Family Night: Ballerinas

This post has been sitting in my draft box for over a year now. I wanted to post it, but computer was not cooperating for me to post a video. I am not Computer savvy enough to figure it all out. But, during the time that I have been planning my speech for a MOPS event about "party planning", I had remembered that I had wrote this and thought I should just go ahead and post it. Hopefully, someday I can update the post to show the video and some other pictures of the ballerinas. But, for now enjoy reading about our Family Night. ~ Bella



Having girls makes for a "Ballerina" themed family night a must in our household. Papa was game too. Though, he did not choose to wear a tu-tu. Though, he was man enough to wear a piece of tulle on his shoulders for a picture at our dinner table. His role for the night was to be the photography man and the prince charming who swoops down and dances with his princess ballerinas!
We have several pictures and video to share with you from our lovely night!

Pirouette

Our Dinner was "Pink"!

Our menu consisited of pink rice casserole, pink salmon, and asparagus with mozerella cheese (to make it look like ballerina leg with ballerina slipper). To drink we had pink cherry soda with cherries!


For Dessert we feasted on Ballerina Bear Cupcakes.

Piqué

We made Ballerina Dance wands from ribbon and some wooden rings bought on sale from a fabric store.

Then the ballerinas danced!

Grand plié

Afterwards, we played with our spinning ballerinas. This was so much fun! Papa was really good at getting them to spin fast. We ended up having competitions to see who's ballerina would stay up the longest.

We had planned to either watch Angelina Ballerina or play the game Angelina Ballerina, but we got too carried away with dancing and our ballerina dance competition, that it was too late to do the rest of the planned out events.

Nonetheless, at the end of the night it was a pretty in pink, tu-tu delightful evening with three tired out beautiful ballerinas!

Corn Dog

A Secret Confession: With this pregnancy, I have recently been craving corn dogs. I know, I know my health nut friends (AND my husband) would be ashamed of me... but, I am just loving a crisp, hot corn dog dipped in mustard - not ketchup or anything else -- just mustard. I am simple like that.

So, then I started letting my mind wander and thought about how I can make the corn dog any healthier? Probably not. I mean deep fried, is well "FRIED"... is there anything that can be good for you that is FRIED???

For now, I am just grasping hold of my pregnancy craving and delving in to the CORN DOG!

But, I thought you might enjoy a recipe I found (when I was letting my mind wander--while eating a corn dog, I might add) about how to make a corn dog. I haven't tried it yet. But, I am hoping too soon...maybe...if I am patient enough....otherwise I am sticking with my big box from Costco!

Oh, by the way... National Corn Dog Day is March 20th....just a tad of trivia for you that I found while searching the corn dog. I know..funny....and YES< class="content">

GOOD CORN DOG BATTER

1 egg, beaten
1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. cornmeal
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. whole wheat flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tbsp. sugar

Mix together all ingredients. Dip wieners in the batter and fry in hot oil until brown.

Shamelessly Plagiarized from Cooks.com (where there are some other corndog recipes as well)

AND HERE MY FRIENDS --are some other recipes that I found in my search for the better corn dog.

Corn Dogs, by Alton Brown (because I love this guy!!)

Oven Baked Corn Dogs -- by Rachel Ray

A Healthy Corn Dog -- (I dunno about this one...but, they claim it is healthy...although it uses soy dogs--I think you need an aquired taste for it)

How to Make a Healthy Corn Dog at Home (Well, here seems to be a recipe that you can make at home...I may try this one)

Back to Life, Back to Reality

My world is spinning. I think I have Cruise Ship lag (kind of like Jet lag --but only a Cruise ship version). It is taking me awhile to feel like I am not swaying back and forth --

My hubby and I just got back from a week vacation cruise in the Western Caribbean. Can I just say that it was FABULOUS! (Oh, sandy beach and tropical fish how I miss you....)

I hope to share some pictures of our adventures with you soon.....soon as I can get my mind and legs back to steady ground. And, a computer where I can download pictures.

For now, I am slowly getting back into the groove of routine...this is my least favorite part of vacation. The part where you have to try and recuperate from fabulous getaway --still dreaming of sandy beaches, sunny skies, and beautiful tropical surroundings -- to that of laundry, grocery shopping, meal planning, kid taxi service, schedules, meetings, appointments, sorting through mail, etc. It is exhausting.

I would rather be sifting my toes through the sandy beach sipping a Pina Colada (virgin of course--because of the baby)....and soaking in the sun.

However, it is "Back to Life...Back to Reality" here in the Lil Daisy world. Instead, I am having to sift my toes through piles of laundry and sip on hot tea while it pours rain outside my home.

Ah, well. I can still close my eyes and dream of tropical fish...especially since I am still swaying. But, I suppose it is time to switch laundry too.

Life is going on....

A book giveaway...

One of my favorite blogs to read is I Take Joy by author and speaker Sally Clarkson. She is a favorite read of mine... an encouraging, soul seeking, thought provoking blogger that just makes me grasp for a deeper understanding of Christ in my life.
She has an amazing gift of words, the ability to listen to God's heart and purpose then put into words that relate to the current life situations of mothers and women.
I am thrilled to say that she is having a book giveaway. I would love to read her latest book, Dancing with my Father, about "the study of joy and the pondering of what it means to walk with joy every day, every moment, no matter what..."

In Sally Clarkson's own words -- she describes the book:
"...it is a roadway of finding victory in what could have been a defeated life. God is so good and He has been so faithful. I truly hope that my own journey toward Him, in the midst, might in some way give many of you a some bit of courage, strength, love and joy.

Finally, we are able to offer this book to you, my friends. I pray that if you are struggling with life, disappointed, longing for God in a deep way, that in some small way, this book will be of encouragement to you and that you may make strides, as I have in learning what it means to walk in God's presence and to experience His joy every day."

If you would like a chance to win 2 books, then look over at THIS post on her blog. I warn you that you will be drawn into her beautiful words on her blog....be blessed.

Throw en' up Compliments

There is nothing, and I mean nothing, more foul than vomit. Unless it’s your kid’s vomit and it’s on you.

Pause for gag reflect.

Well, I have to just give praise and words of affirmation to my husband....

...BECAUSE....

He is the one in our home to hold back our daughter's hair when she is throwing up...change her soiled clothing, put her in the shower, wash her soiled hair, hold the bowl while she is throwing up again, wipe her messy face with a wet warm wash cloth, clean the soiled sheets ....AND on top of that....

put a towel down on a pillow right next to him in bed so that he can be there for her when she does this all over again inside the bowl.

YES, he has done this many times.... YES, he did this just last night.... YES, I am blessed beyond words that my husband is the best Father in my world!

I realize that with being pregnant, my senses are BEYOND sensitive and with the smells and messies of vomit...I can't cope with that. So, having a husband who will step up and fill that typical roll of a Mother is a beautiful thing to me. And, in reality he has done this even when I am not pregnant. He is just a Motherly Father -- if that makes sense?

He is so deserving of fresh brewed coffee and a nap!

A New Blog Face!

As you can see, I have been refacing the look of my blog! AND, I am happy to say, that I have finally been able to get three columns in blogger with the tutorial help from: Three Column Blogger

It took a little time and some adjusting, but I was able to temporarily get the three columns and this makes me very happy! I am getting a little closer to the look I like, however, I am still not sure if it is exactly how I want it in regards to design, colors, etc....but, it is a good start. Tell me what you think?

I am still working on it.... any suggestions, thoughts, ideas?

Thanks bloggy friends!

Reformation of Life (Resolutions 2010)

...when contemplating the New Year, we should make a resolution against New Year Resolutions, and, instead, strive for reformation of life.

I read this quote from A PuritansMind in regards to The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and it really made me rethink how I approach the New Year. I was really caught by the words "reformation of life"... the words reforming/transforming illuminated my thoughts and this Bible verse from 1 Corinthians came to my mind.

“And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (1 Corinthians 3:18)

I am a work in progress. As God's image takes shape in me, I will see God's power as I confront sin. Transformation begins... The Lord blesses our daily living as we make decisions. We become holier, wiser, and more loving as we seek to reach souls for Jesus. I cannot transform myself through my own works...I will never be able to give my life as a living sacrifice through my own will power or out of a sense of duty. I must be transformed from the inside out and this is only possible through the inward transformation of my beliefs. Transformation is completely by grace through faith alone. What I believe and what I am convinced of will end up determining all that I do. If there is a behavior that needs to be changed, my focus is on renewing the mind. As my mind is renewed, as unbelief is turned to faith, attitudes will change, inward motivations will change, and then actions will change. So, I am working on being confident that God is in control of every detail of my life, that nothing happens by accident, and that all things are working for good.

So what can I do to renew my mind -- to seek reformation in my life?

First -- I am agreeing with the Jonathan Edwards's Resolutions --

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humbly entreat Him by His grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake.

So with this all at the forefront of my mind: I am declaring my resolutions (reformation of life) beginning this 2010.

Simplicity
Clean and Organize --
1.Cleansing of my soul, spirit, and mind --through God's Word.
* Reading my Bible Daily, Prayer, Meditation, Serving
2.Room by Room makeover --
* Decluttering, Organizing
3. Children
* Helping kids learn chores, responsibility (and being consistent to follow through)

Nourish the Soul and Body
1. Nourishing the Soul through Worship, God's Word, Books, Sermons, etc.
2. Healthy Body
* More whole, organic foods. Less sugar, processed foods.
* Exercise

These were listed from Monica @ The Homespun Heart in her list of resolutions. I loved the complete simplicity and careful sincerity of the words she chose.

Cultivate joy.Exude peace.Create rest.Lovingly create.Creatively love.Choose simplicity.
Grow deeper.Seek beauty.Make memories.Learn to pray.Soul nourish.Home haven.

*************************************************************************************

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

Eating from the Pantry - Day #3 (Quesadillas)

Quesadillas w/ Corn Relish, Cilantro and Roasted Pecan Sauce from Trader Joes, Sour Cream, Tomatoes.

From the Pantry:
Tortillas, All ingredients for Corn Relish - cilantro, Sour Cream, Tomatoes

Groceries Purchased:
Cilantro and Roasted Pecan Sauce from Trader Joes ($2.99)
Trader Joes Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese ($2.99)
Cilantro (1.99)

Pantry Challenge Week #1

Inventory Of the Kitchen

• I looked over everything in my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry
  
• threw away any food that was outdated or spoiled
• sorted food items by type (meat, vegetable, grain, prepared food items, etc)
• made a list of the items I have on my pantry and freezer inventory forms
  

Meal Planning
Once I had an inventory of all the food I had stored, I created a monthly meal plan. I was able to create menus just by glancing through my inventory lists. I also looked at a few websites and cookbooks for some inspiration to the items on my list. I made sure that the recipes used most things I already had on hand in my pantry. Most recipes would just require that I buy a few fresh fruits or vegetables. Here's my rough draft of what we are eating in January. (Subject to change.) (Next step is making grocery lists for each week - I will post that as soon as I finish it up!)


January 3rd -

• Beet and Cabbage Borsht
• Potato Latkes
• Green Salad

January 4th -

• Pasta - Pesto, kalamata olives, tomatoes
• Papa Bread

January 5th -

• Risotto Primavera
• Grilled Sausage

January 6th -

• Cheese Quesadillas
• Corn & Black Eyed Relish (Sweet Corn Salsa)

January 7th -

• Asian Noodle Bowl
• Gyoza
• Edamame

January 8th -

• Mimi's Cooking

January 9th -

• Mimi's Cooking

January 10th -

• Tomato Soup
• Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

January 11th -

• Roasted Chicken Tostadas
• Fruit Slices

January 12th -

• Grilled Polenta w/ fresh sage & shallots
• Jimmy's Favorite garlic bread

January 13th -

• Orange Chicken w/ basmati rice
• Egg Rolls

January 14th -

• Stroganoff
• Steamed Veggies

January 15th -

• Spaghetti w/ marinara
• Garlic Toast

January 16th -


January 17th -

• Pizza

January 18th -

• Tanya's Potato Soup
• Bread

January 19th -

• Mexican Theme - quesadillas or tacos
• taquitos

January 20th -

• Crockpot

January 21st -

• Hamburgers
• Tater Tots
• Fruit and/or carrots

January 22nd -

• Gnocci w/ pesto
• Green Salad
• Breadsticks

January 23rd -

• Tofu Stir-fry
• Gyoza
• Egg rolls

January 24th

• Breakfast for Dinner:
• Pancakes
• Eggs

January 25th

• Black Bean & Cheese Enchiladas
• Mexican Rice
• Salad

January 26th

• Three Bean Vegetable Chili
• Cornbread

January 27th

• Raviolis
• Green Salad

January 28th

• Chickpea Burgers
• Tater Tots

January 29th

• Hoppin' John w. wild rice pilaf
• steamed corn
• Fruit salad

January 30th

• Pizza
• Salad

Eat From the Pantry Challenge

In the midst of my blog reading I came across this fun challenge that Crystal and FishMama are hosting. It is an Eat From the Pantry Challenge! But, I hadn't really decided if I would participate or not since we would be gone for part of the month. But, when reading through their thoughts and guidelines, I realized that I could do it for any amount of time in January. The initial challenge is to eat from your pantry, spending as little money on groceries as possible, for the entire month. I am going to try it for 3 weeks (minus the week we are gone for our cruise). I will also spend time blogging about it....so, that you aware what we are eating, spending, and saving!

This will be a month of creativity. I am sure to have interesting concoctions, maybe even some boring, plain meals....but, it will be worth the money saved and the happiness of fulfilling a challenge. Let me tell you that I am not going to completely avoid buying any groceries for a month. We like to have fresh eggs, milk, and produce, so I will plan to still buy those things.
I am also on WIC -- so, this will help with any foods I need to buy from that category too.

Here is the deal!~

• Reduce grocery spending. We're talking about reducing grocery spending this month, not eliminating it. Set a goal that is lower than your regular food budget and shoot for not exceeding it. I normally spend $100+ a week on groceries. My goal is $50.00 a week.
  
• Take stock. Take an afternoon and empty your pantry, freezer, and refrigerator. Ditch what's gone bad and make a list of what's left. Knowing what you have will make you less likely to buy more. I have a freezer/pantry form, that I will attempt to upload for you.
  
• Use what you have. Check your pantry before you meal plan or head off to the store. Develop meals based on what you have rather than buying new. I will continue to make my meals plans weekly -- but referring to my freezer/pantry lists first when creatively planning our meals.
  

You can join in the entire month, or for two weeks, or just a week--it's up to you! It's not a competition, it is to encourage you to get creative and save money by wisely using things in your freezer, refrigerator, and pantry.

Here is how you can get on board! Set goals for your own family for the Eat From The Pantry Challenge. Post it on your blog and link back here using Mr. Linky below. You can also link onto Crystal and FishMama's blog as well. At the end of the week, I will have another link to share how things are going and you can share your post as well.

What's your plan to make the most of YOUR grocery budget next month?
Join with LilDaisies and many others in making the most of your grocery budget this month and using up those items in your freezer/pantry!

Sign with Mr. Linky below!

Meal Planning Forms

Here is an example of the pantry and freezer inventory list that I use...the freezer list looks exactly like the pantry list (but with freezer written on the top instead of pantry-- you get the idea)



And then I have a grocery checklist too that I will use on occasion. Most of the time I end up writing it on a piece of paper.