I am married and the mother of three lovely children - a 18-year- old son (US Marine, engaged to the lovely Crystal), a 14-year-old son, and a 13-year-old daughter. They are my pride and joy. I am also "Mom" to a German Shorthaired Pointer, two Beagles, two cats, and various other critters that the kids bring home whenever they can get away with it. Although I hold degrees in computer networking and secondary education (math major, chemistry and computer minors) , I have not worked for some time due to family issues. I hope to start substitute teaching this fall to ease myself back into the field. Teaching is definitely a passion and vocation for me. In our spare time, my husband and I enjoy cooking, fishing, gardening, exploring our backyard (a network of county parks), and keeping up with Detroit Red Wings hockey. I also enjoy reading. My husband loves cooking as much as I do, and all of the kids insist that he is the better cook. I am a more patient cooking instructor, however. Soups and stews. All homemade from scratch, with as many homegrown/raised/harvested ingredients as possible. I also try to find all organic ingredients. Also turkey. I finally found the perfect recipe last year - one that my husband did not say came out dry. The kids and I love turkey most anyway it is prepared, but hubby is the picky one. Since my parents both came to the US from Poland and my husband is also of Polish ancestry, the traditional Christmas and Easter dinners are a favourite of ours. Happily enough, my son's fiance is also of Polish heritage and her family is familiar with the same traditions, so they will be carried on in an least one branch of our family. My daughter also wants to learn to make pierogi. I guess once you have had the grandma-made version at home, the ones from the grocery store or deli just won't do. I also enjoy making a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner each year. I consider this a special holiday just for the immediate family so we can reflect on our blessings, but make it a point to let everyone know that they are welcome. That is the whole point of the holiday. I have finally figured out how to cook the perfect turkey. I can make beautifully decorated birthday cakes that still taste delicious. I have often made over 100 dozen Christmas cookies using many different recipes, and none have gone to waste. My fruitcake recipe is actually enjoyed by others, probably due to the large quantity of good brandy that goes into the soaking. I still have not figured out how to make good scrambled eggs on a regular basis. This is my personal kitchen curse. Everyone else can do it, why can't I? Luckily, hubby makes a tasty batch every time. And then there is the infamous lime-marinade tragedy that will go down in family lore forever. My husband had just gotten back from Florida and had brought home lots of freshly caught seafood. I decided to try a new lime marinade (store bought) on some fish, either snapper or grouper. That part is not memorable. What is remembered by all, especially my younger son, is that neither my husband nor I tasted the fish when it came off of the grill. That honour went to Ryan, who insists that it has scarred him for life. It was the most awful thing that my husband or I had ever tasted, which we promptly did after seeing his reaction. Even worse, we had invited friends over to share in our bounty. Luckily for everyone, he brought home a cooler-full of goodies, and seafood cooks quickly!