Deployment thoughts, Recipes, Uncategorized

I can do hard things.

Movin' it with Michelle

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.

IMG_8288
Not sure which sparkles more, her eyes, or this dress? ❤
IMG_8289
Dinner is served! Healthy AND Delish!

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.

IMG_8290
BRRRRRRR

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!

“Mommy can I help? Or can I at least lick your face?”
Girl power! We did it!

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

Published by Movin' it with Michelle

My name is Michelle and I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I have found a passion for running, cooking, writing, photography and all things that move my love for life! I've ran 3 full marathons, with a PR of 4:25, and 17 half marathons with a PR of 2:00:11 (yup-missed sub 2 by 11 seconds, lol). Thanks for joining me on my journey!

33 thoughts on “I can do hard things.”

  1. 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. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  2. 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… 🙂

    Like

    Reply

  3. 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.

    Like

    Reply

  5. 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.

    Like

    Reply

  6. 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)

    Like

    Reply

  7. 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

    Like

    Reply

  9. 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.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  12. 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.

    Like

    Reply

  13. 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.

    Like

    Reply

  14. 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!

    Like

    Reply
  16. Pingback: This too in time shall pass – Movin' it with Michelle

Leave a reply to DarlinRae Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.