Beautiful Mom: Brooke

“It is the custom of every good mother after her children are asleep to rummage in their minds and put things straight for next morning, repacking into their proper places the many articles that have wandered during the day. If you could keep awake (but of course you can’t) you would see your own mother doing this, and you would find it very interesting to watch her. It is quite like tidying up drawers. You would see her on her knees, I expect, lingering humorously over some of your contents, wondering where on earth you had picked this thing up, making discoveries sweet and not so sweet, pressing this to her cheek as if it were as nice as a kitten, and hurriedly stowing that out of sight. When you wake in the morning, the naughtinesses and evil passions with which you went to bed have been folded up small and placed at the bottom of your mind; and on the top, beautifully aired, are spread out prettier thoughts, ready for you to put on.” 

― J.M. Barrie

This is Part 5 of my Beautiful Mom Project.  Read my explanation and thoughts here.

Brooke

Mother of Three

Sports Mom

RN

Cook
Fashionista

Organizer

Friend

What is your favorite motherhood moment?

My favorite time of the day is tucking my boys into bed at the end of the day.  They smell so good because they are fresh from the shower and I climb into their beds with them and snuggle with them for a few minutes.  Sometimes we read books, other times we just talk.  It ends with a big kiss and an I love you - it doesn't get better than that!

What is your favorite time spent with your kids?

Having three boys means we spend lots of time at the ball fields, football fields, and basketball courts around town.  Although it’s crazy trying to squeeze in dinner before the game, or bringing it with us to eat on a picnic blanket - I love that we are all together supporting each other.  That’s not to say that when the season’s over it’s not a relief and a nice break - but I am always ready when the next one rolls around!

What is your least favorite chore?

Sweeping and Mopping!  Can’t stand it!  I love to vacuum though and often times I'll
vacuum instead of sweeping.  

What is your go-to dinner?

I love to cook so it’s hard to narrow it down to just one...but if I had to choose I would pick Cajun Chicken Pasta. (I usually double the recipe)

Cajun Chicken Pasta

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

4 ounces linguine, cooked al dente

2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning 

2 tablespoons butter

1 thinly sliced green onion

1 -2 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

1.  Place chicken and Cajun seasoning in a bowl and toss to coat.

2.  In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chicken in butter or margarine until chicken is tender, about 5 to 7 minutes.

3.  Reduce heat add green onion, heavy cream, tomatoes, basil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper and heat through.

4.  Pour over hot linguine and toss with Parmesan cheese.

What inspires you?

My sweet husband inspires me.  He works so hard for our family and his world truly revolves around us.  He is such a good father and pushes my boys to be tough, to try harder, and to do hard things.  He pushes me to be better also, and if it wasn't for his encouragement I wouldn't have gone back to school to become an RN.

Do you have any cleaning/organizational/motherhood tips?

A couple years ago I bought a cute plastic file box with hanging file folders.  I labeled the tabs (Bills, File, Sports, Invitations, School, Taxes, and also did a tab for myself and for my husband).  Whenever I open mail or get papers out of my kids backpacks I put them away into the correct folder, and I always know where they are.  I keep the file box in my laundry room right off my kitchen and it really helps me stay organized!