Beautiful Mom: Dana

"No language can express the power and beauty and heroism of a mother's love."
- Edwin H Chapin

This is Part 2 of my Beautiful Mom Project.  Read my explanation and thoughts here.  

Dana
Mother of Four
World Traveler
Runner
Pianist
Home Decorator
Neighborhood Mom
Friend

What is your favorite motherhood moment? 

Cheering my kids on when they play sports. I can really get into it. Hopefully I don't turn into a crazed mom on the sidelines. :) 

What is your favorite time spent with your kids?

I love Mommy dates or one-on-one time with the kids. I pull them out of school and take them on lunch dates. I took all my kids on a trip to Colorado, one at a time over the course of a couple years, to see my sister in Colorado. They still talk about those trips to this day. They felt so special to be the one going. Such great memories for both of us!

What is your least favorite chore?

The backyard. I don't know why, but I avoid it. I want the kids or the hubby to take care of it. The house is enough to think about!

What is your go-to dinner?

Red Beans and Rice is a family favorite. We've been making it for years. The kids love it!

Red Beans and Rice

1 lb kielbasa or polish sausage, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices

1/3 cup onion chopped

2 cloves garlic

1 can red beans, un-drained 

1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped

1 teaspoon thyme 

Salt and pepper to taste

In skillet over medium-low heat, cook sliced sausage for about 2 min. Add onion, garlic and saute until tender. Add beans and tomatoes with their juice. Season with thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Serve over rice. 

What inspires you?

I love to travel. As a kid, I grew up in a small town. Whenever we visited another place, it felt like a whole new world was opened to me; I was totally fascinated. I still feel that way today.

Do you have any cleaning/organizational/motherhood tips?

I have a hamper in every room, and I wash and dry all the clothes and then I go to the room where I got the clothes and put the clothes away as I'm folding. I don't like laundry, so it used to take me forever to do. I would sit in front of the TV, fold and then never want to put them away. This way, they are put away, right away.