Finding Myself Again

The Holiday rush is finally behind us and winter is all that remains. I don't know about you, but I would be perfectly fine with winter leaving after Christmas break. I sat at the bus stop this week wishing I could pull my hat over my face so it would stop burning from the arctic blast we are presently experiencing here up North. At least the grocery stores are quiet. I am one of the few at home Mom's willing to leave the house in such conditions. If you ask me, it's more dangerous not having peas and toilet paper with my two kids. Ella, my lover of nature, had a perm-a-grin on her face (perhaps it was frozen) walking alongside Mom into the store and later hugged a bag of frozen peas as we enjoyed the place to ourselves.  I absolutely love our time together each morning and know no matter what we do and where we go each day, they are all precious moments together. Thank goodness for this time.

Daddy makes up for the long trips away with special
moments like this. They are the best of friends.

When I started this blog, I promised to be real, so here goes.  After five years of parenting, much of which I am solo from the months of September to April (a hockey widow you could say), I have hit a rut. A straight up, tear filled, "Who am I besides a Mom?", rut.  Don't get me wrong, I love and adore my kids. But there has to be more to life, a healthy one anyhow, than kids, grocery shopping and housekeeping.  I'm sure many Moms go through the "Mommy Blues" from time to time.  Some days I feel like I am looking at the world carrying on in front of me as I stand still in an outfit only a Mommy could appreciate, probably not showered and wishing I had a little bit of a life outside of my Mommy world. I watch my husband go to work each morning and I fantasize about his car ride alone, just him and his coffee....bliss. Then there are the road trips that yes, keep him very busy, but I know he is at some point getting a chance for a nice dinner and drinks with the boys, sleeping at a five star hotel without a child waking him up 2-3 times a night and peeing by himself in the bathroom. My husband works very hard to provide for our family, I am not dismissing that fact.  I feel blessed that I don't have to be the one that is travelling and missing time with the kids.  But every Mom, especially those that stay home to raise their family, needs to step away for a moment and do something that truly makes them feel alive again.  Perhaps offering us a reason to join the world outside of the grocery stores and mommy and me classes. Can I get an AMEN!?!

My little lover of all seasons. A true Canandian!

Where is that place for me you ask? I have a huge passion for working in the community.  I promise you I am not trying to be Mother Theresa by saying helping people is my passion or "calling"...it just is.  I feel at home if that makes sense.  I have never been one to get uncomfortable with human circumstance that wasn't pretty.  I just see it as an opportunity and a responsibility to lend a hand if I can. And when you see the generosity that forms around you from others who want to help too...well that my friend is just magic.

I am so thankful for my Mom.

Growing up, my Mom and her heart of gold, taught us to give of ourselves.  Every fall, she would break out the empty coffee cans she saved for us and have my sister and I decorate them and pop a hole on top for money to slide through.  We would head out around the neighborhood each labor day and collect money for the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon.  We looked forward to it every year.  Sometimes my Mom would drive us down to the news station where the local telethon was happening so we could drop the donations off in person (and hope for a little TV time to wave at friends watching). I think this is where my desire to help others started.  When I got into college, I picked a Catholic University, that unbeknown to me, lived by the Vincentian mission.  Living this mission meant working in the community and helping others during our time at Niagara University.  That is where the fire got re-lit.  I was lucky enough to meet Sr. Mary Fran Bassick.  She ran a program for inner city kids at an agency called Center for Joy, in the heart of Niagara Falls, New York.  She took me in to help with the kids that came by after school to get off the streets.  I owed her 30 hours for my religion class prerequisite.  It turned into 4 years. To this day I still speak with Sister on Facebook (oh yes, she is a cool sister with a relationship status that reads: "It's Complicated") and she came all the way to Niagara-on-the Lake from Pennsylvania (where she was transferred to continue her amazing work) to give the blessing at my wedding.  She is a gift from God in so many ways. The best and truest kind of influence a kid could ever ask for in college. Almost 20 years later and she is still cheering me on.

Since my Niagara days, I worked at an agency that dealt with the heart breaking reality of child abuse, was apart of an "alliance" of remarkable volunteers and fundraisers who to this day create events to raise money for cancer research and care, raised money for a hospice that touched my heart and continues to touch many lives each day with their amazing compassion and truly found myself back where I started, at a center filled with over 300 children and their families looking for a better way of life, in Binghamton, New York.  When I left Binghamton to have Luca and move to Ottawa, I left a piece of my heart with my fundraising events and outreach programs - some that unfortunately never continued and some that I am so grateful continue on.  One program that I miss very much is the Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program.  Our first year attempting this resulted in over 100 families waking up to Christmas. It was the most joyful, exhausting, emotional, stressful and magical time ever in my life. A time I don't think I will ever forget.  A small community with gigantic hearts and a team I could not have been more privileged to work with made this crazy idea come to life. It was an honor and it still happens each year.

My Mom used to help organize a similar "adopt-a-family" program with the Buffalo Sabres players, wives and girlfriends during the holidays.  I remember the joy it brought her and how excited she got with each donation and the possibility of making a difference to so many kids and their families who would have gone without. Target had just come to town and leave it to my Mom to talk to the manager and arrange for the staff to wrap all the gifts bought at their store by the Sabres families. And don't think for a second my Mom wasn't involved in every program I have ever worked with...volunteering, donating, and listening to me talk about it endlessly on the phone, offering advice and of course her constant support. This amazing woman taught me how to give, but most importantly, how to love giving. I am so grateful for the example she gave us growing up.

Luca dropping off his angel gifts at Christmas
for our friends that Santa can't always find.

So while I sit here during another long road trip, trying to figure out how things could be easier, happier, more "me" but still revolving around this family I thank God for each and every day, I am going to start doing what I love the most.  I am going to find good causes to spend time with, volunteer when I can and get back to my roots that made me who I am.  My kids need to know this Mom. I so owe it to them to really know what matters to me and I hope one day, to them.  But most importantly, I need to do this for me.  I am the only one that can find this balance we all hope for as Moms. We sometimes lose ourselves in this wonderful life of motherhood.  As long as we find ourselves again, it's so worth this crazy adventure.

Be kind to yourself Moms. You are amazing.

"Let the beauty of what you 

love be what you do."

-Rumi

Well Hello There, Sunshine!

I am back my loyal blog followers (a.k.a. family and friends).  Has it really been six months?!? The second the hockey season ended it was "game on!" in this house.  My husband's "honey do" list became the new play-offs.  His team didn't get a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup last season, but I gave him a coffee cup instead and let him get to work.  This past summer brought us two new veggie gardens, a beautiful stained porch and a new gazebo that we finally remembered to take down before the snow (lost two others this way). I also have a freshly painted front door with new hardware, a new front porch railing and a ceiling fan in my front room (who cares if the light doesn't work - it does in the bedroom now!). So all of you in Ottawa who think there is no prize at the end of the hockey season...you are so wrong! Hockey wives get shit fixed...amen to that.

Luca loved his first year of school and was very pumped to get back at it this fall.  He was actually really upset with us about summer break.  He missed his friends, classroom, teachers and the fun day at school.  Luca is at that age now where he is too big to be around a two year old sister at the park. They want very different things.  He wants to play ball and Ella wants to run down the sidewalks.  So needless to say we filled Luca's summer with camps, family time and lots of play dates with neighbourhood friends. He was thrilled! Ella got a new lawn mower that she happily mows the sidewalk with in all seasons. It even blows bubbles for those passing by needing a little lift to their day. The best is when she surprised unsuspecting neighbours mowing their lawns by joining in. Now she mows their snow and greets everyone with  big "HA-WOOOO".  That little girl just loves life and the great outdoors.

Ella turned two in August.  My baby is two.  I squeeze Ella and kiss her a hundred times a day, knowing in no time she will not be this small and will be jumping on that bus with Luca.  So to all of you who have warned me over and over, "Enjoy this time - it goes so fast!", I am taking it all in and enjoying every minute.  My Mom always tells me how she dreaded putting me on the bus.  I was the last of five kids.  If I were her, I would have thrown me on the bus....good God...five kids! But I know how she must have felt.  I tear up just thinking about it, but Ella will be in the best hands...her brother's. God help anyone that messes with his "baby girl".

Luca turned five the first week of October.  I remember saying after his first birthday that I would not have another big party till he turned five. That felt like yesterday.....and I totally never kept that promise by the way.  I actually used left over party items from is first party, for his fifth party as they were both themed around sports. Yes, my garage is filled with endless plastic bins filled with party cups, plastic cutlery and napkins and plates printed with every theme you can imagine.  Heres hoping Ella wants a Toy Story, Mickey Mouse, bowling, and hockey party in the future....fingers crossed!  I will share all the details from both Ella's "Down on the Farm" party and Luca's Senator's "Floor Hockey Fun" party this year, in future posts. As most of you know, planning parties is my passion and to be able to do it for my kids is just awesome.  My son told me it was his best birthday ever.  That right there my friends is like winning the lottery.  No boss ever liked my parties the way Luca does.

How could we not have a Stanley Cup celebration at the end?

So welcome to winter everyone (Florida family zip your lips).  Not looking too promising when I already dislike this winter at week two.  Good thing I live in Eastern Canada! I heard "Canucks" and I automatically thought Vancouver. How did I end up in Ottawa?!? Everyone from Buffalo right now would like me to stop talking. My apologies.

I will continue to post recipes that I come across, mostly in my very own kitchen.  My husband continues to make me the luckiest girl in the world by doing most of the cooking.  He has come up with some really fun new dishes that I can't wait to share, including some awesome new green smoothies that this veggie hating girl can't get enough of.   I just need him to write it all down...he keeps it all stored away in his culinary creative mind.  I cause him much pain watching me measure all ingredients as I  intently read each word from the recipe books. Hence why I am still not responsible for dinner, unless it's something with less than three ingredients or take-out.

Laughing, loving and losing It,

Jen

A Mother's Love

I have been thinking a lot lately about the last five years since we moved to Canada.  I can't believe how fast the kids have grown.  You hear people tell you about this all the time, but it truly takes your breath away how fast they grow up, especially when they start going to school.  Before I know it, Luca and Ella won't need me the way they do now and that makes me a little sad and desperate to hold on to all that is happening around me. I think as parents to infants and toddlers, we are so busy being overwhelmed, exhausted, sometimes downright defeated, that we don't stop and really watch our children grow, jump in and play, hug them a little bit more "just because" and most importantly, take a deep breath and enjoy these moments while we have them.  They are only young for so long…we blink and it's gone.

With Luca, I feel like his first year was a blur.  I was new to this parenting gig, getting lots of unsolicited advice, dealing with a child being born the first week of the NHL schedule, not having friends and family near by to help….overwhelmed with a capital "O".  Three years later and a whole lot wiser, Ella arrived and I have watched every step she has taken. I could listen to her for hours as she speaks gibberish, hoping to catch her next word spoken in the english language.  I give her what seems like a million kisses and hugs a day and an "I love you" to go with each one. We play and laugh endlessly and I opt to push aside anything else that needs to be done (and a laundry room filled with dirty clothes to prove it). I take time for Mommy dates with Luca, play board games and read him bedtime stories. I have noticed that we as parents get the most stressed when we are trying to do too much around our children, instead of just being with our children. I too am guilty of this at times.  But I once heard these wise words, long before I had kids and just an obnoxiously busy job that I sold my soul to.  "We all have the same 24 hours in our day, and it's up to you to decide how to use them".  I don't want to miss a second with these kids.

Still enjoy our Red Sox games!

I had a great childhood.  I remember my days growing up in Rhode Island very fondly.  Such an special place to spend the first 16 years of my life.  My parent's had to stretch the dollar when we were young kids, but you would have never known it.  My Dad was working hard to stay in the NHL to afford a family of five, which required him to be away during the hockey season.  In order to keep a "normal" life, my parents decided to make Rhode Island home base and stop moving around with my father's job.  My parents always made sure we had a special family trip when my Dad came back home for the summer months.  I laugh when I think about the vacations we took by car, packed in like sardines in my father's Grand Prix (I sat on the arm rest between my Dad and brother).  I remember the Pawtucket Red Sox games and of course that big trip to Fenway each summer with just my Dad.  We still laugh thinking back to how we had fun on a Friday night during the winter months.  My Mom and her best friend (a.k.a Anna Banana) would take us to Dragon Villa to share a "pu pu platter" (a mountain of Chinese appetizers) then head over to CVS to read funny Hallmark cards, getting home in time for Dallas and Falcon Crest. All of you living in the 80's know what I'm talking about.  We even had bets how many times Angela Channing would change her outfit each episode. We knew how to have a good time.

I remember the most amazing holidays and birthday's growing up.  My father, who worked in Canada on the West Coast, would fly in every year on Christmas Eve to the East Coast and stay for two days.  I never realized how difficult that must have been till I married someone that works in hockey.  My father never missed a Christmas.  He always brought home a bag of Canadian chocolate bars for our stockings.  My Dad would not be allowed in the house without those chocolate bars.  The stockings were filled to the brim and placed at the end of our beds (well past the age it probably should have stopped).  Birthdays were not any different.  My Mom made each one shine and to this day my Dad calls me to sing.  My Mom would bake a fabulous cake each year and put coins in them wrapped in wax paper.  My friends growing up still talk about this.  What my Mom did for us kids on her own…I can't even begin to thank her.  She never made us feel like we were without.  We were always rich with love.

The inseparable sisters - I would say age 6 and 4

I talk to my Mom several times a week.  I think it's what daughter's and Mother's do. We laugh about the kids and the similarities Luca and I have when it comes to endless talking.  My Mom listened to every word I said growing up….still does.  I never feel rushed, unimportant or bothersome.  She is sometimes the only person I truly feel I can talk to without reservation.  My poor mother would take me on my paper route as a kid and I would tell her about my day from the time school started to the end of the day.  I would be running a paper up to a house and still be talking, loud enough so she could hear me at the curb.  I remember the smile on her face and the giggles. She was so patient - she might have had ear plugs in, but she never made me feel like I was taking up her time.  My Mom was honestly born to have kids.  She did not have big career aspirations growing up…she wanted to be a Mom. I have come to learn that this is the toughest and best job there is and realize, more now as a Mom, what she did for us.  I always knew, but now I understand the emotions that she took on with loving all five of us, hurting for us, cheering for us, worrying for us….with us. She never missed a moment. I can only hope to be the same amazing Mom to Luca and Ella.

I am so blessed.

Mother/daughter trip to Paris - 2007

RECIPE TIME!!!

I have recently become obsessed with green smoothies.  I do not care for veggies, unlike my husband who grew up in his father's garden.  Dom will graze on a huge bowl of salad that usually serves four, the same way I will graze on a batch of cookies. These shakes help you get the veggies you may not be fitting into your diet, but need to stay healthy. Great for the kiddos too!  If they won't drink it, put them into popsicle molds and freeze them! 

Great website for more green smoothie recipes and inspiration: www.simplegreensmoothies.com

GINGER GREEN SMOOTHIE (serves 4)
2 cups of frozen mixed berries
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 avocado, 
1 stalk of celery
1- 10 cm/4 inch. piece of broccoli stem
2 cups kale and spinach
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup water (add more if needed)
1 knob off a ginger root (5 cm/2 inches or so)

Blend the spinach, broccoli stem and the almond milk until smooth.  Next add the remaining fruits and blend again.

TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE (serves 4)
1/2 Avocado
1 Apple
1 Pear
2 cups of frozen mixed fruit blend
1 carrot
1 stalk of celery
1/4 cucumber
1 cup of coconut milk beverage (unsweetened)
1 cup of water

Blend the celery, cucumber, carrot and coconut milk beverage until smooth.  Next add the remaining fruits and water blend again.

STRAWBERRY AND MINT POPSICLES
1 1/2 cups of spinach, fresh
1/2 cup chopped mint, fresh
1/4 cup coconut milk, unsweetened
16 ounce frozen bag of strawberries, defrosted
1/4 cup of date syrup or honey

Blend spinach, mint and coconut milk until smooth.  Next add the fruits and blend again.  Pour smoothie into popsicle molds and freeze.  When ready to eat, run cool water over popsicle holds, so pops slide right out.

Spring-ter Blues

Out like a Lion, in like a lamb?  Not so much this year. The lion ate the lamb and is looking for seconds. I am so tired of this "Spring-ter" and the complete confusion each morning as to what to put on my son for school. I stuff his backpack with gloves, splash pants, a winter hat and a light coat incase the winter one is too warm….ridiculous.  My family and friends down south must laugh at us fools up North. Actually I know they do every time I turn on Facebook and see the endless "GOD, I LOVE FLORIDA WEATHER!!!" status updates.  You know who you are. Be careful. I may come down, kidnap you and stick you in a snowbank. I'm sure there is a storm coming soon.           

We had a nice Easter weekend filled with fun for the kids.  I have to say the Easter Bunny really knows how to do it up. Amazing what that fuzzy bunny can do.  If only that were true, but I am more than excited to assist.  I have the "go hard or go home" attitude every holiday.  My husband just steps aside and lets the magic happen.  Watching the kids hunt for eggs is always a highlight for me and Ella really got into it this year.  Luca was of course pumped and ran around finding the pink eggs for Ella to grab…such a great big brother.  We thought we better have tons of eggs to hide since there were two kids hunting this year.  It would also buy the parents some coffee time while Luca went through his eggs (and Ella's) on the couch.  Nope….he opened each egg every time he found one.  And guess who followed her brother's lead?  Our master plan was crushed by a four year old and his "monkey see, monkey do" sister.  

Found Anna's dress too - Best. Aunt. Ever.

I combined "Project Easter Bunny" with the "your brain must be frozen" Elsa dress search last week.  My Niece, who turns five next month, is having a Frozen themed birthday party with the rest of the world. I am one of those crazy people that stalks toy stores for days and listens to every conversation around me that includes the words "Frozen" or "Elsa". My heart stopped a thousand times mistaking Cinderella's dress for Elsa's. I came close to buying one and slapping on some snowflakes. Come on Mom's…some of you know what I am talking about. But have no fear, the best Auntie in the world is here and she found that dress.  That scratchy, cheap, should be a crime what they charge, dress.  Thank you to the Dad that found the last one and said no to his daughter.  Perhaps he saw my look of desperation when he bellowed "OH, THE ELSA DRESS!" and I ran to him like he was passing out free wine samples. Hope your wife forgave you and cancelled the divorce.

After a busy Easter weekend, the kids and I were home this week with the flu. It's the first time in four years I have seen my son quiet other than when he is sleeping.  Even then he can hold a pretty solid conversation.  Poor little man had it coming out of both ends.  He was so confused why his body hurt so much and why he was so tired.  It truly breaks a mother's heart.  Then little sister decided to join the party with a fever, no appetite and some big poopy diapers.  At the first signs of it for me, my husband started to make green smoothies, STAT! It saved me…honestly…nausea, headache, body aches…gone. That and some most needed sleep with the kiddos and I am a new woman.  We are all on the mend, thank goodness. 

Apparently the bunny wasn't feeling well either.

Just to toss in some fun, Ella showed us she can crawl out of the crib.  We woke up this week to our little lovey, sitting nicely at her bookshelf and reading books aloud in her jibberish that we sooooo have to tape before she can tell us to bugger off.  She is the chattiest, happiest, most loving little girl…but we absolutely have no clue what she is saying…totally priceless. Makes 4 am wake-up calls almost tolerable.  Ella was too tired to crawl out of the crib with the flu (had only done it that one time, before she was sick) so we figured we were safe not transitioning her into a toddler bed till she was feeling better. Last night she let us know she feels better…jumped out of her crib, gave her door knob a shake and welcomed me with a warm "AH-OOOOOOH" when I opened her door. How can you even be upset with that kind of a greeting? I just wish we had a little more time with our "baby", but Ella has other plans.  Goes so fast and I am holding on to it all so tightly.

We have our happy Luca Love back!

Recipe Time!!!

Dom's Recovery Smoothie
Makes 4 Servings

This is the shake that stuck it's middle finger up at the flu for me this week.  This shake is also perfect for the morning to kick off your day or in-between meals for a mid morning or mid afternoon boost. We drink one every morning. Be sure to use a good blender…the better the blender, the better the smoothie. We have a Vitamix - crazy expensive, crazy good.

2 cups of frozen berries
2 tangerines
1 banana
2 cups spinach or kale
1 handful of almonds
2 cups of liquid (water, coconut milk beverage or almond milk - whatever you prefer)
Blend it up!!!

Through the Eyes of a Child

Happy Easter and hopefully Spring - such a tease!

Luca and I have been reading Easter books this week….some about the bunny…some about the true meaning behind it all.  I'm trying to explain to him that Easter is not just about chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks.  While I know most of this is right over his head, some of it is registering in that magnificent four year old mind of his.  One of the books we read before bed, talks about the true meaning of Easter and the celebration of new life and hope. This makes me think of my kids for two reasons.  One is obvious…they are the new life we were blessed to receive and continue to nuture and love each day.  The truest form of a miracle in my eyes.  But it also makes me think of my sister, who we lost in 2001. When Ella was born and placed in my arms, she looked up at me and I saw my sister's almond shaped eyes.  A true gift from God.  Ella also has Aunt Cindi's curly hair and booming personality.  Don't get me wrong, Ella is a spitting image of her Daddy and all his beautiful Italian dark features, but I got that little bit of my sister that I was hoping for.  I am in awe every time I look at Ella.  I may not be able to hug my sister and laugh with her anymore, but I can see Cindi each and every day through my daughter's eyes.  New life and hope…a gift I am eternally grateful for.

Back to the bunny…oh, that creepy little bunny.  Luca is incredibly excited for Easter and all that candy!  We have the "number of sleeps" countdown going strong in the Nicoletta household this week.  We took the kids to see the Easter Bunny at the mall.  Best five dollars I ever spent to see Ella b-line it from the creeper and Luca just stare at him in awe.  It's quite the deal really. The money goes to The Food Bank and you get a disc of pictures to take home. When I took a peek of those beauties, you know I was racing to Facebook to share them with family and friends….priceless.  Between Ella making her big escape in one and Luca staring at the bunny like "THOSE EYES!" in another, I knew I hit the awkward Easter Bunny picture motherload!  

Seriously, who makes these costumes?  I have not met a mall bunny yet that did not look like it should be in my nightmares.  Luca was mesmerized by EB's eyeballs being "stuck".  He told me that the real Easter Bunny's eyes moved.  He saw the movie "Hop" so he knows what the real deal looks like.  Unfortunately that bunny also poops out the candy….lovely. I tried to tell him that the Easter Bunny sometimes leaves clues in eggs around the house to help him find his basket, not just candy.  Not a chance he was falling for that.  Luca's Dad could snap in half when he sees Luca eat junk food - the downside to having a Trainer as a Dad.  Dom better be coming up with some yummy bunny shaped hemp heart, coconut oil, chia seed, cacao nib, protein packed delicious organic candy (that looks and tastes nothing like it) or we are going to have an angry four year old looking for answers!  Good thing Mommy and Ella hit up Target this week.  Mommy even sampled it all just to be sure it was Easter worthy.

See you later creepy bunny!!!

With warmer weather comes driveways, sidewalks and parks filled with neighbours who we don't see all winter long.  It's like a big reunion every Spring.  We live on a great street. Kids galore, a park and splash pad down the road, friendly people who help each other out…we got really lucky.  The kids were finally able to give their new wagon from Santa a test drive this past weekend.  Ella loves to say hello to everyone like most one year olds do.  She has recently traded in her "hiiiiiiii!!!!!" for "ah-oooooo" (a.k.a. hello) and greeted everyone we saw along the way in their flashy red wagon.   Luca just kicks back, takes in the scene and enjoys his snack and drink (he loved a good hello back in the day). We also got to the park for the first time since last fall.  At the first site of the swings, Ella let out the most joyful scream I have ever heard.  You would have thought Mickey Mouse and the entire Clubhouse were at the park. Now we find Ella in the wagon every morning…with her shoes…and that "let's go!" look on her face. Big brother wishes he could jump in too most mornings, but he has to go to school….bummer.  We are all a little excited for summer to get here.

Enjoy your time with family and friends and all the blessings around you this Easter weekend.

Recipe Time!!!

DOM'S EASTER BUNNY CHOCOLATE BALLS (Oh no he didn't! Oh yes he did!)

1 1/2 cup of medjool dates (16 or so - take the seeds out)
1/4 cup hemp hearts (seeds)
1/4 cup of chia seeds
1/4 cup of goji berries (optional)
1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (we use dutch dark - Dom says "Get the good stuff!")
1/4 cacao nibs (one of the highest antioxidants known)
1 tbsp of coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 pinch of sea salt
1 tsp of vanilla

Put all the ingredients (except the melted coconut oil) into a food processor and mix until all the ingredients form together.  Add the coconut oil and mix again.  The dough should be sticky and moist. If it is on the dry side, try a few drops of water.

Use a melon ball or dough scooper (we use Pampered Chefs medium size dough scooper) and place each one onto a cookie sheet. If you have a side by side fridge or limited space in your freezer, use smaller containers.  Place in the freezer for about 2-4 hours.  We put them into a ziploc bag when solid and keep them in the freezer.  Great treat in Luca's lunches -  no sugar added and nut free!

Luca LOVES these and I have to say, they are really good.  Great Mommy guilt free treat when you have a craving for some chocolate.

Mommy Brain

I am sitting here late at night, which is something I keep saying I have to stop doing.  I like the quiet, catching up on e-mails and just the mindless internet surfing.  It may be the only time I can have a complete thought, sit still for more than a minute and not hear the words "Mom?", "Momma?", "Mom-meeeeeee?!?"  But it's also the reason why I am so tired in the morning and have various "Mommy Brain" moments throughout my day.  Let me give you a stellar example.

I took my kids to a children's gym this past weekend...by myself...on a Saturday. The end. I'm pretty sure I said "Oh shit!" when we walked in. All I see is wall to wall parents with cameras and coffee, kids running like they were giving away free Frozen DVD's, birthday party rooms filled with girls and boys hopped up on cake and waiting to be released to the "fun zone" and a toddler section the size of my closet. Right there and then, I knew I was screwed.  

I find these places kind of cruel for parents.  I mean it.  A child used my head as a step and they don't really care that you have a little friend with you who is determined to play with the big kids. I know when Ella gets older I won't find it so challenging, but to watch a toddler and 4 year old solo can truly make you feel like the strongest Mom in the world and sometimes the most clueless. It was a good way to get some energy out during this never ending winter (I'll call it Spring when it stops snowing), but even Ella had this look of, "I thought you loved me?!?"  I knew things were a bit too crazy when Luca was more than fine leaving the first time I told him we were going home. Well that and the promise of take-out for dinner never hurts (I might have bribed him with a mint too). Park season is luckily right around the corner….oh dear Lord, please!

Why the solo trips to these "fun" places on the weekend with two kids, you ask?  My husband is an Athletic Therapist for a professional hockey team.  It keeps him away on the road quite often and me close to a nervous breakdown during those glorious ten day road trips. You want to reach through the phone and strangle your husband by day five.  I know he is working hard too and keeping some crazy hours, but I would kill for just the plane ride alone….a hot meal, uninterrupted grown-up movie, no one following you to the bathroom to see if you pooped or just peed (because that would be just plain creepy)….heaven. That plane ride would rock my world.

Luca and I are reading a book called "Remmy and the Brain Train".  You get on the "brain train" with the Conductor, Dr. Zeez, and he takes you on an adventure through the Land of Good Sleep, storing away the memories of your day. A great book for kids (and adults, especially me) to learn why sleeping 9 hours is so important for our brain to function the next day. Last weekend it was obvious my brain train broke down. If you are looking for help in this department with kiddos not sleeping, I highly recommend this one.  Comes with a fun read-a-long CD too!

http://www.amazon.com/Remmy-Brain-Train-Traveling-Through/dp/097121400X

Recipe Time!!!

This is a popular one in the Nicoletta household.  So easy to make and all good stuff!

Ella took a blueberry "selfie"

Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles

makes approximately 10 popsicles 

3 ½ cups of low fat vanilla yogurt (we use greek!)

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen defrosted

1 tablespoon honey

In a small bowl, stir honey and blueberries together. Set aside.

In a blender combine blueberries and 2 cups yogurt, blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Fill popsicle molds with 1½ cups yogurt.  Layer blueberry mixture on top.  Freeze 4-24 hours, until popsicles are frozen through. 

                                                                

Oh My Blog!!!

Well I finally did it.  I came up for air, after four years of motherhood, and started this blog. Writing endless posts on Facebook about the joys and challenges of parenting, I figured I might want to spare my friends who did not want to hear about my child's first poop in the potty and write about it here….lucky you!  Feel free to hit exit and forget you found this blog…I mean it...run!!!! If you decide to stay, welcome.

One of my best girlfriend's, Katie, has a blog.  A smart, funny, witty piece of work that reminds me how lucky I was to work with her and all her talents, starting off in our event planning/fundraising career - or should I say mine? Katie decided planning events was for crazy people and became a Financial Advisor.  I told you she was smart. Regardless, Katie's blog truly inspired me to do one myself.  A great way to reach out to Moms, who for some reason think they are alone in this crazy adventure called parenting.  I promise you, you are not alone.  I too am a "survivor" of first time parenting (and even did it again!) and will share stories about my beautifully crazy, fun loving kids, Luca and Ella, who each day challenge me, inspire me and love me unconditionally (thank goodess!).

I will also be sharing recipes that I find on my beloved Pinterest, friend's Facebook pages and some that come straight from my kitchen.  I have an incredibly talented husband who finds great joy in cooking every meal…yes, that one...and he's mine! He finds this insane way to make amazing dishes, soups, treats and smoothies, HEALTHY!

May we all love, laugh and lose it together!

Jen

P.S. If you want to check out Katie's blog about parenting and home interior design & decor, here you go!

http://www.citydwellin.blogspot.com/