Wisdom through the years
Hello friends! I have been writing this column since 2009 and sharing stories about my life and family and probably embarrassing them many times. As I was writing my column last time that talked about my son getting ready to leave for college soon (three weeks!), it really hit me that as parents we can only hope we have instilled good values into our children as they move away and begin an adult life which involves making their own choices. Will they meet good and decent people? Will someone try to take advantage of them? As our children move out of the house, we have to remember that they should be full of many years of “mom wisdom” and are totally prepared. Right? Hmmm…here are some highlights from my Mom Book of Wisdom as noted by school grade. I wondered if I have prepared my child enough:
Kindergarten-5th grade: Run, play, make friends, be inquisitive, have fun, and please throw the school concert flyer in your backpack (and bring it home) so I don’t have to try to scramble to find a white shirt and black socks at zero-dark-thirty.
6th grade: Wash ALL your skin in the shower. We don’t need to save on water, shampoo, or soap — I have budgeted for all of that stuff.
7th grade: Give it a shot. You can’t say you dislike anything unless you try it…including sports, band, or school dances.
8th grade: Yes, it is YOUR hair. Do what you want. (Fast forward to graduation when we all had a laugh about the school picture that year, “the year of the bangs”)
9th grade: Thank you for explaining to me what teenage angst means. I wasn’t getting it from the behavioral examples.
10th grade: If a little voice is telling you that mom and dad probably wouldn’t approve and don’t do it, then it is probably a poor choice. Listen to the little voice.
11th grade: Be kind — Karma takes care of the rest. If you have ever felt bad because someone called you a name or spread false rumors about you, don’t lower yourself to match their character. Karma happens.
12th grade: You are going to succeed in life. Not because you are the smartest or the most talented but because you are smart and you use the talents you have.
At the dorm first day of college: No matter what happens or what mistakes you make over the next four years and beyond, please know you can always tell us and we will help you through it if you want. Go make your place in the world! (oh, and hand Mom a Kleenex please)
This recipe stands true to the idea of this column, which is sharing easy recipes for the working mom. Can’t get much easier and yummier than this one!
Easy Ritz Crockpot Chicken
10 3/4 ounce can cream of chicken soup
1 pint sour cream
1 1/2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
1/2 cup butter, melted
4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Combine the soup and sour cream in a bowl and set aside. In a different bowl, mix together crackers crumbs and melted butter. Place chicken in a slow cooker that has been sprayed lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Spoon the soup/sour cream mixture over the chicken and then sprinkle with the Ritz cracker topping. Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or cook on high for 4 to 5 hours. Great over mashed potatoes or seasoned butter noodles.
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