tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57419083529397674472024-03-13T22:36:53.900-07:00Going KiwiMy adventure of life with my husband, two kids and our process of becoming debt-free in order to move to New Zealand. I am crafty, thrifty and sassy.going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.comBlogger335125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-12025081738964640012012-09-28T20:18:00.001-07:002012-09-28T20:32:34.066-07:00Walk-a-thon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Enzo and I after 38 long laps!</div>
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I am truly amazed and blessed. Today was the longest day I have had in a long time. It was Walk-a-thon at the kid's school. We were all looking forward to today, well at least I thought we were. Enzo last night told me that he did not want to go to school and he did not want to do the walk-a-thon. I asked him why and he replied "I am going to be the slowest one!" My heart sank. I have tried to make life as "typical" as possible. Since his diagnosis with <a href="http://keilah76.blogspot.com/2008/04/enzos-dr-appt.html">Cerebral Palsy </a>, this is our first real obstacle that I was not ready for. I comforted him and let him know that I would walk EVERY lap with him. He smiled and said "Okay".</div>
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This morning was good, we had cuddles and snuggles, a yummy breakfast and off to school on time. I got there early and pulled him aside to stretch more and prep his left leg. We got to the field and did some of the stretches with the rest of the school and then it began. He started getting upset and acting out. I quickly comforted him and prayed for him.</div>
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The walk-a-thon started. The next hour and a half would be the most trying I have had to deal with in a very long time. Until we found our groove it was hit and miss. He would get frustrated (rightfully so) and start crying or whining. I must have started to cry three or four times feeling his frustration too. No mother EVER wants to see their child be in pain or hurting. I knew this not a tantrum but true frustration from his disability. </div>
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His physical challenges are so minimal that I often forget to even think about them. What do you mean? He is your typical five year old, right?. Then I remember, oh wait, that is right, there are things that are harder for him. I want so badly for him to not worry or think it might be difficult.</div>
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As we made our way around the course every teacher and parent cheered him on. Whether they knew his disability or not, they encouraged him. I felt so encouraged and supported by everyone. Thank you Jesus for your covering and love in this very difficult time!</div>
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His original goal was 55 laps. My goal for him was 20 laps. I was nervous that we would not reach his goal and he would be devastated. About an hour into the the hour and a half event, I think he realized he might have set too high of a goal. He decided that 35 laps would be better. I was relieved. We hit 35 laps with a half hour to go. He was exhausted and so was I. I carried him 75% of the time, man, I should have been sponsored!! We celebrated and collapsed in the middle of the field. Then when the five minute warning came Enzo jumped up and started laps again. Okay, I thought, sounds good, let's go!</div>
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He walked another four laps all by himself!</div>
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We did it! We finished!</div>
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GF pizza and Jamba Juice as rewards.</div>
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I am emotionally drained and physically drained.</div>
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I never thought something so simple as a walk-a-thon would prove to be difficult. But then again I do not lead an ordinary life.</div>
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I am so proud of my sweet boy and thankful for his wonderful school!</div>
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going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-67968131634238491362012-09-01T14:13:00.000-07:002012-09-01T14:13:33.588-07:00A Time For Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, as of 11:36 pm 8/31/12, I am no longer the General Manager. This is very bittersweet. In my time at the restaurant I have learned so much. Patience, time management, multitasking at it's finest, firing, hiring, confrontation and the list goes on. I have been stretched more than I thought I could have ever been. I have cried many tears of frustration, exhaustion and laughed numerous laughs with a fantastic group of people. They are my second family by far! When you are able to belt out Andrea Bocelli in Italian, not because you actually know what he is saying but because you have heard the song so many times, you create a bond with people. Smiling when you have nothing to smile about because guests are crazy, you start a memory that is not easily forgotten.<br />
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I mentioned a few posts ago that I felt like I had a baby. Now I feel like I gave this newborn to a complete stranger to take care of. I am nervous, sad, scared about the transition and the restaurant. However, I am finding peace that God has closed the door there and will be opening a door elsewhere. It has been a very hard last week.<br />
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This next step in life is exciting! I am going to be donating time at the kids school tutoring after school to help supplement tuition costs, cooking hot lunch (yes, I will be the lunch lady!) and being there for my family.<br />
I am looking for other ways to bring income for us too. I will start tutoring Math outside of the school, catering, sewing and seeking a part time job too. I have a peace that God will help us through this transition and He has already has in some ways.<br />
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It will be weird to not get a million text messages everyday about the emergencies of the restaurant, checking emails, and dealing with complaints.<br />
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I am so excited for some normalcy. Regular bedtimes, weekends (Saturday and Sunday), cooking, cleaning, laundry, sewing, reading to my kids, dates with my husband and a thing called exercise.<br />
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Thank you Jesus for getting me through this season and leading me to the next!<br />
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There is a time for everything,<br />
and a season for every activity under the heavens:<br />
a time to be born and a time to die,<br />
a time to plant and a time to uproot,<br />
a time to kill and a time to heal,<br />
a time to tear down and a time to build,<br />
a time to weep and a time to laugh,<br />
a time mourn and a time to dance,<br />
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,<br />
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,<br />
a time to search and a time to give up,<br />
a time to keep and a time to throw away,<br />
a time to tear and a time to mend,<br />
a time to be silent and a time to speak,<br />
a time to love and a time to hate,<br />
a time for war and a time for peace.<br />
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8<br />
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going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-31131554016263923402012-05-07T12:01:00.001-07:002012-05-07T12:01:51.329-07:00Veggie Burgers with No SOY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Veggie Burgers</div>
<br />Ingredients: <br />1 can black beans<br />1/3 cup onion (coarsely chopped) <br />1 garlic clove (minced) <br />1 egg (I used <a href="http://www.ener-g.com/egg-replacer.html">http://www.ener-g.com/egg-replacer.html</a>)<br />2 Tbs BBQ sauce <div>
(I used 1 Tbs ketchup, 1/2 molasses 1/2 tomato paste because most BBQ sauces are too spicy for the kids)<br />1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce<br />1 tsp canola oil <br />1/2 tsp salt <br />1/2 tsp pepper (freshly ground) <br />1/3 cup gf flour <br />1/2 cup gf breadcrumbs (I used leftover crust from Udi's) <br />1/4 cup nutritional yeast<br />6 Udi's buns (rolls)<br /><br />Preparation Steps:<br />Drain and rinse beans with cold water.<br />Drain again and pat dry with paper towels.<br />Add beans, onions, garlic, egg substitute, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oil, salt and pepper to food processor or blender<br />Pulse until beans are the size of peas.<br />Place pulsed mixture into a large bowl.<br />Add flour and stir until evenly mixed.<br />Add bread crumbs and mix well.<br />Add nutritional yeast and mix well, it will be thick and sticky<br />Divide mixture into six portions.<br />Flour your hands and shape into 1/2-inch thick burgers<div>
<br />The burgers may be refrigerated in a sealed container for 1 day or frozen until ready to grill.<br />I used my grill pan and cooked them over med-high heat about 3-4 minutes each side<br /><br />(Oil your grill and preheat grill to medium-high. Place burgers on grill. Barbecue with lid down until hot, turning once, for 8 to 10 minutes.)<br /><br />Serve on buns with desired toppings i.e. pickles, onions, tomatoes, salsa.<br />-------------<br />They were kid and husband tested. Eric came in the kitchen and asked what I was making and was skeptical, since I have flopped too many times with veggie burger. However, he gave me the thumbs up to make them again. I plan on making a large batch, stack them layered with wax paper and freezing them.<br />I am so excited<br />-------------<br />The original recipe<br /><a href="http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Easy-Veggie-Burgers-Recipezaar?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website">http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Easy-Veggie-Burgers-Recipezaar?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website</a></div>
</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-21791356056687642292012-05-02T12:35:00.000-07:002012-05-02T12:44:10.298-07:00Cool Nutty NoodlesOh how I love new recipes and making old ones better. I was in a bit of a rut with new recipe ideas. I have been over at Happy Herbivore for some inspiration. I am sometimes a little nervous about certain ingredients but her recipe of Cool Noodles added a new twist to my Nutty noodles!<br />
<br /><br />*inspired by <a href="http://happyherbivore.com/">Happy Herbivore</a> and my <a href="http://keilah76.blogspot.com/2010/02/nutty-noodles-and-honey-orange-veggies.html">Nutty noodle recipe</a><br />16 oz corn spaghetti<br />3/4-1c peanut butter or sunflower butter (I tried almond butter and it was ok but not great)<br />1/4 c rice milk<br />2-3 Tb gf soy sauce or Bragg's amino acid<br />2 limes juiced<br /> 1/2 english cucumber peeled, julienne cut 2" long<br /> handful of Trader Joe's shredded carrots <br />2 green onions julienne cut <br />handful of cilantro coarsely chopped <br />red pepper flakes (optional) <br /> <br />Cook pasta accordingly to directions, drain and set aside. <br />In small saute pan, whisk peanut butter, milk, and soy sauce over med/low heat, until creamy. <br />In a large bowl toss noodles, sauce and lime juice together. Make sure to coat the noodles. (This ensures them to not dry out in the refridgerator) Toss in carrots, cucumber and green onions. <br />Garnish with cilantro and little red pepper flakes if you like a little heat! <br /><br /> This recipe is great warm or cold <br />Enjoy! <span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: grey; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">
</span>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-4503264001967165472011-11-05T11:39:00.000-07:002011-11-05T11:40:30.350-07:00Simple Questions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I asked these questions awhile ago and I thought I would revisit them</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">1. What is something mom always says to you?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-nothing</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- I love you Kira</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">2. What makes mom happy?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-to listen to you</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-when I talk to you</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">3. What makes mom sad?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo--when i not doing what you ordered</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-when i go to school</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">4. How does your mom make you laugh?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-by tickling me</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- by tickling me</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">5. What was your mom like as a child?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-you listened to your momma</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-you had cats and dogs</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">6. How old is your mom?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo- eight or nine</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- 21</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">7. How tall is your mom?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-89, 60, 70</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- 20 </span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">8. What is her favorite thing to do?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-be with us</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-make something with me</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">9. What does your mom do when you're not around?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-go to work</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-go to work or watch Enzo</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo- a movie star</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-a peacock</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">11. What is your mom really good at?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-cooking</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-making stuff</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">12. What is your mom not very good at?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-being a movie star</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-really hard things</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">13. What does your mom do for a job?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-managing</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-you be a manager</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">14.What is your mom's favorite food?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo- green stuff</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- pancakes</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">15.What makes you proud of your mom?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo- being nice to you</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- when we talk together</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-a mom</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-snoopy</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">17. What do you and your mom do together?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-talk with each other</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-we make crafts together</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">18. How are you and your mom the same?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-because we like each other</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- because we have the same color hair</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">19. How are you and your mom different?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-we are not in the same body</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- you are bigger and I am smaller</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">20. How do you know your mom loves you?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-because you dance with me</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- because we snuggle with each other</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">21. What does your mom like most about your dad?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">(he was done with the interview )</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira-because I love him</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">22.What is your mom's favorite thing to do?</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Enzo-nothing</span><br style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Kira- cook</span></span></span>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-1170876186569849562011-08-28T22:48:00.000-07:002011-08-28T22:48:03.000-07:00Bread Maker and Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERcwgFRdf-eaiCZ0T5PEPiPkkYFzqQae8B7ieRk-lS7B40xyw4wHLHLv8gaefc22hKhQedt0CWPWx9kOjQmjVJNq1iD93AwYUFD_WZQou_aBW2G9HGkRqcMuvtvT0JnJOCMd-HWcD4Zv/s1600/gfbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikERcwgFRdf-eaiCZ0T5PEPiPkkYFzqQae8B7ieRk-lS7B40xyw4wHLHLv8gaefc22hKhQedt0CWPWx9kOjQmjVJNq1iD93AwYUFD_WZQou_aBW2G9HGkRqcMuvtvT0JnJOCMd-HWcD4Zv/s200/gfbread.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>I borrowed a bread maker from a friend to see if I would possibly want to get one for my birthday.<br />
I used my <a href="http://keilah76.blogspot.com/2010/03/gf-bread-that-tastes-like-bread.html">recipe</a> for gf bread and it turned out amazing. Instead of following all of the details of the recipe, I simply put together all of the wet ingredients and sugar. Then I mix all the dry ingredients except yeast. In the baking pan I put the wet ingredients in first, cover it with the dry then, I make a shallow well and put the yeast in it and make sure it doesn't get wet. Press start and let it do what it does. So easy and quick. In fact, I am going to use the timer mode and make bread to be ready in the morning! I am pretty excited.<br />
Plus a loaf of really tasty gf bread store bought is about $6 and this costs me about $2 a loaf.<br />
So now that I told you what I am up today, I should probably fill you in on life in general.<br />
It has been a long, tiring and stressful nine months since starting work full time. I feel like I have had a baby.<br />
I am tired, out of shape and feel like I have had the life sucked out of me.<br />
The restaurant, my baby, is doing well. I finally feel like it is doing what it should be doing. The staff is great and improving constantly. We are doing wine education and everyone is really putting the effort forward to learn. Sales are up and the regulars are coming in more frequently too.<br />
The other great news is I finally have two days off in a row! I have been working six to seven days a week for the the last 39 weeks. I now have Sunday and Monday off. I almost don't know what to do.....almost.<br />
I am enjoying Sunday with my family and doing a few errands. Mondays after I drop Kira off at school, Enzo and I are going to have a breakfast date. He is excited and so am I.<br />
I am planning on getting rest and enjoying my time with my family and making an effort to do more things for them and with them.<br />
Speaking of rest, goodnight!going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-54674481138844002252011-06-22T17:22:00.000-07:002011-06-22T17:22:00.304-07:00Kira's Kindergarten Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaBr9Fxfdc_CPMwbUJIafhyphenhyphen7vIsxdRqQGzZhbNlP4iaI2BSEjr-cVesDYtOKuTH2TOBElK6W6vN29rmWMFpevm_aXvY4CWUGqSsPTRTkdwAbBhbxUmw8thitB00Z8ZkWqaSoeVwf2EbSY/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaBr9Fxfdc_CPMwbUJIafhyphenhyphen7vIsxdRqQGzZhbNlP4iaI2BSEjr-cVesDYtOKuTH2TOBElK6W6vN29rmWMFpevm_aXvY4CWUGqSsPTRTkdwAbBhbxUmw8thitB00Z8ZkWqaSoeVwf2EbSY/s320/055.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Last day of kindergarten</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pwN166zvXcam0ME6BEBKdj5Jj3iiMrEhqAEyWDR-1MHawqcYYTForVGY4rZqM8scy3PA7hmLBigT_oGvSs-BIGDhsew8OvwvXhaL84VU596-QidvtnJwsMZ-7RI2j3ipm5Se3cx9D1YT/s1600/056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pwN166zvXcam0ME6BEBKdj5Jj3iiMrEhqAEyWDR-1MHawqcYYTForVGY4rZqM8scy3PA7hmLBigT_oGvSs-BIGDhsew8OvwvXhaL84VU596-QidvtnJwsMZ-7RI2j3ipm5Se3cx9D1YT/s320/056.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I think she is excited</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRO9lTZXkViRwreQQ9g0Ru9W2Cw_8nX0d3bDPI_Jaf2HTuxiw-owfNXehRdPxM2GHQht3tzyuqYEckHRxROVncnVy3QEXmITN6B-Qw2hFgjEvbpTezTYqA1hJmmxY4edCoRC3utetZM9t/s1600/058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRO9lTZXkViRwreQQ9g0Ru9W2Cw_8nX0d3bDPI_Jaf2HTuxiw-owfNXehRdPxM2GHQht3tzyuqYEckHRxROVncnVy3QEXmITN6B-Qw2hFgjEvbpTezTYqA1hJmmxY4edCoRC3utetZM9t/s320/058.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> They did not have the music so we all hummed the graduation song</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cap and gown</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_QmjxwRCfW0Gx_WpL0Cub9_PkPTIFnIzyznNNs646XwWWKpcDivOnxsJqtAqjtabmEYL_pROemXc5MJWXfOpWUQIfJmqKJe4bN5d1AIL6RpfSAgK5-_x2ShB9EixlOcqQzmSXhMS3-jX/s1600/064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_QmjxwRCfW0Gx_WpL0Cub9_PkPTIFnIzyznNNs646XwWWKpcDivOnxsJqtAqjtabmEYL_pROemXc5MJWXfOpWUQIfJmqKJe4bN5d1AIL6RpfSAgK5-_x2ShB9EixlOcqQzmSXhMS3-jX/s320/064.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Her class</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNu268tIqRzofSDOn_wjM0Q9Ojg8PlkA30gML2w-UO3nUz7owoqy3p7UXFfSSHqWOjrphke54e7419l-1n88GLdQspQ3aAzOihHfms_pstlBmXLI833_2rTyQBI_7sqlgloNEIECIdNc9/s1600/067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNu268tIqRzofSDOn_wjM0Q9Ojg8PlkA30gML2w-UO3nUz7owoqy3p7UXFfSSHqWOjrphke54e7419l-1n88GLdQspQ3aAzOihHfms_pstlBmXLI833_2rTyQBI_7sqlgloNEIECIdNc9/s320/067.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So proud</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcKZtJ3kaW7hvgPglgFUTXw-M8eFF1ZENPYG9mm7bFfwIJ0st9PEgebWBwn9HPpv_oB91iXlW9VRwaeVyGqEYrmPkdBH2NHfjnULl3OoVtvcBb3pYYdUM9B4QH6Ochq8oFHP8Hdtl-mtc/s1600/070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcKZtJ3kaW7hvgPglgFUTXw-M8eFF1ZENPYG9mm7bFfwIJ0st9PEgebWBwn9HPpv_oB91iXlW9VRwaeVyGqEYrmPkdBH2NHfjnULl3OoVtvcBb3pYYdUM9B4QH6Ochq8oFHP8Hdtl-mtc/s320/070.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> So big!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMrvtldqwgsW-U-0nDBZBuvn3ecNYaOYN4_U5dp91z64XqRtt3lZd-_kyqa9oJowcJHACnepUMCt1B0FltPLAeFwEovAQ7fOwIMDFVZ9KTINW9_j-XAfWl4OmCSTVcAQGqdRtQhe-g02i/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLMrvtldqwgsW-U-0nDBZBuvn3ecNYaOYN4_U5dp91z64XqRtt3lZd-_kyqa9oJowcJHACnepUMCt1B0FltPLAeFwEovAQ7fOwIMDFVZ9KTINW9_j-XAfWl4OmCSTVcAQGqdRtQhe-g02i/s320/073.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7CjIM-0hM1rnFtslbL9srKtAyu43g4Ag9nK2YKvhUWFcmqeD4pHhJXHyj3LFdQH5TMGDRYOGQkP0fSYx8qQ1xBO276BWXBcDw62c0S6IzeCBP4h9TCfsM6eXY_b0gkjAVzehUz9zPCdg/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS7CjIM-0hM1rnFtslbL9srKtAyu43g4Ag9nK2YKvhUWFcmqeD4pHhJXHyj3LFdQH5TMGDRYOGQkP0fSYx8qQ1xBO276BWXBcDw62c0S6IzeCBP4h9TCfsM6eXY_b0gkjAVzehUz9zPCdg/s320/075.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> the family</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFsr5lgtNj2TG4JmwkTstr4HSAtAUZ8Ex2xGOHtj_nnfBnKt1r6QbH6K7Sghoc2Sy9CepOWpDwol9-gsyvZNYledF2Tfhku4pGBO6EXbASSfMz13gZWdJnjCN-lJUcF_z9WJQJYCRSLJU/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFsr5lgtNj2TG4JmwkTstr4HSAtAUZ8Ex2xGOHtj_nnfBnKt1r6QbH6K7Sghoc2Sy9CepOWpDwol9-gsyvZNYledF2Tfhku4pGBO6EXbASSfMz13gZWdJnjCN-lJUcF_z9WJQJYCRSLJU/s320/076.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Her teacher</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TT2ifQO-lCJcg_HlM-wMSaM4HB8BD10sIF2_QucNHoVXiaWxu5zJu80j82MavS1ErkmFJjr_CVd5tP5Mv-GEtqFKG3_xTYo43bY-sN1YSaSs1cMTygbWG3mQVvuu6swnzmK09brqi4m-/s1600/077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TT2ifQO-lCJcg_HlM-wMSaM4HB8BD10sIF2_QucNHoVXiaWxu5zJu80j82MavS1ErkmFJjr_CVd5tP5Mv-GEtqFKG3_xTYo43bY-sN1YSaSs1cMTygbWG3mQVvuu6swnzmK09brqi4m-/s320/077.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Ice Cream Social</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNbGwJ8BYgFfLmAv3kAt8wQjn3YA8U4EivpSHIsa2ZpOy7E0Lcf3tafdqEvR98mvQzTdMzTOGhe8xeOI6ERMsdoFoxB2NFF_CH6bVR1fln-WFfO9g4177ZA6Y58eqcA7J6z3xiFOa_v30/s1600/081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNbGwJ8BYgFfLmAv3kAt8wQjn3YA8U4EivpSHIsa2ZpOy7E0Lcf3tafdqEvR98mvQzTdMzTOGhe8xeOI6ERMsdoFoxB2NFF_CH6bVR1fln-WFfO9g4177ZA6Y58eqcA7J6z3xiFOa_v30/s320/081.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Enzo shared with dad</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_l410MgENeUL-GobrSEzcUzPHH_3Hc4z-IfSuNm86421T_lQJk7vepsEyJ2PyDZBjyHH00kMnW3skh6dY0qnzmlJs-u_0caQoE0OYw5rsSMNf5GRHieEO8dr5OKMFYGK6SlJIl_BEkis/s1600/083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_l410MgENeUL-GobrSEzcUzPHH_3Hc4z-IfSuNm86421T_lQJk7vepsEyJ2PyDZBjyHH00kMnW3skh6dY0qnzmlJs-u_0caQoE0OYw5rsSMNf5GRHieEO8dr5OKMFYGK6SlJIl_BEkis/s320/083.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Special Lunch at my work</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-86511445957423509592011-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:002011-06-21T17:22:08.997-07:00Camping at Plaskett Creek<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">We did it! We got away! Only for the night but still we got away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We went to Plaskett Creek, my favorite campsites, up Highway 1.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kira immediately met another little girl from Fresno and they were two peas in a pod the whole time.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBCf3RXj31QQQvJluh5wQ9orVT7BSe9Raw2i3mx80JKz_uZDWADkVTWwKeAWyGdMRu_niuLMgE1-viDy2EP1ZwiWK8CZLv1va1Y-MQbC9x8MYEA1njkfTyljIDTZ3_3ky1wXLwL3pHyCv/s1600/101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBCf3RXj31QQQvJluh5wQ9orVT7BSe9Raw2i3mx80JKz_uZDWADkVTWwKeAWyGdMRu_niuLMgE1-viDy2EP1ZwiWK8CZLv1va1Y-MQbC9x8MYEA1njkfTyljIDTZ3_3ky1wXLwL3pHyCv/s320/101.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">It was nice because she included Enzo too in they games</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">It was nice to not have cell phone reception and not have anyone call me!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCUGXIHPitVVF72QIITtUstIcGRyOYIat6wDo_5Ly1srx1i9EXdhyphenhyphenm9IPArNrNM7ADJasc5dK164WGa5Ty50cwkB8h-cOYonkAt94LnoAvvDb99MLEHJp_GgxOrnL1Iw-iXuwp_y1TIX/s1600/106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYCUGXIHPitVVF72QIITtUstIcGRyOYIat6wDo_5Ly1srx1i9EXdhyphenhyphenm9IPArNrNM7ADJasc5dK164WGa5Ty50cwkB8h-cOYonkAt94LnoAvvDb99MLEHJp_GgxOrnL1Iw-iXuwp_y1TIX/s320/106.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Sunday we drove up and set up camp.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPbf0phhot9tMt1zTdwO_Qpwsc3zv9ygntRTlLOdkD1d0vIh28YyQfe6tnIRk09gmeJxeEBMus-5BIrDQjUUe_peEXFUP2fJgi9Mp878E-3mp1WAs0vttvIPDyeOyH5yhhnN-wwbqp722/s1600/111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKPbf0phhot9tMt1zTdwO_Qpwsc3zv9ygntRTlLOdkD1d0vIh28YyQfe6tnIRk09gmeJxeEBMus-5BIrDQjUUe_peEXFUP2fJgi9Mp878E-3mp1WAs0vttvIPDyeOyH5yhhnN-wwbqp722/s320/111.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUXCx4guHW_flPtpMnhGfI259YEvlH3kTDd8x5mg-Iy-1OjogpCxckvNzlPsbloT5jCmaF5yn_O2osLeuQXSLFj-sxP-O9HSBGdU6bBTUADL2bWzFzLO6PFACFC7vipKxjx-bkviZRmh5/s1600/117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNUXCx4guHW_flPtpMnhGfI259YEvlH3kTDd8x5mg-Iy-1OjogpCxckvNzlPsbloT5jCmaF5yn_O2osLeuQXSLFj-sxP-O9HSBGdU6bBTUADL2bWzFzLO6PFACFC7vipKxjx-bkviZRmh5/s320/117.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I took countless pictures, just because</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rZnBmb69tB7tb97-wownTqE9phuUfwUWLkYGvJCTl0MxSeshPnUWWiNKnAYkFbxutVw2LKG5k5p-u6FwYr32ZtaiqAtdBePLJmr3iAgnmjgZSr1W76lT5eU5PHo9A8zzvt511i6HCij9/s1600/118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rZnBmb69tB7tb97-wownTqE9phuUfwUWLkYGvJCTl0MxSeshPnUWWiNKnAYkFbxutVw2LKG5k5p-u6FwYr32ZtaiqAtdBePLJmr3iAgnmjgZSr1W76lT5eU5PHo9A8zzvt511i6HCij9/s320/118.JPG" width="240px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We walked around the camp and went to a trail by the bluff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUOMc2XCtB-E2l9WB5z4tOf4YdOTslK5hLv7_MKcfrnYZuBHs36b874XyklPQtJzQWRLHTZ5DxtN67g79D7CNIHLrnuVsQfaLhm2NeSFo2_LY4RPRCPW6fE25hvpnQYe4hFu8B723QaN8/s1600/122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXUOMc2XCtB-E2l9WB5z4tOf4YdOTslK5hLv7_MKcfrnYZuBHs36b874XyklPQtJzQWRLHTZ5DxtN67g79D7CNIHLrnuVsQfaLhm2NeSFo2_LY4RPRCPW6fE25hvpnQYe4hFu8B723QaN8/s320/122.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg592wQ9eiqhKxi8XQYdDbutwEVo7GlIL9eyM3Iw-WBaVw5z0D9e7Ckp0USGr9NFvdFvPc2AWSJojmrs7lz16aK69BbVimHUILYYdhwUrM-9pTMZV_vpjoMUyPIH2bx01UqgoOugJ9jIl09/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg592wQ9eiqhKxi8XQYdDbutwEVo7GlIL9eyM3Iw-WBaVw5z0D9e7Ckp0USGr9NFvdFvPc2AWSJojmrs7lz16aK69BbVimHUILYYdhwUrM-9pTMZV_vpjoMUyPIH2bx01UqgoOugJ9jIl09/s320/127.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Love those kids! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2tXqA341kcRZgZMHl2d6CodLRLQwr8siQ7QLQDXQT9D4PcRrOqtlzyAe1_Pb4D26tZwkzTzTSqRUPukoel8hhCL9BWaPAHhN7aD7S97y1OGvVkt-PMILUlOfl6v50HwdTx1Fo1hWEQnW/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2tXqA341kcRZgZMHl2d6CodLRLQwr8siQ7QLQDXQT9D4PcRrOqtlzyAe1_Pb4D26tZwkzTzTSqRUPukoel8hhCL9BWaPAHhN7aD7S97y1OGvVkt-PMILUlOfl6v50HwdTx1Fo1hWEQnW/s320/133.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> We had hot dogs and gluten free buns. Gluten free graham crackers and s'mores.</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfg0bM8wMPx_u2qH3Y4i4QEY7kifid1PB8GUkrzokrZcK36Avr3RvsT6p_SgzSrCxkp6Irf1GGYCsKaN3JfRakhSXHjYm80HduBFE0osaKzolZJc3IaHJrDQKxz1GMhhYOkjSrKaErvL3/s1600/137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOfg0bM8wMPx_u2qH3Y4i4QEY7kifid1PB8GUkrzokrZcK36Avr3RvsT6p_SgzSrCxkp6Irf1GGYCsKaN3JfRakhSXHjYm80HduBFE0osaKzolZJc3IaHJrDQKxz1GMhhYOkjSrKaErvL3/s320/137.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even though it was only one night, it was still fun and relaxing</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWbBr_ID49-t29gZ_AAAaCItfMEMV3Nmgv0x3PYLH_k6Zh1r_DVUpvLalERENNVzyPBndi3N_iG8AbyMluXrOOm31Q7dfGicNjsTbAzHByz0pVGL9TGszrLlmMXUHtrgIlAKYgSyD_N94/s1600/135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" i$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLWbBr_ID49-t29gZ_AAAaCItfMEMV3Nmgv0x3PYLH_k6Zh1r_DVUpvLalERENNVzyPBndi3N_iG8AbyMluXrOOm31Q7dfGicNjsTbAzHByz0pVGL9TGszrLlmMXUHtrgIlAKYgSyD_N94/s320/135.JPG" width="320px" /></a></div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-12459670767676007182011-05-03T21:27:00.000-07:002011-05-03T21:27:41.496-07:00April Showers Brought May FlowersWell, hello there!<br />
<br />
How are you all? I am doing well and happy to be writing to you tonight.<br />
I have missed writing and doing so many things these last few months.<br />
Work got a bit nutty but I feel like we have a got most of the kinks out and are getting back to being a well oiled machine. I was putting more hours in than I would have liked to and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel as though I am able to step back a bit and let the restaurant do what it is capable of doing.<br />
I am still working Monday through Friday lunches and then a couple nights. My hours have decreased a little and I am relieved. I think my husband is too!<br />
<br />
I can not believe that it is May already! So many wonderful things going on this month! This week I get to see my dear sweet friend who lives in Kenya now. Next week I get to be part of one of my best friend's weddings out in Florida! A girl's weekend and I am not quite sure what to do with myself. School is almost out.<br />
<br />
Last week for spring break my sweet momma came up and watched the kids while they were on spring break. She did all of my laundry, shopping, cooking and cleaning for a week! I am so spoiled and I loved every minute of it. I realized it had been four months since I saw her last. Crazy!<br />
<br />
Anywho, it is nice to catch my breath and connect with you all and say hello.<br />
I hope I can connect more often as I feel my schedule freeing up a bit.<br />
Hope you are well and loving the weather, it is gorgeous here, but my allergies are gnarly, oh well.<br />
Talk with you soon!going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-88568354381925732522011-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:002011-02-19T09:34:51.100-08:0028 Days of Nothing-Not so MuchUghh! This month has been a little bit of a nightmare. I think my expectations of nothing was not really realistic with my work schedule and Valentine's weekend.<br />
I have failed, not miserably but I have failed. Last time I wrote was the about the 5th and 6th. The next week was okay and I did really well. I think I bought a coffee and that was it, $3.85.<br />
However that weekend was not so good. Eric and the kids went down to my mom's house, while I worked the whole Valentine's weekend. It worked out great because I was working crazy long hours and I knew I was not going to see them anyway. But I did spend way more than I had intended. Saturday I went to my friend's consignment shop just to peek around for the first time. I found two vintage dresses. Gorgeous and in perfect condition, these dresses are classic dresses. I need a black dress for a wedding I am in in May and for $40 I could not pass it us. If I bought this dress new it would have been $200 easily.<br />
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As for eating out....I did! I was running literally from Friday afternoon until Monday night straight. I am going to say I spent no more than $50 on food and coffee.<br />
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So, I have not wanted to write to admit failure but realized I needed to. It is the 19th today and the month is almost over. Nine more days in February. I think I bit off more than I could chew and I will be the first to admit it. I am not going to beat myself up over it though. I did make more dinners at home than normal and I was more conscience of my choices and I think that is good. <br />
<br />
Working 40 plus hours a week and trying to cut corners in spending does not really happen. I am glad I tried and failed in a sense. I sometimes set unrealistic goals and then beat myself up over not reaching them. I realize that now and I am happy to say I can not do it all. I try to believe I can but not so much! This season of my life it totally different than any other I have had.<br />
<br />
Hopefully you are able to learn from my mistakes and make good goals. <br />
Obtainable goals!going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-2104430946885157682011-02-07T23:17:00.000-08:002011-02-07T23:17:24.307-08:00Day 5 & Day 6 of 28 of NothingSaturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th<br />
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Saturday was a great day! I had an eye appointment at 11:30. I have not seen a eye doctor for about ten years. I have noticed my eyes being more tired at the end of the day. I think my iPhone is making my eye sight worse. It causes me to strain sometimes and my eyes did not bother me until I got it. Oh well.<br />
So I went and got my eyes dilated for the first time too. Well that was interesting to say the least. I have always been able to focus and see anything but for my eyesight to go it was really frustrating. Wow! How do you people who need glasses 24/7 do it? I have a lot of respect for you all now knowing a small percent of what you go through. I discovered I do need a slight prescription and waited for the dilation to end.<br />
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After about twenty minutes I drove to my surprise. I went over to a day spa for a nice Valentine's day surprise! I got a massage and spent the afternoon at a spa doing nothing! What a great gift! It was the best massage I have ever had!<br />
I went to work and had a decent night. That was Saturday.<br />
<br />
Sunday was perfectly mellow. Kira unfortunately had a slight fever, so we stayed home from church. I cleaned the house and we hung out. Our friend from San Clemente was up and he came over for a little bit and watched the game. On Sunday nights we normally go into the restaurant, have dinner and I check to make sure everything is going okay. So Enzo and I went to eat at my work for dinner for a date. Our date night was sweet and super special.<br />
<br />
Saturday: $0 I am not counting the massage since it was a gift.<br />
Sunday: I did leave a $20 tip for our dinner<br />
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Total:$20<br />
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It is funny to me that because I am consciously trying not to spend, it is all I think about and want to do.<br />
How are you doing? Maybe you are still spending but not as much? I would love to hear.going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-62401213064922105772011-02-05T08:39:00.000-08:002011-02-05T08:39:09.060-08:00Day 4Friday was rough! It started out like a nice day. I had coffee with a girlfriend- $8.05. So much for the non-frufru drink. Work was busy at lunch and had a great shift. I went to pick up Enzo at school and then it began. He did not nap and was a nightmare. Poor bub, I know he was tired but he was beyond cranky. He was whining and crying over anything that did not go his way. We go and pick up Kira and it gets worse. When he is cranky, she is the worse thing to add to the mix. Kira antagonizes him like no other sister has before. SO for the one hour I was home with them I had to do damage control every five seconds. Needless to say I was done and actually anxious to get back to work.<br />
Eric dropped me off and straight into work mode I went. We was slammed last night and had a very interesting mix of guests. Things did not run smooth. It was super to be busy and realize we need more people working, but it sucks when you can not get in a flow and make it smooth. Oh well!<br />
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So thankfully for me I get off work earlier on Fridays for now. Eric was still up in Atascadero and I was without a car. I decided to go and get a glass of wine and a little bit to eat. I know, I know I blew it! But it was so worth it! I had a perfect time and finished right when Eric came back into town. I needed a little treat and oh well, I am not perfect and I do not expect to do this anytime soon.<br />
<br />
Coffee-$8.05<br />
One happy mommy-$27.86<br />
$35.91<br />
<br />
Okay not a great start but not horrible.<br />
Plus I realized we are not doing anything for Valentine's day because I am working all weekend (but mostly because I can not stand the holiday!).<br />
Most people spend $40 on flowers!<br />
Anyways here is Mr. Linky if you want to join in the fun with your posts.<br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=goingkiwi&postid=05Feb2011a" type="text/javascript">
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</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-87139956109457794052011-02-03T23:31:00.000-08:002011-02-03T23:31:30.231-08:00Day 2 and Day 3Wednesday was a great day. I was able to keep strong and not buy anything. <br />
I worked a double and it was a busy day. Busy days keep my mind off wanting something. <br />
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Thursday was chocked full of everything. Another double today and I just got home. My feet are killing me tonight. I really want and need to buy support hose for my legs but it will have to wait. I really wanted to buy coffee today and a little snack while at Kinko's getting Valentine's day flyers done. Why do they have junk at the counter? For some odd reason I really wanted Mentos and a Snickers. Ugh! But I stood my ground. <br />
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Total spent: $0<br />
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Yeah! I did forget about a coffee date tomorrow morning with a friend so I just get a basic coffee and not a frilly frufru drink. <br />
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How are you all doing?going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-55171955907418305362011-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:002011-02-01T16:46:23.532-08:00Day 1: 28 Days of NothingDay 1:<br />
It was a hard start today, but I stood strong. <br />
I was running late but still did not buy coffee. <br />
I did get pasta and rice bread at Trader Joes. <br />
Yeah! Day one was a success and I am getting in the mindset of not spending.going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-82830111517325164872011-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:002011-01-29T11:38:25.806-08:0028 Days of Nothing-Year 3I have missed you all. December was crazy, not just with Christmas and traveling but work and getting into a routine. We are now at the end of January and it has flown by. I miss writing and miss interacting online. I have an iPhone through work now and I seem to do all of my online stuff on it but it is very difficult to type a post with my phone....ha ha.<br />
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So I am hear to say hello and tell you my hopes of next month. As you know I have done 28 days of nothing for the past two years and I want to do it this next month as well. I am sending out a challenge for anyone who wants to participate.<br />
<br />
Guidelines:<br />
1. Honesty: the most important thing about not spending money and writing about it is honesty. If you are not truthful with us then what is the point? It is a struggle not spending for me but knowing I have accountability here I am more likely to not buy anything. But if I slip and spend then you are the first to hear about it.<br />
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2. Your bills and basic food are not part of the 28 days. Obviously, you need to pay the gas bill, car payment or have food on the table. That is not part of the "nothing" challenge. However, your morning coffee drink and bagel at overpriced bucks is not a necessity. The new lip gloss or pair of shoes are the challenge. Saying NO to anything extra.<br />
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3. Post about it and be as detailed or general i.e.<br />
Feb 2-day 2 I spent $1.65 on bottled water at the gas station.<br />
It is up to you if you want to go into what you saw and wanted to buy. I think it helps to share with each other struggles it keeps it real and not holier than thou attitude.<br />
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4. Keep a running total of what you have been spending. It is the easiest if you have it in your post and then at the end of the month add them up. You will be so surprised at the extra money in your bank account at the end of the month.<br />
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You can link up using Mister Linky on Day 1.<br />
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Think about it and leave a comment if you want to participate.<br />
Thanks for thinking about it.<br />
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</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-44140286736705936462010-12-14T14:47:00.000-08:002010-12-14T14:47:12.512-08:00Let Me Tell What I've Been Up To!On December 1st everything changed! I got promoted to general manager of the restaurant that I have been a hostess at. What a blessing! We thought about it, prayed and knew it would be difficult at first. We knew we needed to make sure the kids were taken care of first and foremost. There is a Christian school that Kira got into and Enzo finally got accepted to a Montessori preschool. Th e last few weeks have been trying and stretching. We honestly felt that God had opened up all of the doors and we just needed to have faith and walk through!<br />
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Boy oh boy! He has really come through on every little detail. I am working more obviously, but as soon as we are more on a schedule, I think it will be smoother. Both of them start school on the 3rd of January and I feel like things will get more manageable. Since I will not be home as much posts will be few and far between while we are transitioning.<br />
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Everyone is excited about school. Kira has already started and loves her class, there are six other students. Enzo wanted to stay the day we checked out his school and his teacher is willing to met with his therapist too to see how much she can help in class with his left side.<br />
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I feel blessed and overwhelmed at everything so suddenly. However, I am so thankful for a God who is bigger than all of it! I am constantly clinging to Him for direction and patience.<br />
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Many blessings and love during this Christmas season to you and your family.<br />
I hope to write our yearly update soon!going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-28054324120683957222010-11-11T13:27:00.000-08:002010-11-11T13:27:34.681-08:00Butternut Squash Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have wanted to try making this soup for a while now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The restaurant I used to work at had a butternut squash bisque and I loved it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(Of course it had tons of cream and a bacon wrapped sea scallop, oh well.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I knew I could make a soup comparable to the restaurants and way more healthy too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Success!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgYA61R0ERxqwsBFKAL-4ugBdoSPdHuBAf8BOgyNYqpqhJG-vmN_c6rlLVkzG5C7u6MqJiEt9-CZWXhMDfxdv79a0K2cN2JM-gWYZLeJnZmiKmM03J8thdA2b2ThLG51i7zpBcMOUoOks/s1600/img_1338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgYA61R0ERxqwsBFKAL-4ugBdoSPdHuBAf8BOgyNYqpqhJG-vmN_c6rlLVkzG5C7u6MqJiEt9-CZWXhMDfxdv79a0K2cN2JM-gWYZLeJnZmiKmM03J8thdA2b2ThLG51i7zpBcMOUoOks/s320/img_1338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so excited, it tastes just like the bisque that I remember minus all the bad stuff.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppwFZo3qAReaXgIf8IGsj8DEcPMjowHOBQk7pntsbgfGtoPiObxwO0JwB0T3KoYWzPypDJBVRb5A4_OZ5sxoFmAHEEd7Ll0ourAiD_kGWi-7Rtwu7SatGxZpwvn-2_NEuG7T-nZFtKSmr/s1600/img_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppwFZo3qAReaXgIf8IGsj8DEcPMjowHOBQk7pntsbgfGtoPiObxwO0JwB0T3KoYWzPypDJBVRb5A4_OZ5sxoFmAHEEd7Ll0ourAiD_kGWi-7Rtwu7SatGxZpwvn-2_NEuG7T-nZFtKSmr/s320/img_1354.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Butternut Squash Soup<br />
2 Tb Earth best butter<br />
2 large butternut squash<br />
2 medium onions<br />
1 shallot<br />
water<br />
salt and pepper<br />
1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />
1/2 c cashews<br />
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Directions:<br />
In a large stockpot melt butter and add onions and shallots. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.<br />
Add butternut squash and cook over low for about 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Add nutmeg and dash of salt and pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes until squash soften. Remove from heat and blend in Vitamix or blender, reserve about one cup of broth. The second batch add cashews and blend until smooth. Pour all mixtures in the stockpot and season with s & p to taste. If too thick add reserved water.<br />
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Serve with <a href="http://keilah76.blogspot.com/2010/03/gf-bread-that-tastes-like-bread.html">dinner rolls </a>or corn tortillas. Perfect on a chilly day or night.<br />
I made this for lunch and Eric walked in and said it smelled like Thanksgiving! I agree!<br />
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Enjoygoing kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-33894835168417831242010-11-08T08:57:00.000-08:002010-11-08T08:57:49.650-08:00I Won!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xic-KAUyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xic-KAUyL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div>Tsh from <a href="http://simplemom.net/organized-simplicity-launch/">Simple Mom</a> just wrote a book and I won a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organized-Simplicity-Clutter-Free-Approach-Intentional/dp/1440302634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289235359&sr=1-1">copy</a>!! I can not tell you how much she inspires me. I love all of the Simple blogs in her network. She is the first blog that I ever subscribed to via email/google reader. In fact, she inspired me to start Going Kiwi. I am so thankful for her words of encouragement and the simplicity of her posts. They really are simple, but meaningful posts. I think I have gleaned more from her blog and network than any other blog as a momma.<br />
<br />
I really hope you will check out her <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Organized-Simplicity-Clutter-Free-Approach-Intentional/dp/1440302634/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1289235359&sr=1-1">book</a> and support this amazing woman with a head full of knowledge!<br />
<br />
This made my day!<br />
Thanks again Tshgoing kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-23395172836845071002010-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:57:04.399-07:00Halloween 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCF0kgESaP84hq7dPWq8aLNpMJQibiKODAyV2nr6Ol6OCW9UPoFdjVK9OjoUKayTyZ5Sz6n3BcDhDwfKV1oaXTJWcj2DhnMtDWjEaWXoKy-I0S2kc6LwYxTxw5NFFYsJlZz9DxAFU-K6L/s1600/img_1319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCF0kgESaP84hq7dPWq8aLNpMJQibiKODAyV2nr6Ol6OCW9UPoFdjVK9OjoUKayTyZ5Sz6n3BcDhDwfKV1oaXTJWcj2DhnMtDWjEaWXoKy-I0S2kc6LwYxTxw5NFFYsJlZz9DxAFU-K6L/s320/img_1319.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mermaid, Cat Burglar and the Vampire</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEN1kdzERPGo_YoSYnVm4B3ogeha5vqt-uAsKU4CVreaCkPticsm3ccc0lHYcIlECNycFx4pB1NGYJWJowgIApz8LloXuZBNW8fvg4HlGN9HYaE9yrEXowBUYRm8uEYbmVD0I4GlDjH9u/s1600/img_1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEN1kdzERPGo_YoSYnVm4B3ogeha5vqt-uAsKU4CVreaCkPticsm3ccc0lHYcIlECNycFx4pB1NGYJWJowgIApz8LloXuZBNW8fvg4HlGN9HYaE9yrEXowBUYRm8uEYbmVD0I4GlDjH9u/s320/img_1325.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Jesse and Woody </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Yes, this was last years costume and I never got pictures,</div><div style="text-align: center;">thankfully they barely fit</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N_nI40-0gGblzSvQypMRawjdXySnq4YEw9untQbURKl5yv5dkmbaiV_ogMqdzU6y3oSk1VsL_lJLZrOhO1JZKW2pwLm5UZzQhqOmnjwYUnplg9RGEyTYxeaXTUhVoy-OO645FeuRUCdP/s1600/img_1329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N_nI40-0gGblzSvQypMRawjdXySnq4YEw9untQbURKl5yv5dkmbaiV_ogMqdzU6y3oSk1VsL_lJLZrOhO1JZKW2pwLm5UZzQhqOmnjwYUnplg9RGEyTYxeaXTUhVoy-OO645FeuRUCdP/s320/img_1329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Mermaid and vampire</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was so excited how her skirt came out, </div><div style="text-align: center;">I did not have a pattern. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDrrEXBBOqyW-PW7QYAmXn6XVQNLfAw-XZ700o-rTes63WPTVVI-KehMwqq-qbVRHulV2Lbvgq9P3E8MsaWE3Z4Q0MlL_V9tr1LRJlyRFaBTMlNrKwzg3ghOI9Q3XTtXS1Kw3MSOfyyUK/s1600/img_1332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDrrEXBBOqyW-PW7QYAmXn6XVQNLfAw-XZ700o-rTes63WPTVVI-KehMwqq-qbVRHulV2Lbvgq9P3E8MsaWE3Z4Q0MlL_V9tr1LRJlyRFaBTMlNrKwzg3ghOI9Q3XTtXS1Kw3MSOfyyUK/s320/img_1332.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> His cape was so easy and the perfect length</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRS-tqRJ6tBS5Enl9uYcKCmU7HdQSJT6unOU8E-TRS9980kV_2TJpSsEy-K8sIMCpPjqRhx33q3kv3JLvG-BxPc4tdMF5tOndESz7gSQxHqMK71ClZ44RPBgd9kTye33jB0HhqRJOh6Sk/s1600/img_1335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRS-tqRJ6tBS5Enl9uYcKCmU7HdQSJT6unOU8E-TRS9980kV_2TJpSsEy-K8sIMCpPjqRhx33q3kv3JLvG-BxPc4tdMF5tOndESz7gSQxHqMK71ClZ44RPBgd9kTye33jB0HhqRJOh6Sk/s320/img_1335.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">My little mermaid</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">They are already planning on what they want to be next year. I think we should do Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Who knows.</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-72554597123071698692010-10-24T22:17:00.000-07:002010-10-24T22:17:09.247-07:00RuthI started teaching a bible study at my house. We are going through the book of Ruth. Oh how, I love her story. Redemption, love and grace! I am going to share this week on here. So this is just a little teaser of what is to come.<br />
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I love that it is finally raining and cold by the way :)going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-50231678162068497482010-10-15T15:24:00.000-07:002010-10-15T15:24:34.295-07:00Pumpkin Raisin CookiesI subscribe to way to many other blogs in my Google reader and my email. Every once in a while a real gem comes through and today I hit the jackpot! <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2010/10/15/in-season-recipe-connection-easy-healthy-pumpkin-cookies/comment-page-1/#comment-39358">Kitchen Stewardship</a> always has great posts about healthy food and healthy living and today was no different. She wrote about pumpkin cookies. Now I am not a huge pumpkin fan. I think since my brother's favorite dessert was pumpkin pie and for his birthday (Christmas Eve) we would always have pumpkin pie instead of cake, I guess I just got burnt out on all the extra pumpkin pie and such. Don't get me wrong I love the pumpkin ravioli's from my last job but because they were savory not sweet. Something about the texture or maybe too much spice or something I just turned me off. But I know the kids like pumpkin and so after it finally getting a little cold here on the Central Coast, around 75 degrees, I thought I would actually turn on my big oven for the first time since February.<br />
I made banana bread muffins and these little beauties<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t1XJf2s8KXfWh0f03VPF2svBm6WSUAwhWRCZpuMDeYOfIky5JpuO-7oAiNwZqtTnXZX7Ph0xjAESKph6FbkVdYZuchrYl_DIc7hndiluF5YoxNaCZBMntzu5ezalxs_5-Q0i_chrbDYh/s1600/img_1313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2t1XJf2s8KXfWh0f03VPF2svBm6WSUAwhWRCZpuMDeYOfIky5JpuO-7oAiNwZqtTnXZX7Ph0xjAESKph6FbkVdYZuchrYl_DIc7hndiluF5YoxNaCZBMntzu5ezalxs_5-Q0i_chrbDYh/s320/img_1313.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Yummy yum is all I can say but my mouth is full with one so I probably should not say anything. :)<br />
Anyways here is how I made them<br />
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Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies<br />
2 cups Earth Balance Butter<br />
1 1/2 c turbinado sugar<br />
16 oz. can pumpkin<br />
2 Tb Cornstarch and 4 Tb warm water mixture (2 eggs substitute)<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
4 cups Gluten free flour mix<br />
1 1/2 tsp Xanthan gum<br />
2 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp nutmeg<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 cups raisins<br />
<br />
Directions:<br />
Cream butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, cornstarch mixture and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients except raisins. Add to pumpkin mixture; mix well and fold in raisins.<br />
<br />
On a greased baking sheet drop teaspoonfuls about two inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.<br />
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*I initially baked them for 12-15 minutes but mine were not done all the way. So I adjusted to 15-20 minutes. I like them a little crispy on the bottom. Fool around with the time and find texture you like.<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 23px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal;">Thank you <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">Kitchen Stewardship</a> again for such a great recipe!</span></span></span></span>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-4378788631640347752010-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:002010-09-30T09:44:07.342-07:00Amazing Vegan Mac n CheeseI love mac n cheese and who doesn't!?! When we first went off cow dairy products I made my mac n cheese with goat cheese but since we are off animal products I have stopped making it for some time. We went to Trader Joe's they had their pumpkin puree out in front and it reminded me of yummy mac n cheese. I bought some and made it last night. I used nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and it was so good! The family gobbled it up with fresh green beans.<br />
Here is the recipe:<br />
<br />
Vegan Mac n Cheese<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
Bag of Trader Joe's Penne Rice Noodles cooked according to package<br />
3/4 can of pumpkin puree<br />
3 Tb nutritional yeast<br />
~1/2 c rice milk<br />
1 Tb earth balance butter<br />
Mary-Ann's seasoning salt or pinch of nutmeg and salt & pepper<br />
<br />
Cook noodles according to package (for rice noodles I usually cook them 9-10 minutes but not more since they will fall apart). Drain, lightly rinse and return to pan. Add the pumpkin immediately. Then add nutritional yeast, rice milk and butter. Mix until blended well and add salt to taste. You might need to keep warm over low heat in order to mix well if noodles cooled down too much.<br />
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Serve immediately with a yummy green vegetable like broccoli or green beans.<br />
Enjoygoing kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-24268382627515726212010-09-27T18:35:00.000-07:002010-09-27T18:35:23.532-07:00Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYra3YNYCgZvBca8bfta8ORjtMLHzzQNUwOoD3zYyC5Kkjy8A59Z0qS5t3Okzz0CiR7GaC_7gfSH_JtY3Xhh-hiPIqeK4IVX4wngZdSGzwiDYuRXQV5K6KFTyXgmDz80GyKY78Afwvrql2/s1600/img_1289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYra3YNYCgZvBca8bfta8ORjtMLHzzQNUwOoD3zYyC5Kkjy8A59Z0qS5t3Okzz0CiR7GaC_7gfSH_JtY3Xhh-hiPIqeK4IVX4wngZdSGzwiDYuRXQV5K6KFTyXgmDz80GyKY78Afwvrql2/s320/img_1289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The clock in my bedroom</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I do not need to tell some of you how hot it is here but ugh!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> It was 108 at the pool here on the Central Coast and boy did the pool deliver! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am sticking to the couch as I type and my wrists are sweating as they rest on the laptop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We do not have air conditioning and 99% of the time I could care less about a/c but the last two days it would have been nice for sure but then the electric bill would come and I would faint with sticker shock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had physical therapy today and Enzo's PT was a smart cookie and had the water table for him to play with. We caught the bus and headed to the pool (thank you Shelley!!!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got home and even though the house was closed up and dark it was still 92 degrees in my room. Right now it is 94 degrees but it is almost cooling off at 6:30 pm.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides the pool, ice cold drinks and doing much of nothing, how else to you cool down</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can we have ice cream for dinner?</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-89596189861624180272010-09-24T10:13:00.000-07:002010-09-24T10:13:08.130-07:00#5 on the List Done!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk56f1PJ60lR3XUfnxO9CgmmoW0hUlOGm2n68FDsHG2Bj4ciejs2J8muYj8d9ZcZ65SleYrUtnXmT3vv4TAWs8zGr4IaexHDPP6BBA6i-4nqAhcj5S1FQwwwvQxvhY_RcuaGbUhU-owIUJ/s1600/img_1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk56f1PJ60lR3XUfnxO9CgmmoW0hUlOGm2n68FDsHG2Bj4ciejs2J8muYj8d9ZcZ65SleYrUtnXmT3vv4TAWs8zGr4IaexHDPP6BBA6i-4nqAhcj5S1FQwwwvQxvhY_RcuaGbUhU-owIUJ/s320/img_1287.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nightgown for Sadie</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Goodness, I finally got this puppy done on the <a href="http://keilah76.blogspot.com/2010/05/list.html">List</a>!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started before and messed up so bad for some silly reason and </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">this fabric is not forgiving when you re-sew over a couple times. I got frustrated and walked away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found super cute hot cocoa fabric on sale a couple weeks ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So yesterday instead of cleaning the house, I decided to sew it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Success!<br />
Sewing all seams and going over with the serger was so nice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The ruffle turned out better than expected and I just used the serger on it, so easy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I admit my arms and neckline could be better, there are a few puckers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But on the whole I think it will look so cute on the little Miss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kira modeled it for me and said "Is this for me?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I replied "No, but I have enough fabric for one for you too."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"Yeah!" she exclaimed.</div>going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5741908352939767447.post-80284097217341246512010-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:30:49.363-07:00School and Morning Snack-Banana Bread MuffinsWell I guess I have been busy since it has been since August for a post....opps! I have been very busy but loving every minute of it. Kira has started school at home and loves it. We started Zoo Phonics in the summer when my sister brought it over from NZ. The kids love it and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a phonics program. It is fun and interactive for the kids, while teaching them (and me) phonics. I did not learn phonics as a kid, so it is interesting for me to learn the process. We started to read a couple little easy reading books, cat on the mat etc. Then she wanted to read more. So we read the first two pages of "The Fire Cat". She did great and loved every minute of it. She is getting some sight words and wants to learn more. I love seeing her excitement and do not want to drown it out with constant lessons and pounding it into her brain. But rather take our time and let her lead the way with the speed of learning. As long as she wants to keep reading in a session, we will.<br />
I guess I am doing a mixture of traditional schooling but with a small part of unschooling in it too. The whole unschooling idea intrigues me. I love the idea of them studying what their interests are and as a parent you can lead the learning by certain books. I read this one blog on how the mom would put out a book on insects on the kitchen table in the morning and then the kids would go through it and it would produce the appetite for more. The kids would go outside with jars, shovels and magnifying glasses then have a day full of learning all untraditional. Anyways, I want to incorporate that type of freedom in teaching Kira and Enzo and encourage their interests to come out!<br />
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I have been baking more now that is is a little cooler...not that it ever really got hot this summer. There were a few days here and there but nothing crazy. I just realized that I do love to bake and I know why now. When I have something baking and the kids smell it and I overhear them talk to one another about it in wonder, it is so cute. In example, I was baking banana bread for our neighbor and Enzo and Kira are coloring in the living room. Enzo turns to Kira and says "Kira, do you smell that?" She replies "Yes, what do you think it is?" He replies "Something yummy!" Then they came to me and asked when it was ready and when could they eat it! It was so great that their senses were heightened and it peaked their interest! So cute! So I guess I am a baker after all.<br />
<br />
This recipe is great, easy and quick. For some reason I thought banana bread was more labor intense than this. It is also vegan which is great, but full of flavor! I have tweaked the recipe a bit, it originally had one cup of sugar and it only needs 1/4 cup because the bananas are so ripe and sweet. I want to mess around more with it but for now this recipe is great!<br />
<br />
<br />
Gluten Free Banana Bread Muffins<br />
3 ripe bananas<br />
1/4 c oil<br />
1/4 c cane sugar<br />
2 c GF flour<br />
1 tsp xanthan gum<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 c chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
Mash bananas and mix well with oil and sugar.<br />
In a separate bowl sift flour, xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda.<br />
Mix banana mixture and flour mixture.<br />
Fold in walnuts<br />
Using 1/4 c fill muffin tins about 3/4 full.<br />
Yields 12 muffins<br />
<br />
Bake at 360 degrees for about 20 minutes.<br />
I bake them in my toaster oven for about 16-18 minutes.<br />
My oven heats up the whole house and I not ready for that kind of heat :)<br />
<br />
Kira does not like walnuts but Enzo does. So I split the mixture and only use 1/2 c walnuts in Enzo's and top the muffins with walnuts so I know which one is which. It just takes a second to do and then I do not have her picking apart the muffins :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nZGMM3k89uu1tRXG1-QhM_Bl_e8NgjaeLzhLy6zsQhtLMx7BiwxOHh8WY-EjHHEmhtw7-DPAMAg9nx33ebW8D-IVx8vp1Dl9EvqM-aNt7oeTnTgWscJ3ZOj2cMM-lkLHidCCetB7CrJA/s1600/img_1236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nZGMM3k89uu1tRXG1-QhM_Bl_e8NgjaeLzhLy6zsQhtLMx7BiwxOHh8WY-EjHHEmhtw7-DPAMAg9nx33ebW8D-IVx8vp1Dl9EvqM-aNt7oeTnTgWscJ3ZOj2cMM-lkLHidCCetB7CrJA/s320/img_1236.jpg" /></a></div>Enjoy!going kiwihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08352299565466543020noreply@blogger.com1