being reliable

Sometimes I struggle with the notion that as a Mom, my world revolves around my kids.  So of course, my world gets rocked when something either positive or negative is done or said towards my kids, like teasing or bullying, or comments on how beautiful and happy they look.

Last Sunday, I was listening to someone speak about how our world views are sometimes shaped based on experiences and impressions at a young age.

He then asked, when you do something that's either out of the ordinary or out of your comfort zone, what voices do you hear in your heads?  Do you hear your parents tell you to "proceed with caution"?  Do you hear your friends say "go for it"?  Or do you imagine that judgemental person in your life shaking their head in disapproval?  When we hear these voices, do we rebel against it like stubborn warriors with a purpose and something to prove?  Or do we come to a realization that sometimes maybe the truth does hurt a little.

It then struck me.   When my kids grow up...what voices will they hear?  What will we say or do that will contribute to their own paranoias, fears or even joy and happiness?  Will they always hear their nagging mother tell them to go to bed early because"the early bird gets the worm"?  Will they resent the story told to them that "eating past 8pm will give you nightmares at night"?  Or will they always know that no matter what, even if it's their mother's favourite chocolate, that when there are only three chocolates left, each of them get exactly one...and a half.  Or that no matter what time it is in the night (like 2am!), I will answer that phone call, get dressed and drive 30 minutes in the cold weather because you didn't feel comfortable at that sleepover party.

I'm not sure what kind of impression we as parents will have on our kids.  I guess all I can hope is that they will always feel secure and happy knowing that their parents love them both very much, and can always rely on us to always be there for them, no matter what.

Herb Roasted Pork

This roast is as reliable as it is tasty. It can be altered with more or less spices to taste, and is often a family staple especially on cold winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 (5 pound) boneless pork loin

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F 
• In a bowl, combine sage, salt, pepper, and garlic. Rub thoroughly all over pork. Place pork in an uncovered roasting pan on the middle oven rack.
• Bake in the preheated oven approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), depending upon your desired doneness.
• Meanwhile, place sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, water, and soy sauce in a small saucepan. 
• Heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly. 
• Brush roast with glaze 3 or 4 times during the last 1/2 hour of cooking. 
• Pour remaining glaze over roast, and serve.

Enjoy this comforting dish.