper

Last but not least, our Big Daddy looking sharp at 77.

 

Sweet dreams, ya'll. xo

 

 

 

 

 



dillan at 18 months

Our little sunshine is growing up fast.  He is not a little baby anymore, but rather an explorer of his world.  He is intrigued by lights more than anything and gets a kick out of mastering the on and off switches.  Dillan spends his time figuring out just how things work in his little pocket of life.   He takes his time up and down stairs (and we have a lot of stairs.)  He loves music and tinkles the ivory ever so gently, dabbles with Dan's drums when he visits, strums the guitars and mostly dances to his favorite tunes, which most recently include a Christmas video of all the old songs from various kid movies like Frosty, Rudolph and Santa. He refers anything Christmas as Ho Ho Ho.  Jingle Bells is the all time favorite and he gets a kick when we sing it to him while ringing the bells. He eats by himself more often than not and is very proud of this accomplishment.  Stars and Mr. Moony are his favorites these days.

 He still loves playing peek a boo and when we have down time, I will load up the videos of him and he giggles with glee.  Books are his best entertainment but Thomas is his bestest buddy. He is with my sister Kiki's new pup, Spartacus, showing him all about Thomas. 

Always wearing a smile, Dillan finds joy in just about everything he does.  Look at the choppers! Since he comes over here every Monday and Tuesday, we try to get our fill of fun.  We take the doggies for walks and let them roam in the back field and he will clap for them to come home.  They adore him for he makes sure they get their treats.

Grandpa set up the old train set that our boys played with a quarter of a century ago, but leave it to Little Tikes and all it took was a new battery and voila, good to go.  We put it in the room now designated the North Pole.

One afternoon we brought him to Yorktown to ride the choo choo and he was in all his glory.  We saw Santa and he gave a big wave to Dillan.  Nice memories.

We discovered a very cool place near our home called All Aboard Diner where kids can grab their meals via train delivery and be amazed at all the trains in the diner. So fun and who knew it's been there five years already?  When one becomes a grandparent, we become more aware of these places once again. 

That evening we gathered Dillan's Mom and Dad to look at holiday lights.  We visited the Darien award winner Truhlar home (Mike's buddy Anthony) and carried on to the famous Frohn house in Bolingbrook.  Lights galore!  Spectacular to see.

Our little man is learning so many things and 18 months is a huge milestone with wee ones.  He understands directions, likes to help clean up (like Thomas, he is very useful), helps get dressed, uses words but still in baby babble, especially since he is learning English and Lithuanian simultaneously.  He knows the routine before naps and I show him our statues and say prayers, then tell him all the people who love him and how beautiful he is.  Every week he changes and we anxiously await what new thing he does to amaze us. 

This picture says it all.  He adores his Dapa who stops by every lunch hour just to get in a few hugs. I am Nana.  His biggest fan, however, is Dadeeeee.  He points to pictures of Mike all over the place. When Mommy comes to pick him up after work, he dashes to her and gives a huge hug.

Dillan helped his uncle T open presents as the doggies hovered nearby.  Steve fondly refers to Dillan as Buddy and make the most of their time here.  Now that the little guy is into coloring, next he will be learning how to paint with T.

As Dillan loves fishies, Mike and Margarita took him on the adventure downtown to the Shedd Aquarium, where he got his fill of so many beautiful crustacians.  His journey is just beginning to unfold and we are completely blessed to be part of it.  xo