Here’s how those in need can get a free Thanksgiving dinner

Thursday will be here in no time. Hopefully my mini van will be repaired soon. But for now, I’m in a rental for Thanksgiving. I plan to pick my car up first thing in the morning. Then get started on my hefty drink list for the family dinner. Yes, I’m in charge of drinks. We’re having kombucha, green tea, Jamaican hibiscus Sorrel, and bottled water. Not one soda will I purchase. My prayer for the last week is that everyone arrives safely and no one throws a dinner roll at me!   

But just in case my Enterprise Car rental falls through for my family of —many. I am looking for dinner alternatives. Rush cooking has never been my thing. I figured that we would find a local place where we could both volunteer at and dine in.

So, here’s what I found online. Turns out there a quite a few places to dine, help and donate in the Charlotte area.

 

 

Food pantries, some of which also have a soup kitchen on site, may provide help in one of two ways. These tend to be “hyper” local in that they only serve people in a limited area and each center has their own application process, resources, and hours of operation.

• Food banks may only give a Thanksgiving holiday turkey as well as the sides, such as cranberry, gravy, bread and other items, to an income qualified family and their children.
• Soup kitchens may be located at some food banks. These sites will tend to serve an entire hot dinner to individuals, including the homeless.
• Some of these charity run food pantries may give the client a gift certificate to redeem at a local supermarket. This will allow the family to buy their own turkey 

  It is recommended to call or stop by a pantry to learn more on what they offer. Anyone that is seeking help at Thanksgiving (or really any holiday) should ask in advance what type of services are provided, and do not wait until November rolls around. Find how to get help from a food pantry.

  The homebound, disabled, and senior citizens that can’t make it to a feeding site should register for Thanksgiving assistance from a Meals on Wheels provider. These tend to be offered as year round services. Some of the administering agencies may charge the client, or “encourage” a donation. Other Meals on Wheels services are free, especially those offered from Agency on Aging Centers. and maybe other food items.

  Free Thanksgiving lunches or dinners may also be served by churches or other faith based groups. There will not be any discrimination based on age, religion, or race and anyone can drop in. Churches, such as St. Vincent de Paul or Catholic Charities do their best to feed the poor at Thanksgiving. The goal is to spread holiday joy to all, especially to children and the elderly.

  The meals served by a church depend on volunteers and donations. They rely on stores, restaurants, fund raisers, and other sources of money in an effort to offer these Thanksgiving programs. Anyone that uses a soup kitchen at a local church is always encouraged to also volunteer in an effort to give back to the needy.

Skyland Restaurant continues tradition of free Thanksgiving meal for people in need

 

And if you are a military family like mine, check this out!

Thanksgiving Resources for Veterans 

Military veterans have so many benefits even after leaving the service and Thanksgiving is no exception. During the holiday season there are special events that include veterans’ and not just active duty, family members and government employees.

Read more: https://militarybenefits.info/thanksgiving-resources-veterans/#ixzz4z7hAl4SO

If none of that works out, I will get my daughter Cassie of Cassie’s Sweetz to create us a Sweet Potato Wonderland!

Well friends, where ever you find yourself on Thursday, may the Joy of family, Gratefulness and Love find you there!

 

Notes:

I’m smart, because I know where to find good information. See my resources below:

http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/free_thanksgiving_dinner.html

http://www.operationhomefront.org/holidaymeals

https://patch.com/north-carolina/charlotte/veterans-day-free-meals-discounts-north-carolina

 

 

Soulful Saturday

Last weekend in the Queen City was super busy! And we loved every minute of it! I tell ya, there is never a dull moment in the QC!

 

 

As a 70’s baby, I grew up in mainstream -everything! Every depiction of Santa that we saw — from television to movies to storybooks — shows that rosy-faced, jolly grandpa who is unapologetically white.  He looked nothing like me. Am I not generous?

Am I not generous? Are others like me, not givers? At a certain age, I think it does matter subliminally and he’s not just a jolly, ole fat guy in a red suit.

Is it possible that a long, white beard, the big-bellied man in red with dark skin would not appeal to children in predominantly black and Hispanic parts of the city?

Well, a few of my children and I got to see for ourselves this weekend. We attend two events and both had a positive turn out!

Soulful Santa

The first was Pride Entrepreneur Education Program, (PEEP) it’s a nonprofit of Pride Magazine. They had the happiest SoulfFul Santa on the Westside there. The crafts table was there to reinforce the holiday spirt by giving children the opportunity to create gifts for their loved ones.

The other event was at the Free Store Charlotte. It was outdoors and loaded with fun!  From face painting, coat drives, amazing hot fancy and filling food complete with cocoa, jump house, fire pit, free gift table, and so much more.

Did You Know: The Mall of America – the country’s biggest indoor shopping complex – decided to hire a black Santa for the first time this year!

I wanted to know how some of my mom friends thought about ethnic Santa’s. So I spoke with three of them from my mom group, Queen City Stay At Home Moms and each had very interesting responses.

The first mom said: “We balk at the notion that our children should believe that a white man brings them toys, when we ( black parents) are the ones working hard to make their children feel safe, loved and happy/ “

The second  mom asked, “Why can’t there be two at each at a time? Like half brothers? When I was small enough to believe in Santa, he was dressed so completely, including the beard, that I could see only his eyes behind thick glasses. I could not see, nor did I care, what skin color he was.  I would definitely take my children to go see an Asian Santa,” 

The last mom commented:” Santa’s race matters. White folk have enough superheroes. I’m white, but have no tolerance for the abysmal prejudice and past treatment of people of color in this country.”

Although we do not celebrate Christmas, I wanted my children to see that the Santa doesn’t have to look only one way. Santa can be whatever they want him to be. Looking at my littlest Noah’s face, he may never want to go see Santa again, but he has photographic evidence that Santa can reflect the skin tones of many cultures. And that’s, well, pretty magical.

To see more culturally diverse Santas all you have to do is show up when he’s in town. Charlotte organizations like PEEPs, and The Free Store Charlotte will continue to invite him in our hearts, centers, businesses and home! 

End Notes-

Baron Davis adds a bit of color to Christmas with The Black Santa Company

The former NBA star aims to diversify the holiday with his game-changing venture.

You can find children’s books that feature a black Santa Claus, and he appears in some ornaments and other products. The website blacksanta.com, founded by the former N.B.A. player Baron Davis, sells products like T-shirts, hats and ornaments featuring images of black Santa. In a classic episode of “The Cosby Show,” Dr. Huxtable explains to one of the children that as Santa drops down each chimney, his race morphs to match that of the family he’s visiting – Asian, African-American, Caucasian and so on. -By The NYTimes

Scholarships for College Kids

Don’t wait. Apply for these great scholarships today! There are scholarships there that are still open! There are thousands of scholarships out there. Some are large scholarships that are well publicized, while others are lesser known.

Here are 27 scholarships for Saturday, December 3, 2016.

Jay Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
Sponsor: The National Cartoonists Society Foundation
Amount: $5,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students at a four-year college in the United States, Canada or Mexico who will be a Junior or Senior during the 2016-2017 academic year. Applicants do not have to be art majors to be eligible for this scholarship. Applicant must submit an entry form and eight samples of their own cartooning artwork.

Lance Surety’s College Scholarship
Sponsor: Lance Surety Bonds Associates
Amount: $1,500
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at an accredited university, college or trade school in the U.S. Applicant must submit an essay on one of three given topics related business or surety bonds.

There’s nothing like studying in a great smelling room! Buy Scentsy now! 

Larry E. Sitzman Youth in Nebraska Agriculture Scholarship
Sponsor: Nebraska Pork Producers Association
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at a fully accredited college, university or technical college in an agriculture related degree program in Nebraska.

Law Office of Joseph J. LoRusso Scholarship
Sponsor: Law Office of Joseph J. LoRusso
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students who are planning on attending an accredited U.S. college or university during the spring 2017 semester. Applicant must submit an essay on a topic related to car accidents.

Lead Roster Scholarship
Sponsor: American Marketing Ventures, Inc.
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to high school and college students worldwide who have an interest in sales and marketing. Studying in the fields of Business, Marketing, Computer Science, Communications, or IT are recommended but not required. Applicant must create a video sharing why they should win the scholarship.

Legal Templates Annual Scholarship
Sponsor: LegalTemplates
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students who will be enrolled in college during the Spring 2017 term. Applicant must create a business plan executive summary that is original, creative, unique, and persuasive.

Los Angeles DUI Attorney Diabetes Scholarship
Sponsor: Los Angeles DUI Attorney
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

MoldNJ.net Scholarship
Sponsor: Mold Removal Experts
Amount: $750
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are accepted or enrolled in a university, college, or graduate program in the United States with at least a 3.0 GPA. Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to preparing for a natural disaster.

MyCDLapp.com Scholarship
Sponsor: MyCDLApp.com
Amount: Up to $2,500
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to current undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree in Human Resources or Business Management at an accredited college or university in the United States.

National Ag Day Photo Contest
Sponsor: Agriculture Council of America
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Contest is open to students in college in the United States. Student must submit an original photo on the contest theme: “Agriculture Food For Life.”

 

“Check out Miranda’s House.The Mission of Marion’s House is to Interrupt the cycle of Child Sexual Abuse with E.A.R (Empowerment, Awareness, and Recovery.)

You began surviving the movement you realised you didn’t have to be a victim”
-Miranda Burton

New Orleans Ghosts Scholarship
Sponsor: New Orleans Ghost Tours
Amount: $250
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to any student enrolled in an accredited college. Applicant must submit an essay sharing information about their educational goals and why they deserve the scholarship

Nutrition Inspector Scholarship
Sponsor: Nutrition Inspector
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to college students currently enrolled in courses related to diet, fitness, and nutrition.

One Shot Scholarship
Sponsor: One Shot Outdoors, LLC
Amount: $500
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college students. Applicant must submit completed application and an essay describing their dream, goal, or passion.

(When you get all of that money, why not invest a little on your wardrobe? Lula Roe’s fabric is the bomb! It’s so comy! I got me three of them. I love the fact that no one else will have pants like mine) Please use the link below to chick out this moms business page.

 

LulaRoe By Bali Mitchell

 

ORB Annual College Scholarship
Sponsor: Online Resume Builders
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to domestic and international students enrolled, or due to be enrolled, in full-time university education for the semester they are receiving the scholarship (Spring 2017). Applicant must create a resume for anyone.

Prime Scholarship
Sponsor: Prime Medical Alert
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students working towards a two-year or four-year Nursing degree.

Prompt Scholarship Essay Contest
Sponsor: Prompt.com
Amount: Up to $10,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students 16 years of age or older who are currently applying for an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada in 2017 (or 2018 if taking a gap year). Applicant can use any essay they have written as part of a college application. Scholarship is open every month until December 15. Each monthly winner will then have a chance for a $10,000 scholarship.

Damsel In Defense
Make sure your child (ren) are protected on campus

Judy Harris
Damsel Protege
PHONE: (828)247-6375
stunninpepper@gmail.com
My Events | About Me

 

 

QuikshipToner.com Student Scholarship
Sponsor: QuikshipToner.com
Amount: $1,500
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students who attend an American college, university or trade school. Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to the printing industry.

Rare Disease Scholarship Program
Sponsor: XpertDox
Amount: $750
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to current undergraduate and graduate students who have an interest in medical related research (including public health) or patient care (medicine, nursing, pharmacology or nutrition). Applicant must submit an essay on a given topic related to rare diseases.

Resume Genius Annual Scholarship
Sponsor: Resume Genius
Amount: $1,000
Closing Date: December 15, 2016
Description: Scholarship is open to students enrolled, or due to be enrolled, in full-time university education for the semester they are applying for the scholarship. Applicant must create a resume based on the life of any fictional or non-fictional character, from TV, history, literature or myth.

 

Mama’s Cinco De Mayo Deals & Details

Cinco de Mayo Is Not Mexican Independence Day! That’s ok, you can still celebrate!

We choose to celebrate because we love spicy tacos, fun music and bright colors!

http://ti.me/21oalEd

“It (Cinco de Mayo) started out as a cultural celebration, then became bigger and bigger,” said Sánchez. “And at some point it became very commercial; with people taking advantage of the day to drink all the Coronas they can drink.”

Today marks the 154th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo, a bicultural celebration. For us, it’s a great way to teach the children about the Latino cultural and have a little fun at the same time.

Cinco de Mayo is the celebration of the courage of the Mexican people during the battle (La Batalla de Puebla) on May 5th, 1862 where 4,500 Mexican soldiers defeated the Mexican traitors (exiled Mexican Convervatives) and French army of 6,500 at Puebla, Mexico . The reasons why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated on a much larger scale in the United States is maybe because :

• If it had not been for the victory, France would have aided the South in the American Civil War and this would have an impact on the war.
• Chicanos celebrates this day in appreciation of its cultural and historical significance.
• General Ignacio Zaragosa was born in Texas when it was still part of Mexico and is considered to be a Chicano hero.

 So in honor of all our Latino friends everywhere…… this collection is for you!

Crafts for today! – A pinata!!!

 

QC SuperMomJamba Juice
With a coupon available on Jamba Juices website starting May 4, guests nationwide can celebrate the holiday with a Chili Mango or Mango-A-Go-Go Smoothie for $2.99. (The smoothies normally cost $5 and up.) The coupon is valid May 4-8.

Like · Reply · Commented on by JabeLa Ledsi · 2 mins

QC SuperMom(3rd Party info) Cinco de Mayo Margarita Deals, Taco Specials and More
An estimated 87.3 million pounds of avocados are consumed per year on May 5, according to the California Avocado Commission and tequila sales at U.S. bars and restaurants more than double. This year, save money on your Cinco de Mayo drink and food purchases with these special offers.Bahama Breeze: Get $5 margaritas all day on May 5.
Chili’s: Celebrate Drinko de Mayo at Chili’s with $3 Dos Equis and $5 Presidente margaritas.
Chipotle: Take $50 off any catering order for 20 or more people on Cinco de Mayo.
DoorDash: Sign up for DoorDash to get $5 off your first delivery and in certain cities, you can have Taco Bell delivered to your doorstep on Cinco de Mayo and every day.
Eat24: Use coupon code RELAX to get $2 off your order until Dec. 31, allowing you to get a Cinco de Mayo discount without leaving your couch.
Green Burrito: Buy one Burrito El Diablo and get a second free with this printable coupon through May 31.
Jamba Juice: Get a small Mango A-Go-Go or Chili Mango smoothie for $2.99 with this coupon until May 8.
Mad Mex: Enjoy breakfast burritos, eggchiladas and cornbread starting at 9 a.m. as part of the Mad Mex Cinco de Mayo party. All day drink specials include 22-ounce Dos Equis drafts for $5 and a $1 off all Mexican bottles and cans. Regular happy hour and late nght specials will be honored, in addition to some special games and giveaways.
Moe’s Southwest Grill: As part of its annual Cinco de Moe’s event, the first 100 customers in line will receive a free t-shirt while supplies last and participating locations will offer $5 burritos.
On the Border: Enjoy 14-ounce Cinco Cup House Margaritas for $4, 14-ounce Cinco Cup Dos Equis Lager, Dos Equis Amber and Corona Light Drafts for $3, a variety of Cinco Shots for $2 to $4, Dos Equis Lager, Corona and Corona Light bottles for $3 and commemorative t-shirts for $10 at participating locations.
Papa Murphy’s: The Steak Fajita and Taco Grande pizzas are both back until May 30.
Rubio’s: Get a free Taquitos Platter with any catering purchase of $125 or more.
Sonic Drive-In: Get 6- or 12-piece boneless wings for half price on May 5.
Taco Bueno: Party Tacos will be half price — $0.59 — all day.
Taco Cabana: Enjoy happy hour on Cinco de Mayo from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., featuring $1.50 margaritas and a $3 small nacho and margarita combo. Additionally, Taco Cabana will celebrate Seis de Mayo by receiving one free breakfast taco when you dine-in during breakfast hours from May 6 to May 8.
Taco Del Mar: Take part in the annual Cinco de Mayo 5 pound burrito eating challenge at participating locations.
Taco Mayo: A new mystery item will be added to the menu on Cinco de Mayo 2016.
TacoTime: Get $0.69 crisp tacos all day on May 5.
TGI Friday’s: Get $5 margaritas and $3 appetizers on May 5.
Tijuana Flats: Enjoy 48 hours of Cinco de Mayo specials, including a Tijuana Burrito, chips and a drink for $5, with the option to add a draft beer for $1 on May 5 and $2 tacos on May 6.
Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill & Margarita Bar: Start the weekend early with $0.99 domestic drafts — premium drafts not included — and Twisted Teas. Additionally, domestic longnecks will be $1.99.

“Cinco de Mayo is part of the Latino experience of the American Civil War,”

Like · Reply · Commented on by JabeLa Ledsi · 3 mins

 

QC SuperMomCaribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee is renaming May 5 “Drink-O de Mayo” as the day when it introduces its new Caribou Coolers, an ice-blended drink perfect for summer. To celebrate the launch, consumers can try all three of the new Cooler flavors—Salted Caramel, Mint Chocolate and Raspberry.

 https://youtu.be/0xbyz5nbwnQ

Click these links for more details–

More history behind the celebration 

Friday Four: Is Your Birthday December 25th?

A lot of people are gonna hate me for this one. Some businesses will too, but it must be said. Christmas is not your child’s birthday, why do you struggle over one day? It completely defeats the spirit of the season.

I had great Christmas as a child. My parents got us something every year. Not huge things, like a car or the latest sneakers but nice gifts. I remember my ET doll, the handheld Nintendo games, the Pretty Cut and Grow doll and  as I got older,  cash. Now ask me about my birthdays and I’ll tell you how special I always felt that one week in October! I’m so grateful they kept it in perspective for us.

With kids, it can be tricky and sometimes pointless to explain your budget, goals and situation. But you gotta do it. I’ve seen first hand how the good intentions of parents and other loved ones can quickly go bad. …… Yeeees, I’ll explain why.

1. Parents are teaching their children to be materialistic. If you are gonna shop, buy something they really need. Something that will make them a better person spiritually, educationally, nutritionally, physically, financially or even environmentally.

Give, Me Give Me Give Me. I know a parent that has one child. The child does no work in school or at home but trust and believe, that child has over $1200 in Christmas gifts coming to him. I asked why would you spend that much on him and he’s not doing the basic chores of being a child and the dad said because he’s my only son. After that comment, I reached for my glass of tea, like Kermit.’

2. Parents borrowing money to buy expensive gifts.  Would you believe that some parents take out loans for Christmas shopping? Showing love should never be so crippling. Debt is a form of slavery you know. 

3 Are you really gonna give someone else credit for putting that huge smile on your child’s face? (I can’t do it. I work waaaaay to hard for that to happen)

4. You’re lying to your child.  There is no Santa! It’s ok,  to teach your children that charity begins at home.

Langston Paterson- from South L.A.

I already know that the in laws, aunts and uncles are gonna  buy them something.  When it happens, we will  graciously accept it. Then say, “I’m surprised by your present. We had agreed not to do this, so I don’t have one for you in return.” Thank you.”  Make sure not to buy the person a gift in return (until their birthday or if out and see something really affordable that hey need or like). Your word is your word; be true to it.

To me, Christmas is about spending quality time with my family, listening to the kids play and argue, cooking with my children and getting some extra sleep while the older kids and/ my husband take the smaller kids out.  All of the years that I spent buying Christmas gifts were not lost, it just took me time to evolve into appreciating time with my family as the most important gift that I could possibly receive and give them. (After loosing a daughter you realize that time is the most precious gift! )

It’s also about serving others in need. As a matter of fact, myself and a few awesome humans are going scarf bombing this weekend in a local park.  Wanna join us? CLICK HERE!

Happy Holidays everyone!

Jabela, QC Supermom

 

Kids in the QC, Valentine’s Day Party!!

Bring out the Minions! We are gonna have a ball! Our Valentines’s Day Party for kids in the QC is getting on or roll!!

Every year it get’s better! And to think, it all powered by Charlotte moms!!! Queen City Stay At Home Moms to be specific.

The first thing we did was bring back our guest from last year. They deserve it. Our venue was overbooked & I was notified 2 days before the event and although we found another venue, and still had fun, it was not the same. We felt awful about it! So bringing them back for free was just a result of good upbringing.

This is our 3rd year.

Here’s 2013- It’s theme was A Veggie Sweet Day  . It was at Monkey Joes and the kids had  unlimited access to the bounce houses during the party!

Here’s 2014- it’s theme was “Disney Side Love”- the goodie bags were a hit with parents and their small well dressed characters alike!

This year’s theme is Minions! The children will LOVE it! Having a dedicated Pinterest board does help as well!  This year we added a karaoke Dj and invited one of Charlotte best family centered non profit service organizations to join in.

If you have children, do not miss this party! Everyone is welcome! But you gotta get your tickets!  Follow along on Facebook for more updates.  See you soon!

Your Mom Maven in the QC,

Jabela,  QC Supermom

Can’t wait to use these online tools for promotions:

MInion Images

Minion Facts

Get your celebration started! Check out my $5* Minion Shop. It’s loaded with really cute affiliates links to some awesome Minions gifts, games and decor! Unisex Two Eyes Crochet Hat Ski Cap Black Friday Cyber Monday

Despicable Me In-ear Headphones Earbuds for Mobile Phone Mp3 Minions Dave Carl 3.5mm Earphones Quality Sound Includes 3 Additional Earplug Covers – Great for Kids, Boys, Girls, Adults, Gifts

Memory Game Despicable Me Edition

MINIONS – Minion GOGGLES

Despicable Me Tattoos, 24ct

Despicable Me Minion Mini Tin Tote Box 4.125″x 5.5″ x 2.5″

Peeking Minions (9″ x 3-1/4″) Die Cut Decal Bumper Sticker For WIndows, Cars, Trucks, Etc.

 

 

The Father’s Day Hunt

Every mom has been there before. It’s hours before Father’s Day and you have NOTHING to give as a gift. No time to panic! Pull it together and get those juices flowing is the mission for today!

I haven’t asked the children what they want yet because they have been so busy helping me get better from this muscle spasm in my back and ovaries. But It just so happens that they are all away and that gives me time to brain storm via Pinterest, Google, and magazine for ideas!

So I’m looking for something

• Reusable
• Yummy
• Funny
• Simple

and most of all affordable!

I liked this key chain

He would wear this. it’s not to dressy or flashy. Just like my husband. Just as this T-shirt. Simple, Strong and really eye candy!  Now the children will also want to gift him. I have put together an entire

Pinteret board for that. Starting with this cute idea here!

I think you have the idea!.Hopefully this will be another great celebration of our guy! He does so much for us and to not celebrate him on such a  thoughtful day is just selfish. Love is an action and we have an overabundance of it to share!

My Earthly Dad

With these three words,
“Dear Heavenly Father,”
I begin my every prayer,
But the man I see
While on bended knee
Is always my earthly dad.

He is the image
Of the Father divine
Reflecting the nature of God,
For his love and care
And the faith he shared
Pointed me to my Father above.

Adios friends

QC Supermom

The Sweet 16 Book

Yesterday, I had 2 (two) 15 year olds today, I have 2 (two) 16 year olds. They are a year apart, but one girls birthday is the 22, the other is the 27th and the third daughter – another year apart birthday is the end of next month.  They have been cooking for years. Which is a great life long skill. So this part of her Sweet 16 Book is easy.

What is the  “Sweet 16 Book?” It’s the mega life hack book for all  teen girls. The purpose of this book is to ensure that I haven’t missed anything in my mission in preparing them for adulthood. I want their future husband, employees, and friends to view them as a blessing and not look at me crossed eyes for sending them out the house ignorant and useless.Also the goal is to answer the question what else is there to know beside your left and right turn signals from the drivers testing booklet.

Today I’m covering RECIPES:

These recipes will make them look good at any dinner party. First up is easy,

Chinese Fried Rice

Ingredients

• 1 Cup Cooked Brown Rice
• 1½ Cups Frozen Peas and Carrots
• 1 Medium Onion diced
• 2 TBS Olive Oil
• 1 TBS Garlic Powder
• ¼ Cup Soy Sauce

Instructions

1. Sautee diced onion in the olive oil until onions are cooked through.
2. Add in frozen peas and carrots and cook until warm throughout.
3. Add in rice and let it sizzle for about 2 minutes on each side before stirring.
4. Sprinkle in garlic powder and soy sauce.
5. Serve hot.

Recipe Two –

Turkey Sausage Jambalaya Recipe

 Ingredients

• 1 Green Bell Pepper chopped
• 4 Cloves Fresh Garlic chopped (about ¼ cup)
• 2 Medium Sweet Onions chopped
• 2 Medium Tomatoes chopped
• 1 Package Polska Kielbasa Turkey Sausage chopped into ¼ inch pieces.
• 2 Cups Brown Rice
• 2 Cups Chicken Broth
• 3 Cups Water
• 1 TBS Chili Powder
• 1 8oz Can Tomato Sauce
• 1 TBS Oregano, Pink Salt & Pepper
• 1 TBS Butter

Instructions

1. Melt the butter.
2. Add in chopped green pepper, onion, and garlic.
3. Sautee pepper, onion, and garlic for about 5 minutes or until onion starts to turn clear.
4. Add in chili powder, oregano, salt, pepper, tomatoes, and your favorite Polska turkey sausage.
5. Sautee for 10 minutes. Pour in chicken broth, water, tomato sauce, and rice.
6. Bring to a boil and cook on medium heat until rice is tender and liquid has completely evaporated.

// // // // // // // // // // // // // Southern Black Eyed Peas// // // //

Ingredients

• 12 oz bag of frozen black eyed peas
• 2 Cups chicken stock
• Small onion diced
• 1 TBS butter
• ¼ Cup cubed turkey bacon
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vinegar

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients into a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 45 minutes.

Enjoy, QCSupermom

Wednesday Wow: Being Happy on Mother’s Day

We all want to be happy on Mother’s Day. But for many of us, this type of happiness is an elusive, fleeting state that we can capture only for a brief moment,if at all.

 

Instead of feeling bad about not having a child, mother or positive relationship with either (or both if they are living.) Well I have news for YOU!

The person you most admire, or envy, is showing you the “highlights reel” in their lives. Think about it. Can someone be ecstatic 24/7? The answer is NO. My family has a healthy 75/25 joy ratio. For me, sharing our great times together is my way of encouraging them to keep up the great work and inspire others that may wonder if such a LARGE family can be productive. The bad things will never be shared. There’s no logical reason for it.

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining is let it rain.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

When things look dark, we can all use a simple reminder of what is truly important. It’s Your piece of mind. ” The Jones” should inspire you, not cause you to envy. Here’s my confession: 

At least once a month, I WISH my mom and oldest daughter was still alive.

I used to get very sad thinking about why they had to leave when they did. My daughter passed 3 days before my birthday at 11 years old. My mom a year later. I began to compare her absence with other girls her age and would question, what would she had been like. I would do the same with my mom. I would fantasize her  driving up to our home enjoying her grandkids as she had the older ones. After going into a deep thought, I bring myself to accepting that they were gone in the form I wanted them in. I realized that getting  past those thoughts would allow me to enjoy my other 8 children, as well as their adopted community grand parents. Never a trade off- But it was something I had to accept and grow from.

“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough” ― Oprah Winfrey

 

Being able to do so has allowed for peace and other great moments with my family. Today, people ask,, “Why do you smile so much?” I answer quickly, ” I have no reason not too.” So in closing, if this Mother’s Day find you in the dump, snap out your note book and write your blessings down. Look to them to pull forward your joy and build a foundation for more greatness.

“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” ― Pearl S. Buck

Easier said than done you said? Well, you never know unless you try. What do you have to loose by choosing happiness?   Remember, “It isn’t what you have or who you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.”

Be Happy With What You Have!

QC Supermom

Have A Great Mother’s Day Weekend Everyone!!!

 

“Until you make peace with who you are, you will never be content with what you have.” 

Wednesday WOW: CHEAP Teacher’s Appreciation Day Ideas

Teacher’s Appreciation Day is coming up! If you’re like me, you end up waiting until the last minute before you have something to present.   your child has a cool gift to share. I tend to look for gifts that are original, reflects my child, useful  and of course cost effective. As a holistic mom coach, it also has to promote wellness! That’s all!

In our home, we have one in college, two in charter schools, two in homeschooling circles and 2 just enjoying the adventures in everything their older sibling do. so for us,  me, this is a fun, creative time.

I must say that we are a “Work For Gift” family. I tell my children all of the time that “I do NOT reward back behavior.” I carry that rule onto teachers gifts. I allow the children to reward the teachers they feel has helped them the most. That way I will be sacrificing my money on those that have really contributed in making a difference in my children’s life. Sometimes it’s every single one and other times it’s just 2 or 3.

Consider it an investment in your child! 

YES, Charter, tutor, and home-school circle teachers count too! For us, this is as special a holiday as Mother’s, Fathers, Grandparents Day. On average, teachers spend up-to 8 hours a day with our child. They are indeed part of your child’s well being team! Showing gratitude to them is a way of saying thank you for all that you do. Once in a while, everyone needs to hear that!Those cookies above can be purchased from the teen vegan baker, Cassie’s Sweetz! Another great idea is gift cards! If you have a service like The Big Sister, you can offer a free night of childcare for your teacher , who would really enjoy a night out way from the children. My last idea is

 for the little ones. My two youngest guys will be participating in a “Mommie and Me” craft workshop. We will pay just $5/child and created a simple, cute, gift, functional gift for me.

Check these out!

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The coolest printable gift tags for teachers

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