Mama Vivas - It's a Vivas Thing!

Jan 17 2011

Monkeying Around

This weekend was the grand opening of The Monkey Gym. B-boo and the Drama Queen had been looking forward to this grand opening as we knew there'd be live monkeys! And well, B-boo just LOVES monkeys.

And apparently, they love her. The little monkey was quite spastic, monkey around and jumping all over the place. Until she jumped on to B-boo…and instantly calmed down. Aren't they cute together?

And then the Drama Queen did some monkeying around herself until she was exhausted enough to have some serious monkey time.

BTW…Don't I have some gorgeous girls?!

Jan 15 2011

Lately, I've had more and more conversations with women whose husbands haven't been able to find a job; or work. We've come to the conclusion it is easier for a woman to find work in these economic times than a man. And so, the roles are being reversed.

I know my husband can feel discouraged; feeling like no one wants him. Our roles are completely reversed. I've been reminded what it is like to work outside of the home and try to continue balancing family. I have to remember that they all need my attention when they get home no matter how exhausted I am. And I have to remember to support and love him and not expect too much from him when I get home.

Because I've been in his shoes for 15 years! And he's been in mine. On the days when I come home absolutely exhausted and just want to crawl in bed and I KNOW he's been running kids around, trying to look for a job, trying to do the side jobs that he has and keep the house decent and make sure we're all happy, and feed us and help with homework…

I remember getting upset with him because he was gone all day and had no idea what it was like at home; and I just needed a little of him…..ouch.

He's patient when my phone starts ringing at 5:30 am and patient when I come home and work after work!

I've had to learn to let go of the way I do things; because he's home running the ship now, not me. And yes, his ways are a bit different than mine. Some definitely better, some not so much, but that's ok.

I miss being home with my family. I miss the extra time with my kids. I miss homeschooling. I miss just hanging and having conversations.

I miss my hubby walking through the door after a long day at work and planting a kiss on me.

Do I always remember to plant a kiss on him?

Yes, things are definately different now. I do enjoy my job and the challenges it brings. And I cannot express how blessed I am that my family supports me through it all.

I love to come home to one of them helping a younger one with homework.

I love to come home to music playing and conversations in the kitchen.

And hearing about their day….

It's definately different; but it's an ok different.

Jan 08 2011

Changes

I knew coming into 2011 would be a change for us. We have so many changes coming up.

The Good-Looking One will graduate from college this year. HUGE!

The Talented One will graduate from high school this year. He'll start college in the fall. HUGE! (and did I mention he'll turn 18?)

B-boo is turning 16. (Makes me wanna cry.)

The Smart One, our youngest son, just turned 13.And he just might get that black belt this year!

And the Drama Queen…well, she recently turned 10. And she starts middle school in the fall.

This year, we'll have two more legal drivers.

In case you didn't notice, my kids are growing up.

My oldest is moving forward in a career.He's trying to figure out where he'll live, thinking about a family…all of those adult things. Not my baby anymore; he's ready to take on the walk of his life.

The Talented One is graduating high school and about to become an adult. He's taking on responsibility and dedication by sharing his music every Sunday to help lead worship; in the morning…and in the evening. Then there's college, a job, and more. He'll be smiling as he starts a whole new phase in his life.

Then there's B-boo. Sixteen in just a few short weeks. She's grown into a beautiful, young woman. She's planning her way through high school, trying to take the right classes to help her in college. She reminds me so much of myself; only she has a bigger heart, bigger smile, and well, she's much prettier, too! She's so full of life and ready to go wherever God leads here!

And the Smart One. I'm not sure how he's managed to grow up so fast. No longer a child, but a teenager who shaves, he's already planning his way through high school so he can attend the right college. And his in spare time; he's my go-to man. Need a bulb changed? He's the one to call. Need a batter or want the TV to work…he's the man! Want to find a particular tool…just ask him. Bright eyed from the beginning, he's looking constantly looking to see what he can do in his future.

And then…there the Drama Queen. Now in double digits. Starting middle school in the fall. Singing. Dancing. Laughing her way through life.

Last night, I was cold and tired after a long week. It was Friday and seemed a good night to cuddle. I call her my *furnace* for a reason; she's so warm. So, I asked her if she wanted to come cuddle with me and watch a movie.

And she turned me down.

Yup, that's right. She turned me down.

"No, thank you. I'm tired and going to my own bed."

That's what she said.

And she's my baby! There's no next one left to cuddle with; she's it!

*Sigh*

There's definately changes happening in the Vivas househole this year.

Jan 01 2011

Today Begins a New Year!

Today begins a new year. As I sit here thinking of how I'd like to see this year go, I can't help but reflect on last year.

And I'll admit; last year was probably the hardest I've ever been through; we've ever been through, as a family.

We started out the year with the possibility of breast cancer. And my niece being hospitalized for the third time. Oh yeah; and I came very close to death. A simple surgery turned bad and many, many, months of recovery. A husband without a job, a wife who couldn't work; children who needed so much and who didn't understand anything that was happening to them or to the ones that they loved.

And finally, losing the battle to keep the youngest two safe from anymore harm and not understanding at all what God was doing or why, but learning even more to trust, have faith, and carry on.

And then, my returning to work after many years of being home.

What did we learn in 2010?

That God always, always, will take care of us. Even when it seemed impossible, He found new ways to prove it to us; through our family, friends, church family, and strangers. In the simplest things; and in ways we never dreamed of.

So, what would I like to see happen this year? I'm not sure.

I know B-boo is turning 16; she's growing up so fast.

The Talented One will graduate from high school and start college during 2011…and the Good Looking One will graduate from college and begin his career as a full fledged adult, ready to take on what life has to offer.

Hopefully, the Smart One will receive his black belt in Karate, and the Drama Queen will start middle school before the year is out.

And I pray that the youngest two will finally have the home and the family that they deserve and so desparately need. And that they will be safe, and loved, and cherished. And that we'll finally get to love on them; we miss them so much.

We're looking at a year of uncertainties; we don't know where we'll be living, or whether these hard times will turn around or not, but of one thing I am certain.

I know God will continue to take care of us. That our family will become even closer. And we can look forward to the year with joy in our hearts and anticipation for what it will bring.

Dec 30 2010

Broccoli Cheese Soup

One of the Smart One's favorite soups is Broccoli Cheese Soup….but, because of his food allergies, the only way he can have it is home made from scratch. I'm ok with that. I believe that home made soup is the best; actually, anything home made is better. It's not just the flavor that is fresh, but the heart that is put into it when you are trying to make something special for someone special.

Last night, I made a big pot of it for some pretty neat people; and since so many asked for the recipe, I decided to share. I hope you all enjoy!

Oh…and since I am all about cooking big, please know you can easily double this (that's what I do!). This recipe makes an 8 quart pot; to double the recipe, you'll need a bigger pot!

INGREDIENTS

32 oz fresh or frozen broccoli florets

64 oz natural or organic chicken broth

1 stick butter

1 sweet onion, chopped

1 cup milk mixed with ½ cup tapioca starch or potato starch

1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (or 2 cups milk if you do not have evaporated milk)

2 lbs Velveeta cheese

2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (must be sharp!)

½ tsp fresh ground pepper

DIRECTIONS:

Melt butter in pot. Add in chopped onions and sautee until slightly softened (about 3 minutes). Add in chicken broth and broccoli; bring to a rapid boil. Lower heat to medium/medium low and pour in evaporated milk. In the meantime, add 1/2 cup tapioca starch to 1 cup milk. Stir until it dissolves, then pour into boiling soup. Lower heat; continue stirring. Soup should be simmering, but no longer boiling.

Cut up Velveeta cheese and add into the pot. Continue to stir until melted. Add in grated sharp cheddar cheese and pepper. Continue stirring until melted. Do not let sit or the soup will burn.

Once everything is melted, turn off heat and enjoy!