One of the best movies!

Those that know me well, know I have a huge love for Julia Robert's movies. She has been a longtime favorite of mine. Well her recent movie Eat, Pray, Love is truly one the best I have seen in a while. It is hard for me to get so into a movie that it really speaks to me, well this one hit me hard. I have been dealing with some pretty crummy stuff lately and feeling completely defeated, lost and honestly broken. This movie is truly a testament to life lessons and learning to appreciate yourself for who you are. Have you ever heard the saying "Nobody said life will be easy?" Well it's true, but nobody mentions how amazing that life journey will truly be if you learn to be still, quiet and enjoy it.
I have gone through some pretty tough things in my 27 years, things that have really taken a lot out of me, but at the same time have really made me into the woman I am today. Having faith has honestly gotten me through more things than I ever thought were possible, even when I didn't think I could survive it. Now being a 27 year old, military wife of 8 years, mother of two crazy active boys ages 10 and 6, I am finally learning to enjoy and appreciate who I have become.
It is honestly an amazing feeling when you wake up in the morning go into the bathroom to start your morning routine, glance in the mirror and really see yourself. I think that is really what that movie is about. Finding yourself and being happy with who you have become, even though life is not always easy.
So I say to you, watch that movie... Eat. Pray. Love. and let it speak to you. Enjoy life's journey and be appreciative of yourself and who you have become.

The little joys in life

I was reminded yesterday and today of the little things that bring me so much joy in my life are sometimes the things I take for granted... Quiet moments with my children. Now judge me if you must, but sometimes I get so overwhelmed with life and daily chores that I take for granted the joys of my children and those moments that one day I will long for. I know that we are all guilty from time to time of just asking them to go play for a little bit so we can get something done that we are usually right in the middle of when they want something, but yesterday my sweet boy had me put aside what I was doing so I could just snuggle with him before school. To be honest at first I hesitated as I was trying to take care of an important email, but I said okay I can do it when he goes to school, he climbed into my lap and snuggled with me, rubbed my face and said "Oh mommy I love you with all my heart." With tears in my eyes I replied "My sweet boy I love you too." As we snuggled he felt completely relaxed, so much so he fell asleep. One moment I will cherish forever.

I am amazed at how fast my children are growing up. They are beginning to become little men right before my eyes. Where did time go? In a week our house will be in full swing of end of the year parties for school and making teacher gifts as we have truly been blessed this year with wonderful teachers, principle and a great school. I am so thankful to all those who have helped both of my children grow and learn this year. My oldest has actually enjoyed History & Science this year and is actually looking forward to next year. I can not express how good that makes me feel as last year he was not even looking forward to school at all. My youngest has grown leaps and bounds this year. He started the year not being able to recognize and say by name half of the alphabet (without the song and in order) and now not only can he recognize and say the alphabet, but he is writing full sentences and beginning to form stories. I could not be prouder of all the progress they are making. I look forward to all the new and exciting things they are going to learn this next year and I remain hopeful for all the hurdles they are going to concur as they continue to grow.
I pray that one day when my boys are grown and have children of their own they can say that their childhood may not have always been easy, but that they were never afraid to see what they had to do and take it head on. I love my children and I thank God everyday for them for they truly are the little joys in my life!

Recipe Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Last night we had a wonderful meal complete with smiles and empty bowls and some asked for the recipe so I thought I would start posting them on here instead of taking up room on another website we shall not mention haha! So at any rate here is the recipe for Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I order this soup at Olive Garden all the time but it is getting way to expensive to eat out anymore so I wanted to find a way to make this at home and save a few bucks while I was at it... Hope you enjoy!


Chicken Gnocchi Soup

1 cup chicken breasts, cooked and diced (you can use a rotisserie chicken)
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 quart half and half
1 14 ounce can chicken broth
1/2 cup celery, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup carrots, finely shredded
1 cup onion, finely diced
1 cup fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin oil
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon parsley
Freshly grated parmesan cheese – optional
1 pound potato gnocchi – can buy this in the gourmet section of many supermarkets
Sauté the onion and garlic in the butter, when the onion becomes translucent, add the flour, and make a roux, let the butter and flour mixture cook for about a minute before adding 1 quart of half and half.

Cook gnocchi according to package directions.

Into the roux add in the carrots, celery, and chicken. Once the mixture becomes thick add the chicken broth. Once the mixture thickens again, add the cooked gnocchi, spinach, and seasonings.

Comments about this recipe: I used 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream to make the soup a little creamer and give it more flavor. Also instead of parsley I used fresh basil, chopped and sprinkled in the soup. I hope you all enjoy this as it has become a favorite in our house. Happy Eating!