100th POST! Color Me Happy!

Maybe we should develop a Crayola bomb as our next secret weapon. A happiness weapon. A beauty bomb. And every time a crisis developed, we would launch one. It would explode high in the air - explode softly - and send thousands, millions, of little parachutes into the air. Floating down to earth - boxes of Crayola . And we wouldn't go cheap, either - not little boxes of eight. Boxes of sixty-four, with the sharpener built right in. With silver and gold and copper, magenta and peach and lime, amber and umber and all the rest. And people would smile and get a little funny look on their faces and cover the world with imagination. ~Robert Fulghum

Believe it or not...I have actually made it to my 100^th post ! (Hands clapping, whistles, and cheers)

I can't believe I have had that much to gab about !

I feel as if I should have balloons falling from the sky and fireworks tonight. Maybe a cake. Maybe I should buy myself a $100 gift.

I could make a list of 100 things that make me happy?

Okay...maybe we will just do it in segments. I will just list the first 10 here today! Eh? AND YOU....you can leave a list of 10 things or less on my comments section of the things that make you happy! That would be fun, yes? Ah, come on...you know you want to!

Thank you to all that take precious time out of your days to come over and read my thoughts. You are so nosy and I love it! Thanks for reading!

Color Me Happy (1-10)

1. The way old books smell when you flip through their pages

2. Watching babies smile.

3. Fresh smelling warm laundry straight out of the dryer onto my my cold body.

4. Thunderstorms

5. Watching movies from my childhood that were really good.

6. Reading Books from my childhood to my daughters

7. Homegrown Tomatoes

8. Sleeping skin to skin with my newborn babies

9. My daughter Sophia singing (mostly making up her own songs)

10. Date Nights w/ my husband

Mondy Menu July 29th

It is that time again! I am so happy about my menu this week and about grocery shopping! I will only have to buy ---maybe one or two items at the store. I went grocery shopping last week at Trader Joes and stocked up on items that I could use in the next couple of weeks. We have plenty in the house and I should be saving at least $200 this week in grocery bill! Yeah!
I listed my menu a little bit different this week ---I don't know just for fun and ease I suppose. I listed things we would eat under each category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner!
So, no particular order-- just what is available to eat at our home! I may throw in making some fun dessert like cookies or pie this week. If not the old standby of popsicles and popcorn is available! Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

BREAKFASTS
Cereal, Oatmeal, English Muffins, Bagels, Yogurt, Cereal Bars, Smoothies, Pancakes, Juice or Milk,Etc.


LUNCHES
Leftovers, Grilled Cheese, PB&J, Pasta
Chips, Fruit, Sugar Snap Peas, Carrots, Lemonade


DINNERS
Trader Joes Potato Medley
Steamed Broccoli or Peas

Thai Yellow Curry w/ Tofu & Broccoli
Spring Rolls
Edamame

Gnocci & Marinara Sauce
Homemade Cheese Herb Bisquits
Green Salad

Crockpot: Lentil Stew

Black Bean Tacos w/ homemade tortillas
Mango Salsa

Grilled Mahi Mahi
White Beans & Cherry Tomato Salad

Stew Cheese Melt

Sophia has been watering the garden for Papa when he is away. In the midst of her watering time, she discovered some zucchini that was ripen for harvest. So she gracefully picked the zucchini as well as three yellow grape tomatoes and proceeded inside to the kitchen. With her scrumptious goods, she began to create. Into a bowl she squeezed her three tomatoes to make "tomato juice" and then cut up the zucchini in circles and placed them into the bowl as well. She came outside to ask me about adding some cheese to her creation. Remembering as a child the fond memories of how I loved to create and cook in the kitchen (my mom so graciously allowed me), I could not resist her the opportunity and said yes. She grabbed cheese as well as some salad dressing and tortillas. She cut the cheese, poured a little dressing in, and tore some tortillas to place on top. Walla, she had her creation. She came out excitedly to ask me to cook it in the microwave for 5 minutes. Um, I think we had better just start with a minute.
Sophia was very happy with her newly created meal.
"Momma, I made lunch for all of us! It is going to be delicious! Let me serve you! Yes?"
Being the good Momma (squirming inside), "Sure honey! That would be nice!"
Oh, Lord please let this taste somewhat decent and please don't let me gag or throw up anywhere near her!
With a huge grin, she dished up our plates with her creation. "Momma, this is called Stew Cheese Melt"
"Oh, Wow it looks delicious!"
Thank you Lord, I got mostly cheese on my plate!
I was very surprised that it tasted pretty good. The combination of the ingredients was actually not bad. It could of have been worse; she could have put zucchini with fruit snacks and marshmellows.

So for those that are itching for the recipe. (Though, I recommend you hire a 4 1/2 year old child--ahem Chef-- wearing a pink checkered chef hat and a princess dress to make it for you. )

Stew Cheese Melt
1 medium zucchini freshly harvested from the garden and sliced into circles using a plastic knife.
3 yellow grape tomatoes freshly picked from the vine and squeezed by hand.
3 slices of cheddar cheese cut into chunks using a plastic knife.
A couple splashes of raspberry walnut dressing
1 tortillas tore by hand

Place all in bowl and microwave for a minute. Serve with a huge grin and call it Stew Cheese Melt.

Monday Menu July 23rd

This week my oldest daughter is gone for the week to her grandparents house to enjoy VBS. My DH does not come home until late Monday night. So, in preparing this week's menu I am using up ingredients in my home at the moment and easy light meals for a 2 year old and myself. Basically, we are "cleaning house" with what we have. I am surprised I have a lot. Yeah! I really don't think I need to buy in groceries this week. (Except, I am going to Trader Joes to stock up on some much needed items).
I don't have too many "new & exciting" recipes this week. Maybe next week!
I am off to finish up some painting, decluttering, and organizing projects---as well the every day cleaning of the kitchen, laundry, bathrooms, etc. Phew! Have a great week friend!

MONDAY
Breakfast:
Cereal
Soymilk

Lunch:
Veggie Sandwich
Chips
Fruit
Water

Dinner:
Leftovers


TUESDAY
Breakfast:
Oatmeal w/ raisins & brown sugar
Soymilk
Toast

Lunch:
Lunch out w/ friends

Dinner:
Crockpot-- Vegetarian Red beans & Brown Rice
Corn Bread
Green Salad


WEDNESDAY
Breakfast:
Cereal w/ soymilk
Fruit Smoothie
Toast w/ peanut butter

Lunch:
PB& J
Chips
Sugar Snap Peas
Fresh Fruit
Lemonade

Dinner:
Spaghetti & Veggie Meatballs
Green Salad
Crescent Rolls


THURSDAY
Breakfast:
Whole Grain Blueberry w/ fresh peaches Pancakes
Fresh Fruit
Soymilk

Lunch:
Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwich
Fruit
Carrots & Dip
Sugar Snap Peas
Lemonade

Dinner:
Veggie Quesadillas

Southwestern Corn and Black Eyed Pea Salad

FRIDAY

Out of Town

Every Girl's Dream---more of Anne Shirley!

Anne of Green Gables! It was a childhood treasure and still today a treasure in my heart. I love the books (Read them all once). And, I am currently reading the first book to my daughter Sophia. And, the movies were fantastic! I have actually asked for the movie set (or even just one of them would be sufficient) for the past, oh I don't know seven Christmas Seasons, and well, I have yet to receive them. I have given up writing them on my list.

So in speaking about Anne of Green Gables, an author of which I frequently visit her blog and read her work, Sally Clarkson (Whole Heart Ministries); her daughter Joy is vying for the opportunity to audition for the role of a young Anne Shirley in a new Anne of Green Gables Prequel movie! (How sweet is that!?)

You should go to Sally's blog and read all about her daughter Joy's opportunity to audition for a new Anne of Green Gables prequel movie by Sullivan Entertainment. (More of Anne, more of Anne ---I am so excited!)
Here is Joy's Audition tape at YouTube. She needs your vote! Go check it out and give her a positive rating and comment! I think she did pretty darn great compared to all of the other audition tapes that I viewed. Splendid!

Wordless Wednesday

Sweetness
A satisfied meal leads to dreamland.
Obviously the ostrich wasn't in the mood to sleep.

Refreshed

This morning was quiet in the house---for a few moments anyway. It is of rainy weather here today (a nice break from the HOT weather in the previous weeks) and I am savoring the day. I laid a long time in my bed staring out the window watching the rain. The sliding door was open and I could not only see the rain, but smell it and hear it! It was so peaceful. I love---really love the smell and sound of rain.
I received my Above Rubies magazine yesterday, so I spent sometime reading that and some of my other books. I was in my pajamas until about 10am today. Oh, what bliss!
I figured that I worked myself hard yesterday on my many projects ( I had swollen ankles at the end of the day), that I so deserved a slow relaxing morning. Yes I did! I deserved it!
Of course, the quiet slow morning only lasts so long. My Lil' Daisies awoke early (6:30am) and were eager to eat and start their days. Thankfully, they entertained each other playing with dolls for awhile and eating some snacks.
Well, now it is time to exit out of my dream world and head back into the reality of mommyhood and wifeyhood (if those were words) and get busy. However, I think I may stick my head outside a few times today to just sniff. I can never get too much smell of the cleansing beauty....

Simple Pleasures

The girls are in bed asleep. Papa is out riding his mountain bike with friends. I have some soft music playing in the background. I am enjoying a moment of peace and relaxation. I just may have to top it off with a bubble bath! Oh, the pleasures of simple wholesome goodness!

These beautiful berries became.....

A Homemade Strawberry Pie

With some freshly brewed French Press Coffee

Some French Vanilla Ice-cream (it would be even better if it were homemade)

A yummy smelling lit candle and a book!

I am peaceful! Thank you Lord for these Simple Pleasures!

Monday Menu July 16th

As we are on a budget and I am trying very hard to stick with it (this is big stepping stone for me), I have been meal planning for the last two months. Meal planning has helped tremendously. When I don't meal plan, my tendency is to buy a lot of excess food that we don't need or eat and it spoils and I spend way too much time wondering what to have for dinner and way too much time and money doing so.
To be honest, my family eats healthier and better when I meal plan. So in saving money and attempting to eat healthy too here is an article that talks about healthy eating on tight budget. This may be helpful to some of you!

My next goal: Eventually, I would like to get to the point where I can do OAMC ( Once a Month Cooking)....especially in the winter season and when the baby comes.

Also, I am currently working out system of meals already planned for the month. (Maybe even have a few months altering --seasonal too) I am not sure---still sorting through with that idea.

For this week's Plan:
Darling Husband leaves early Thurs. morning for a trip to AZ...so, I have planned a short week. However my Mom is coming over (so we will have some company). I have planned my week a little different. Instead of listing Day by Day what we are having for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner...I am listing the Dinners in one category and I am excluding Breakfast & Lunch this time.
*************************************************************************************
DINNERS:

Grilled Fish Tacos w/ Chipotle Cream (See Recipe Below)
Homemade Refried Beans
Fruit (Slices of Cantaloupe or Watermelon)

Spaghetti
Green Salad
Crusty Garlic Bread

Red Beans and Rice
Crescent Rolls
Green Salad

Tom Yum Corn Curry w/ tofu
Brown Rice
Summer Rolls w/ peanut sauce


FISH TACOS

1/2 lb. Mahi Mahi fillets (per person) cut into approximately 4 long strips (Tip: Costco has frozen wild Mahi Mahi fillets individually packaged. Each is about 1/2 lb.)
OR you can use 2 lb tilapia (or any firm white fish) cut in 1" strips

1. Heat grill and baste with olive oil spray (or similar)
2. Brush Mahi Mahi with marinade
3. When grill is hot, place Mahi Mahi on grill and turn after about 4 minutes. Brush on more marinade and cook another 5 minutes or so.

Grill Tortillas and Top with Fish and favorite garnishes
Here are our favorites:
Salsa
Green Cabbage
Green Scallions
Fresh Mango Chunks
Chipotle Cream Sauce

Marinade:
1/4 cup canola oil
2 lime, juiced
1 jalapeno, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Pour into a bag w/ fish and marinade for 15-20 minutes.



Chipotle Cream Sauce
1/4 Cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (Kosher salt has the best flavor)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Juice from 1/2 a lemon
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 chipotle chilies in adobo, minced
1/2 lime Juiced
Dash of sugar
Salt to taste

READ all about it!

I haven't been posting a lot lately as I have been busy. (Smile)
I am anxious to show you all picture proof of my projects.....but, I am not quite finished. So, once I complete the projects, I will post some lovely before and after shots. It is exciting!

Check HERE for some updates on the projects. They are written in blue.
Check HERE for an update on my List of Insanity. They are written in red.

I have also been reading a lot more lately. Remember, I wanted to watch less TV and read more? Well, the Lord is mighty humorous as he lent his hand to help me in this matter. After I gathered some of my books, I started to read a little here and there between projects....but still watching some TV. But, this past week it all changed! Our TIVO stopped working. Our TIVO is connected to the TV and we can't watch anything (no DVDs, no TV--we can't even listen to CDs). Ric tried to figure the problem and realized it was probably our hard drive of the TIVO (which we haven't the money to replace). So, we spent the week listening to the radio & IPOD! And YES, I was able to read more. It has been rejeuvenating and refreshing to my soul.
Currently, I am reading "Peace Like A River" by Leif Enger. So far a fabulous book!

Keep Checking in for more exciting adventures into the lives of Lil' Daisies. I will post some exciting pics soon!

Sonogram Says:

The Baby is....


...with crossed legs and had no intention of opening them up to let us peek. However, the baby waved it's little arm at us with vigor. I figured the baby was saying, "Hey Mama & Papa. I'm here and I am not showing you my privates. I am keeping it private!"
We think this baby has a sense of humor for sure or otherwise mighty shy!


Well, we hope that maybe at the end of the month there may be hope that this little one will be open to allowing us to peek!


So for now, hold off on buying that cute pink or blue outfit!

Monday Menu July 9th

This week I am trying a few new recipes. I am in the mood to try some new stuff. This week we should hopefully find out if we are having a boy or girl...so, come on baby open them legs!!

MONDAY
Breakfast:
Toasted Bagel & Cream Cheese
1/2 Banana
Orange Juice or Soymilk

Lunch:
Boca Burger
Sliced Oranges
Green Salad

Dinner:
Tofu Veggie Bowl
Egg Rolls

TUESDAY
Breakfast:
Cinnamon Rolls
Grapes or other Fresh Fruit
Orange Juice

Lunch:
Mock Tuna Salad Wrap (See recipe below---this is a new one I am trying out)
Applesauce
Dinner:
Bob Barker's Vegan Enchiladas (Sounds interesting---new recipe)
Corn on the Cob

Dessert:
Vanilla Ice-cream w/ peaches and gingersnaps

WEDNESDAY
Breakfast:
Cereal w/ strawberries & soymilk
Toast w/ PB

Lunch:
Noodles w/ broccoli & tomatoes
Crescent Rolls
Lemonade

Dinner:
Coconut Red-Lentil Curry (new recipe)
Brown Basmati Rice
Whole Wheat Naan from Trader Joes

Dessert:
Homemade Berry Pie

THURSDAY
Breakfast:
Oatmeal w/ brown sugar, raisins, and cinnamon, soymilk
Toast w/ PB
Orange Juice

Lunch:
Grilled Cheese & Apple Sandwich
Chips
Sliced Apples & Peanut Butter
Soda

Dinner:
Creamy Polenta with Roasted Corn & Fresh Sage
Roasted Red Pepper & Caper Sauce
Grilled Asparagus

Dessert:
Lemon Sorbet

FRIDAY
Breakfast:
Very Berry Muffins
Seasonal Fruit
Soymilk

Lunch:
Soup & Salad
Creamy Corn Chowder
Crescent Rolls
Green Salad

Dinner:
Homemade Pizzas
Watermelon

Mock 'Tuna' Salad

(Serves 3)

1 cup canned chickpeas
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
3 Tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

Mash chickpeas in a small bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Wrap in Large Tortilla w/

1 Cup Lettuce, 1/4 cup tomato, 1/4 cup grated carrot

From Wasserman, Debra, and Charles Stahler. Meatless Meals for Working People, 4th ed. Baltimore: VRG, 2004. Page 118.

Happy Independence Day

The LIST of insanity!! On my way to the looney bin...

Or trash bin at least!
So, here I go again... I decided to at least list out the rooms or areas that need desperate help with decluttering and organizing! Go here to see an update of progress on some of my goals to simplifying my life. I realize that I have talked about decluttering or organizing and I should at least show progress, right?

1. Office (In Progress)
   
2. Coat Closet
3. Homeschool Area (In Progress --almost finished) (Craft & Supply area too)
   
4. Family Room
5. Living Room
6. Laundry Room
7. Kitchen Cabinets
8. Pantry
9. Linen Closest (In Progress)
   
10. Girl's Bathroom
11. Master Bathroom
12. Master Bedroom
1. Closet
2. Dresser
13. Girls Bedroom (In Progress)
    
14. Guest Bedroom
1. Closet
2. "New Baby Area"
   
15. Command Central Binder ( I am going to make my own ) (In Progress)
    
16. Menu Planning Binder (Also, doing my own) (In Progress)
    
17. Baby Sitter Folder ( A good thing to have!)
18. Garage

Monday Menu July 2nd

So, I am a little slow this week. I have yet to get here to post for my weekly menu. We just got back from camping yesterday and I have been busy ever since recovering from it all!
And, can you believe that I brought my camera with me to camping and did not take one picture, not one? Of course I am bummed, but I think the others (ooo, sounds like LOST) from the camp got some pics.
This week's menu will be fairly simple as I have not had much time to plan. We have a pretty busy week too. We have swim lessons at 4:30pm...so, I don't get home until 5:30 and who feels like cooking when you are tired out from swimming? I am still not sure what we are doing for 4th of July. I do have to be downtown to sing with my band...so either we will do picnic or we will come home to grill something???
Hope all you have a wonderful holiday week! I hope it is full of sparkles, pops, and bangs!

MONDAY:
Breakfast:

• Cereal

Lunch:

• Veggie God in a blanket
• Carrots & dip
• Sliced Peaches
  

Dinner:

• Fried Rice
  
• Spring Rolls
  

TUESDAY:
Breakfast:

• Eye Opener Spread w/ English Muffins
• Seasonal Fruit
• Orange Juice

Lunch:

• PB& J
• Pringles Chips
• Grapes

Dinner:

• Raviolis w/ steamed broccoli
• Sun-dried tomato crescent rolls
  

WEDNESDAY: Happy Fourth Of July
Breakfast:

• Toast w/ peanut butter
• Yogurt w/fresh blueberries

Lunch:
Dinner: Either Picnic Goodies or From the Grill


THURSDAY:
Breakfast:

• Pancakes
• Seasonal Fruit

Lunch:

• Quesadilla (with cheese & mashed bean)
• Broccoli w/ ranch dip
• Apple Slices

Dinner:

• Crockpot - Greek Chili
• Herb Bisquits

FRIDAY:
Breakfast:

• Cereal
• Toast

Lunch:

• Leftovers

Dinner:

• Greek Couscous and Avocados
• Tomato & Olive Salad
• Naan Bread (whole wheat)

Give Us Our Daily (Crusted) Bread!

So, your Mama and Grandmama always told you "Eat your crust, it is the best part". Of course, you always believe your Mama, right?
Recently, I have been told that Mama might not have been right after all. What?
It seems that now there is debate as to whether the crust is really nutritious or not. Are the kids going to win in their strike against the crust?

Some say NO bread is NOT nutritious:
The outer part of the bread cooks faster which makes it the crust and that cooks all the nutrients out of it. Because of that fact, the inner part of the bread stays packed with its vitamins and contrary to what everyone else is saying, the yeast does not move to the outer part of the bread.

Hmmm...

Some say YES, it is:
Science Daily says
The best thing since sliced bread may be bread crust: Researchers in Germany have discovered that the crust is a rich source of antioxidants and may provide a much stronger health benefit than the rest of the bread.

Well, Smuckers came out with a product Uncrustables to help simplify parents lives by cutting the crust off for them. It's a prepackaged peanut butter and jelly sandwich with the crust already removed! Now, I know it's temptuously easy to just purchase a prepackaged food item, but come on - how long does it take to make a PB&J sandwich and to cut off the crusts (if you give in to your child's desire for no crust sammies)?

Then, to make lives even more simplified, Sara Lee came out with a bread without crust! However, it costs quite a bit more than regular bread with crust, but hey those 10 seconds count when making a PB&J...right? What happens to the left over bread crumbs? Croutons?

Here is one's opinion on the matter, that I think is hilarious but true!

Kids don't like to finish their milk or eat their peas. They've been pushing food around on their plates for generations. So what? Giving in to tantrums doesn't simplify life. Today it's crust, tomorrow it's staying up an extra hour. What's next? Where do you draw the line?

Line-drawing is hard duty. That's why parents got the job. Think back: Did your mother let you cover your dinner with chocolate sauce? Buying crustless bread is the moral equivalent of allowing your child to pour Hershey's syrup all over their broccoli. It's pandering to keep peace. It's taking the easy way out. It's giving in and giving up.

Whatever happened to, "I'm the parent; you're the child. Crust (and broccoli) is good for you. Eat it. Why? Because I say so, that's why." Tad Bartimus

Well, many may not be a big fan of "The Crust", but I am! I am pro-crust! It has to have some nutrition still, right Mama? I think I will stick with listening to my Mama and eat my crust. And, yes my children will learn to eat what is on their plates--including crust! I am all for simplifying my life, but a homemade nutritious sprouted grain brain smeared with natural Peanut Butter and Strawberry preserves (Goobers?) will be worth the time to make for my family!