The Working Mom

Taking the time

It seems like many people are reciting the same phrase about trying to “take the time” to get something done or to spend time with someone.  The time in the day is often filled with work commitments, children’s school and athletic activities, upkeep of our homes, and daily chores and we try to carve out time around all of that busy time to maintain cherished relationships with friends and family.  Speaking from experience, the last six years of work and obtaining two educational degrees has me feeling like I have been in a cage of dedicated time but that door is opening soon after finishing a final class this summer.  One of the most important things I have learned is we all need friendships and family to talk to, laugh with, cry with, and share events of our lives.  A type of time that we should all remember is to “take time” to make new friends who have different life experiences to share with us.

However, after thinking it through, I think we need to change that phrase to “give the time” and here is my reasoning why.  About 10 years ago, it was clear that my husband and I had different interests and split tasks around the house that kept us busy.  If it was a Saturday, you could plan on him going golfing and working in the garage and me making jewelry and doing housework.  We were not giving time to each other and we needed to figure out how to make a change.  That change happened when we  decided to try camping.

Let’s make it clear — camping in a tent is not my thing!   Been there and done that with the food floating in the cooler and an air mattress that prefers to lay on the wet ground than support my back.  So we took the plunge and bought our first camper and were hooked from that day forward.  The best part of camping is that it’s something we do together, we talk about and make plans for prior to the weekend, and it has helped us to learn to relax and rejuvenate after a busy week.  The bonus has been meeting new friends and the creation of a camping family.  We have friends that give time with boating, kayaking, tubing, spending family time at their cabin, or hitting the road for family vacations.  However you do it, giving your time is one of the best gifts you can give.  Thanks to a member of my camping family, Tina, for this recipe…enjoy — and Happy Summer to you all!

Poppyseed Chicken

2 sleeves Ritz crackers

1 and ½ sticks butter melted

2 tbsp. poppyseeds

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 can cream of potato soup

2 cups sour cream

4 cups cooked and cubed chicken

Grease a 9 x 13 pan.  Mix crackers, butter, and poppyseeds and set aside.  Mix remaining ingredients and place in the 9 x 13 pan.  Pour the cracker mixture over the top and bake at 350 for 1 hour.