Gingerbread Cake

First off, let me just say that I made the gingerbread cake last night for a church event that I was attending today. I'd like to say that it turned out well (buttermilk substitute and all).  The piece I had today was good.  But it wasn't mine.  You see, there are lots of ladies that bake for the monthly gathering of moms that we have.  There is a group of ladies that all make the same recipe, then bring it and share with all the ladies that attend the event.  The baking committee is a great way to serve in this large group of ladies.  I love it!   Anyway, the piece of gingerbread cake I had this morning did not come from my own making, but I'm pretty sure mine tasted the same.  At least, I hope so!  I guess I'll know for sure if I'm ever asked to serve in another area.

I made another batch this afternoon because there weren't any leftovers for me to bring home to my family.  I felt bad for them.  It's hard to sit by and watch baking loveliness being made, and smell the delicious aromas that fill the house but not be able to have any.  And it's just plain sad to watch my son scrape crumbs out of the pan so he can have a smidgen of a taste of what used to be.

It's an easy recipe and the outcome was pretty tasty.  I think it's a good addition to any holiday baking as well.  So I'd like to share it with you!  

Gingerbread Cake

1 box (1 lb) dark brown sugar

2 cups flour

1 1/2 sticks butter, cut into small cubes

2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp. ground ginger

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. baking soada

2 eggs, unbeaten

1 cup buttermilk

Place brown sugar and flour into large bowl.  using a knife or pastry blender, cut butter into mixture until moist crumbs form.  Remove 1 cup of this mixture and set aside.

Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and baking soda to the bowl.  Add eggs and mix well.  Lightly stir in buttermilk.

Pour batter into ungreased 9x13 pan, and sprinkle the flour/sugar/butter mixture on top

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.

What I Learned Today

Did you know that you can make buttermilk?  Well, I had heard that bit of information before, so maybe I knew it. But I didn't know it enough to be able to use it  for a recipe when I realized I was lacking buttermilk (and it was late, and I didn't want to go to the store to buy some).  So what's a girl to do when she finds herself in such a bind?

Call her mommy, that's what!

But what can that girl do when her mommy isn't home (and her dad has not the information to correctly advise her)?

Google it!

Turns out, buttermilk can be made with one teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and adding it to a cup of milk.  Let it sit for five minutes and wah-lah, you have buttermilk.

I can go to bed tonight with having learned something.  As well as a fresh baked gingerbread cake filling my house with lovely aromas.  But I don't advise forsaking ones mother for Google.  It's not an adequate substitution.

Completed Projects - The Bookshelf

As I've mentioned before, we've been in our house for a year now.  The house was in move-in condition and nothing 'needed' to be done.  However, we have taken on a few projects.  For instance, there is a built in bookcase in the living room, and Ryan took it upon himself to redo it.  Granted, it wasn't constructed very well.  So we dreamed of what we could do to make it better.  There were ideas of making it just plain, but where's the fun in that?  Then we thought of lining the inside back wall with cool graphic wall paper.  But in the end we decided to stain the back inner wall of the bookcase.  

Ryan took apart the upper bookcase and left the lower cabinets alone.  Then he thought about how best to go about reconstructing the shelves.  After figuring out his plan, we went to work.  Ryan measured and cut all the wood (sometimes more than once), while I painted all the (numerous!!!) pieces of shelving.  After the back stained wall was put into place, Ryan assembled the shelving system.

And wah lah, this is what we got!

A Day Of Rest.....

and so I'm 'resting' today.

From blogging, that is.

Enjoy the respite, for I'll be back tomorrow!

Name That Tune

What do these have in common.....

Row, Row, Row You're Boat


Who Let The Dogs Out?


Fire, Fire, Fire On The Dance Floor

They are all songs that we have heard being belted out by our son.  As he showers.  Pure awesomeness!

She Gave What She Could

Mae.  My nine year old.  She had her own way of contributing to my birthday the other day.  There was a lovely birthday message on her chalk board, which was also decorated with pom poms, and on the chalk ledge was a little metal tin and pencil.  The tin and pencil was my gift.  Mae gave much thought to my gift.  She knew that my favorite candy from her Halloween stash was the Reece's peanut butter cup.  So inside the tin I found a lovely handwritten birthday card/note, as well as two little milky way bars, a tiny Hershey bar and a Reece's peanut butter cup.  Bestill my heart, she gave me her last peanut butter cup.  Mae also gave me a beautiful pencil.  I know that she gave it to me because it was pretty (and unused) but I couldn't help but laugh as I read what was written on it.

"May is Mental Health Month"

Health and Human Services Agency

Behavioral Health Services

Access and Crisis Line 1-800-123-4567

I hope Mae isn't trying to tell me something!  Although, it is a lovely pencil.

The other thing that Mae did that day was sprain her ankle.  It was just one of those things that just happens.  Playing with friends and falling 'just right' caused the injury.  This required most of Wednesday to take her to the doctor, get x-rays, and a boot to wear for the next three weeks.  I am grateful that she did this on the day of my birthday and not the day before.  At least I didn't have to spend my actual day in the doctors office.  That would have been a bummer.  Of course I am also grateful that her injury wasn't worse and that she did not need a cast.   And let's not forget that the timing of this injury is pretty good as well.  It could have happened in the heat of summer, when swimming and beach going was in full swing.  

this boot was made for walkin', and that's just what she'll do....

**I finally figured out the problem I was having with posting pictures, so I was able to add the picture of me and my lovely birthday boa.  scroll down two posts and you'll find it. :)

Only Day 4??!?!

I'm not doing so well with NaBloPoMo, am I?  Here it is almost 10:00 and I'm only writing this so I can post it and meet today's deadline.  How sad is that? (don't answer that)

It has been a busy day.  Good, but busy.  I do have an excuse, or, um, reason for not getting over here sooner today.

Thursdays are good days for me.  It's day two during the week when Isabel goes to school.  This enables me to help in Mae and Caleb's classrooms, which I do, but it also gives me time to go out to lunch with a friend or do some shopping/errand running sans kids.  And that's what I did today - lunch with a friend (what were you thinking.....that I did something productive and crossed some errands off my list?  no, they're still there.  I'll get to them, hmmmm..... next week. Yeah, that's a good idea!).  After my Jamba Juice lunch, it was time to pick up two thirds of my kids from school (stinkin' early release day), and after chatting with a friend, it was time to get Isabel from her school.  And so begins the 'after school routine' of snacks and 'get your homework done!'  Before you know it, it's time to start getting dinner ready and then it's off to bible study.

So see?  I've had a busy day.  Not really bloggable stuff, but hey, it is what it is, and it's NaBloPoMo so you get what you get.  I do hope to have something of substance tomorrow.  Hope being the key word.

Then end.

The Day After

I had a great day yesterday!  It was filled with so many good things, including (but not limited to); numerous emails, facebook messages and texts wishing me a happy birthday, as well as a much anticipated bible study attendance, and lunch with good friends afterwards, a pretty pink boa (which may have been one of my favorite parts of my day, surprisingly!), a lovely slice of cake to go with lunch, dinner out, and my choice of lemon meringue pie for desert.  So many good and wonderful things, and in light of the video I posted yesterday - I jump in it!

Thank you for all those who wished me the best yesterday and made me feel loved and so very blessed!!!

Most Premium Day

Today is my birthday. Yep, 35 years ago today I began life here on this planet. And what do I plan to do on this most momentous day? Well, since everyone in my family is in good health, I will go to bible study! (which sickness has kept me from these past two weeks!!!) Then I plan to go out to lunch with a few friends. Technically I already have my birthday present (a pea coat from Costco that was purchased last month, however, it's too bad it won't be cool enough wear today) so I'm not expecting anything else, other than a night off from cooking (which I already know is coming my way....or am I heading there? (destination is still undetermined) :) But maybe it's not too late to ask for one more thing.....how about a tiny giraffe? Why not, it's my birthday?!?!!!

It's That Time Again - NaBloPoMo 2010!

The month of November is National Blog Posting Month, and I'm all signed up.  I've participated before, and some years I've done well and actually posted every day in November.  Other years (like last year, I think), I didn't.  But I tried though and that's gotta count for something, right?

Last year I tried to do a 'thankful' post every day, and while I liked that theme, I don't think I'll do that again.  Not every day anyway.  But I'll still be thankful!  So stay tuned.

Happy NaBloPoMo!  Who's with me??

Why It's Not A Good Idea

Dear Self,

Please remember how important a good nights sleep is.  It's really not worth it to stay up late reading your latest book because morning comes waaaay too early.  You know this.  And being a mother of three, you know it all too well.  Besides, you like sleep.  Sleep is a good thing (no matter how good the book may be).  However, next time the clock inches too close to midnight and you're still thinking that one more chapter is a good idea, please consider this; a child or person in your care may wake you up before the sun rises and steal you away from the little slumber that you gave yourself, so PUT THE BOOK DOWN AND GO TO BED!

Sincerely,

Your Self Who's Now Mad At You

ps...the book isn't that good anyway.

I Wish They Came In My Size (and fit!)

Earlier this week I posted about Caleb and his aversion to wearing pants.  Just about everyday since telling him that he's to wear pants this week, he's asked me, at some point, if he could either wear shorts or at least change into them (after school).  The answer has been the same, every time.  And frankly, I'm tired of him asking.  But that all changed yesterday.

Seeing Caleb's need for more pants (he only had, like, 3 or four pair, and compared to his copious amount of shorts, that number seemed too small), we took a trip to the store to get more.  I wasn't quite looking forward to the journey since I knew he wouldn't either, and so I braced myself against whines and complaints about said shopping trip.  However, true to kid-style, he threw me for a loop when he didn't have a bad attitude.  Instead he quickly asked, in excitement, if he could have skinny jeans.  After my initial shock, I told him yes, and we set out to find some.  Old Navy, my dear store-friend, has skinny jeans, so that's where we went.  And we walked out with one pair of skinny jeans and another pair of super-skinny jeans.

If I had known that was all it would take, I would have bought some sooner!  They are now my only hope of surviving this winter with minimal complaints about his wardrobe.  Caleb may just survive this cold season after all!

When I Was A Kid....

Modesto used to have a book-mobile that would come to our neighborhood once a week.  Basically, it was a bus loaded with books from the library that we could check out.  The book-mobile would come to our street and park right in front of our house.  I loved it!  I would return my books from the previous week, then peruse the shelves that lined the bus for more books to check out.

I miss the book-mobile.  I wish one would come to my house every week.  Then I wouldn't have to lug all our books to and fro.  And I bet my kids would love it.  Maybe it would become one of their fond childhood memories just as it is one of mine.

The New Mom Jeans

I went to Old Navy and got a new pair of jeans.  My old pair is showing it's age, or rather, maybe it's me who's showing age (or feeling it anyway).  As I looked at the selections and descriptions of the jeans available, I couldn't help feeling like I should be shopping in the Misses section.  Again, I find myself between sections.  I don't fit in the young adult area but I'm not quite ready to trade in the low-rise jeans for elastic waist bands.

Previous jeans I've purchased at Old Navy were called The Flirt.  They boast a low-rise and boot cut legs.  Old Navy has made it official, I've now moved on.  I purchased The Dreamer jeans.  They have a practical 'classic rise', boot cut legs, and have 'stretch' where needed (whatever that means. and seriously, I don't want to explore that category right now).  I'm not sure if I should be insulted or not.  I'm no longer a 'Flirt' but rather a 'Dreamer' - one who dreams of wearing such things that 'flirt'? *sigh*

Let it be known right here, right now, that I don't exactly approve, or like, the names that Old Navy puts on their clothes.  But if the jeans fit....

He's Such A Southern California Boy

Since it's been rainy and cool here lately, I told Caleb that it's time for him to wear pants.  For this child, putting away the flip flops and shorts is a difficult thing to do.  He lives in them! Oh the protests!!!  You'd think I asked him to sever a limb or something.  Which I haven't, I'm only asking that he cover them up.

Fall-ing

We've been having great Fall weather here lately.  It's gray and drizzly with lots of crisp coolness in the air.  It's great, I love it!  Especially since it's not typical for Southern California.  Besides, it's perfect for an outing to the pumpkin patch.  In years past we've made our trek to the pumpkin patch with lots of sunshine and heat. It just doesn't feel right to pick out pumpkins when it's blazing hot.  So, we had a great time on Saturday with the lovely traditional Fall weather.

I'm not sure how long the coolness in the air will last, or if I'll be able to bring out my Fall/Winter clothes for good or not.  But I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts.

We're Moving

We are currently living in our third house.  The other two houses we've owned, we have remodeled a bathroom.  It seemed that for each house as soon as the remodel was finished, we had to move and never got to enjoy it.  When we bought the house we're in now, I told Ryan that we would either have to remodel a bathroom right away so we could enjoy it, or not do one at all or until we were ready to sell.  With the recent report from the plumber that came the other day to look at a suspicious leak in our master bathroom, I'm thinking that I may have to start packing boxes soon as it has been determined that demolition of the bathroom is necessary.  *sigh*  At least I have a head start with those five boxes I still haven't touched.

Renewal

When we bought our house last year, it came with a one year home warranty.  As the year came to an end we were asked if we would like to renew it and pay for another year.  With as much as it has come in handy, our answer was 'yesiree'!

Over the course of this year we have called on and used the home warranty 5 times.  The first time was when the air conditioner failed to produce cold air during a heat wave.  Secondly, the hot water heater died.  And twice we had issues with the pool (twice denied, but that's not the point, I think.).  Then again this past week we used the warranty for a water leak in the master bathroom.

Never before during any homeownership have we had to use the home warranty so much.  For a few of the things I'm so glad that we had the option to call someone else to come fix things.  Makes me feel a bit like a renter again, but without the landlord stinginess.  Granted, not all things were covered that came up, but still, it was nice to have the option.  So yes, we signed up for the year extension.  But hopefully we won't need it.

One Year

This past weekend was the one year mark since we bought and moved into our house.  It's hard to believe that it's been a year already.  Do you know what else is hard to believe???  I still have five boxes that have not been dealt with. *sigh*  I wish they'd just go away.  Three of them are in my bathroom and filled mostly with things that we rarely use but still need from time to time.  The other two loner boxes sit next to my computer and one might think that I'd see them every day.  But I don't.  They mostly just sit there and don't say a word.  Maybe that's why they are so easy to ignore.  One of these days I'll go through them and make them go away.  Maybe by this time next year.

Aside from the silent, pesky boxes, life in our house has been great.  I have enjoyed our new home so very much.  It has been a great house for our family and we have had fun making it our own.  Maybe this week I'll actually post some pictures of a few things we've done this past year.  Or maybe I'll tackle a few boxes. Decisions, decisions.  Or.....maybe I'll do both!

Up Before The Sun

I'm not sure how well today is going to go.  A little being woke us up at two-stinkin-thirty this morning.  The claim was that her bed was lumpy.  Later I found out that she had just had a bad dream (about a lumpy bed??) and was afraid to go back to sleep.

After waking us up to the report of a 'lumpy bed', instructions were given to 'go lay down on the couch and watch tv if you have to'.  Now, I admit that being woken up before the sun makes it extremely difficult to be a good parent.  I don't recommend giving a 5 year old instructions to watch tv at 2:30 in the morning.  IF, said child is able to turn on the complicated tv and cable system, then there's no telling what she'll end up watching.  Turns out King of the Hill was on - another score for parent of the year.  Good thing she doesn't know how to work the telephone, who knows what would have happened if she had landed on the Home Shopping Network!

I'm just glad that today is a school day for this little girl.  I think I'll say an extra prayer for her teacher.  And plan for a nap when school gets home. 

The Weekend Squall

I find it odd that all through the week I am able to maintain a somewhat clean and presentable house only to have it completely obliterated by gale force winds on Saturday morning.

The other problem is that it takes all Saturday and Sunday to repair the damages.

Oh the joy of raising whirlwinds.

Always - Little Word, Big Impact

Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

Philippians 4:4

I've read this verse many times in my life, and most times I get the thought of "Yeah right.  Always?  It's hard to rejoice in every situation!".  But there it is.  A command.  On the other hand......maybe Paul didn't realize what it would be like to be waiting and sitting in the Department of Motor Vehicles.

I have about a month and a half to get myself down to the DMV before my license expires.  Oh the joy.  I could only wonder at the hours of wasted time spent waiting in line with a bunch of unhappy people in a dingy crowded building.  And so today, I packed two snacks and a book and took myself down to the DMV.  After going to the wrong location, I finally found the building and stood in the long line just to get my number assigned to me.  I was number G115.  And they were on G093 when I sat down.  I had no idea what the other letters and numbers were for.  The big screen in the building was flashing up numbers like B109 and C063, with an occasional 'G' number thrown in for good measure, I guess.

After getting my number, I found a seat in the middle of a pretty much empty row.  I sat down, updated my Facebook status (what else is more entertaining that letting others know that I am waiting in the dungeon of doom with the rest of my city's humanity?), then I opened my book and began reading.  Soon a lady and her husband came and sat right next to me.  I was a bit annoyed as I casually looked around the room and saw that there was plenty of empty seats around the room and yet they chose to sit right beside me!  Then the lady began to fan herself and wafting her perfume directly into my breathing space.  Seriously?  Sit next to me and make me smell you also?? *sigh*

That was when I checked my email and saw a response to my Facebook status - I would LOVE to be sitting in DMV reading a book right now!.  I sat and thought about that little statement.  My friend was right.  How often would I love to sit somewhere and have nothing else to do than read a book somewhat uninterrupted?  My days have been filled, for years, with little beings constantly surrounding me, asking me for things, as the household requires errands and cleaning and host of other things from me as well.  And then I realized what a blessed day I was having.  There I was, sitting in the DMV and my children were all safe and happy at school and I am able to sit down and relax and read my little book in somewhat silence.

God be praised!  In the middle of the DMV!  Who knew?!

And so I sat and continued reading.  And my next door neighbor stopped fanning herself.  Then my number was called and within 15 minutes I was done and outta there!

Rejoicing.  It's a matter of perspective.  And choice.

All That AND The Kitchen Sink

Isabel says she loves me. She tells me all the time. Often she'll say "I love you forever!". And I kinda like it.

Today we had another talk about how much we love each other. It went a little like this;

Isabel - I love you one hundred!

Me - Well, I love you a thousand.

Isabel - And I love you a thousand a hundred!

Me - Oh yeah? I love you a million!

Isabel - *silence, as her mind works to come up with her next line. then her little face lights up as she says* I love you a lotta numbers!

Me too, little girl, you have no idea.

One More Reason To Love Target

Today I am thankful for Target's plastic bags. I have quite a lot of them and I use them for many things. They make for great bathroom trash can liners. Also, the bags are good for when I clean out the kitty litter.

But today I am thankful for Target's bags because they don't have holes at the bottom, like most grocery store bags. I am thankful for the hole-less plastic bag today because Isabel got sick and I needed something that wouldn't leak as I cleaned up the mess in the garage.

Yep. Target's plastic bags rock!

New Recipe!

I attended a moms event at church the other morning and in the newsletter I found a delicious recipe for Tomato Basil Soup. Yesterday was a chilly day so I decided it was perfect timing to have soup for dinner. Although I had my doubts as I was making it, it turned out great AND everyone liked it! I'll definitely add this new recipe to my dinner repertoire. Next time though, I'll make some bread to go with it. Can't beat homemade soup and warm bread on a chilly night!

~ Tomato Basil Soup ~

1 onion, finely chopped

3 carrots, shredded

2 16-oz cans stewed or crushed tomatoes

1/4 cup fresh basil

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

2 Tbsp butter or olive oil

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp pepper

Saute onion and carrots in butter or olive oil until soft. Add tomatoes, basil, chicken broth, heavy cream, sugar and pepper until heated through, but no boiling. Next puree ingredients in a food processor or blender. Serve garnished with fresh bail and sour cream (optional).

Pool Table

On the other side of our pool we have a nice table and umbrella that came with the house. It may not look very big, but it seats up to eight people! The covered table comes in very handy when we have people over, either for a party as it gives extra outdoor seating, or as a nice far-away place for the kids to sit and eat as the adults enjoy their meal together. We have also used it a lot this summer for eating our nightly dinner.

When it gets really hot, having a place to eat outside has been great. The kids love it too. In fact, almost every night before dinner Mae will ask one of us if we will be eating outside. And if the answer is 'no, not tonight' then there is the inevitable disappointed sigh coming from her direction. (I have NO idea where she got that from!) But most nights will find us dining outside.

I picked up a nice-sized outdoor serving tray so I can stack plates and glasses and a side dish or two and carry it out to the table. Also, I have invested in some plastic plates and cups to help save our glassware and everyday dishes from the occasional drop off the table onto the concrete.

Having a place to eat outside has been so nice and it makes me appreciate the blessing of our house even more. So, if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by and join us for dinner!

Isabel's First Day

Yesterday was a great day! Isabel was so excited to go to her new kindergarten class. In fact, here she is the night before as she was making her sandwich and packing her lunch. Can't you just feel her excitement?


I half expected Isabel to have either a hard time going to sleep the night before her first day or that she'd get up super-early the day of. I was wrong on both accounts. In fact, Ryan had to wake her up at 7:00 so she could get ready to leave. However, it didn't take her long to be WIDE awake and ready to leave!

Here she is as we were about to leave the house.


Then again walking to her class (I just love these shots!)


And here she is lined up with her class and rest of the school before the day got started.


Then she went with her class into the classroom, where she found her desk, put her stuff down, then came to the door to wave goodbye. I was strong and didn't cry. I wanted to. But I didn't.

When it was time, I went back to Isabel's school to pick her up. Where she had had a great first day!

Isabels says "I love kindergarten school!". I'm so glad that she does, but I hope she still likes homeschool days with Mom.

Top Ten Tuesday - All By Myself!

Isabel went to her first day at kindergarten this morning. She was beyond excited! And me? Well, I'm quite excited as well. In fact, here's what I am looking forward to doing today, my first day of all the kids in school!!!

1. have coffee with some girl friends

2. Go to Target. By myself

3. Go to the grocery store. By myself. No little hands touching things they shouldn't, feet running when they should walk, and no voices getting louder than they should!

4. Go to Costco. By myself. I'm especially looking forward to leaving the giant store without a smiley face being drawn onto the back of my receipt.

5. Maybe grabbing a Jamba Juice and not having to share.

6. Fixing only one lunch today. Or better yet, maybe the Jambe Juice will be my lunch.

7. Go to the post office. By myself.

8. Read some chapters in my book. By Myself.

9. Clean something. Maybe, if I feel like. No promises with that one.

10. Take a nap and not feel guilty about the kids fending for themselves or them watching too much tv while I do so.

Oh yes, there is plenty on my list of things to do and enjoy while all the kiddos are away at school today. But if I don't get it all accomplished today, well, I can always pick up where I left on Thursday when Isabel goes back to kindergarten! Yep. This is going to be a great year, I can just tell. :)

It Should Be Mae, But It's Not

The other week, after I returned from my weekend trip to San Francisco, I heard Caleb tell that his favorite drink was Dr. Pepper. This was news to me. Especially since we don't really let our kids drink soda, like hardly ever. If we go out to eat, I usually allow the kids get lemonade or, if I'm an exceptionally nice mother, root beer. But hardly ever ever Coke or another like-soda. But Caleb insists that Dr. Pepper is his favorite soda. Which only brings me to the conclusion that while I was gone, Ryan took them out to eat and let them get real soda.

He did.

And, he did.

Now, if you ask Caleb what his favorite drink is, he'll tell you - Dr. Pepper! (the world is coming to an end....my children have had real soda with CAFFEINE!!!! consider yourself warned.)

Out of all the kids, I would figure it would be Mae that would love it. You see, when I was pregnant with Mae, Ryan was borderline obsessed with my sugar intake. He tried to limit me. However, that Thanksgiving, after having one glass of my choice drink, Dr. Pepper, I wanted another. But I was seated at the table in such a way that I couldn't get up without three other people having to get up out of their seats to let me out, then back in. So I asked Ryan, since he was up and refilling his glass, if he would please refill mine as well. He refused, and offered to get me something else. Well, I didn't want 'something else', I wanted more DP! So my cousin, who also has a love for the drink, got up and refilled my glass. Much to Ryan's chagrin.

So, one would think that my Dr. Pepper desire would travel down to the child within. But I guess it didn't. Or maybe it did, but skipped to the next? Oh well, one less person to share my beloved DP. with. :)

A New Year, Another First Day

My kids went back to school yesterday. I can't believe that summer vacation is over. It feels like it went by quickly, or maybe it just seems that way from this side of it. However, I think we all have been looking forward to school resuming these past couple weeks.

To prepare for going back we got all our school supplies weeks ago (before the rush on supplies really hit, no crowds AND everything was stocked up!). Then over the weekend the kids picked out a new shirt to wear on the first day.

So, come Monday morning, the lunches were made, shirts were donned and backpacks were loaded and ready to go!

Wow. I have a 4th and 2nd grader. Time flies!

Next week will be a whole new beginning for Isabel and me. That's when we will start Isabel's kindergarten homeschooling. But until then, I only have a 2nd and 4th grader, oh, and I pre-schooler. (yes, I live in denial. don't spoil it for me) :)

A Curious Find

I was on the computer looking for a specific group of pictures when I came across a bunch of pictures that Mae had taken a few years ago. There were several shots of her stuffed animals wearing sunglasses and 'reading books', as well as an occasional self-shot. All were very random but not too surprising since Mae was exploring her inner photographer. However, I was a bit baffled when I saw this one....

....until I realized that she had spelled her name in pretzels. Ha! Of course, how genius! It's all clear to me now. I should not have been so baffled, no?

My New Favorite

Mae loves to draw and color. She always has. I don't think she really had a choice seeing how creative her parents are. And Ryan and I have enjoyed seeing the things she's made over the years.

Recently, Mae drew a picture of a bunch of pac-mans (pac-men?) going in a bunch of directions all over the page. I thought it was such a random thing for her to draw, and there was just something about it that I liked. So I took a picture of it, then decided to make it the wallpaper for my phone. Mae loves that I have her picture as my wallpaper. I think it makes her feel proud. She has since had me show several people my phone and newest wallpaper. And to be honest, I don't mind showing it off. I'm kind of proud of her too!

So here it is, my new wallpaper, or, rather, Mae's newest piece of art.

Top Ten Tuesday - SF Weekend

I haven't participated in Top Ten Tuesday in a very loooooong time. Seeing how I just came off a fabulous girl weekend in San Francisco, I feel like I can use the Top Ten as a recap. I'll try to be brief but still share my highlights (with out boring you all to death).

So, a good friend I and I flew into to San Francisco for just a couple days. The best things of our time included, but were not limited to, the following;

1 - Flying with no children and only carrying a backpack (no suitcases, just the clothes on our backs and a few necessities).

2 - Taking BART around the city with ease and not getting lost, turned around or ever going in the wrong direction.

3 - Having brunch at Neiman Marcus on Saturday. We had not eaten much for breakfast so that we would be hungry for our early lunch reservations. I ordered a delicious crab sandwich that looked waaay bigger than it actually ended up being, and it was fabulous!

4 - Seeing Wicked!!!!

5 - Staying at my friend's relative's house in Berkeley. Not only did it keep our travel cost down but I also got to see a part of the bay area that I'd never been to before. I loved the cute bungalows and craftsman houses, made me think of Portland.

6 - Dropping off our backpacks at MOMA on Sunday so we could walk unencumbered before checking into the airport and heading home. (which was totally free, by the way. we followed the don't ask, don't tell philosophy since we weren't actually going into the museum....they didn't ask, so we didn't tell.)

7 - Completing our 'things to do in the city' list by having a chowder bread bowl for lunch on Sunday. There's nothing quite like a San Francisco sourdough bread bowl filled with white clam chowder yumminess!

8 - Having extra bandaids in my backpack. I needed one after walking around the city for two days. My shoes were cute, but rubbed a bit too much.

9 - Having a great time with my friend, and taking silly pictures.

10 - Coming home to my family, whom were all happy to see me. It was the best ending to a fabulous weekend.

~~~~~~~~~~

Interested in more Top Ten's for this week? Go to OhAmanda and check out the list!

It's My Thing

I'm not much for cooking. It doesn't excite me. I cook only for nourishment, because it's needed. Now baking, that's something I can get into. That excites me.

At Thanksgiving I make a fabulous crumble top apple pie. And at Christmas I make snickerdoodles. Then there is always pumpkin pie, those are made during both holidays. During the other times of the year I like to make cookies and cakes and ice cream! However, I have not made meringue, and consequently, never a lemon meringue pie.

Until now.

My in-laws were visiting and I had lemons on the tree and I felt the need to make something delicious while they were here. So I decided to try my hand at the infamous lemon meringue pie. After a failed attempt at baking an empty pie crust (which is necessary for this kind of pie, but something I've never done because my previous pies have always been baked at the same time as the filling), I had a decision to make. I could scrap the whole idea of a pie altogether OR buck up and try again.

I bucked up. For I didn't want a baking failure on my record.

And wah-lah, made a super-yummy lemon meringue pie. Which received high praise for it's appearance as well as taste.

I love baking!

Conversations

Tucking Caleb into bed tonight, this is a snippet of our conversation:

Caleb: I have a hard time being nice to my sisters because they're a part of my family.

Me: (trying not to laugh, and not succeeding) What? What about Me and Daddy? Do you have a hard time being nice to us?

Caleb: Yes.

Me: Well, can you pretend that you don't know us? It might be easier for you that way.

Then we both couldn't contain our laughter any longer. That kid! He says the silliest things sometimes.

I'll keep you posted on how this theory plays out, but I have a feeling we'll be back to square one come morning.

Tips For Boogie Boarding

When one goes boogie boarding, there are a couple things that have proven to be helpful.

1). Wear a hat. This will keep the water from getting in the eyes. Now, don't blame me if some water splashes up into your face and therefore getting in your eyes, for it will happen but the hat will certainly keep most of the water at, ahem, bay.

2). An extra pair of sunglasses should be worn instead of the everyday pair. I have prescription eye glasses with transition lenses, but I also have at least one extra pair with the transition lenses and those are the ones I wear when boogieing on my board. :) The glasses not only keep the sun out (and help me see clearly) but they also help keep water out of my eyes also.

3). I love my board shorts. They give me more coverage in modesty as well as make boogie board riding more comfortable. Board shorts are a must.

4). And if you wear board shorts then a good tankini is a good option for the top half (of course!). When I shop for a tankini I am always looking for one that is longer than average because of my long torso. And because I get tankinies that are longer, this also means that I don't get a rash from the board rubbing on my tummy. I love my long tankini top!

5). A water-proof watch. When a mom hits the waves while her kids are at VBS, it's important that she keep track of time so she can be on time to pick them up*.

6). The boogie board. Maybe I should have mentioned this first. It's pretty essential to boogie boarding. But maybe that's just me.

*disclaimer - this doesn't necessarily mean that she will be on time, it's not the watch's fault if she's late, and she may get a talking to from the VBS ladies working the registration tables.

AKA - Boogie Boarding Week

Today is the start of VBS for my kids. Every day they will go at 9:00 and be done at 12:00. Whatever shall I do with myself for 3 hours???

Go boogie boarding with a friend, of course.

It's going to be a great week! And I bet I'll sleep great AND get good exercise. It's a win-win all around!

I love VBS week!

A + + +!!!

Ever find yourself on the freeway, just beboppin' down the road, and realize that there is a highway patrol car behind you? You have no idea how long he's been there and panic sets in! But as your eyes dart to the speedometer your pulse returns to normal and a smile crosses your face. You just passed an on-road test, you weren't speeding and therefore pass the pop quiz by the policeman that's been tailing you.

That's how I felt the other day when my babysitter showed up.

Ryan had been gone on business for a week and the kids and I were trying our best to not kill each other. We'd survived the loooong lonely weekend and it was now Monday evening and time for me to leave for my ladies bible study group. The kids had been running around the house off and on all day, and consequently I'd been telling them to 'stop running in the house!' off and on all day. So as I was in the bathroom getting ready to leave, I heard them running, AGAIN! Inside I felt like yelling and screaming at them, but instead I walked out of my room and calmly told them to go to their rooms. Not two seconds later the doorbell rang. It was the babysitter. She had rang the doorbell once already and I didn't hear it. The kids had been trying to quickly find a place to hide (hence the running) after they heard it the first time.

As this bit of news hit me, I realized that if I had chosen to lash out at the kids with pent up anger of day-long frustration then my babysitter would have heard me. No doubt. And so I feel like a passed a parenting pop quiz! By the grace of God, I did not yell or scream at my kids. I chose to speak calmly to them. Therefore I was rewarded with the satisfaction that I was not embarrassed when I opened the door to my babysitter!

Praise God, I passed!!!!

Late Night Potty Training

When your five year old runs out of night time pull-ups, you may decide that it's time to be done with them completely and begin waking up the child in the night so she can go potty in the bathroom instead of her bed.

If you wake up your five year old in the night so she can go potty, a few strange thing may happen.

For instance, she may be harder to wake up than you thought.

When she does wake up enough to walk, it'll be kinda funny, a bit on the drunk side of walking.

Once she stumbles from bed to the bathroom, you may just stand outside the door to give her some privacy.

This may not be a good idea since she's not all that aware having just been awoken from a deep sleep (if not sleep walking/peeing).

You may have to remind her to flush the toilet.

In doing so, you may then see her walk out of the bathroom without flushing.

But she won't be wearing any bottoms. At all!

You'll ask her to stop, as you go into the bathroom to retrieve the necessary pj bottoms and underwear.

Once inside you might see the missing articles inside the toilet.

Then you'll wonder how effective this 'training' is as you walk the sleepy five year old to her room to clothe her bottom half and put her back in bed.

~~~this has been the musings of a nighttime potty training mother.

Note To Self

When making an orange julius from freshly squeezed oranges, always taste the juice before taking the next julius step.

I am watching a friends house while they are on vacation. My duties include feeding their kitties and playing with them (this is the bummer part of my job! *wink wink*) as well as watering the garden. I was told that I could glean any fruit or vegetable that is ripe. While I was there yesterday I couldn't help but notice that the orange tree was heavy laden with very ripe oranges. After texting for permission (I still felt I should ask before cleaning out the tree) I put a dozen or so oranges in a bag and headed home. My mission was to make orange julius for the kids and I as we bummed around on the couch watching The Next Food Network Star and Design Star (one of my tv highlights of the week, next to So You Think You Can Dance, of course).

So, after using my handy dandy juicer machine on all the oranges, I went to work on adding the necessary ingredients to complete the julius. Once the drink was all put together, I filled the cups for the kids and handed them off with a 'come-n-get'em!'. As if I really needed to holler to get their julius attention. They promptly took their first swig and reported that it 'its good but it's kinda sour'.

What??!?!

Well, I had to do my own taste test. And when I did, I, too, concluded that the julius was sour. I poured it all back into the blender and added more sugar.

Still sour.

Hmm! I added a little more sugar. Then grabbed some frozen blueberries and peaches. And some frozen whipped cream for good measure. The julius wasn't so much a julius anymore, but it was going to taste ohsoyummy with all the goodies inside. No doubt.

Again, sourness still there. *sigh*

I added more sugar, fruit and whipped cream.

Again, still sour.

I gave up. There was no more that I could add. The orange juice was too overpowering. So I threw it all out. Then I tasted just a bit of the orange juice, just to be sure. Ugh!!! Ever taste bile, as a drink? That was the orange juice in its natural, unvarnished state. Ter-ir-ble! To say the least.

And so I've learned a great lesson. Don't be too excited or overly confident about your julius making skilz that you fail to test the oj.

We had popcorn with our shows, instead of a lovely beverage. *sigh*

Today Was The Day

Two years ago Mae sat in the chair at Claire's and waited to get her ears pierced. But the store got suddenly busy and the store girls who were about to do the deed had to leave to attend the other customers. This gave Mae time to sit and think too much about the impending pain. So Mae changed her mind and we left the store. She said she'd get them done when she was 10. Or 12.

The other day, somewhat out of the blue, Mae told me that she was ready to get her ears pierced. I cleared it with Ryan and made plans to take her back to Claire's. But just when we were about to go yesterday, she changed her mind. So we planned to go this morning. Again, she backed out. *sigh*

However, after an inducement of a Jamba Juice afterwards, she finally agreed to go. So I jumped on it and soon found ourselves looking at the earring selections and waiting for the store girl to get her stuff together. And Mae was a trooper this time. She sat there as the girl made perfect little dots with her ink pen on Mae's ear lobes, making sure the holes would be perfectly placed. Then Mae endured the two 'shots' as the earrings made their home on each side of her head.

And wah-lah, Mae has beautifully pierced ears!

No tears were shed. But there was a wee bit of nausea after the fear and stress of the moment had passed. I think the Jamba Juice helped, it always makes my day!

What Do You Think Of Them Peaches?

Look what we've had with our dinner the past few nights!

Mmmm.....peaches, freshly picked from our tree. Washed and sliced, just sitting on my plate. It's almost like having desert with my dinner!

My only wish? Is that I had a fabulous cobbler recipe.

Camping 2010

We were able to go on a small camping trip this past weekend. It was great to get away, even if it was only a couple nights. With the heat wave we had last week the timing couldn't have been more perfect (especially since our a/c wasn't working!).

Here are a few pictures;

Mae, coloring and passing the time before our friends arrived at the camp site.

Caleb, happy.....and dirty (maybe that's why he's happy?)

We celebrated Isabel's 5th birthday the first night. I had made cupcakes, but they melted in the heat and got ruined before we even left the house. So we picked up a pie on the way to the campground. It's a birthday pie!

Caleb and me - why can't we just have a normal picture??

You know it's been a camping success when the kids are totally out! They didn't even stir when the flash went off. Sweet silence at night.....niiiiice!

Five

Happy birthday to my sweet baby girl! She's five today and I'm having a hard time thinking that she was ever this little....



But she's gone and done it. She grew up.



The next thing I know she'll probably be starting kindergarten or something equally as crazy.

Journey Down The Isle

(play the music as you read along)

When the movie Dances with Wolves came out I fell in love with one particular song, Journey to Fort Sedgewick. It's just the kind of music that moves me, moves my heart. I sit back, close my eyes and let the strings and wind instruments sway across my soul. I had the soundtrack and I would listen to the song over and over and became familiar with every part of it. Long before I had a wedding to plan, and maybe even before I had a guy to think about marrying, I had this song selected as my wedding march. It was perfect. I was so familiar with it that I knew the timing of how my bridesmaids would walk down the isle during the first part of the song, then I'd use the small break in the middle to pause the procession and just as the music swelled and burst again, then my dad and I made our entrance. It worked out just the way I wanted, just the way I pictured it during my many listenings of the song.

Today is our fourteenth wedding anniversary. Fourteen years ago today I walked down the isle to this beautiful song, to my wonderful man, both of whom I'm still in love with.

Shaking!

Living in California has its advantages. Good weather, beaches near by, and lots of sunshine. But I'm not sure where earthquakes fit in. I used to think they were fun (the kind where there's just some shaking but no loss of life or damages). When I was a kid we'd have earthquake drills in school. The bell would ring and all the kids and teachers would crawl under the desks. One time I was on the playground when an earthquake hit. My teacher freaked out and called us all back inside the building. Um, yeah, not the greatest course of action.

Yesterday we had another earthquake. It was the third one I've felt in as many months. But this one freaked me out. I heard it before it hit. It sounded like a semi truck was coming near the house, then I felt the ground begin to shake. I shot out of my chair and started for the doorway. I was thinking that the doorway was a safe place to be, but then there wouldn't be enough room for the kids and I. I also thought of instructing the kids to get under the dining room table. But then I had heard at one time that getting under things isn't the best solution either as they can collapse on a person, but that the better place is to be next to a large piece of furniture. However, I'm not sure how solid that advise is. All this went screaming through my mind in a matter of a half second, or so it felt. After those thoughts flew through my consciousness, I decided it was best to just get out of the house. So I yelled at the kids to GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, NOW!!!! Poor Isabel, she was in the back part of the house so it took her longer to get out. By the time we were all outside, the quake was over. Our poor hearts were beating so fast!

I'm not sure what freaked my kids out more, the earthquake or my yelling at them to get outside. I think it was the quake, for they spent the following hour playing 'earthquake' and running drills to the outside. *sigh*

Camping Memories

Next week we are going camping. This naturally makes me think of past camping adventures we've had. Like the time we went with friends to the Lassen area in Northern California.....

It was the summer of 2002. Mae was 13 months old and Caleb was a new bun in the oven. At the time we had a small 4-man tent which held our family of 3.5 just fine. When little Mae needed a nap we put her on our air mattress with a few toys and zipped up the tent and sat near by. She could be heard playing for a little bit, and then it was quiet so we assumed she had gone to sleep. I peeked through the mesh air vents at the top of the tent to check on my sleeping babe, and I saw that before she succumbed to sleep she had found Ryan's wallet and had a good ol' time pulling everything out! I took this picture to capture the moment.

Why We Watch

Ryan and I have enjoyed watching So You Think You Can Dance since the very beginning of the series. We love watching the dancers being pushed to try new dance styles as well as simply watching some dance routines. Before watching the show I would have never thought I'd say things like "Hip Hop is my favorite dance to watch" or "Wow, that dancer has really grown in his dance" (like I am one to judge! ha!). But overall I just enjoy sitting on the couch with my husband and watching a show together.

However, Ryan recently told me that he's just not into the show like he used to be. He still watches with me, as he plays games on his iphone or catches up on work on his laptop while sitting in front of the tv. I was a bit baffled, but a part of my understands why he would say that. I'm not sure if it's because we are just used to watching it that it no longer feels special anymore or if the dancing truly isn't as amazing as it once was.

But......as we were watching the show last night (gotta love the dvr!!!) we saw an amazing performance! So amazing that we went back and watched it a second time. This is why we watch the show, to see people like this ballet dancer totally nail a hip hop routine (something that really shouldn't be possible). Because of routines like this, we tune in each week, and sit and watch in hopes of seeing brilliance on the dance floor.

This is why we watch......

to watch the video, click HERE.

The Powers That Be

As the kids and I were driving away from a friends house, Mae's friend could be seen wildly waving and saying goodbye. At that, Mae said "She's crazy, it's her superpower".

Ha! So, Mae, what is your superpower?

Mae: I'm the same as my friend, I'm crazy!

Caleb: My superpower is smartness!

Me: What is Daddy's superpower? And what about me, what am I?

Caleb: Daddy is nice and yours is cooking!

I'm so glad that my kids can look past my faults and see a strength in my weakness. Makes me think that maybe my superpower is really distortion. :)

Swim Lessons

Yesterday was the last day of swim lessons for Caleb and Isabel. For this summer anyway. I like getting them in there and ready for the swimming season right from the start. Anyway, Isabel did great. It was my hope that she would learn how to swim better and get stronger. I'd like her to be completely done with swim aids before the end of summer. And I think she will certainly get there!

Isabel was telling me about the things she learned in swim lessons. She said to me "I learned how to do the back scrub and the tummy scrub". Well, um, ok I guess. As long as she can swim and be safe I suppose that's all that matters. Right?

**update** she is now saying 'back scrope', she is no longer doing any 'scrubbing' in the pool. Just goes to show how quickly she changes!

The Dark Side of White

White kitchen cabinets, while nice, are rarely completely white.

This is a problem I have found since living in my white-cabineted kitchen for the past 8 months. Think of it this way.....the golden gate bridge gets painted once a year. They start at one end and work their way down to the other. By the time they reach the other side, it's time to repaint where they started.

The same can be said about keeping white kitchen cabinets clean.

For My Dad

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Thanks for your leadership in our family. For your encouragement along the way. And for your sense of humor.

I love you!

Summer - Day One

Yesterday was the kids last day of school. Which made me the proud parent of a 2nd and 4th grader (seriously?? are they really old enough to be in those grades?? I think I'll hold them back, just this once).

So today is the first day of summer vacation. The first day (for me) to not wake up to an alarm clock. Bliss.......until the sounds of rambunctious kids jolt me from my slumber.

On second thought.....maybe year around school is something I should look into. Or, maybe boarding school. Do they have summer boarding schools?

Words To Live By - part 2

Don't doubt your mother.......

I would not describe myself as being an outgoing or extroverted person. I had heard or read somewhere that an extrovert is someone who is energized from being with people. I am definitely not that kind of person, I value my solitude. This is not to say that I don't enjoy being around others, on the contrary. However, stepping outside my comfort zone to talk with people I do not know is not something that comes easily to me, and in most cases, I avoid. So when my mother suggested that I might make a new friend at an open house we hosted recently, which consisted of only Ryan's co-workers (ie. people I don't know!), I doubted her to the 'enth degree.

Who am I to disagree with my mother? And yet, I did. I prepared for the gathering of strangers in my home and steeled myself for an afternoon of awkward and or short conversations. However, when it was all done with and the last guest had said goodbye and driven away, I found myself with a possible new friend.

Strangely enough, I had a couple nice conversations with one of the wives at our gathering. I'm sure it helps that she is a more outgoing person than I. Turns out that her two kids are the same age as mine (well, Mae and Caleb) and they lives just minutes away.

It's been two weeks since our open house and I have followed up with an email containing hellos and a recipe (gotta start a friendship off on the right foot!), and we've also talked on the phone, set up a play date for next week and our girls are signed up for at least one summer activity together.

Yep. Mom was right. I think I have a new friend.

**Mom, I'm sorry I doubted you. I promise I'll never do that again! :)

Words To Live By - part 1

Never say 'never'. And, don't doubt your mother.

Both of these are things that I have done. And I think God laughed. Then things happened.

Never say never.......

I used to hear other moms talk about homeschooling their children and inevitably I'd say or think something like 'that's great for you, but I will never homeschool my kids'. I kind of like taking my kids to school and dropping them off. It's fun to help out in the classroom, and it's also fun to be at home and get things done with a little less distraction and whine. However, I said I'd 'never' homeschool my kids. I also said that it would take the Lord moving in my life to make it happen. Well, hear me now when I say the Lord has moved me! Beginning this fall I will be homeschooling Isabel.

Back in March when Caleb was in soccer, I met a mom who home schools her children through a local charter school. We talked a little about it and how the school works. This school is a bit different in that it offers part homeschool and part classroom time at the school. The next day I was thinking about Isabel and how she's just not quite at the same level that Mae and Caleb were upon entering kindergarten. Some of it I feel is my fault since she is the third child and has not gotten the attention with reading books and writing as Mae and Caleb received from me. As I was thinking about Isabel's development, I thought that maybe doing the partial homeschool thing would help her get more attention and help as she begins her elementary career. The thought of homeschool her in this way was not overwhelming to me and I actually thought that it would be possible for me to do it.

And so began the moving of the Lord in my heart on behalf of my little girl. As of this coming fall Isabel will begin kindergarten and I, in part, will be her teacher. Amazingly enough, I am excited about it. Now I know that there will be times and days that we will struggle or have a difficult time, and a part of me is still freaking out that I'm actually doing this. But this was not my plan, this came from the Lord, He has brought me to this point, so I know that Isabel and I are not alone as we begin this homeschooling journey together. Who knew that something as huge as this would happen in my life? I certainly didn't, for I thought it would never happen!

Changing Things Up

Our church offers a Saturday night service, and lately we have attended that service in lieu of Sunday morning. And I gotta say that I am loving it. It has taken me some getting used to, but so far it's pretty great.

I have always gone to church on Sunday morning. It's been a way of life since, well, since I was a wee babe (now I'm just a big, grown up babe) :) But now this Saturday night service has changed my life! I now get not one, but two weekend mornings to sleep in! No more rushing around on Sunday mornings to get all the people in our household ready for church and out the door in time. Instead, we have two leisurely mornings around the house. And it is soooo nice.

So, we went to church last night. Then I stayed up to watch a movie. And now we are talking about what to do with our day. I think we are going to the park and then get some ice cream.

Yep, this Saturday night church stuff is pretty great!

Snapshot of Daily Life

I took the kids to the library today to sign up for their summer reading program. While we were there, the kids picked up a few books to get started.

I sure hope Isabel can curb her enthusiasm. She's a little out of control!

I'm Telling Myself Not To Cry

Tomorrow puts me fully into a new stage of life - being a mom of school-age kids. For tomorrow is Isabel's last day of preschool. The last day, as in no more, that's it!, done, finito!, and the one that sticks in my mind, forever.

No more will I have a toddler in my home. No more taking a small child to the fun-filled hours of preschool. As of tomorrow at 3:30 pacific time, my last child will be moving on to greater things. Elementary school.

I'm not ready and I'm steeling myself for what is surely to overtake me as I take Isabel into her last day of preschool. Tears. As my baby moves from one stage of life to another. And takes me with her.

Open Season

It's ice cream makin' time!!!!

Tonight we're going to a potluck and I signed myself up for desert. And because it's getting warm and the official Summer season is almost upon us, I have decided that I need to bring home made ice cream to this event.

And the flavor shall be (insert drum roll please).............banana cream pie!

Never made it before, but I have a feeling that my guinea pigs, ahem, friends won't mind being the first to try it. I foresee no complaints.

But I'll keep you posted.