I would have to say if there is one thing I wish I could do is “Turn back Time.” And now we are all singing this song (you’re welcome).  Oh man....another song you’re probably singing.  Ok, I’m going to stop now.

One of the many skills I learned later in life is how to properly cook.  Don’t get me wrong, my mom tried to teach me how to cook, but I couldn’t have been less interested.  Even after getting married, we would either eat out or my husband would cook (he’s quite good too).  It wasn’t until after having children and being able to stay home that I really delved in and learned how to cook.  Mainly because we were on a single income and I had to learn to budget (which I’m still learning).  But, I had to learn how to make a lot of food from scratch, such as, pizza crust.  A family can save a lot of money just from learning to cook from scratch.

The reason I wish I could go back is because I would have taken pictures of the first pizza crust I attempted to make - I’ll give you a second to guess what happened - the dough didn’t even rise *insert face palm*
After a few attempts I eventually got the dough to rise.
This is the recipe I used, which any beginner cook can master.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/pizza-dough-recipe-1921714

When making pizza I either make my own pizza sauce or just use a jar of garlic and herb marinara sauce (don’t knock it until you try it).

I started out making so many cooking mistakes - probably similar to my parenting mistakes - that’s right, we all make them!

It took me probably a good 3 years to become fully confident in my cooking.  Now, I’m no Julia Child’s. Let’s face it, my kids wouldn’t eat her recipes anyway. HA!  I’m not alone on this...I hope.

I found this photo hiding back from 2016!  If you can’t tell, it’s supposed to be a heart shape pizza.  I’ve come a long way even from this slightly mis-shaped pizza.  We were (and still are) on a tight budget, but, by learning how to cook we not only save on food, but it’s healthier (so I tell myself).  It’s also the best time of the day when we all get sit at the dinner table and enjoy a meal together.  My kids are still young, but it’s only a matter of time before they get older and have sports and other activities keeping them from family dinner.  So I’m soaking it all up now.

I hope to encourage any new mom, or a mom of 5 to take this post as shining beacon of hope because believe me if I can make homemade pizza....so can you!  Watch YouTube videos or follow blogs.  One my favorites (lately) is Natasha’s Kitchen.  There’s also the staple, Pioneer Woman!  Two of my favorites at the moment!

Be blessed. Believe. Achieve