This morning started out a little rocky. I woke up from a terrible nightmare as my husband reached to kiss me goodbye this morning WAY before the birds (or anyone else for that matter) were awake. I laid in bed, practicing my deep calm breaths as my heart raced a million miles per hour. Would he be ok over this next year? Will the Nanny’s first day go well? How can I help my 16 year old cope with, well, being 16? Ugh…
Several deep breaths later, I was up and getting ready for work. The Nanny arrived promptly on time, and everything went quite well for our discombobulated first morning. She texted me as soon as my little got on the bus, and I sighed a HUGE sigh of relief. I had a busy day at work, but was in awe of how many times I smiled, and was reminded of how far I’ve come in life. It really is true. You control your mood, no one else. #learninglessonseveryday
I drove home from work in a crazy snow storm, picked up my little from after school care, and we headed to Home Depot. See, our front light went out, we were out of sidewalk salt, and my daughter’s bathroom toilet lid broke right off. Guess since it was the original one from 1989, it was time to replace it. These are ALL things my husband normally takes care of. Although he isn’t handy, he does do all the hard things that I haven’t had to do in over a decade usually. Yet it’s time I figure out how to be on my own again, and do all the hard things.
As I lifted the huge bag of salt from my Jeep, I reminded myself that I CAN and WILL do this and be stronger for it.
My mini and I cooked our version of Jambalaya for dinner in preparation for an evening of shoveling out above said snow, and here’s a quick recipe.
Jambalaya Ingredients
4 links of pre-cooked chicken sausage, sliced into coin shapes
1 cup of precooked shrimp, chopped into small pieces
1 large can of crushed red tomatoes (use the spicy ones for added kick) with the juice
1 can of black beans, strained
2 stalks of celery, chopped
2 small white onions (or one large), diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
Creole seasoning to taste, salt, pepper, and chives
Fresh chopped Parsley to garnish
In a deep sauté pan heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and sauté the garlic, onions and celery until slightly tender. Add in the tomatoes and beans, and simmer for 20 minutes. Add in the chicken sausage and shrimp until heated through, and serve over your favorite rice or quinoa. I used a brown rice quinoa blend that I cooked according to the package instructions. I even had a little help from my mini.
As we cleaned up the table, I got a text from one of my newest neighbors. She told me her husband has a landscaping business, and plows in the winter. Would I like him to plow my driveway? I broke down crying, and thanked God for all he’s blessed me with through this deployment preparation. He came over to plow, and I thanked him profusely as the temps are dropping, and I now only had to shovel my sidewalk and salt.
Next it was time to fix that darn toilet seat. And who took the lead? Yup…my 16 year old. With a little help from Sammy…LOL!
My oldest asked if she could talk to me. I froze. What’s wrong? She confided in me that she’s been struggling with feeling happy, and I was catapulted back to 10th grade. I told her WE would get through this, and I would help her in any way I can to learn to find happiness even in the toughest of times. And I was just so darn touched and honored that SHE CAME TO ME. #allthetears
My hubby just got home from a very long day of training, so I think it’s time to wrap this post up. But here’s your reminder, that we can ALL do the hard things, if WE believe we can.
Do you have a handy spouse? What’s the hardest thing you’ve done lately?
Cheers! Keep Movin’ forward, y’all!
❤ Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 
What a wonderful neighbor you have!!! I feel like I’ve been on a roller coaster at times. It’s people, friends and family who suddenly come through like that who make life a bit happier than it was a moment before. 🙂
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I couldn’t agree more. I am just in awe of everyone that has reached out to me. Thanks, Teri!
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Hey Michelle, I’m sorry life is handing you a bunch of sour lemons right now, but you are feeding the family (wonderful meals I might add) and takin’ care of bizness, right? I’m so glad your neighbor and kids pitched in just at the right moment! Yay! Lovely quick Jambalaya recipe. My hubby remodeled 3/4 of our new fixer-upper house we bought last year after renting for 3 years after a foreclosure. I couldn’t be happier about his handy-man-ness, lol,. Now just two bathrooms to go… 🙂
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OOOOO, can you send him my way when he’s done? My Master bath needs a fix up, hehe!!! Have a great day!
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Hahaha, yeah I bet he’d love that. 😉
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hehe!
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Today was a beautiful day for you after all. There are so many times when we feel it’s all too much and I’ve even struggled with believing that “God will not give you more than you can bear.” However, every time I look back, I know it’s true. You have a wonderful family, friends, and an awesome neighbor. Prayers for you all today.
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Thanks dear friend. I appreciate you so much!
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Blessings and kindness are all around us. We just have to look and be mindful to see them. Glad you had some bright spots in your day!
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Thanks, Marcia!
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It’s great that you have such wonderful neighbours and confident daughters that want to talk to YOU about things. It’s hard doing hard things. When my husband was away last year for 5 weeks and we had snow storm after snow storm it was my neighbour that watched our kids while I did my driveway and hers (she broke her arm). I’ve fixed my treadmill, dealt with plumbers and electricians on my own. You find a way.
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Amen, my friend!!!!!! Have a wonderful day, Anna!
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You sound like you’ve got it all under control to me, Michelle – absolutely no burying your head in the sand and you’re counting your blessings at every opportunity, which is such a wonderful way to cope with the challenges of life. Your question about a handy spouse made me chuckle. I adore my husband and he’s great with technology and cleaning cars, but when it comes to DIY or manual jobs such as the garden, I either have to do it myself or get my handyman Steve in. At least it helps me keep independent – although if the computer breaks, I’m screwed! ;o)
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HAHAHA, this made me giggle. Thanks, Dawn!! Have a wonderful day!
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Just a note to let you know you continue to inspire. G-d provides what we need when we need it, and you are blessed with good neighbors. You are teaching your daughters to be strong, capable women that they can cook and fix things around the house (I am amazed at the things I have done including replacing sinks, doors in my home). I will continue to pray for your family. Today I start my day counting my blessings to throw out the positive things I want and one of those blessings is you and your blog
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Oh Myra, thank you so very much. It’s people like you that keep my fb page and blog going, truly. I so appreciate your kindness and support!! ❤
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Congratulations on finding that spirit within yourself to get it done! And how great that you found it BEFORE hubs left instead of struggling without him 🙂
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Thanks, Rae!!!!!! I just need to keep up the positive talk!!
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Good lord, I broke down crying when I read what your neighbour offered you!! You obviously, in a short period of time, have shown them that you’re a good deserving person 🙂
And your daughter is so lucky to have you…and it says volumes about you as a mother that she felt comfortable to come to you.
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I’m just a bucket of tears these days, LOL!!!!! Thanks so much for your amazing kindness and support! ❤
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You’ve got this Michelle. You can do it!
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Thanks, Char!!! I think I need a pair of your tights to brighten my darker days! ❤
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What a great new neighbour, so good to hear of people helping each other out!! You are stronger than you know! xo
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I feel so blessed! Thank you, Angela! Have a great day!
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Just remember the words “I am Capable.” Because you so are. Of so much more than you know. You can do this. And you have so many people who love you to help you through.
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Thanks, Suz. There are days I really feel like “I got this” which help make the days when I feel like “OMG I am drowning” seem more bearable!! ❤
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You are so lucky that you have a great relationship with your daughter. Such an amazing thing to have her feel comfortable to come to YOU with problems, thank god for that. Isn’t it crazy? I remember from deployments that all of the stuff in the house that you’ve never had a problem with always fails when they are gone. It’s like Murphy’s law.
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It sure isn’t always like this with my daughter, so I am counting every blessing each time she comes to me. And you are SO right about Murphy’s law, LOL!!!!
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You can do anything you set your mind to! “B” will be safe while he is gone, he’s got so much love and light and prayers being sent his way as well as your way and the girls way. I want to come visit when you all get settled etc. In the Spring! I was looking at a long weekend, some girl time will be needed! I love you lady, “Head up young person!”
The food looks amazing as always, my food always looks like slop compared to yours! Hahaha!
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Thanks for the love and prayers, truly. We need and appreciate ’em!!!!!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
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I haven’t had jambalaya in forever! That sounds so tasty. I am not married but my future husband better be a great handy man. What a nice neighbor to have. Wish we had one that helps us out.
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Thanks! I wish mine were handy, but he makes up for it many other ways. Lol
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