Three Down Nine to Go

Alright I posted my dutiful dozen last week and here is an update.

I have finished three items on the list

Brown Shirt

I took this old favorite shirt of mine 

made it into a pattern

I love this fabric,

(Here are the pleats and I just sewed buttons on because I never unbuttoned it) 

it has such a great peasant look to it

Kira's Striped and Polka Dot Dress

It is similar to her Easter dress

I put a zipper in this one and finished it in about two hours

Lastly, I restyled my striped shirt

(I just cut one sleeve and remembered to take a before pic)

Eric got this shirt at the Army Surplus store for him

It shrunk and became mine
I wanted it to be more fitted in the arms and sides

I wanted to add a little flair

I have been seeing a lot of little fabric flowers with buttons

I cut the sleeves to 3/4 length then after figuring out the rigth fit I used the serger to easily re-sew the arms and sides. I was going to sew the cuffs, but I like the raw egde.

With the leftover sleeve material, I cut different size circles

Using a zig zag stich around the outside while stretching the fabric it created a little ruffle

I stacked them alternating the stripe pattern and added a button

Instead of sewing the flower on,
I decided to simple put a safety pin on the back and put it on when I want to wear it.

Yeah! I have two new shirts and just in time for my new job.

Weekend Links 5/29/2010

It has been an busy week. I accomplished two out of the twelve things on my list. I will have a big reveal on Monday, just in time for Made it on Monday hosted by Skip to My Lou. I realized that this weekend six years ago I was hired at a little family owned restaurant as a hostess. Only to move on to server and then manager. Hmm, I just hired at a little family owned restaurant as a hostess. Not that I want to manage again but I find it interesting. Anyways, this is the official beginning summer for us and I am starting off beginning a new job, training Saturday and Sunday! So I putting up links in hopes to have an easy Saturday day with the family.

2010 Sunscreen Guide by Enviroment Working Group

I personally do not like to use sunscreen, seriously! We try to stay out of the sun during peak times of 10-2. I only use it if we are in the pool. Otherwise, we use olive oil. I am not kinding and you heard me right I use Olive oil. It is a natural sunscreen. I tested it on myself one day and was fine. The next day on my fair skinned children and nothing, they were protected. You do have to re-apply more frequently but it is natural. I buy the Trader Joe's spray can of olive oil, no joke and I spray it on my kids and I and it works.

DIY: Super Simple Market Bag by Simple Organic
Perfect timing to make new ones out of old shirts and get rid of my plastic ones.

Sonlight Curriculum is celebrating 20 years and a chance to win curriculum

We Remeber and We are Thankful Here is what this weekend is really about! Our soliders! Thank you to the men and women who protect our freedom with your lives. I am thankful and blessed to know you do what you do. These photos are amazing!

Psalm 139:14

I am wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
We have been learning this verse for the month of May for Sunday School.
Kira wanted to write it out and we sounded out the letters using Zoophonics.

The kids are constantly quoting movie lines and I know I do it too. They will remember a line from a movie after only seeing it once. I thought why not use that memory for good. So each time they quote a movie then we recite our memory verse. Within a day Enzo knew the verse! We are onto another verse that they picked.


But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,


gentleness and self control. Gal 5:22
 
I love it and it is good for me too!

Whoo Hoo!

I got the job! The interview went great and it was funny when he commented on how nice it is to have an adult apply. With a plethora of college and high school students applying because "mommy told them to get a job" is a little different than me who needs a job. I am starting as a hostess and a couple of serving positions. All of my earnings are going toward debt! I am so excited and truly know this is an answer to prayer. A prayer that has been prayed daily for a year. Thank you Jesus!

On the Look Out

Well, I have been looking for a job for awhile now and I have two good leads. Both restaurants would be great opportunites. I have an interview today with the one I REALLY want! I love the restaurant and have eaten there and know deep down it is where I want to work. The other is okay, have not eaten there and do not know much about it. I am waiting until after the first interview to schedule at the second restaurant.

I am a little nervous, I have had one interview in the past six years. I love the restaurant I used to work at down south but a five hour commute is not working ;) I am excited because I will do any position and I think it is good going in flexible. I will hostess, bus, serve, dishwash, whatever I just want the job! Hopefully it will help. That is how I got my last job, I started as a hostess and busser. I got promoted to a server and then to manager within a year.

Anyways, it is weird being out there in the job search with so many people, hopefully my resume will stand out and my references too.

That is what's going on around here, what is going on in your neck of the woods?

Mango Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Rice

We have been eating a lot of rice and beans and beans and rice around here. I am trying to make it different and change it up a little. I know they are not the best but we have been eating tostadas with them and it is a fun change. It is definitely a treat and the kids love it! They are journeying out of the normal just beans and are trying new toppings! Kira had lettuce on hers and Enzo had sliced tomatoes on his. Both of them dip them in guacamole.

We went to Chipotle on Friday night with Eric's parents. I had never been there, so it was fun to try something new. I had a bare burrito with vegatarian black beans, cilantro-lime rice, roasted chili-corn salsa, lettuce, and fresh tomato salsa. It was yummy and fairly inexpensive, nothing was over $6. I love new ideas.

Food 4 Less had mangos on sale for $.78 each. I got three and decided it was time for some mango salsa! A true sign summer is coming!

Mango Salsa

2 mangos, peeled and chopped
1 medium jalapeno diced with seeds
2 green onions chopped
juice of one lime
salt to taste
handful of cilantro chopped

Mix all ingredients and chill for about an hour for more flavor. You can make it the day before and it will be spicier. *Blend a little if you want it less chunky.

Cilantro-Lime Rice

2-3 cups of cooked rice
juice of one lime
handful of cilantro finely chopped
salt to taste
1 lime sliced
Mix all ingredients together in a dish and serve with one lime slice on the side.

Clockwise: Refried beans, guacamole, tostadas, limes, mango salsa, cilantro, cilantro-lime rice, and non-jalapeno mango salsa. Those are napkins I made from $2.50 a yard fabric, red and white gingham and orange and white gingham. So fun and easy, I ran them through the serger and made ten of them in less than an hour.

So for dinner I decided to put everything on the table, instead of on the stovetop. I find I am constantly getting up and fixing more food for the kids and I do not get to sit. It was only a few extra dishes but TOTALLY worth it! I was able to sit the entire time for dinner. I am doing this every night if I can.

Get the Plastic Out

Get the plastic out, it seems crazy but I am trying. I have read quite a few blogs about the subject and I am convinced to get rid of the plastic. I watched Fake Plastic Fish's video about plastic consumption and I really have not thought that far. She has been doing this actively for almost three years.
Here are a few posts to help you:
No More Plastic Food Containers, Please!
Clean Out the Plastic Cupboards by Kitchen Stewardship
Life Without Plastic has products and articles

So now you have watched her video and you feel overwhelmed at all the plastic you ARE using. Fret not, if we do this one step at a time, it will not be so difficult.

Yesterday, I took all plastic food storage containers out of my drawers. I already had a pyrex set of glass food containers. I am in the process of switching to stainless steel canteens for water. We have been using Camelback plastic containers that say no BPA, but I do not feel it is enough. I am swtiching my spices to glass containers. Bulk foods to glass containers. No, I did not go and buy a boat load, I am using my old pickle jars, pasta sauce jars and jam jars. Goo gone gets the labels and goo of and I labeled the tops of the lids. Plus if you buy bulk foods you can take your glass jars and/or drawstring bags. Have the clerk weigh them empty and add your goodies and they will deduct and charge you according to your product not your container. I have stopped using the bags at the grocery store but I do use the Trader Joes reusable plastic bags, so I guess after my dutiful dozen I need to make canvas grocery bags.

Here are my spices, I got both of these spice racks for five bucks total at a garage sale.

The spice containers, I have been collecting for awhile.

On the right I have baking soda and powder, and cornstarch all in jam jars and peanut butter jars.

These are my beans and oats in pasta sauce jars.
I still have plastic containers for my rice, noodles and flour.

If I had all the money in the world I would go out and buy new pots and pans, containers, dishes and cups all stainless steel. But I don't, so for now little by little I will get out the plastic. I am going to look on craigslist and Freecycle for free stainless steel and and make a trip or two to Goodwill and thrift stores in the area.

I had no idea how much plastic I had in my house! It is definitely a process and I am excited to see what I can do.

There are a lot of good sources out there and I will try to post what I see too.

How much plastic to you use?

The List

Alright, I finally decided to get the ideas/projects on paper. I made a list and I am not starting a new project until I finish the list. Ahh! There I said it out loud and I am now held accountable.

Here my dutiful dozen:

1. Kira's Quilt Duvet Cover

2. Finish my new brown shirt

3. Finish Eric's Hat

4. Fix Kira's dress

5. Finish Sadie's PJ's

6. Make Enzo's Quilt Duvet

7. Make Curtains for my room

8. Make Kira's striped dress

9. Make Nursing Cover for Shiloh

10.Restyle striped shirt

11. Make Napkins for Jebraun

12. Make Floor Pillows for Kids

It is in no particular order but I am determined to finish them as soon as possible. I pieced together the majority of Kira's quilt today, hence the late post. The whole center is done and now I have to do the sides. I

This is the layout of the center that I sewed today. Obviously not the best picture, I just took it after laying out seven different possible patterns, so I would not forget it.

The edges will be the strip patchwork border. I had to stop tonight since I have to cut more strips.  

Well, there you have it my list, my vision, my duty. I know that when I finish this list it will be liberating.

I am excited and nervous at the same time.

What are you putting off? How many unfinished projects to you have?

Weekend Links 5/22/2010

Weekend Links:

I found so many amazing blogs this week at the SMS Giveaway Day! I will be covered in links for years!
Here are some from SMS and other favs too.

Turn little girls jeans into a skirt, super easy tutorial by Skip to My Lou she is one of my favorite crafty gals!

Cute tutorial for a twin bed duvet by Sew4Home I found it via Sew What!

Seriously such a cute dress and I so want to do this Mojito Refashion Frock by Grosgrain

It is a super fabulous way to make a dessert serving tray from Flamingo Toes

Craving pizza? Garlic, Kale and Tomato Gluten Free Pizza by Hey, that tastes good

Well, I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend. We started it out with family movie night. Grandma and Grandpa treat us all to dinner at Chipotle and a movie, Shrek the Fourth in 3D. Yummy food and a funny movie. My first 3D movie in the theatre, kind of interesting. The kids had a blast!

Feeling Anxious?

I do not know about you, I definitely struggle with being anxious. I consider myself to be doing better and better everyday. It is a daily battle. I have to continually lay it down and I continually pick it right back up, dah. His mercies are new every morning and I am thankful for that! In my devotion I was reading this:

"It is not so much the events that make you anxious
 as it is your thoughts about those events"

Wow, I totally agree and came to the realization I do this all the time. For example, finances are the number one thing I worry about, in fact I think it is the only thing I really truly worry about. This last year has been the hardest but the best. We have been squeezed and stretched in ways I would never imagine. Each time I actively waited on the Lord and did not worry, was a total blessing to see how He works. I can remember numerous times where I would look at the budget and scratch my head wondering how it would all work out. We would get a generous gift from a friend just because, Eric would not have to drive around for work(saving on gas), the accounts can go on and on. The best is that even the times I did worry, God still blessed us and showed us His grace, getting what you do not deserve.

"Your mind engages in effort to take control of a situation,
 to bring about the results you desire."

We think that if we worry enough it might change something, has it really ever helped? NO, it just makes us sick to our stomachs thinking of all the possible ways the events will occur.

"Your thoughts close in on the problem like ravenous wolves. Determined to make things go your way, you forget that I am in charge of your life."

We spin around and around in circles trying to figure out the solution when we are not even able to really change anything about it.

"The only remedy is to switch your focus from the problem to My Presence.
Stop all your striving, and watch to see what I will do.
I am the Lord!"

Truly, the only time we feel at true peace is when we know He is in control. I am a control freak and this is very hard for me, but when I let go and truly let Him do His thing, wow, what a blessing and a relief!

And the Winners Are......

Through Random.org it generated three numbers out of all of the comments including on FB:

Winner of the napkins #162

makeitgiveit said...

"Hi Awesome things. I'm a kiwi so it's cool to hear you want to move down here. I think it's a cool place to live. We are in chch NZ."

Winner of the journal #67

Lichtlein said...

"WOW, what a wonderful idea!

I'm deeply impressed.

Kind regards from Germany"

Winner of the crayon roll-up #166

Lotsie said...

"I love this fabric! And the crayonroll!"

I will be emailing you for your addresses.

Thank you for coming by and I hope you stay for the ride :)

When I reach 100 fans on FB I am having another giveaway,

we made it to 70 during the giveaway so it hopefully will be soon!



******ADDED @ 11:00AM
ATTENTION: Lotsie,
your email is not working you have until tonight at 8:00 pm Pacific time to contact me or I will draw another number. Thanks

Family Field Trip!

I have been loving the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway and am very thankful for all of your lovely comments.

My giveaway will end at midnight tonight, scroll down one post to enter.

I now have WAY too many fabulous ideas of things to sew! You ladies are amazing! I think of myself as a good seamstress but after seeing some things, I know I can improve with all of the tutorials and such.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We had such a great family day,

enjoying the area in which are are blessed to live in the Central Coast.

The family at Montana De Oro

We went to the Natural History Museum in Los Osos

Enzo is listening to "Rocky" the Morro Bay Rock talking about the ocean

There were all sorts of animals and birds on display

Enzo's favorite the shark

Kira and the Stinky Skunk

California Moutain Lions a.k.a Cougars that like to drink a buttery Chardonnay

Kira squeezes him so hard, but he still loves it

We went to the Morro Bay little aquarium and got some salt water taffy, yum!

I love that Eric has Saturday's off now!

We are getting such great family time in!

May Giveaway Day!!!

I am feeling REALLY generous!

So there are THREE items to WIN!!

A set of napkins, fabric covered journal or a eight crayon roll-up

A set of four napkins 16x16

(if you have more in your family, I have enough fabric to make two more, just let me know :)

This a journal covered with some fun fabric

It is 5x7, journal included

I got the journal for a buck at Michael's

Here is a crayon roll-up for eight

crayons

(crayons not included)

Here is what you need to do:

Three ways to win and if you do all three you get an extra entry!

1) Leave a comment on which one you want

2) Become a Follower or Subscribe Via Email

3) Find me on Facebook and "Like" Going Kiwi

4) Do all three and comment you did all three

****What I need is a SEPARATE comment for each one****

If you did all three then you should have four comments, four entries

Then I will randomly pick from the total comments.

Alright Ya'll it is on and I am excited to see which THREE of you will win!!

GOOD LUCK

I will ship internationally

You have until Midnight Pacific Time on May 20th!

Weekend Links

Since I decided to run a half marathon my weekends are going to be more full with the addition of long runs. In order not to be on the computer while my hubby is home and spend more family time I am going to do some links of what I have been reading throughout the week. Hope it is fun for you and find so cool new stuff.
Have a fabulous weekend!

Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen by Kitchen Stewardship

Beautiful Skirt and bag made by a talented young lady at SimpleVintagegirl
I love her blog it is full of God's beauty, pure and youthful.

Strawberry Freezer Jam made without sugar at Simple Organic

The most adorable swimsuits for her girls at Angry Chicken

Ruth gives 12 Random Tips of Style/Fashion over at GraceLaced

Enjoy

Running

I chatted with my sister last night on FB about running. She was my running buddy, sniffle sniffle, before she moved to NZ. We trained to run the Cambria Half Marathon back in 2001. She got sick and could not run at the last minute but she drove up and down Highway 1 cheering me on with the kids. Next big goal was the Long Beach FULL Marathon 2001. We trained and conquered the beast and I was so thankful for her support and encouragement. I hit the wall at mile 25 and if it was not for her I probably would not have finished. I had Kira in 2005 and ran the LB Half Marathon without really training at all. Then in 2008 my girlfriend and I did the LB Half again and I  ran it at a personal best 2:07:51, crazy!! Now it is a year and a half later and I am jonesing for a race.

I finally ran with the kids today down to Enzo's therapy. It was the first run with the new jogger. The kids loved it and I enjoyed it too. It was a three miles, there and back. I ran about 80% of the way there and then we had therapy and I ran the whole way home. Whoo Hoo! However, it was so windy on the way back. I was going full speed and barely moving. It felt so good to run. I was winded, sweaty, and free. As free as you can be with two kids in the middle of the day. I had forgot how much I need to run, for my sanity and for my health too. 

I got the bug again, I am a runner and now all I need is a goal and accountability.

Here are my ideas either Long Beach Half Marathon which obviously I love and know well.

Or The City to Sea Half Marathon here on the Central Coast.

They are both in October and I have plenty of time to train either way.

I might lean toward the one here only because I know there are possibly some other girls running it too.

Well, either way I need to start running and getting my mileage up.

I am planning on running at least 3 if not 4 times a week along with my P90X.

SO my question to you is what are your goals whether it may be fitness or diet or whatever? 

Could you use some accountability or just some encouragement? 

Let me know here or on FB 

A Couple of Questions

My friend asked her two and a half year old these questions and then again at age three and a half. Her answers were great. So I thought I would ask Enzo and Kira and then in a year ask them again.

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Enzo-kissing
Kira- That I need to go in my room and have a time out

2. What makes mom happy?
Enzo-mother's day
Kira-I am bringing a present

3. What makes mom sad?
Enzo--mean 
Kira-when I do sad music

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Enzo-like this Ha Ha
Kira- when I do a joke for you

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Enzo-being a baby, a chunky little baby
Kira-when you were playing with your mom
6. How old is your mom?
Enzo- three
Kira- thirty-two

7. How tall is your mom?
Enzo-big
Kira- 52

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Enzo-when you are leaving  (when I leave the house without them, hmmm, I think he is right)
Kira-Playing with me

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Enzo-in the kitchen
Kira-sleep

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Enzo- for a yo-yo
Kira-When you go on stage

11. What is your mom really good at?
Enzo-hugs
Kira-dressing up

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Enzo- making faces
Kira-not playing my sports

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Enzo-when you go away (when I used to work nights, he would say "don't go away" heartbreaking)
Kira-to cook some things and make, cook and make.
14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Enzo- spicy
Kira-potatoes
15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Enzo- hugs
Kira- when I make a little smile at me

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Enzo-just a momma
Kira-Bugs Bunny

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Enzo-go to the museum and shoot the bad guys in the tank
Kira-try to set a trap for a mouse (we did in the pink house and caught one too!)

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Enzo-look for yourself and that my eyes are green
Kira- because our hair and that we love the two of us

19. How are you and your mom different?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- you change your hair (I do change my hair quite a bit)

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Enzo-hugging you
Kira- I get a hug when you say goodbye

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Enzo- hugging him
Kira-about the new house he built for my friend Cricket. (He built a house and we met the family at a picnic and Kira and Cricket were instant friends and fifteen days apart in age)

22.What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- Saying hello to my friend Rose (She kept talking about this friend Rose and I thought she was imaginary until I finally met her at church almost a year later ;)  )

Painting the House

I decided we needed a new coat on the garage door

So the kids helped and we painted it.

 

They did such a good job!

Ha ha ha! It is really water, I did let them paint the house silly.

My mom got these paint brushes last year and they have loved them dearly.

We get a bucket of water and they paint everything.

Except dirt ;)

It is great, it keeps them busy and it is not dirty.

Best part is it dries and they have a whole new canvas to paint all over again

Craving Chocolate Pancakes?

I was craving chocolate or something sweet to eat for dinner, yes I said dinner. So why not chocolate pancakes? Well, at least my version of chocolate pancakes. I was googling vegan recipes and stumbled upon this Carob and Date Pancake recipe from Diet, Dessert and Dogs. I was a little leary of the chopped dates, would the kids take a bite and discover it and wonder what it was. Oh well, momma had a craving and she is going with it. I obviously had to tweak the recipe to be gluten free and a few tweaks later, ta dah I have my version.

"Chocolate" Pancakes

2 c soymilk/rice milk

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

2 eggs substitute Ener-g brand or 2 Tb Potato Starch and 1 Tb warm water mixture

1/4 c oil

2 Tb Agave syrup

2/3 c finely chopped dates

2 c Rice flour or GF Flour Mix- I use just rice flour a lot if I can't get to the store

3 Tb Sifted carob powder

1 Tb baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp Guar gum

Directions:

Mix milk, apple cider vinegar, eggs, oil , agave syruo and dates together and let sit for about two minutes. Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix date and milk mixture into the large bowl with dry mixture. Mix well. I use a 1/4 measuring cup and pour out batter onto a skillet heated over medium heat. Cooking for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

I served with a little coconut oil and a drizzle of agave syrup. Oh yes! I found the perfect chocolate craving food. The kids loved them and said they liked them better than the "yellow" pancakes (regular pancakes). They were not too sweet and I did not even notice the dates. I will definitely make these again.

Enjoy.

Mother's Day Surprise

I have always been a non-Hallmark holiday girl. I do not want flowers on Valentine's and do not want a big production on Mother's day etc. I do not buy greeting cards, sorry I don't. I will buy a nice set of thank you notes or blank note cards but I do not like the typical rose and baby's breath adorned card that cost close to five bucks. I would rather make something personal again that is just me. I loved it when Eric cut out and glued  a Valentine's card. It was sweet and personable. Anyways with that said, I was not expecting much for Mother's day. I read a great post about how to have an enjoyable Mother's Day morning without worrying about and the clean up and such. Aimee at Simple Bites wrote it perfectly,

"Some might say this is taking matters into my own hands or over-complicating things, but I think there are many husbands/significant others out there who would actually appreciate pointers. Perhaps you have a competent pre-teen who’s happy to make waffles , or luckier still, a chef-husband who’s had a menu planned and the flowers ordered for a week already, but the rest of us are probably going to need a little help to ensure a peaceful morning AND breakfast in bed."

I did not want Eric to think he had to do some big production but I knew the kids had been talking about wanting to do something special. So I simply made the waffle mix up and put it in the fridge, got out the waffle maker and got the coffee all ready in the coffeemaker so all he had to do is press start. I asked what service he wanted to go to and he definitely preferred the 11:00 service and so did I. I did not set any alarms. The kids came in and snuggled from 7:30 until almost 8:15. Then Eric took them out of the room and helped them make cards for me. They came in around 8:45 with the sweetest cards. I got up and enjoyed a lovely breakfast with my family. I personally do not like breakfast in bed too much. I am not with my family and I can't ever get super comfy. So I opted for the table and family.

We went to 11:00 service and it was wonderful. Our pastor took a moment to honor us moms and had us all stand and receive prayer too. The thing that really touched my heart was when he invited all moms to stand. Women who have had children, are expecting and those who are trying and/or have a heart to have children. I told him after church how that really touched me heart. I miscarried before Kira. It was in April and Mother's Day arrived and it was so hard. I really wished my pastor at the time would have acknowledged all of us who were trying and dealing with some serious issues.

We got home and I made some Tortilla soup because it was so blustery and I needed soup badly. After lunch Eric took Kira and went to Home Depot for some work items. When they arrived home there was a little somethin' somethin' for me.

What?!!? So excited! It is an Enamel Cast Iron 2.5 qt. Casserole in Red! I love it and can not wait to cook with. I love getting cooking instruments! I do not even know what to make first but I am excited.

Thanks Babe! You are so sweet and thoughtful!

Happy Mother's Day

Me, my mom and my sister five years ago

Do you think I should get a newer picture?

Well, in less than a month my sister will be here and we will get a new one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What does it mean to be a mother?

To me it means a lot of things.

Potty Breaks

No Breaks

Late Nights

Early Mornings

Growth Spurts

Teething

Patience

Tears of Pain

Tears of Joy

Reading Good Night Moon

Reading the Bible

Time Outs

Time Flys

No

Never

Maybe

Kisses

Hugs

Snuggles

Brushing Teeth

Brushing Hair

Brushing Off Dirty Knees

Slings

Swings

Batman Wings

Princesses

Knights

Pirates

Watching Them Sleep

Catching up on Sleep

Cleaning

Laundry

Cooking

Baking

What's For Lunch

What's for Snack

What's for Dinner

Bath Time

Bed Time

Quiet Time

Joyfullness of a New Life

Emptiness of One Lost

All of these are only a part of what I think it means to be a mother.

They are part of my motherhood and yours.

May God Bless you in this next year of motherhood,

whether it be your first,

you are still waiting or

you are a seasoned veteran.

Happy Mother's Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Giveaway Day May 17th

Sew, Mama, Sew is having their Giveaway on May 17th I am going to participate. I am wondering what to giveaway. Hmm, so many possibilities but I won't tell you until the 17th, Bwahaha. Last year I won something and in Christmas 08 I won a beautiful painting from Breezy. Hopefully, I will win this year and maybe you will too.

Nashville is in Need!

My sweet friend in Nashville just sent this note via FB and I wanted to do my part and get the word out there too. Here is the note and her heart on her sleeve. Lets help these people out whether it is praying, giving, or volunteering. Whatever you can do any little bit will help.
Thanks,
Keilah

Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse

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Friends that blog, facebook, etc.


I'm asking a favor.

Over the weekend Nashville experienced catastrophic flooding, making history, taking lives, ruining homes, and shutting down the city.

Yet - not many around the nation seem to even know about it.

The media does not seem to be reporting it and so many of my friends have been unaware of the magnitude of the devastation that has occurred in TN.

Our family is SO fortunate to be alive, after being trapped in gridlock traffic for 2 hours on a flooding freeway with no way to get out. Praise God we were finally able to turn around and move to higher ground.

Our house is dry on our little hill, and the rains have subsided, but water fills many, many homes in my area still - down the street, a barn is under water.

Schools are closed, Obama has declared it a federal disaster area, and shelters are at their capacity.

Our water supply is low and we have been ordered not to use it for anything other than cooking/drinking and hand washing.

Most of the people who lost their homes did not have flood insurance as Nashville is not considered a flood plain. The insurance they did have, did not cover property within the home.

I am asking all my friends all over the country to please help me spread the word, either by blog, by tweet, by word of mouth - anything - that can motivate people to help.

Recovery will cost billions. People will have to wait months for FEMA aid, but we can help NOW with food, clothes, and donations that go directly to Nashville!

I can't leave the house with the girls and pump water out of houses, (or literally, raft down the street to our neighbors) but I can spread the word and help that way, and you can join with me and blog/tweet/educate your neighbors about the emergency situation unfolding in our own country.

A REALLY short/quick Twitter or Facebook update could look like this:

"To help with flood relief efforts in Nashville, please send donations to Hands on Nashville.(http://www.facebook.com/l/1d64f;www.hon.org)"

Hands on Nashville is amazing, and all of the $$ would go straight back to our city.

Thank you SO much friends.
I have cried tears over this beautiful city and the scores of neighbors ALL over Nashville who have lost everything.
Thank you so much, friends.

-Flo

Chinese No Chicken Salad

I was at a potluck and there was a chinese chicken salad with the ramen noodles. Oh, how I love me a good chinese salad. I do not know if it was the three years of working at Stix Restaurant right out of high school, they started Pick Up Stix or what but I am a sucker for sesame seeds, manadrin oranges and cabbage. It can't be that hard because it is only a few ingredients right? Right! There are a plethora of ways to make this salad but this is what I did.

Chinese No Chicken Salad

Recipe
1/2 head of cabbage chopped -I like it pretty chopped
1 green onion chopped
1/4 c almonds slivered or chopped
1/2 can of mandarin oranges

Dressing
3 Tb rice vinegar
2 Tb oil
1-2 Tb toasted sesame seeds
1 Tb sugar
pinch of brown sugar

Mix everything together but mandarin oranges in a big bowl and toss with dressing. Sprinkle oranges on top and serve
Serves 4
I have been looking for a raw starter for the nights I cook stir fry. I do not know why I did not think of this before. Cabbage is so cheap and so good for you. Eric and I ate it on Monday night and I ate the rest for lunch on Tuesday. I think I could eat this everyday for lunch. I am going to try it with agave syrup next time instead of sugar and I am going to make some rice noodles to add on top. Although it did not really need it because of the crunchy almonds.
Enjoy.
I am a leftover queen for lunch and I am thankful that my family loves them too.
What is your favorite quick easy lunch to make?