Karen Dorman is the TriangleMom2Mom mom of the week. Karen and her sister Michelle Zimmerman own the Twice as Nice Kid's Consignment Sale in Apex, which starts Feb. 26. Michelle suggested I feature Karen because she has seven kids .... and I'll let Karen tell you about that.

Mom2Mom: Tell us about yourself.

Karen: I am Karen Dorman, wife to John and  mother to seven children, ages 14,13,11,9,7,5, and 3 years old. I never dreamed I would have  a large family but feel blessed.  My sister and I own Twice As Nice Kid's Consignment Sale, a bi-annual consignment sale of gently used children's clothing, toys and equipment located in Apex. We are excited about Twice As Nice because we are passionate about helping other families provide for their children in an economical and stylish way. We are busy preparing for our Spring sale, February 26 – 28.   I have lived in Raleigh since high school and never want to live anywhere else.  I am training for a triathlon and if you know me personally, you know how funny that is.  My interests are Bible Study, blogging, and getting caught up with the laundry.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite family place in the Triangle?

Karen: I love New Life Camp.  Our family spends a lot of time there playing basketball, going to summer camp and taking advantage of the other programs they offer year round.  New Life Camp is located on the corner or Fall of Neuse and Durant roads and  is a wooded oasis in the middle of a bustling area.  We not only feel like we are "getting away" when we are there, but we also feel nurtured and loved by the wonderful staff.  Our favorite part of New Life Camp is the Christ-centered focus that is always present.

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite place for yourself in the Triangle?

Karen: Zest Café and Home Art…one word…YUM!

Mom2Mom: What's your favorite ritual with your kids?

Karen: One of our favorite family rituals is the special plate.  We have a brightly glazed plate that says, "You are Special".  Occasionally, for no reason at all, the plate will show up at the dinner table.  It is a really big deal.  Whoever has the special plate is the person of focus.  After the meal, the person to the left of the special plate finishes this sentence: "One thing I like about _____ is _______"  We go around the table and everyone shares their favorite thing about the special person.  When everyone has spoken we all break out  into song…into a very silly song that will remain a family secret.  I think this is my favorite family ritual because the special person leaves the table feeling like they were showered with love and I love to see their smiling faces.

Mom2Mom: What did you eat for dinner last night? Can you share the recipe?

Karen: Last night, our family enjoyed my favorite emergency meal.  Doesn't everyone have a meal that can be whipped up at the last minute with ingredients that you seem to always have available?  My emergency dinner is:

Penne Pasta with Havarti Cheese

3T. Olive Oil
1 large Onion, chopped
1 t. minced garlic
(3) 15 oz. diced tomatoes
2t. dried crushed basil
1t. crushed red pepper
1 can chicken broth
1 lb. Penne Pasta
2.5 cups shredded Havarti Cheese (1 block)

Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil in large skillet.  After tender, add tomatoes, basil, pepper, and chicken broth.  Simmer for 15 min.  Add shredded cheese and stir.  Add cooked pasta and toss.  Pour everything in to a large baking dish, cover, and bake 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.  Serve with garlic bread and salad.

Mom2Mom: What's your guilty pleasure?

Karen: Actually, I have two.  One is a cold can of Coke.  Notice I said a can because this is my favorite type of Coke.  I think it is colder in a can but that could be my imagination.  My other guilty pleasure is a chocolate milkshake. I'm a little like Sally from When Harry Met Sally.  I only like a milkshake with chocolate ice cream and milk, no chocolate syrup added.  It can be chocolate ice cream with chocolate milk or white milk. It can be vanilla ice cream with chocolate milk but not white milk because then you would have to add the chocolate syrup.  If chocolate syrup is involved, then never mind.  I'm complicated.

If you know a mom we should feature, e-mail me.

Check out our other daily themes at TriangleMom2Mom:

MONDAY: Meet!
TUESDAY: Ask!
WEDNESDAY: Eat!
THURSDAY: Play!
FRIDAY: Out!
WEEKEND: Relax!