Going Kiwi

Simple Questions

2011-11-05T11:39:00.000-07:00

I asked these questions awhile ago and I thought I would revisit them

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- I love you Kira

2. What makes mom happy?
Enzo-to listen to you
Kira-when I talk to you

3. What makes mom sad?
Enzo--when i not doing what you ordered
Kira-when i go to school

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Enzo-by tickling me
Kira- by tickling me

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Enzo-you listened to your momma
Kira-you had cats and dogs

6. How old is your mom?
Enzo- eight or nine
Kira- 21

7. How tall is your mom?
Enzo-89, 60, 70
Kira- 20

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Enzo-be with us
Kira-make something with me

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Enzo-go to work
Kira-go to work or watch Enzo

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Enzo- a movie star
Kira-a peacock

11. What is your mom really good at?
Enzo-cooking
Kira-making stuff

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Enzo-being a movie star
Kira-really hard things

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Enzo-managing
Kira-you be a manager

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Enzo- green stuff
Kira- pancakes

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Enzo- being nice to you
Kira- when we talk together

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Enzo-a mom
Kira-snoopy

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Enzo-talk with each other
Kira-we make crafts together

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Enzo-because we like each other
Kira- because we have the same color hair

19. How are you and your mom different?
Enzo-we are not in the same body
Kira- you are bigger and I am smaller

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Enzo-because you dance with me
Kira- because we snuggle with each other

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Enzo-(he was done with the interview )
Kira-because I love him

22.What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- cook

Bread Maker and Life

2011-08-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

I borrowed a bread maker from a friend to see if I would possibly want to get one for my birthday.
I used my recipe 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.
Plus a loaf of really tasty gf bread store bought is about $6 and this costs me about $2 a loaf.
So now that I told you what I am up today, I should probably fill you in on life in general.
It has been a long, tiring and stressful nine months since starting work full time. I feel like I have had a baby.
I am tired, out of shape and feel like I have had the life sucked out of me.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Speaking of rest, goodnight!

Kira's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-06-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

Last day of kindergarten

I think she is excited

They did not have the music so we all hummed the graduation song

Cap and gown

Her class

So proud

So big!

the family

Her teacher

Ice Cream Social

Enzo shared with dad

Special Lunch at my work

Camping at Plaskett Creek

2011-06-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

We did it! We got away! Only for the night but still we got away.

We went to Plaskett Creek, my favorite campsites, up Highway 1.

Kira immediately met another little girl from Fresno and they were two peas in a pod the whole time.

It was nice because she included Enzo too in they games

It was nice to not have cell phone reception and not have anyone call me!!

Sunday we drove up and set up camp.

I took countless pictures, just because

We walked around the camp and went to a trail by the bluff.

Love those kids!

We had hot dogs and gluten free buns. Gluten free graham crackers and s'mores.

Even though it was only one night, it was still fun and relaxing

April Showers Brought May Flowers

2011-05-03T21:27:00.000-07:00

Well, hello there!

How are you all? I am doing well and happy to be writing to you tonight.
I have missed writing and doing so many things these last few months.
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.
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!

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.

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!

Anywho, it is nice to catch my breath and connect with you all and say hello.
I hope I can connect more often as I feel my schedule freeing up a bit.
Hope you are well and loving the weather, it is gorgeous here, but my allergies are gnarly, oh well.
Talk with you soon!

28 Days of Nothing-Not so Much

2011-02-19T09:34:00.000-08:00

Ughh! 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.
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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

Hopefully you are able to learn from my mistakes and make good goals.
Obtainable goals!

Day 5 & Day 6 of 28 of Nothing

2011-02-07T23:17:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th

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.
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.

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!
I went to work and had a decent night. That was Saturday.

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.

Saturday: $0 I am not counting the massage since it was a gift.
Sunday: I did leave a $20 tip for our dinner

Total:$20

It is funny to me that because I am consciously trying not to spend, it is all I think about and want to do.
How are you doing? Maybe you are still spending but not as much? I would love to hear.

Day 4

2011-02-05T08:39:00.000-08:00

Friday 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.
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!

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.

Coffee-$8.05
One happy mommy-$27.86
$35.91

Okay not a great start but not horrible.
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!).
Most people spend $40 on flowers!
Anyways here is Mr. Linky if you want to join in the fun with your posts.

Day 2 and Day 3

2011-02-03T23:31:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was a great day. I was able to keep strong and not buy anything.
I worked a double and it was a busy day. Busy days keep my mind off wanting something.

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.

Total spent: $0

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.

How are you all doing?

Day 1: 28 Days of Nothing

2011-02-01T16:46:00.000-08:00

Day 1:
It was a hard start today, but I stood strong.
I was running late but still did not buy coffee.
I did get pasta and rice bread at Trader Joes.
Yeah! Day one was a success and I am getting in the mindset of not spending.

28 Days of Nothing-Year 3

2011-01-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

I 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.

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.

Guidelines:
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.

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.

3. Post about it and be as detailed or general i.e.
Feb 2-day 2 I spent $1.65 on bottled water at the gas station.
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.

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.

You can link up using Mister Linky on Day 1.

Think about it and leave a comment if you want to participate.
Thanks for thinking about it.

Let Me Tell What I've Been Up To!

2010-12-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

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!

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.

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.

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.

Many blessings and love during this Christmas season to you and your family.
I hope to write our yearly update soon!

Butternut Squash Soup

2010-11-11T13:27:00.000-08:00

I have wanted to try making this soup for a while now.

The restaurant I used to work at had a butternut squash bisque and I loved it.

(Of course it had tons of cream and a bacon wrapped sea scallop, oh well.)

I knew I could make a soup comparable to the restaurants and way more healthy too.

Success!

I was so excited, it tastes just like the bisque that I remember minus all the bad stuff.

Butternut Squash Soup
2 Tb Earth best butter
2 large butternut squash
2 medium onions
1 shallot
water
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 c cashews

Directions:
In a large stockpot melt butter and add onions and shallots. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
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.

Serve with dinner rolls or corn tortillas. Perfect on a chilly day or night.
I made this for lunch and Eric walked in and said it smelled like Thanksgiving! I agree!

Enjoy

I Won!

2010-11-08T08:57:00.000-08:00

Tsh from Simple Mom just wrote a book and I won a copy!! 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.

I really hope you will check out her book and support this amazing woman with a head full of knowledge!

This made my day!
Thanks again Tsh

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

Mermaid, Cat Burglar and the Vampire

Jesse and Woody

Yes, this was last years costume and I never got pictures,

thankfully they barely fit

Mermaid and vampire

I was so excited how her skirt came out,

I did not have a pattern.

His cape was so easy and the perfect length

My little mermaid

They are already planning on what they want to be next year. I think we should do Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Who knows.

Ruth

2010-10-24T22:17:00.000-07:00

I 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.

I love that it is finally raining and cold by the way :)

Pumpkin Raisin Cookies

2010-10-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

I 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! Kitchen Stewardship 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.
I made banana bread muffins and these little beauties

Yummy yum is all I can say but my mouth is full with one so I probably should not say anything. :)
Anyways here is how I made them

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
2 cups Earth Balance Butter
1 1/2 c turbinado sugar
16 oz. can pumpkin
2 Tb Cornstarch and 4 Tb warm water mixture (2 eggs substitute)
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups Gluten free flour mix
1 1/2 tsp Xanthan gum
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups raisins

Directions:
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.

On a greased baking sheet drop teaspoonfuls about two inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

*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.
Enjoy!

Thank you Kitchen Stewardship again for such a great recipe!

Amazing Vegan Mac n Cheese

2010-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

I 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.
Here is the recipe:

Vegan Mac n Cheese

Ingredients:
Bag of Trader Joe's Penne Rice Noodles cooked according to package
3/4 can of pumpkin puree
3 Tb nutritional yeast
~1/2 c rice milk
1 Tb earth balance butter
Mary-Ann's seasoning salt or pinch of nutmeg and salt & pepper

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.

Serve immediately with a yummy green vegetable like broccoli or green beans.
Enjoy

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!

2010-09-27T18:35:00.000-07:00

The clock in my bedroom

Well, I do not need to tell some of you how hot it is here but ugh!

It was 108 at the pool here on the Central Coast and boy did the pool deliver!

I am sticking to the couch as I type and my wrists are sweating as they rest on the laptop.

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.

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!!!).

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.

Besides the pool, ice cold drinks and doing much of nothing, how else to you cool down

Can we have ice cream for dinner?

#5 on the List Done!

2010-09-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Nightgown for Sadie

Goodness, I finally got this puppy done on the List!

I started before and messed up so bad for some silly reason and

this fabric is not forgiving when you re-sew over a couple times. I got frustrated and walked away.

I found super cute hot cocoa fabric on sale a couple weeks ago.

So yesterday instead of cleaning the house, I decided to sew it.

Success!
Sewing all seams and going over with the serger was so nice.

The ruffle turned out better than expected and I just used the serger on it, so easy!

I admit my arms and neckline could be better, there are a few puckers.

But on the whole I think it will look so cute on the little Miss.

Kira modeled it for me and said "Is this for me?"

I replied "No, but I have enough fabric for one for you too."

"Yeah!" she exclaimed.

School and Morning Snack-Banana Bread Muffins

2010-09-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

Well 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.
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!

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.

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!

Gluten Free Banana Bread Muffins
3 ripe bananas
1/4 c oil
1/4 c cane sugar
2 c GF flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 c chopped walnuts

Mash bananas and mix well with oil and sugar.
In a separate bowl sift flour, xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda.
Mix banana mixture and flour mixture.
Fold in walnuts
Using 1/4 c fill muffin tins about 3/4 full.
Yields 12 muffins

Bake at 360 degrees for about 20 minutes.
I bake them in my toaster oven for about 16-18 minutes.
My oven heats up the whole house and I not ready for that kind of heat :)

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 :)

Enjoy!

Veggie Enchiladas

2010-08-31T11:57:00.000-07:00

I made sweet potato and black bean enchiladas last week and thought I would try another recipe.

I used zucchini, carrots, red potatoes, black beans and onions.

Obviously, if you use sour cream these are not Casein free or vegan but you can use a sour cream substitute.

Veggie Enchiladas

Corn tortillas

2 carrots-sliced as big as potatoes

1 large zucchini sliced

1/2 med onion- cubed

5-6 red potatoes- large cubes

1 tsp Cumin

salt and pepper

1 cup cooked black beans

enchiladas sauce and/or

sour cream sauce- 1 part water 2 parts sour cream mixed

Directions

Bring potatoes and carrots to boil until fork tender about 5-10minutes depending on size of chunks. Meanwhile saute onions and zucchini with salt and pepper until tender. In a blender puree potatoes, carrots, zucchini, onion and black beans. Season with cumin. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet. There are two ways of doing enchiladas.

First is the prep before if you are not eating right away: in a baking pan pour enchiladas sauce or sour cream sauce and place warm corn tortillas in sauce covering on both sides one at a time. Once tortilla is saturated, spoon on about 2 Tb of potato mixture. Roll up and arrange neatly in pan. Cover with remaining sauce and cover with foil and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Second prep is for immediate enjoyment. Your potato mixture is hot and tortillas are warm so you will need to warm up your enchiladas sauce or sour cream sauce. On a large plate assemble the tortillas with the filling. Pour the sauce on top and serve.

You can add black olives, green onions, cheese or even jalpenos to top of the enchiladas.

The kids ate these up and Eric even said these tasted like a meat filling. I think the cumin is the trick. You could use any taco seasoning too.

Enjoy!

You get veggies in there and the kids have no idea, I love it!

**If you want an easier recipe use two large sweet potatoes cubed instead of the red potatoes and carrots**

Bonjour Butterflies

2010-08-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

Okay I am really going to get all of our vacation pictures up I promise.

I have a check up appointment on Friday with my OB/GYN and

we are going to talk about getting a second opinion.

But for now enjoy these pictures!

Here are the butterflies we saw at the Science center

Enzo is standing next to a little butterfly on the right

Close-up of his butterfly

They look like eyes

One just like this was on Kira's head but flew away before I could get a picture

Where Do I Begin?

2010-08-26T15:55:00.000-07:00

Well, where do I begin? First off, I thought I was pregnant, which would have been amazing but not so much in our plans. I was a little excited and nervous thinking we just sold all of our baby stuff so it figures I would get pregnant. I decided I better go get tested and I might as well get my yearly out of the way since it has been two years, opps. I made my appointment and went in for my yearly OB/GYN last Friday. I went in and the pregnancy test came back negative, whoa, as I am wiping the sweat off my brow. Next we move onto the ever so delightful breast exam. "Hmm, do you feel that?" I thought to myself, huh?! As I feel around, I say "Uh, isn't that my rib?" She replies politely, " No, see it is not connected, it is not a rib". Sheepishly, I start to wonder I guess I am not that great at going my ~~quarterly~~ monthly self exam, what the heck?! She tells me I need to get a mammogram, oh great, cause that sounds like so much fun. We finish up all the fun and she gives me numbers for different diagnostic centers.

Wow! I am floored right now. I thought I was pregnant but really it looks like there is something wrong with the ladies. I call Eric and I am trying to keep it together. I walk down to the park with the kids because I promised we would go after the appointment. Dazed and confused I made my way down there. I made a few phone calls and got an appointment for a mammogram on Wednesday. Now let me remind you it was Friday. That means I had Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday to endure and then Wednesday for my appointment. Really?

Good thing I had to work Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday night otherwise I probably would have thought about it way too much. It is good to be busy and have to think about others rather than yourself when you are going through something unknown.

To be totally honest I was not too worried if it was cancer. If it is cancer I know I could handle it but the not knowing and waiting was killing me! I had to really concentrate on the Lord and His peace. Obviously, I needed to be in His arms. I know I need to be there all the time but how often do we wander off think that we are okay. He gently reminds us that we need Him.

By Saturday I was feeling emotionally better. I felt the prayers that were covering me and it was nice. Sunday morning came and our pastor was talking about trials....hahaha. Nice coincidence! He talked about Abraham and Isaac. How God had promised Abraham:
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. Gen 12:2
But then He commanded:
Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." Gen 22:2

It was crazy how Bryan was talking about the promises and commands of God and how we should have faith to follow His commands even though they might not seem to directly coincide with His promises. The whole sermon was great and I could relate.

I just tried to stay busy and when I found myself thinking about it and worrying I had to remember to cling to Him. I definitely had all of the "what if" thoughts but I found peace no matter what. Finally, Wednesday morning arrived and my appointment finally was here.

I got to the diagnostic center and tried to keep it together. I was not allowed to wear lotion, perfume or deodorant. Now, I do not wear lotion or perfume so that is no problem but deodorant?!? If you all do not know I sweat, a lot, no really a lot. I do not smell but I sweat. Since this happens to be on When they called me back the nurse told me on the way to the mammogram that I would need an ultrasound too. Yeah, not only are they going to squish my right breast but I get to have the ultra sound wand wandering all over it too. It just keeps on getting better. I will say the staff was outstanding and very sensitive to me.
By the time this the appointment came to and end I was left in the ultra sound room in my beautiful new gown waiting for the doctor's assesment. I was a little overwhelmed but at peace at the same time if that makes sense. I eyes welled up a couple different times. I kept thinking of scriptures and would not let my mind wander to the bad or the what if's. Obviously, our minds gravitate to those but dwelling on them is not what I wanted to do. Instead "And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7 came to mind and it did.

The nurse came in and told me everything looked normal. The lump was just tissue. It was not a cyst, mass, cancerous etc. just tissue. Now that we know it is there just keep an eye on it. I was relieved. To quote Tom Petty "The waiting is the hardest part". My nurse at the doctor's office called later that afternoon to check up. She was saying that the mammogram does not always detect everything and wants me to see a specialist. Hmm, not ready for that bill, but I will see you for a free check up in a week. So as for now I feeling good with the doctor's decision and we will see next Friday about anything further.

Thank you to all of you who prayed and for words of encouragement.
Love you all!

Seattle Day 2

2010-08-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

Enzo discovered all of the Legos at my aunt's house

Seattle Center

Okay, Stike a Pose!

Space Needle

Gorgeous Day in Seattle

We head over to The Pacific Science Center

Circus Circus

Enzo the Lion Tamer and a clown

Enzo the lion and now I am the lion tamer

A garden maze

Control panel for the Dinosaur

The electronic dinosaur

Dinosaur footprint

I remember coming here and sitting this capsule as a kid

Inside the cockpit

There was a whole insect exhibit, Enzo is riding the caterpillar like a horse, Giddy Up!

Butterfly Exhibit

I have about fifteen butterfly pictures and will post in a different post

Kira finds the one computer in the whole science center, of course!

A huge tree ring

Enzo, Cousin Cadence, and Kira

The power of water, the guns shot at pinwheels.

It is crazy to me how inconsiderate people are,

the guy in the red shirt was on that gun with his son for about ten minutes.

There was a line of kids and he was oblivious to the fact.

Common Courtesy is not so Common any more!

Huge granite ball

A water wheel, it took three of them to get it going

Well deserved snack with Cousin Shayli

A fabulous Salmon dinner with the whole family

Sheri(my new SIL), Terah(my sister's daughter), Papa Andy(my step dad),

Bethany(my cousin), Jenny(my SIL), Jacob(my brother)

Jenny, Jacob, Mimi(my mom in the red), Jebraun(my sister standing), Aunt B(in the black), Josh(my cousin's husband), Eric(my husband), Kelli(my SIL) Christian(my borther, back of his head, sorry)

The girl's table!

Cousin Jessica, Cousin Maile and Kira

Jessica is Jacob's daughter

Maile is Christian's daughter

Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Ships Day 1

2010-08-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

We made it back safe and sound. What an adventure we had! It was fun, beautiful, full of good food and a little trying with the kids but over all absolutely fabulous! What kind of trip does not have ups and downs, we had them all and even some 360's too.

The trip began with an adventure, we left Wednesday night. The Beast (our 1991 Suburban), decided to overheat on the way back from Trader Joe's. I was stocking up on snacks and it red lined. Luckily, we have AAA and have not used a tow the whole year. The tow truck picked me up and got the burban back to our house around 9:30 pm. We called a taxi to make sure we did not break down on the way to the train station and miss our bus. We got to the bus station at 11:30 pm and the bus was scheduled to arrive at 12:00 am.

The bus was full and some inconsiderate guy was sprawled out with legs up on the table in the seats for groups of three or more asleep. Eric sat in the front. The kids and I sat in two seats, with Enzo in my lap. He fell asleep fairly quick but Kira was wide awake. The gentleman across the aisle from us was clearly intoxicated or mentally ill, either way it made the trip interesting.

He sat by the window and proceeded to eat crunch on chips and slurp on soda as loud as humanly possible. Then he practically sucked the skin off his fingers getting the chip remnants off. Remember it is in the middle of the night and everyone else is either asleep or trying to sleep. He continued to talk to himself, more like mumble throughout the trip. At one point the sleeping guy in front of inebriated guy wakes up suddenly. He looks around and hands a phone to inebriated guy. Obviously, confused he loudly asserts "Hey man, this is not my phone....but I keep it!" At the next stop the sleeping guy wakes up and realizes it is his stop. Looking around and searching the seat for his phone, he because concerned about his lost phone. Inebriated guy shouts again "Hey, I have your phone, you gave it to me for some reason!" Sleepy guy thankfully takes his phone and gets off the bus. Finally, we stopped in King City for about a fifteen minute break. The driver announces possible food accommendations and time limit. Inebriated guy starts to have a conversation with himself.
"Oh, we stopping. Ah, a chocolate chip cookie sounds good, yeah that does sound good. Let's go get one! Yeah, okay"
Kid you not, that was the conversation and then he comes back with an ice cream sandwich! You have got to love public transportion. Needless to say I slept a total of about an hour in the four hour drive.

We pull up to the train station around 4:15 am. I did not think the trains or buses would not be running for some odd reason. So we took a taxi to the airport. We arrive at San Jose airport and they just finished this beautiful new terminal. We get in line at Southwest at 4:30. Now they suggest you arrive at the airport about two hours before your flight. We had a 6:30am flight, we were right on time. We were the second in line, sweet! However, the counter did not open up until about 5:15am! Really, really?!!? We became great friends with our fellow passengers and shared our traveling stories and finally they opened up the counter.

We checked in and headed through security, which was not very long of a wait. I do not know why but I always get nervous going through security. What if I forgot about something hidden in a one of the bags and they freak out on me and take me to be searched further.....arggh! Thankfully it was not the case.

We got on the plane and it was not a full flight so we had two rows to ourself.

Mimi put together crayons and coloring books for the kids-Thanks Mimi!

The kids were great and it was a quick flight, about two hours.

We kept busy snacking and drawing

Enzo did get a little cranky when we were descending and his ears were popping.

But through and through the kids were angels.

Kira and Enzo reading over the emergency information

We got in Seattle and my sweet Aunt Carolyn picked us and took us to our hotel in Lynnwood. My brother works for Marriot and we get a family discount. Praise God! We were able to stay in hotel rooms that normally cost $200 or more a night for only $59.00, sweet. Kira and Enzo were so tired. They fell asleep on the way to the hotel. Little bub stayed asleep from 9:30 until 2:30. Once we were at the hotel, I googled Mexican restaurants in walking distance. Taco Time came up and I google "gluten free menu". Yipee, they had a huge gf menu. I grew up with Taco Time and have not eaten there for at least thirteen years. I buckled and ordered their tacos. Oh yum! I figured on this trip we would eat healthy but I was not going to kill myself over it. Clearly, we have to eat gluten free but if we were not 100% plant based, I was okay with it. We hung out in the hotel room most of the day and caught up on sleep. Then we had dinner with some dear friends who live in Arlington. We went to the Lynnwood Mall and ate dinner and walked around. Since I grew up in the Seattle area I remember the Lynnwood Mall well, but I did not recognize it until we came to the middle of it and the fountains. The fountains were just how I remember them and it all came back to me.
We had a great visit with our friends and fabulous weather, I do not need much more than that.....well maybe more sleep. What a long day and full of adventures, we headed back to the hotel and all four of us crashed out.

North to Alaska!

2010-07-28T08:43:00.000-07:00

The day has finally come, we leave at midnight for our trip up to Seattle and Alaska! We are all excited and sooooo ready for this vacation. I cleaned my house, did my dishes and will be packing and finishing up laundry today. I will not be blogging during my trip because it is so very expensive to use the internet and because I am on vacation :)

We are going to Seattle for Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. Then we board our ship and head off on our family adventure. Did I mention there are forty of us?!? Yes, between my siblings, spouses, children, Aunts, Uncles, and Grandparents, we add up to forty people. I am excited to have time with my sister of course, but also my brothers and their spouses. We all get along so well and have not had a full family vacation since I was a junior in high school, almost twenty years ago.

Anyways, I will be off the computer for a week and a half. Hopefully, I will come back refreshed and back in the groove of sewing, cooking, and crafting up a storm. I have been a little burned out lately but I know I will get back to it all.

Hope you have a fabulous time without me and see ya soon!

Vacation Bible School Crazy Hair Day!

2010-07-24T10:15:00.000-07:00

We have been really busy with VBS this past week, wow with taking the bus and walking downtown everywhere with Enzo, we are tired, well I am tired but it was well worth every minute of it!!

Kira was so excited to do crazy hair day!

I did zig zag parts and gave her five ponytails and braided them

Then we added fun hair ties

Looped some of the braids

It was crazy!

Enzo wanted crazy hair too and told me he wanted Vampire hair!

He really wanted the "pointy thing in the front" , the widow's peak

so I took his new hair at the hair line and brought it forward with gel

He was so excited!!

Momma Moment

2010-07-17T23:35:00.000-07:00

Friday we went to the pool with some friends and had a wonderful time. My sweet bubba is so amazing and has such a wonderful spirit. He wants to go, go, go all the time. He was so excited to play with "big boys" and boys his age too! It was a little bittersweet though. I noticed he had a hard time keeping up with all of the boys. Obviously, he would not be able to keep up with the older boys, but the boys his age he was a little behind. I don't always think about his C.P. because he just goes out and gets things done "Enzo's way". But every once in a while I am reminded of it and hope that kids do not think of him differently or make fun. A mother's worst nightmare is your child getting pick on. Thankfully, I had not seen kids make fun or put him down. But rather they embrace him and let him tag along. :)

The thing that is so amazing is that he does not even notice it! He just kept up as much he could and if they made it to the end of the pool (1 foot deep) and turned around and passed him, he would turn around immediately too. He put an effort of 200% and it blessed me so much. He just simply amazes me everyday!

Just a little momma moment, thanks for listening :)

Goodwill Treasure

2010-07-15T13:28:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday I went to Goodwill to look for some work shirts.

I hit the jackpot!!

I got this 3/4 sleeve sweater for $3.95

This little number is of course my favorite color

it is a little big, but I am planning moving the buttons

over on each side about an inch

and it should cinch the waist a little more.

again just $3.95

This jewel, literally, jewel tone SILK top

from Banana Republic is perfect!

oh yeah you guessed it

$3.95

Last but not least,

children's clothing was 1/2 price.

I was looking for a nice warm jacket for Kira when we go to Alaska

Gap Kids

Bingo

totally reversible and has down filler!

Regular price $10

but I got it for $5!

I found L.L. Bean insulated rain boots for Enzo $10 and Stride Rite ones for Kira $15.

They were not on sale but next Saturday all shoes are half price.

So looks like I will be hitting it up on the 24th.

They have a whole month calendar with all of the discounts on each day!

Sweet

Quick Note

2010-07-13T16:36:00.000-07:00

I am winding down from six days in a row at work. We are all off schedule sleep wise. We are going to bed late and waking up late which is not bad since it is summer. I went to bed early last night....11:30, well sort of early. I am keeping dinners super easy and light. Dishes are getting done somehow, laundry is clean but not folded or put away. But I do not care, I am enjoying time with the kids and Eric. Eric has been AMAZING!! I came home on Friday night and he was in the kitchen doing all the dishes. He swept and mopped the kitchen and vaccumed the house! We were able to enjoy Saturday morning instead of cleaning, so sweet!

Today it finally warmed up and felt like summer!! Enzo had therapy this morning and he got a new splint for his left hand. For the next couple weeks at therapy he will be wearing it during his session. Eventually, he will be wearing it during the night. I think it will really help him and his hand. I had to bribe him with a lollipop to wear it. Trader Joe's now has natural organic lollipops!!! Yeah!

With the sun out I brought out the pool again and poured some warm water and the kids played for awhile. We are watching "Muppet Movie" right now and I love this movie. I remember watching it as a kid. I loved the muppets, especially Miss Piggy! HiiiiYaa!(karate kick). I could not believe how many big stars were in it, Bob Hope, Richard Pryor, Madelin Kahn, Steve Martin, Orson Wells etc. It is just as fabulous as I remember.

Finally, I have a great tip with leftover rice pasta:
I have found the only annoying thing about rice pasta is when it comes to reheating it. Instead of adding all your sauce to the pasta, serve up your family and then store your cooked pasta in a container without any sauce, sauce in a separate container. Then when you go to reheat the next day add pasta to a saute pan with about 1-2 cups of water. Over medium to high heat warm up water and pasta. The noodles will become untangled and soft again. Drain and serve with favorite sauce. It worked like a dream and I do not know why I did not think to do it before!

Anyways, enjoy your day and stay hydrated.
P.S. Only 16 days until our Alaskan Cruise!!!!Yippee!! My Uncle has so kindly paid for my entire family to go on a seven day cruise to Alaska. There will be about 35 of us! What a blessing!

Fourth of July

2010-07-07T13:06:00.000-07:00

We went down to Orange COunty for a whirlwind trip this last weekend. We left after I got off work Friday night around 11:00 pm. Eric was a trooper and drove the whole way. We were blessed with Eric's parents car to drive down. Wow! what a difference a car makes. The Beast whas made the trip but it is better it doesn't. We got in around 3:00am and of course Enzo woke up thinking it was morning and wanted to play with cousins. It took about an hour or two to get him back to bed, that was fun.
Needless to say we went into the weekend sleep deprived....never a great thing but oh well!

Saturday morning I made my famous pancakes as requested and we ate and ate and there were still tons left. I may have gotten carried away but they were good the next day too. We froze them with wax paper between and then popped them into the toaster...yummy!

Eric was able to go and watch our friend shape a surfboard blank that Eric had got a while back. Later the guys went SUPing (Stand Up Paddling). Jebraun and I went to shopping for a few odds and ends. I offered to give my sister some highlights and we got supplies for that too.

Saturday night I made GF pizza for the kids and bought Trader Joe's Whole Wheat pizza dough for the rest of the clan. I baked up five pizzas for them and one for the kids and I. We had a topping bar and everyone made their own pizzas. The trick with the pre-made dough is to bake it first for about 8-10 minutes, then add your toppings and throw it back into the oven to warm up the toppings. way better than having burnt topping and gooey crust! Thanks Trader Joe's Check out guy for the tip!

Sunday morning we woke up early and headed to Disneyland!!!

We got there about 8:30 and pretty much walked on every ride until lunch time!

We went on

Dumbo

Merry-Go-Round

Alice in Wonderland

Teacups

Winnie the Pooh (twice)

Mark Twain River Boat-I had never been on it!

Pirates of the Caribbean

Swiss Family Robinson's Tree House-(it is not Tarzan's tree to this family!!!)

Tom Sawyer's Island

Mickey and Pluto made an appearance at Club 33!

Club 33 for lunch at 1:30 was amazing!

Club 33 has always been such a treat but they went up and beyond the call of duty. My mom had called to see if there was any way they could accommendate our gluten free issues. Boy, did they!!

The chef made a special gf marinara sauce and got rice noodles for us.

Then for dessert they made special flourless chocolate cupcake, gf chocolate cookies and berry sorbet!!!

They have totally out did themselves and it was all so tasty. Then they gave us the rest of the cookies, about 10 more cookies in a bakery box to go!

Then we were off to California Adventure

Bugs Life here we come!

Heimlich's Chew Chew Train

Flik's Flyers

Francis' Ladybug Boogie-(like the teacups)

It's Tough to be a Bug Show

Toy Story

Soaring over California

Family picture of 20 people!

The whole clan

except

my brother Christian, Sheri, his wife and Maile their daughter :(

Needless to say we had fun!

Kirby!!

2010-07-01T11:22:00.000-07:00

Kira drove down to OC with my sister and her family.

To make it up to Enzo that he could not go, I planned a special date night.

As part of our special night,

we ate a special dinner of all of his favorites

rented two movies

Muppets Treasure Island

Chicken Little

Enzo loved Kirby

Kirby, the little alien kid

Enzo was pretty happy

A Bit of a Holiday

2010-06-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

As you know my sister is here from NZ and visiting until August. This last week we had a potluck and I am going to share pictures from it. At work, two of the four hostesses have given notice and now there are a lot of shifts available. I am going to be working Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for the next couple weeks. Super great for our pockets but I can already tell I am going to be tired. So something has to give and I will say my posting time will be the first to go. Looks like I will try to post when I can and hopefully you all will understand. But for now enjoy these photos of my family and friends.

Friends

Kira

My sister taking a picture of me takind a picture of her

Momma, clean my hands!

It was a little chilly

The girls got into a whipped cream fight but were pointing it up

and not down so it was funny watching them try to get each other!

Seven Year Itch

2010-06-28T09:13:00.000-07:00

Twenty-six years of waiting

Nine moves and

Two kids later

Equals

Seven years of bliss

I am as giddy as a little school girl still

Happy Anniversary ED!

I love you

Summer Recipe Week! Strawberry Shortcake

2010-06-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Super simple recipe and turned out so good! My girlfriend made them and they looked so good. She found the recipe here. I changed it up a bit. With the potluck we did have whipped cream on our desserts as a little treat, so as pictured it is NOT vegan but my recipe without whipped cream IS vegan.

Gluten Free Shortcake

Ingredients:
1/2 c vegan butter
1 c powder sugar
4 egg substitute: I used Ener-G Egg Substitute
1 tsp vanilla
1 c cornstarch or potatoe starch is you have a corn allergy
1 1/4 tsp baking powder

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 12-muffin pan or use cupcake liners
In a large bowl cream butter and sugar, using electric mixer/kitchen aid.
Add the egg substitute and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
In a small bowl mix the cornstarch and baking powder together and add SLOWLY to the creamed mixture.
Mix until well blended. Fill the greased muffin tins half full.
Bake for 15 minutes. (Test with a toothpick, after 15 minutes, even if the top looks shiny).
Remove from the pan while still warm.
Serve topped with strawberries, and whipped cream.

Enjoy!

We did!

Summer Recipe Week! Potato Salad

2010-06-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Potato Salad
Yield: 6 - 8 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds potatoes, peeled and diced (about 5 cups)
1/2 cup Vegannaise
~1/4 cup ketchup
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
Directions:
Place potatoes in large pot and add enough water to cover potatoes. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Cook 13 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Drain. In a large bowl combine potatoes and onions. Toss to coat with Vegannaise thoroughly. Add ketchup until a light red almost pink color. Add salt and pepper.
This recipe is simple and easy and tasty.

This weekend we are having a BBQ/Potluck for my sister and her family. I am going to make this and the Baked Beans too. I will post pictures. I am a bit behind on pictures and sewing trying to get used to my work schedule and duties at home. I will say that it has been good having company over and since it has kept me accountable to keep the house clean! :)

I have been picking up more shifts at work and I am still trying to get used to my late nights. Needless to say my early mornings have not been happening like I would like. I still have my quiet time but it is happening around 6:30. Thankfully the kids are sleeping in more and do not get up until 7:30-7:45. I usually get home around 10:30 or 11:00. It usually takes me a good 20-30 minutes to wind down from work. I like to lay down on the sofa with the pillows stacked three high and put my feet up in order for my legs to relax.

Summer Recipe Week! Lettuce Wraps and Sauces

2010-06-22T06:32:00.000-07:00

I wish I had a deliscous picture for you to salivate over but I did not get pictures at the party.
Wah wah wah waaah

But I have the wonderful recipes!

Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:
1 head of romaine, rinsed and dried whole leaf
1 red bell pepper finely diced
1 cucumber, peeled and finely diced
2 celery stalks finely diced
1-2 avocado mashed
Directions:
Take a lettuce leaf spoon on avocado, veggies and one, two or all three sauces. Roll up like a taco and enjoy, have napkins on hand.

Sauces

Red Bell Pepper Sauce

Ingredients:
2 red bell peppers
juice from a lemon
About 2 Tb olive oil
Mary-Ann's Garlic Salt
Mary-Ann's Seasoning Salt

Directions:
In a saute pan roast the bell peppers whole until skins are blackened. Cut into strips and place in a blender. Add salts, lemon juice and start blender on low and move to medium. Slowly drizzle olive oil while blending. Obtain a nice blended sauce not too thin.

Cilantro Serrano Sauce

Ingredients:

1 bunch of cilantro rinsed
1 red bell pepper chopped and seeded
2-4 serrano peppers- depends on how hot you want it.
(You can always seed the peppers or use jalapeno peppers and it won't be as spicy)
juice of a lemon
Mary-Ann's Herb Salt
Mary-Ann's Seasoning salt
about 2 Tb Olive oil

Directions:
In a blender place cilantro, lemon juice, red bell pepper, serrano peppers and salts.
Slowly bring the blender from low to medium. Add olive oil until a nice smooth creamy sauce.

Hummus

Ingredients:
2 cans of organic garbanzo beans not drained
juice of a lemon
1/2 cup of tahini
about 2 Tb olive oil
Mary-Ann's Garlic Salt
Mary-Ann's Seasoning Salt

Directions:

In order in a blender add garbonzo beans with water, lemon, salts, and then tahini. Slowly bring to medium speed and slowly drizzle olive oil. This will make a thinner sauce than most hummus. If you like a thicker hummus add only one can with water.

Add these sauces to salad, baked potatoes instead of sour cream, or as a dip for veggies.
I love these sauces and there is something for everyone!

Enjoy

Summer Recipe Week! Veggie Burger Recipe Updated

2010-06-21T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since today is the "Official" First day of Summer I thought I would kick off this week with some new, easy, healthy recipes for a your summer BBQ's and picnics!

Monday: Better Veggie Burger

Tuesday: Lettuce Wraps and sauces

Wednesday: Potato Salad

~~Thursday: Pasta Salad/Baked Beans-I have not decided which one~~

Friday: Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

*Change in schedule, my recipe needs tweeking* 6/24

Today we will revisit the veggie burger for a new and improved recipe

New and Improved Veggie Burger

Ingredients
1 package of extra firm/firm tofu
1 medium onion sliced
1 basket of mushrooms sliced
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 cup rice flour
1 Tb yeast
1 Tb Braggs Amino Acid
1 Tb Mary-Ann's Herb Salt
dash of Mary-Ann's Seasoning Salt- if you don't have this use salt and pepper with dash of nutmeg
Directions:
Preheat oven 450-500 degrees.
In a grill pan or saute pan cook onions and mushrooms with dash of Seasoning Salt. Cook until soft and browned. In the blender add tofu, onions and mushrooms. Blend but do not puree. You do not want big chunks. In a medium mixing bowl add tofu/mushroom/onion mixture with quinoa, Braggs, yeast, Herb Salt. Mix well. Then add rice flour until mixture is holding together well, about 1 cup. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop out patties with 1/3 measuring cup and flatten into a patty. Bake for about 15 minutes on each side. We personally like them a little more done, a nice golden brown color on both sides.
Makes about 10-15 patties depending on how big you make them. My kids will easily eat three to four each.
So if you have any left over they will keep good in the fridge and are perfect for lunch the next day.

I usually serve them with grilled onions, fresh arugula, ketchup and if I have it Veganaise. We love Veganaise and often dip our fries in it too.....so yummy. It is a little on the expensive side so I do not buy it often.
Enjoy!

Stick around for all of the great new recipes!

Giveaway Skirt Winner!

2010-06-18T08:13:00.000-07:00

RANDOM.ORG found my winner! Comment # 8

Henria O. said...

I follow your blog via Google Friend Connect!

sazzyfrazz at gmail dot com

June 14, 2010 10:34 PM

I will email you too!

Congratulations Henria O.!!

Someone Got a Haircut

2010-06-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

Enzo found some scissors, I do not know how, but he decided Kira needed a trim

(and the stuffed animal sheep).

Luckily he only cut one tiny section of her hair in the front. So looks like Kira is getting a haircut.

I trimmed about one inch and layered the front to make Enzo's cuts no so noticeable.

She was really good and she really needed a haircut anyways. It has been over a year since I cut it last.

Giveaway, Grads and Good Stuff!

2010-06-17T09:05:00.000-07:00

Alrighty folks, today is the last day to enter the giveaway. I realized that I did not put an end date so today will be a week since it opened and that sounds good. Tonight at 8:00 pm Pacific Time I will close the giveaway.

I have been a little busy this last week with work, graduation and family here. So I plan to get back on schedule. Thanks for the patience :)

Last week was graduation for the University and our neighbor graduated! I was so honored when he asked me to make lunch for his family and friends. We have had him over a few times for dinner and he really enjoyed my cooking. So I planned out a menu and we shopped and Friday and Saturday I cooked up a storm. Not to mention I worked a double at the restaurant on Saturday. For the restaurant, graduation is the second busiest day of the year next to Valentine's Day. It was a hectic but fun day! I love having twenty things to do and only a certain amount of time, I thrive on being under pressure.

Here is our menu:
Starters:
Romaine Lettuce Wraps:
In a large lettuce leaf with a dollup of guac, spoonful of veggies and drizzle with one or all three sauces, wrap it like a taco and enjoy!
Guacamole
Diced Red Bell Pepper
Diced Cucumber
Diced Celery
With Sauces of
Hummus
Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce
Cilantro Serrano Sauce

Baked Polenta with Sauteed Mushrooms

Entrees:

Fire Roasted Corn, Bell Pepper and Broccoli Salad
Veggie Burgers
Grilled Eggplant
Sweet Potato Enchiladas

Dessert:

Fruit
Candied Pecans
*I will post the recipes*

I made it for about ten people and everyone throughly enjoyed themselves.
I love cooking and I was so thankful to give a special gift to our Graduate.
Congratulations Robert!!!

Lastly, we had my sister and her family stay the other night on their way up to Northern California. They are staying with Scott's mum and then will visit here for about a week. We all stayed up late talking and the kids just adored New Zealand cousins. Enzo calls the "Museum Cousins". He can't quite say New Zealand ;)

Good Stuff! I can't wait to spend more time together!

We Rule the Pool

2010-06-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

As it started to warm up around here I thought I would bust out the mini pool.

The kids were excited and could hardly wait for me to inflate our little two ring pool.

It was a bit windy so I put up a sheet to block the wind a little.

It was connected to the jogger and they played naptime in the little cubby it created

They jumped in and splashed each other.

Enzo watered the roses.

All in all a fun day!

They are Here! They are Here!!!!

2010-06-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Seven years ago in March my sister and her family moved to New Zealand. They are officially Kiwis. I have been over there two times to visit. My sister and her family have been officially in the United States since the 5th. Scott stayed with us that night and talked at our church on Sunday. It was great visiting with him but I still have not seen my sister.

My sister and her husband

However I will see them all today!!!! I am so excited. It has been two years since we have seen each other. My sister is my best friend, an awesome mom, and my shorter but older sister. We have tons of inside jokes and opted to share a room for years. She used to beat me up until I got taller. I miss her and her family. They will be here in the U.S. until mid July.

Yippee!!!

#9 on the List, Done!

2010-06-11T10:30:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

On my list I was going to make a nursing cover for my friends baby shower. Well, I had fun and I went a little over board. This is the first bib that I have ever made....so easy and I do not know why I have not made them before!
She is having a boy and had lime green, brown and white polka dots on the invite.

I made the nursing cover with brown and light blue bubble dots

Two burp cloths with brown and white polka dots

Reversible bib with a snap and yes, those are little skulls and cross bones, so cute.

I also made a drawstring bag from this easy tutorial

It is my gift bag with all the goodies inside

Skirt Giveaway!

2010-06-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

Alright Folks, after playing around with the skirt I have decided it is not for my body type. I took in the extra fabric and it still makes me look frumpy. I need a fitted skirt. My loss, your gain.

I am giving away my skirt to whoever wants it. It is a cute simple swing skirt.
I can easily tailor it to your waist since there is room to make it bigger or smaller.

It is knee length for me and I am 5' 10''.

Rules:

1. Need to leave a comment. Any old comment would be fine, dog's name, color of bra, did you shower yet today, or whatever.

For extra entries
1. "Like" Going Kiwi on FB
2. Become a Follower
3. If you have tried one of my recipes let me know-good or bad :)

Good Luck!

Craft Time

2010-06-10T06:25:00.000-07:00

We had craft time

They cut up foam sheets and glued them on a crown

Enzo did such a great time holding the paper with "lefty"

Enzo using two hands and cutting :)

I love that craft time does not have to be anything crazy,

glue

scissors

something to cut

and

they are busy for at least 30 to 45 minutes.

Love it.

Broiled Polenta and Mushroom Ragout

2010-06-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

I am always searching google for frugal vegatarian meals and this one popped up the other day. I love polenta and I love mushrooms, so I had to try it and I am so glad I did. I am adding this to my menu plan queue. Enzo ate three helpings and about five polenta sticks. Kira actually ate all of her mushrooms and tred the polenta. Still not crazy about polenta but ate three bites of it.

Broiled Polenta
Ingredients
6 1/2 cups cold water

1 1/2 teaspoons salt
2 cups yellow cornmeal (not stone-ground)
I sprayed the baking sheet with olive oil so it would not stick
parchment paper

Directions:
Bring 6 1/2 cups cold water with salt to boil and slowly add cornmeal in a stream in a large pot. Whisking quickly the whole time. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 20-25 minutes. Keep stirring constantly with a long-handled wooden spoon because it will bubble and can splatter causing burns. Continue until polenta begins to pull away from side of pot.

Pour polenta into baking pan covered with parchment paper, using a warm cup of water dip your wooden spoon and then spread evenly.

Let pan cool on a rack until polenta is lukewarm about 20 minutes.

Spray olive oil on a different baking sheet and invert first baking pan onto sheet to unmold.

Preheat broiler

Broil about 4 inches from heat until pale golden, 10-20 minutes. Check every five minutes to ensure you do not burn. Cool 5 minutes, then cut into 3- by 1 1/2-inch sticks.

Mushroom Ragout

1 Tbs olive oil

1/2 large onion, finely chopped

3-4 packages (24-32 oz) white or cremini mushrooms, quartered

Coarse salt and ground pepper

1 tsp crushed dried rosemary

Mary-Ann's Seasoning salt

4 Tbs tomato paste

2 tsp balsamic vinegar
4 cups water

Directions

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium. Add onion and salt and pepper cooking until soft, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and add seasoning salt. Cover and cook until mushrooms release their juices, about 10 minutes.

Uncover pan and cook on high, stirring often, until liquid has evaporated about 5-10 minutes. Then cook mushrooms until brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Add rosemary, tomato paste and water. Simmer until sauce has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.

Stir in vinegar.

Serve over polenta. Enjoy.

Menu Plan

2010-06-08T06:32:00.000-07:00

It has been some time since I last posted menu ideas.
Especially since we have gone plant based/vegan, I thought I would share some frugal, vegan and gluten free recipes. Say that ten times fast. Since we do not buy meat my grocery bill is so much lower. We get ample protein from our greens, legumes and nuts.
So here I go:

Sunday
Chili and Cornbread and Salad
without meat

Monday
Red Beans and Rice and Salad

Tuesday
Broiled Polenta with Mushroom Ragout
without goat cheese
and Broccoli

Wednesday
Nutty Noodles with Veggies

Thursday
Baked Potatoes w/ Chili and Salad

Friday
Tomato and Garlic Pasta and Salad

Saturday
Cornbread Waffles or Leftovers

On Sunday afternoon I soaked a pound of pink beans and a pound of kidney beans together. Then split them into two pots and cooked them. One pot for chili with garlic, bell pepper, salt and onion. The other pot with onions, garlic, celery, bay leaves, bell pepper and salt. I made two dinners in one night. Then on Monday night I put the beans on and warmed them up while rice was cooking. I loved the combo of pink and kidney beans. I am excited to try the two new recipes I showed and I will report back to you.

Beach Days

2010-06-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

I LOVE SUMMER!!!

Went to the beach early Saturday morning

Sand toys

Beautiful Day

The other family that joined up had three boys.

The boys were actually able to get Kira in the water!!

This is the farthest she has EVER gone in the water by herself.

I know it may not seem like much but at least she felt comfortable on the shore

She was there the rest of the time digging up crabs with the boys.

20 crabs were captured and released

Dad surfed and Enzo ate strawberries

He wandered and loved every minute

We came home, rinsed off and he fell asleep on the couch.

He never takes naps on his own accord, guess he was tired

However, he did not go to bed until 11:00 because he napped :(

20 Minute Skirt, More or Less

2010-06-07T08:34:00.000-07:00

Here is the skirt I made from Grosgrain's tutorial. Now I did make a slight change in her pattern and that might be the issue here. She called for 3/4 to 1 yard of fabric and I thought it might be to tight. I made it with a yard and a half, I am a big girl and hips to go with the height. So, today I am going to tweek it a bit and see if I can salvage it.

But in the mean time what do you think? Is it just my hips and the style does not work for me? It is sitting on my hips too, maybe I should shorten the elastic and make it to sit on my waist. Help! I do not know about this new style skirt, how is it supposed to look.

Leave a comment any comment, I need help people ;)

Weekend Links 6/5/2010

2010-06-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is the best idea for a wall mural I think I have ever seen by Design Mom
Super easy and so much fun! I would love to do it with some other picture for our room.

That Crazy Quilty Girl asked for the SMS Giveaway for comments on best quilting advice here are her top picks The best tips every serial sewist needs to read

I found this post 10 Keys to Patient Motherhood from Passionate Homemaking over at Inspired to Action

A gossamar nightgown from Angry Chicken. I love Amy Karol, she continually inspires me.

20 Minute Simple Skirt Tutorial by Grosgrain
Alright I will admit to one more non-list sewing project Friday ;) I made this skirt and it would have been 20 minutes but I was having an off sewing day. I could not get the serger to work and I was interupted by kids but all in all it was about a 20 minute skirt. However, once I made the skirt and Eric saw me in it he ix nay on the skirt. Bad news for me good news for one of you. I am going give it away this week. More on that Monday.

On a side note, my sister and her family are arriving in LAX around 7:00 in the morning. Yippee! Yippee! We will see them on the 15th when they head up this way. It has been two years since we have seen everyone.

Swiper, No Swiping

2010-06-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

First off let me explain I do not like Dora the Explorer at all. We do not have any her videos in the house. She really annoys me, sorry for those of you that are fans. Dora is not my favorite kid character by a long shot.

That being said, we do have a Nick Jr. coloring book with Backyardigans, Blue's Clue's and Dora. This morning Enzo asked if he could dress up like Swiper. He really wanted a mask. It is so cute because they know I sew and make things and he asked if I could make him a mask. How do you say no to that cuteness

You don't say no, just make a mask in few minutes

because it does not have to be perfect and he will love it either way.

(By the way I know it was not on the list but I did not buy anything for it and it took a few minutes)

Summertime Plans

2010-06-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

With summer coming up I was wondering what everyone is planning or not planning to do. I love getting ideas for the kids and keeping them busy and enjoying the weather.

I am excited about three major things happening this summer

#1 My sister and her family are arriving on Saturday from New Zealand!!!! They are staying for eight weeks!

#2 We are ALL, twenty of us, going to Disneyland and Club 33 on Fourth of July

#3 We are ALL, twenty five of us, going on an Alaskan Cruise at the end of July for a week

These are all very exciting events that we are counting down to. This morning Kira asked when NZ cousins were going to be here again and I thought why not make a calendar for the summer and show all of our events. That will be the craft of the day.

With my new job I needed to find a babysitter for the kids for a couple hours during the week when I have to leave early and Eric is not home yet. Through our church I was connected with two gals who are both staying the summer here. One gal came yesterday while I had computer training at the restaurant. The kids LOVED her! It was so nice walking up to the house and watching them playing Simon Says on the lawn. She told me "your kids are really good" with a huge smile. I love hearing that especially with someone new! Then when she left Kira asked if she was going to come back the next time I went to work. It is always good to have a sitter that both the kids and parents like! And she did not break the bank!

So the other plan I have for the summer is swim lessons. Since I was on the swim team in high school and love to swim, I thought why pay someone to teach my kids how to swim when I can. I asked our new favorite gal if she would be willing to join us at the pool once or twice a week while I teach one kid and she can watch the other. This will be so much cheaper than swim lessons and so rewarding to teach them one more thing. She was all about it.

That is what we are doing this summer, what are you up to?

Kira wanted to pose too

One of These Things is Not Like the Other

2010-06-02T08:22:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to get the plastic out

I am doing what I can without breaking the bank.

Albertons had bamboo cooking utensils for $1.00 each

I saw them at the checkout.

Normally it is very easy to withstand the temptations of candy bars and magazines.

However when I saw the bamboo utensils on sale I could not resist.

I had just seen the same ones at True Value the week before for $6.00 each.

They may not be the top of the line but they work for now.

One small step

it is what I am working on.

Did you do anything this last week to get the plastic out?

I would love to hear even if it was something small.

One small step is better than nothing.

Stuffed Bell Pepers and Avocado Salad

2010-06-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

I made these a while back and forgot to post the recipe. I have since stopped buying regular red bell peppers because they are # 7 on the dirty dozen and organic bell peppers are so very expensive. I love bell peppers and would usually put them in five out of our seven dinners a week. This has been a sacrifice but I know it is good. I might try these with tomatoes instead.

Fun Fact: Did you know that green bell peppers are unripe red peppers?

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

2 red or green bell peppers seeded and halved

2 celery stalks chopped

1 small squash chopped

1 medium onion chopped

1 basket of mushrooms quartered

1 cup cooked brown rice

Braggs

salt and pepper

Herb Salt

Directions:

In a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat saute onions with salt and pepper until almost brown. Add mushrooms, squash and celery. Cook over medium heat until tender but still firm. Add rice and drizzle Braggs until slightly moist. Sprinkle Herb salt about 2 tsp and remove from heat. Spoon rice mixture into halved bell peppers.

Place stuffed peppers in a large skillet over medium heat. Add about a 1/4-1/2 cup of water and cover skillet. There are two ways to finish these. Keep them in the skillet until the peppers are tender. Second way is to cook for about ten minutes in the skillet and then place on a foil covered sheet pan Set the oven on Broil place in oven until rice browns and starts to crisp up a little.

Eric and I like the rice a little crusty on top but you may like a more moist rice. Try it and find out which you like and let me know. Enjoy!

Avocado Salad

Ingredients

1 ripe avocado chopped

handful grape tomatoes halved

1 medium cucumber peeled, seeded, and thick quarter sliced

1/4 red onion sliced

1/2 lemon juiced

Garlic Salt

Directions:

Cut up all veggies and toss in a medium bowl with lemon juice and garlic salt to taste. The avocadoes are so creamy that when tossed together they create a great oil substitute in salads.

Serve in chilled glass dishes for guests or for fun! Enjoy

Three Down Nine to Go

2010-05-31T07:51:00.000-07:00

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

I have finished three items on the list

Brown Shirt

I took this old favorite shirt of mine

made it into a pattern

I love this fabric,

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

it has such a great peasant look to it

Kira's Striped and Polka Dot Dress

It is similar to her Easter dress

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

Lastly, I restyled my striped shirt

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

Eric got this shirt at the Army Surplus store for him

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

I wanted to add a little flair

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

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

With the leftover sleeve material, I cut different size circles

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

I stacked them alternating the stripe pattern and added a button

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

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

Weekend Links 5/29/2010

2010-05-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010 Sunscreen Guide by Enviroment Working Group

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

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

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

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

Psalm 139:14

2010-05-28T06:25:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

gentleness and self control. Gal 5:22

I love it and it is good for me too!

Whoo Hoo!

2010-05-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

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

On the Look Out

2010-05-27T08:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

Mango Salsa and Cilantro-Lime Rice

2010-05-26T10:10:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

Mango Salsa

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

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

Cilantro-Lime Rice

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

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

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

Get the Plastic Out

2010-05-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

The spice containers, I have been collecting for awhile.

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

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

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

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

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

How much plastic to you use?

The List

2010-05-24T22:27:00.000-07:00

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

Here my dutiful dozen:

1. Kira's Quilt Duvet Cover

2. Finish my new brown shirt

3. Finish Eric's Hat

4. Fix Kira's dress

5. Finish Sadie's PJ's

6. Make Enzo's Quilt Duvet

7. Make Curtains for my room

8. Make Kira's striped dress

9. Make Nursing Cover for Shiloh

10.Restyle striped shirt

11. Make Napkins for Jebraun

12. Make Floor Pillows for Kids

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

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

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

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

I am excited and nervous at the same time.

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

Weekend Links 5/22/2010

2010-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Weekend Links:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feeling Anxious?

2010-05-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And the Winners Are......

2010-05-21T10:29:00.000-07:00

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

Winner of the napkins #162

makeitgiveit said...

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

Winner of the journal #67

Lichtlein said...

"WOW, what a wonderful idea!

I'm deeply impressed.

Kind regards from Germany"

Winner of the crayon roll-up #166

Lotsie said...

"I love this fabric! And the crayonroll!"

I will be emailing you for your addresses.

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

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

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

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

Family Field Trip!

2010-05-20T16:11:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

We had such a great family day,

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

The family at Montana De Oro

We went to the Natural History Museum in Los Osos

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

There were all sorts of animals and birds on display

Enzo's favorite the shark

Kira and the Stinky Skunk

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

Kira squeezes him so hard, but he still loves it

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

I love that Eric has Saturday's off now!

We are getting such great family time in!

May Giveaway Day!!!

2010-05-16T17:40:00.000-07:00

I am feeling REALLY generous!

So there are THREE items to WIN!!

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

A set of four napkins 16x16

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

This a journal covered with some fun fabric

It is 5x7, journal included

I got the journal for a buck at Michael's

Here is a crayon roll-up for eight

crayons

(crayons not included)

Here is what you need to do:

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

1) Leave a comment on which one you want

2) Become a Follower or Subscribe Via Email

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

4) Do all three and comment you did all three

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

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

Then I will randomly pick from the total comments.

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

GOOD LUCK

I will ship internationally

You have until Midnight Pacific Time on May 20th!

Weekend Links

2010-05-15T10:23:00.000-07:00

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

Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen by Kitchen Stewardship

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

Strawberry Freezer Jam made without sugar at Simple Organic

The most adorable swimsuits for her girls at Angry Chicken

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

Enjoy

Running

2010-05-13T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could you use some accountability or just some encouragement?

Let me know here or on FB

A Couple of Questions

2010-05-12T05:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Painting the House

2010-05-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

I decided we needed a new coat on the garage door

So the kids helped and we painted it.

They did such a good job!

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

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

We get a bucket of water and they paint everything.

Except dirt ;)

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

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

Craving Chocolate Pancakes?

2010-05-10T05:55:00.000-07:00

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

"Chocolate" Pancakes

2 c soymilk/rice milk

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

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

1/4 c oil

2 Tb Agave syrup

2/3 c finely chopped dates

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

3 Tb Sifted carob powder

1 Tb baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp Guar gum

Directions:

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

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

Enjoy.

Mother's Day Surprise

2010-05-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thanks Babe! You are so sweet and thoughtful!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Me, my mom and my sister five years ago

Do you think I should get a newer picture?

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

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

What does it mean to be a mother?

To me it means a lot of things.

Potty Breaks

No Breaks

Late Nights

Early Mornings

Growth Spurts

Teething

Patience

Tears of Pain

Tears of Joy

Reading Good Night Moon

Reading the Bible

Time Outs

Time Flys

Never

Maybe

Kisses

Hugs

Snuggles

Brushing Teeth

Brushing Hair

Brushing Off Dirty Knees

Slings

Swings

Batman Wings

Princesses

Knights

Pirates

Watching Them Sleep

Catching up on Sleep

Cleaning

Laundry

Cooking

Baking

What's For Lunch

What's for Snack

What's for Dinner

Bath Time

Bed Time

Quiet Time

Joyfullness of a New Life

Emptiness of One Lost

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

They are part of my motherhood and yours.

May God Bless you in this next year of motherhood,

whether it be your first,

you are still waiting or

you are a seasoned veteran.

Happy Mother's Day!

Giveaway Day May 17th

2010-05-07T07:56:00.000-07:00

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

Nashville is in Need!

2010-05-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

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

Courtesy of Samaritan's Purse

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friends that blog, facebook, etc.

I'm asking a favor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Flo

Chinese No Chicken Salad

2010-05-06T10:55:00.000-07:00

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

Chinese No Chicken Salad

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

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

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

Serious Goals Being Met

2010-05-05T05:27:00.000-07:00

This last week Enzo has had some amazing developments. I posted about him playing midline equally but even better news is a goal is about to be officially met. He is putting on and pulling up his chonies and pants! What?! I know huge, absolutely huge. The best part is that he is initiating doing it himself. We saw his OT today and she was floored at what he is doing. It is one of the goals we have had since he was probably two or so. She wants him to master the skill and then the goal will be officially met. In my mind, he has done it and he wants to continue doing it. Praise God!

The kid's memory verse for church is

I am wonderfully made

                                           Psalm 139:14

How much more of an appropiate verse for him. I have also been saying
another great scripture when he tells me he can't and that he is not strong enough.

          I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me
                                              Phil 4:13

It is so hard when he says he can't do something. I have to really interrupt whether or not he just does not want to or if he physically can not. Most of the time he just does not want to. When those time arise I have started to say the verse and really encourage and tell him I will help a little. I make sure he is doing 90% of the task but that he feels confident that I am there along side him.

Enzo dressing up like "Gloom Meister Austin" from the Backyardigans

I am a proud momma and so very thankful that God has given me my little bubbas.
I would not trade his condition for anything in the world.

Polenta with Veggies

2010-05-04T07:19:00.000-07:00

I was trying to think of new starches that I could incorporate in our diet. I had totally forgot about polenta. It is so easy to make a big batch and it keeps well for about a week. It is easy to reheat in the pan and you can add really any sauce to it and change it up.

I made polenta and served it with a mushroom, grape tomato, onion and eggplant sauce. I used my grill pan, did I mention that I love my grill pan? I do.

Polenta with Veggies

Polenta
2 C corn meal-I used stone ground
8 C boiling water and have a little extra just in case
salt

Bring water to a boil and slowly add the polenta, it should still be boiling. Stir continuously in the same direction for about 30 minutes on a lower heat. The more you stir the creamier the result. Be careful it will bubble and it will burn you if not in a deep pot. When the sides start to peel away from the pan it is almost ready. Salt to taste.

Veggies
1 medium onion chopped
1 basket of mushrooms
half of an eggplant
1 handful of grape tomatoes-whole
1 handful of grape tomatoes quartered
Bragg's
Mary-Ann Herb salt
Mary-Ann Seasoning salt- if you do not have this use a small pinch of nutmegwith salt and pepper.

Dry saute onions over medium high heat. Add mushrooms, try not to crowd mushrooms they brown better not crowded (Julia taught me that). Sprinkle a little seasoning salt on mushrooms. Add eggplant and saute until soft and skin it tender. Add tomatoes and braggs with two dashes of herb salt. If needed add a 1/4 of water at the end to get all of the cooked veggies off the bottom of the pan and it makes a richer sauce.

Trick-start veggies about fifteen minutes into the polenta and they should be done at the same time

Serve over polenta and enjoy