The Ultimate Blog Party - Let's Party

Welcome to All Things Cherished!

My Brief Introduction

I am: a single mother, a foster mother, a college graduate, a Master's of Education candidate, a feminist, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a niece, a heterosexual, a lover and owner of Chihuahuas, a lover and previous owner of Cocker Spaniels, eclectic, sassy, unique, allergic to milk, an Internet addict, a Christian, a friend, a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, a counselor, a teacher, a kid at heart, an adult, a woman, a female, a sexual assault survivor, someone working to prevent sexual assault, a chocoholic, a book lover, a scrapbook artist, a photographer, German, Welsh, American, 5'1", a blog junkie, a Christmas fanatic, an advocate for children, supporter of education, a crime show watcher, a hopeful writer . . . I am ME.

My Long Introduction

I'm Storm (my middle name) and I am a single Mother. I also have to earn some money to support my family so I am a Supervisor and Consultant for Usborne Books, Sales Consultant for Memory Works, Educational Advocate and Consultant, as well as the owner of two home businesses -- DawnLyn's Designs and Litz's Business Services.

I am a single mother to three wonderful children: (1.) Cameron, my son, 10 going on 11 in four weeks, is disabled (bipolar/ADHD/ODD/OCD/Sensory Integration Disorder/speech problems) and is very generous with his heart and very loyal to his family and friends. He's such a handsome young man. (2.) Cassandra, my daughter, 7, going-on-15, is gifted, beautiful, smart, and sassy. Cassandra has severe asthma and chronic bronchitis, and is learning French. (3.) Renee, 9, is my foster daughter, who is also disabled (FAE, borderline Mild Retardation; Adjustment Disorder; still doing testing & evaluations to determine disability), is shy, quiet, and sweet.

Champ, a Chihuahua, 1, is living with friends at the moment. Baby, a Chihuahua, approximately 2, is a stray and the newest member of the Litz family.

More About Me

I have always enjoyed writing as a creative outlet and hope to publish a novel some day of the antics of my life. I don't think I am artistic but do feel I am creative; hence, my love of scrapbooking and Christmas decorating.

I am passionate about health and safety issues as they relate to my family, especially concerning mental health issues and protecting children's rights -- which is why I am an Educational Advocate and Consultant.
In my past life I was a special education teacher, a elementary education teacher, a community college teacher, a drug & alcohol rehabilitation counselor, a vocational counselor, a pregnancy counselor, a therapist, an administrative specialist in the Army, an intelligence specialist in the Army, a TSS (therapeutic service specialist), a BSC (behavioral specialist consultant), and much more.

To learn more about my love of scrapbooking, go to 365 Days of Memories.
To learn more about my love of Christmas, go to 365 Days of Christmas.
To learn more about getting organized, go to 365 Days of Organization.

The Party

Welcome to my cherished life.

When I host a party, at home or online, I serve . . . pizza rolls with several types of sauces, various flavors of chips with dill dip, chocolate chip cookies, cocktail meatballs & wieners, and tortilla chips with taco dip.

Here are some of my favorite recipes.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

2-1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c butter or margarine
1/2 c shortening
1 c brown sugar, packed
1/2 c granulated sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 tsp vanilla
1 12-oz. package (2 c) chocolate chips -- I usually add more than this.

Stir together flour, soda, and salt. In a mixer bowl, beat butter and shortening on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add sugars and beat until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat well. Add dry ingredients to beaten mixture, beating until well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop from a teaspoon 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake in a 375* oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Remove and let cool. Makes about 60.

Cocktail Meatballs

1 lb ground beef/chuck
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/3 c finely chopped onions
1/4 c milk
1 Tbsp parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp pepper
1 egg
1/4 c shortening

Sauce
1 10-oz. ketchup
1 10-oz. grape jelly

Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, milk, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and egg. Shape into 1” balls. Cook meatballs in shortening in 12” skillet until brown. Remove and drain excess fat. Heat 1-10 oz bottle ketchup and 1-10 oz jar grape jelly in skillet, stir constantly till jelly is melted. Add meatballs and stir until coated. At this point you can put into a crockpot on low. Simmer 30 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 5 dozen.

Giveaways

I have prizes to share each of the blogs (listed above).

Here, at All Things Cherished, the prize is an awesome journal you share with your child. Pillow Talk is a creative way to communicate with your child. Got a secret to share, some admiration to express, or a word of thanks for a job well done? Why not put it in writing? On the pages of Pillow Talk, you'll find 100 relationship building questions for you and your child to answer. In today's world of virtual communication, give your kids the real deal. Something tangible they can see and touch and look at again and again, whenever they want to feel connected with you. The journal is an awesome way to bond with your child(ren) and I am so happy to be able to give one to a lucky winner.

If you are interested in Pillow Talk, please a comment as to why you are interested in receiving this prize.

At 365 Days of Memories, the prize is a four-pack of handmade cards. I love scrapbooking and paper-crafting. Recently, I have gotten some very nice compliments on my cards. I am excited to give one lucky winner a pack of four cards for various occasions and holidays.

At 365 Days of Christmas, the prize is a lovely, hardcover book titled The Heart & Home of Christmas by Karla Dornacher. Artist Karla Dornacher celebrates the Christmas season with her first holiday title. Page after cozy page features her signature artwork with its warm and home-style feel, along with her gentle words of inspiration. I love this book and am so excited to be able to share it with one lucky winner.

At 365 Days of Organization, the prize is a high-quality, full-color planner. You have a choice of one planner from primary age through high-school aged children or adults. The dates are from July 2009 through June 2010 so, of course, they are current calendars. There are quotes and other misc. information included. I am happy to be able to share two planners with two lucky winners.

Thanks for stopping by.