Sunday Night Thinking

I'm having a hard time writing posts here on Mommy Gratitude. 

I want to share as much of my life as I can but I'm not always comfortable pouring my heart out. 

Blogging is a lot of fun, and I feel at ease sharing stories I know will entertain, or stories that might inspire. 

I also really like being able to offer giveaways, to whom ever out there might want to win.

But sometimes I wonder, WHO REALLY CARES!!!!

Seriously! 

Am I just the annoying email in your inbox? Does anything I talk about help you in your life?

Honestly, I wish I knew. 

I wish I could put up a feed where people could tell me to SHUT UP, 

or give it up sister, OR please keep it up, your great! 

I wish on this same feed people could just ask for what they wanted and needed.

 I would love to read it and just offer my sincere help and encouragement.

I know I'm just a mere mortal, but helping other people makes me feel really extraordinary.
 Being of service to someone else and putting my own thoughts and worries aside really brings me peace.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and be a little vulnerable.

I might be "Mommy Gratitude" but I'm having a hard time. 

It's hard to be grateful when you feel scared.

It's hard to hold onto your hopes when life keeps sending you challenges. 

I keep telling myself things are getting better, things will get better, and maybe certain things in my life are getting better. And maybe I'm just emotional because I'm about to get my period I dunno, but, I'm having a hard time.

So, the things that I write here on this "blog" are my way of remembering to be grateful. 

Because there is always someone being challenged more than me. 

So if you would humor me, CAN I PLEASE HELP YOU!

My hope is that I might be of encouragement to you, in which case could you leave me a comment and tell me. It would be so encouraging, and heart warming to know I'm not wasting my time, talking to myself. 

Ya know. 

My other hope is that if YOU out there reading this are having a great day and free of life's challenges that you might leave me a comment here and encourage me or someone else.

Gosh, what do I say after all that?

Good Night.

TGIF-Chips on the floor

Every so often my kids do something that makes me absolutely incensed!!!
Not only do I not let them eat chips on a regular basis, I hide the chips at the top of the cabinet.
Except this one time! I forgot to stash the chips!
These kids don't miss a beat. They spot the chips and Aneley starts in, "MOM!!! WE DO HAVE CHIPS!!" Then Amaya has a go, "MOM! Can I have a few chips, pleeezzzeee!!!"
I of course say, "no absolutely not, nope!"
Then the I hear the crinkle of the bag in the other room. The baby!
While I'm denying the big girls chips and going back and forth with them.
I guess Alivia figures what's all the talk about.
 Too. much. talk.
We have chips, lets eat them family style.
 In the family room of course.
This is the scene I walked in on.
Can you see the pride in her sister's faces.
I took pictures to keep from loosing my mind!

Thank you Friday! 

When my husband calls I say, "What time are you coming home from work honey!"

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Hey, Happy Thanksgiving!!!

I hope you all are having a wonderful start to this Holiday season.

I'm so grateful for all of you that take the time out of your day and read Mommy Gratitude!

Thank YOU!

I hope everyone can hold onto the warm feelings of the day. 

I think Thanksgiving is the way everyday should be.  

Not just the food, but the joy. 

The power of having a day that you spend focused on being grateful, is huge. 

Thanksgiving is a day that most people consciously spend thinking of all the reasons that their life is GOOD. All the reason you have to give Thanks. 

Today I didn't let the worries in my life distract me from the simple joy of  being alive.

Today I took the time to sit with my family and just listen to them, being grateful for their simple presence.

The way I felt today, I'm hoping to remember for many days and weeks to come.

Today's a really great day to gather your "reserve." 

That's my plan.

I'm Holding onto any moments of joy I experience. 

I will remember the sound of my parent's voices over Skype. 

The wonderful smells of the house as my sister and I were cooking. 

I will remember the laughter of my children as they played with their little cousin.

The hugs of friends wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. 

Gather all of the warm feelings and holding onto them. 

These are the moments to remember, and reserve.

I believe my reserve is my strength.

I believe these moments will help me make it through a bad day. 

Today's a great day for Gratitude!!

 Happy Thanksgiving Family!!

Check Out My Small Business

Hi! Yelena here!
So if you read my post about my love of Cupcakes then its no surprise that I'm back at it again.

That's right Lehigh Valley Cupcakes is back up and running serving lovely cupcakes
through out the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania!!!!!!

It took some soul searching and a new friendship to convince me. My new business partner Katy Yenawine is a fellow mother and cupcake lover! Most importantly she is the financial wiz and my business manager. 

Which frees me up to go be creative. 

As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Lehigh Valley Cupcakes was born from my love of food but lack of time to devote to my culinary passions.
Baking cupcakes allows me to have the best of both worlds. 

I can bake without worrying about my kids getting hurt around the kitchen. 

And I can pursue my career aspirations and still spend time with the family as a stay at home mom.

Lehigh Valley Cupcakes specializes in Special Events and Catering. Since we are not in our own location right now we partner with local businesses and coordinate in-store events. We also love to just "pop up" at different farmers markets and craft shows.

Our vision for our cupcakes is simple.
Let the Sweetness In!

Life is about giving and receiving. When you take the sweetness that's inside of you and send it out into everything that you do. The sweetness of life is there waiting to feed you.
 Let the Sweetness In!!

We put lots of love, time, attention and great energy into our cupcakes. We start with the finest ingredients available like Madagascar Vanilla, and real butter. Then we use classical techniques to decorate and adorn each cupcake. So that we can deliver a little piece of perfection!
We believe that cupcakes are an experience.
Reminding us of childhood memories and cherished moments.
What could be more fun than eating cupcakes?
Decorating your own of course!

So, Lehigh Valley Cupcakes offers Cupcake Decorating Parties.
We bring the "naked" cupcakes to you along with different colored frosting in piping bags and sprinkles.
Then you and your group enjoy yourself while decorating as many cupcakes as you like!
When it's all over we can even clean up for you while you enjoy your guests.

Cupcakes make a great gift for the Holiday!
Our Cupcakes are guaranteed to be show stoppers at your next office party, church meeting, birthday party, wedding, shower, or super bowl party.
If you would like even more information about Lehigh Valley Cupcakes or any of the event we "pop up" at, you can check us out at http://www.lehighvalleycupcakes.com.

You can also find us on Facebook, and Twitter.

Happy Holidays!!!!

I LOVE my FB Friends!!!!!!!!!

This is something new I wanted to share. 

I hope my Facebook friends won't mind, and I'm sure they won't since I won't be mentioning any of their names. 

I LOVE my friends and for too many of them, Facebook is our only means of interacting. 

They all live too far away, or we just can't seem to find the time to drive and see each other. 

All is good because they really make me laugh and brighten my day reading about their daily lives and thoughts posted on FB. 

Since their status updates bring me so much joy, and remind me to be strong, I wanted to share with all of you my gratitude for them.

I'm going to remove all of their names and just use the words "pink" and "purple" when needed. Each color is a different persons status update.

"everyone is always checkin in (I know how to)... pink and purple's mom checked in @ her God damn apartment: pink checked in @ her God damn apartment..lol"

"teach me how to twitter.....no seriously help"

"So thankful today for good health. I don't know why we continue to be tested, but we are one strong family...the smiles cannot be taken from our faces today."

"Everybody in your boat ain't always rowing, some could be drilling holes when you're not looking...Know your crew"

I wish there was more humanity in society.

Secretly, I like all Christmas music. Don't judge me...

Is it bad that I sorta judge people who move their lips when they read to themselves?

‎"Patience is passion tamed"

Eeeeek I just saw a mouse at Toys R Us....a real one not Mickey!

Hmm - They are reopening the case of Natalie Wood's death. Really? I heard Nancy Grace believes Propofol might be involved.. . .Ok, I didn't hear that. What? Too soon? She was beautiful.

There are grown men and women with holes in their souls – the shape of their fathers. THE END!!!

Whipped cream vodka mango soda and pineapple juice mmmmmm

Been thinking (painfully) lately about Newt Gingrich, the GOP's most recent Sancho Panza, and just heard Chris Mathews aptly describe him as not just an opportunistic flip flopper but more like a "Gaseous State"!

Office parties .... Omg : (

Thank you to all my friends for their thoughts.

I hope you enjoyed the funny, wacky, sometimes spot on, always thoughtful things my friends post on FB.

Insert you comment here. 

If you read this post please don't be afraid to leave me a quick message. 

At least then I know I'm not talking to my self!!

TGIF BACON

First I would like to apologize to all the vegans and vegetarians, and pigs.
And anyone else I might offend.
I'm going to be a little controversial.

A piece of bacon and a Reese's peanut butter cup.

I know!!

This is absolutely the worst breakfast in history.

But it was really good.

Bacon is good with so many odd things.
Take for example

The Maple Bacon Cupcake.
Genius.
Over at www.Delish.com
or the
Peanut butter Bacon Fudge

Now I bet I don't seem so crazy.
See what a little change of perspective can do?
Bake some Bacon Chocolate Chip cookies!

If you like your chocolate chip cookies thicker, follow this recipe.

Makes about 18 thick-and-chewy cookies

5 strips bacon

1 cup, plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 stick unsalted butter at room temperature

1/3 cup white sugar

1/3 cup light brown sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2/3 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup chopped pecans

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon, turning several times, until browned and done, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Chop finely.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugars. Add egg and vanilla extract, and beat until just blended. Add the dry ingredients; beat until just incorporated and the flour is dissolved. Stir in the chocolate chips, pecans and bacon.

Drop one large tablespoon cookie dough 2 to 3 inches apart (as they will spread) on baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until firm and golden brown around the edges, and still slightly soft in the center. Transfer to a rack and cool for 15 minutes.

Recipe from   NPR

TGIF! Thank you bacon for this joyful moment!

How do you take your bacon? 
Check out even more of my fun Bacon finds on my Pinterest Board!

Wegman's Saves the Day!!

I'm kind of embarrassed to tell this story, but I want to put my embarrassment aside and share this really wonderful experience I had with Wegman's Grocery Store here in Allentown.

Wegman's is definitely my favorite place to shop. As a culinarian being in Wegman's makes me feel at home. I love being around the fresh produce and the bakery, the gorgeous cheese counter, the pizza shop the sub counter! Yes this is a grocery store I'm talking about, but so much more! MY family loves the $6 dollar meals, and dining in the cafe. I love that I can have a glass of wine with my meal!

 I love Wegman's services. With 3 little ones the service Helping Hands is the most useful for me. They will walk you to your car with an umbrella in the rain, they will push your grocery cart to your car and load your groceries, and today they were first response to me in a really bad situation.

This was totally my fault and I accept full responsibility. Today as I was leaving Wegmans I loaded my groceries in the car, a 2 gallon bottle of water and a 35 bottle case of water. When I took Alivia out of the cart I had my car keys in my hand. As I strapped her into the car she was a little fidgetty so I allowed her take my keys from my hand and hold them. After I strapped her into her seat belt, I closed her door and moved the cart away from my car. 

Do you know what happened next?

I heard my car beep indicating it was locked! Yup. Alivia locked the car! 

Of course I panic and run to the car hoping I can coax her to push another button and unlock the car.

Instead she pushed the lock button over and over again then finally tossed the keys down next to her seat.

My heart was racing and I turn and ran back towards the entrance to Wegmans. 

I'm thinking, OH NO! How did I let this happen! 

I have to pick up Amaya my 3 year old from school in 30 short minutes! 

The first person I saw was Richard.

Richard works in the Helping Hands department of Wegman's. 

I quickly explained and asked for help. Richard immediately jumped to action, he called in a code over his walky-talky and then ran inside to get a faster response.

In under 2 minutes even more staff came out and responded to me. 

I have to apologize here, I was so distracted at this point I'm not sure of the two women's names that came to my rescue. But, one of them immediately called the police for me and they both stayed with me till the police officer unlocked my car. 

While we waited for the police to arrive other members of the Helping Hands Team came by and asked if everything was okay, and could they help. One of the women who stayed with me offered me tea or coffee to keep warm, as we stood in the cold. 

You know what? She didn't even have her own coat on! 

Here she was standing in the cold with me after she rushed out without her coat. 

She didn't have to do that, but she did. 

Poor Alivia by now has lost her patience with us and starts to get a little fussy, and cry. This wonderful woman talked to Alivia through the closed window of my door and played picaboo to entertain my scared little baby. This same woman stepped away from me, I guess as to not upset me and called the police back and asked how much longer would they be before someone arrived to help.

She was thoughtful and caring, proactive and helpful, concerned yet really positive. 

You just don't find this kind of consideration everyday.

Except today I felt the gentle kindness of Wegman's. I felt like they cared about my situation and my daughter's feelings. They cared if I was feeling cold standing outside for so long. They went far above and beyond what's required. 

I don't know how I would have managed the situation today. But a heart felt thank you to Wegman's because they really made the whole horrible moment really wonderful!

I know I'm always raving about the great products that Wegmans' sells but it made me feel really touched to know that I spend my money with a business that finds the importance of creating practices that show their customers what good hands we are in! 

The simple act of kindness can really brighten someone's day, and turn one of life's crazy moments into a smooth ride.

Thanks again Wegman's I am so Grateful!!!!

Are you a Wegman's Fan? 

Tell me about it!

I received no compensation for writing this post, all opinions in this post are strictly my own based on my personal experience.

My Fall Style

This is a new side of me that I would like to share.

 Even thought I am a stay-at-home mom of a budget, I still fantasize and dream about my love of fashion. 

Like my mom used to say I've got "Champagne taste with beer money!" 

Some day I'll ask the universe to send me a thousand dollar jacket and four hundred dollar shoes. For now I'm happy to window shop, and play with my new favorite "toy." Polyvore!!!!!!!!

 Besides, do you know what I would do if I had an extra, guilt free $1,000 bucks.  I wouldn't buy a blue velvet jacket, that's for sure. Instead Polyvore!

Polyvore is a website that lets you play dress up or buy the items your playing with. 

The Fall is my favorite time of year its just so festive.

I love navy for the Fall. 

My day is a navy veteran so military colors just feel like perfection.

This milatary style jacket in blue velvet just feels so luxurious yet sleek, warm and comfy. 

The gold accent buttons are just the sparkle on top. 

The tall boots are genius, again with the gold accent buttons. 

The fedora is my go to fall accessory along with scarves. 

I just love layering it all together. 

I love navy for the Fall. 

My dad is a navy veteran so military colors just feel like smart wear, perfection.

This military style jacket in blue velvet. It just feels so luxurious yet sleek, warm and comfy. 

The gold accent buttons are just the sparkle on top. 

The tall boots are genius. Again with the gold accent buttons I'm just connecting the look. 

The fedora is my go-to for fall accessory along with scarves. 

I just love layering it all together. 

The accent jewelry feels like kisses connecting all the pieces together. 

For me the look is total school bus stop chic, or "dare devil mommy swag"for a trip to the pumpkin patch. For a few hours of Pumpkin picking.

And last but not least, don't forget to Breath.
Especially with the Holidays fast approaching.
Yeah, Thanksgiving is next week!!!

My Fall Style by yelenaj featuring tall boots

Alexander McQueen military style jacket
£1,395 - brownsfashion.com

Rachel Zoe tall boots
$425 - nordstrom.com

Sydney Evan diamond necklace
$1,035 - ylang23.com

Miss Selfridge flower ring
£8.50 - missselfridge.com

Dorothy Perkins stud earrings
£7.50 - dorothyperkins.com

Pin brooch
girlprops.com

Catarzi straw fedora
$44 - asos.com

Trouve brown shawl
$62 - nordstrom.com

Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon When You Take the North "Poll" + GIVEAWAY

Christmas is coming!


What should I get my girls for Christmas?

They love arts and crafts projects.

They love pretend play. 
Especially when we pretend be have our own bakery and cook up a storm.

They can play for hours. I think independent play is a good thing at our house. 

Alivia wants to do anything and everything she sees me do. I've been busy baking cupcakes and so has she!

Alivia loves the Bake and Decorate cupcakes and  the Slice and Bake cookies from 
Melissa & Doug. 

Amaya is my artist. She can sit for long periods of time carefully laying down brush stroke after stroke, paying great attention to detail. Arts and crafts are her thing. 

Amaya really enjoyed the Decorate your own Wooden Heart Box from Melissa and Doug.

I'm thinking about getting the little girls these. 

The Decorate your own Cupcake Bank for Amaya and the Felt Play Food Sandwich Kit.

As you can see we are big fans of Melissa and Doug.

 They understand how children play and their toys encourage creativity. 

What's your favorite Melissa and Doug Toy?

Melissa & Doug want you to tell them which of their educational toys you think is the best! 

Just click on the image below to place your vote in the North "Poll!"

 You'll Get a Melissa & Doug 25% Off Coupon** to use at MelissaAndDoug.com just for voting!

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Every person who votes will automatically be entered to WIN the toy she voted for as her favorite. On 11/21/11 Melissa & Doug will randomly choose 1 winner from all voters who came from this blog. Only 1 entry per voter allowed. 
ENTER NOW BY TAKING THE NORTH "POLL" 
&
Subscribe to Mommy Gratitude
Please leave a comment saying you've subscribed and 
GOOD LUCK!!

I received compensation for this blog post. All opinions expressed are my own.

Food for Thought

My Dad sent this to me a on my birthday as part of a conversation we were having.

I stumbled on it today and thought I would share it since Gratitude is the practice that can bring you closer to Faith, Love and Hope. Seeing this helps me identify where Hope, Faith, and Love are in my life. But you alone must learn to balance those three things in your life in order to be truly happy. I struggle with Faith, and so this reminds me when I am obsessing and off base.


FAITH, LOVE, AND HOPE

Faith of consciousness is freedom

Faith of feeling is weakness

Faith of body is stupidity

Love of consciousness evokes the same in response

Love of feeling evokes the opposite

Love of body depends only on type and polarity

Hope of consciousness is strength

Hope of feeling is slavery

Hope of body is disease

Thanks Dad! 

This is me and my Dad when we lived in Oklahoma. I was 3 or 4. He took me to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. That trip began my personal obsession with becoming a professional clown. Which ended around 4th or 5th grade when I saw the Stephen King movie IT, oh and I saw Killer Clowns the movie around the same time. I never saw clowns in the same way. Clowns totally creep me out! Whole other story! 

But I love this picture! 

Lots of really great memories there!

#Mydadsthebest!

Who Do You Want to be Next Year?

I don't want to stress anyone out! 

But have you notice the leaves are all changing, and it's getting colder outside.

Last week I had snow!!!

I'm sorry but the Holidays are coming!

Which is why I wanted to start talking about the Holidays now!

And I want to be really honest. 

Ready?

 The Gift Giving season makes me uncomfortable.

Don't misunderstand me, I love giving gifts! LOVE IT! 

I just don't expect anything in return. 

It's the receiving part that makes me squirm! 

I physically feel uncomfortable accepting gifts. 

I've tried to think about why I feel this way.

I think the reason is.......

I'm CRAZY!!

Just kidding, truthfully I spend so much time thinking of gifts for everyone else I never take the time to think about something for myself.
I don't value my own wants. 

Even the idea of WANTING something, feels wrong. 

I just don't think in those terms. 

Am I the only one?

I'm guessing probably not!

If your a busy mom like me your probably the same way. Or if your like my husband who rarely takes a moment for himself. 

Which ever you are, we gottta start thinking about a special gift for our selves.

We've got about two months to think about this, and I've got a plan.

This Holiday Season could be a Trans-formative Experience for us.

Don't just think about a gift for yourself.

Think about who you are, and who you want to be next year!

It's time to visualize your dreams and ask Santa for the tools you will need to make your dreams a reality.

We have to make a conscious effort to be a little self centered, if just for a few minutes a day.

Here are a few things that may help you, try using a journal or a blank piece of paper to write out your thoughts.

Consider:

WHO AM I?

WHAT IS MY PASSION?

WHAT IS STANDING IN MY WAY?

WHAT DO I NEED FOR MY JOURNEY?

Try thinking about theses things and use Cerra's "Worry to Action" Moment to add COURAGE and guide you through this process. It's free!

I really hope this inspires you to get started on your life, or just remember your passions.

The more thought we give to the things we want to achieve the more achievable they become.

Pumpkin Picking and Family Traditions

The fall is a very nostalgic time of year for me. I have so many memories of upstate NY, from apple picking to watching the leaves turn. I just love all of the excitement around the Holidays and Fall marks the beginning of it all.

Since moving to Pennsylvania I have really enjoyed all the fun happening in my area during fall.
As part of a class trip Amaya and I went Pumpkin picking at Byler's Farm in Slatedale, PA.

She picked the cutest little pumpkins for us to take home.

There was a straw maze, and a dried corn table. 

Amaya's favorite thing was milking a dairy cow! 

She has been talking about that for weeks.

 

I was just happy to spend a morning with my 3 year old just the two of us, without her siblings. Having children is such a wonderful feeling. With three children it's hard to spend individual time with each of them. So I am grateful for the time I was able to spend with my second born. She is becoming such a young lady, and I really enjoyed hearing only her voice.  

What Family Traditions do you and your family have that happen in the fall?

How do you spend one on one time with your children?