Our nation is in turmoil right now for several reasons - pandemic, violence, protests, and an inability for our government to adequately lead us through these issues.

When thinking about what I could possibly write for today's post, I was reminded of something Mr. Rogers said. "When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"

Take that one step further. Be the helper.

Be the helper fighting injustice.
Be the helper fighting against indifference.
Be the helper fighting for the rights of all humans.
Be the helper that our children can look for in times of trouble.
Be the helper who is part of the solution.

My dad sends me a-joke-of-the-day every day. And I mean, who doesn't love a good joke? Even the groaners.

So here's one of my favorite "bad dad" jokes that happens to also be a music joke! :)

I love this little sticker more now than I did when I put it in my planner a few weeks ago.

I keep flipping back and looking at it because even though it's torn and wrinkled, it's still sunny and happy, and it brings me joy. (The picture really doesn't do it justice.)

It also serves as a reminder that no matter what life does to me, we can still shine through all the wrinkles and tears and messiness of life.

So let your light shine, even in your darkest days.

Happy Wednesday!

Happy National Apple Pie Day!

Apple pie is said to be America's favorite dessert and today, May 13, 2020, is designated to be its nationally celebrated day.

How do you like your apple pie?

Warm or cool or chilled...
A la mode or with whipped cream or are you a purist who likes it plain...
Lattice pie crust, or a full double-crust or Dutch crumb topping...

Anyway you like it, I hope you're able to enjoy a slice today!

Happy Wednesday!

This adorable teacher mouse and sign were a gift from a student who's been with me for 9 years. When she gave it to me, she told me she picked it out herself and got it because she knew I would love it. And she was right!

Happy Wednesday!

This was just too good not to share. Happy Wednesday!

This week, I am on Spring Break. Woo! My original plans were to have a beach getaway with my husband.

Except, Coronavirus.

Except, social distancing.

Except, travel bans.

Except...meh.

Except, instead of being upset about our plans changing, I'm choosing to revel in the wonderful things about being home.

• I get to take all the time I want to drink my morning coffee.
• I have time to do house projects I have been putting off.
• I can get ahead on work projects...or not.
• I can read as many books or watch as many shows/movies as I want without feeling guilty about having something "more productive" to do.
• I get to exercise when I feel most up to it instead of when I have to.
• I can draw, write, paint, do any creative project I'd like.
• I can learn a new skill or start a new hobby.

Instead of feeling discouraged about being "stuck at home", I'm choosing to take this time to be grateful for what I do have and to do things during this time that I normally wouldn't be able to do.

And now if you'll excuse me, I have a Bob Ross landscape to paint. 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

My birthday is next week and I have a few birthday wishes to share.

💕 I wish for a warm, sunny day.

💕 I wish for a nice long walk with my husband.

💕 I wish for ice cream cake!

💕 I wish for the world to be a better place than it is today.

💕 I wish for the hurting families who have lost loved ones to find peace.

💕 I wish for all the people suffering with COVID-19 to be healed.

💕 I wish for you to enjoy a beautifully joyful day with me.

Happy Wednesday my friends!

How are you doing? Hanging in there? I hope so!

This quarantine hasn't been easy for anyone I've spoken to in the last several weeks. The things that seem to be getting people through are family, music/the arts, and food - 3 of my favorite things! Which is why for today's Wonderful Wednesday post I'm sharing three of my go-to recipes.

These are easy, yummy, and healthy recipes that kids can help make...but only if you want them to :)

The recipes from each website are written pretty solidly, so I'll be providing a link to the original recipe and sharing my alterations for our personal household taste.


Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe comes from DamnDelicious.net.

We're not big green bean people in my house, so I add some extra carrots and potatoes to the recipe. I also reduce the amount of honey and soy sauce to 1/3 cup and add some ginger and 1/2 cup of ketchup to the sauce.

What I love most about this recipe is all of the optional changes that you make to the sauce.

Want it Spicy & Savory? Use the original sauce recipe with these modifications:

• No honey
• 1/4 c. spicy sauce of your choice
• 1/8 c. grated ginger
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1-2 tbsp. butter

Looking for an Asiany Flair? Use this sauce instead:

• 1/4 c. honey
• 1/4-1/3 c. soy sauce
• 2-4 tbsp. grated ginger
• 1/4 c. ketchup
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper

You can even eliminate the veggies and use only chicken thighs! Use your imagination, it won't steer you wrong.



Sheet-Pan Pineapple & Shrimp Fajitas

This super yummy recipe is courtesy of CleanFoodCrush.com, which quickly becoming my go to website for new recipes.

We had this for dinner last night and I totally should have taken pictures. Alas, I didn't. My bad.

I only make a couple of changes to this recipe. Sometimes we like a little heat in our meals, so I add some red pepper flake or jalapeño or habanero peppers to the sheet-pan.

I also tried something new last night. Instead of having this as a fajita, I put it over shiritaki noodles. It adds a different texture more than anything. I would definitely try it again.



Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies

Okay, so maybe this isn't necessarily a healthy recipe, but what would a recipe post be without some dessert?

These cookies come from BonAppetit.com and with only 6 ingredients, they're perfect!

Seriously, I don't make any changes to this recipe.

Ever.

So go make them. Right now!

You can thank me when you're face is covered in powdered sugar and you only have 3 cookies left 20 minutes after they come out of the oven. :)

Have you made any of these recipes before? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

These are my hyacinths! I snapped this picture after a full day of snow and freezing rain the previous day - they are so resilient!

I'm always amazed in late February when I see the first signs of these lovely flowers popping up through the snow. It's a wonderful reminder that winter is coming to an end and the warmth of Spring is on it's way!

I look forward to these hyacinths every year for their adorable pedals and their intoxicating aroma - though I am the first to admit that they can be so strong that they're kind of "stinky", haha.

There are pink, purple (blue), and white hyacinths in my garden. This year though, my white hyacinths have turned Yellow! I've never seen a yellow hyacinth before, but like everything else in life, flowers change. What doesn't change, for me at least, is what they bring: Promises.

The promise of warmth.

The promise of longer days.

The promise of time spent outside.

The promise of fresh air coming in through my open windows.

The promise of birds singing me awake in the morning.

The Promise of Spring!

Summer might be my favorite season (yes, I love the heat and I'll take the humidity over cold any day), but I love Spring with all of its newness, freshness, and growth.

The beginning of Spring this year has been dampened by the pandemic, but these hyacinths remind me that God is here and so is Spring!

Happy Wednesday, my friends!