Calling all Homeschooling Moms!!!

Image credit: Scholastic.com

I NEED HELP PEOPLE!!! I don't know where to go, who to talk to or even what to do when it comes to Homeschooling, all I know is that if I do have to homeschool I want to have a christian curriculum and that is about all I know, hence my stress! So if you have any tips or are currently homeschooling your children, I would LOVE some info or advice please....pretty please with a cherry on top???

The move is coming soon and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed, there just seems to be so much to do and plan, it's truly stressful. The biggest thing for me right now is Jasmine's school, not until we have base housing do we know which school she is able to attend, and as things stand right now there is a very strong possibility that I will be homeschooling her.

Cool Slideshows

This weekend was wonderful, we had warm temperatures and took advantage of it to the fullest. I think we were only in the house to sleep and eat and oh, use the bathroom of course LOL
Other than that we were outside in the pool, tanning, grilling and just having a ball...I'm nice and brown and I feel wonderful :)

I also got to sit outside in our swing and read my Fannie Flagg book "Can't wait to get to Heaven"....IT IS HILARIOUS. I can't believe I had never read this author before, who by the way wrote the very well known and wonderful "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe"......she's so funny and the book really captivates you from the first page. Here is a little blurb just so you can see how funny it is:

As predicted, around ten AM, just as Norma had finished applying her special Merle Norman facial mask for dry sensitive skin, the phone rang for the fourth time that morning. "Norma, if Adam and Eve were the only two people on earth, then where did Cain and Abel meet their wives?"
"Oh, I don't know, Aunt Elner....at Club Med? Don't ask me. I don't even know why the chicken crossed the road."
"You don't? Well I do!" said Aunt Elner. "Do you want me to tell you?"
Norma gave up and sat down. "sure," she said. "I'm just dying to know."
"To show the possum it can be done."
"Aunt Elner, where do you hear these silly things?"
"From Bud and Jay. Did you know that another name for the potato bug is the Jerusalem grasshopper?"
"No."
"Did you know there are forty-seven trillion cells in the human body?"
"No, I didn't."
"Yes, that was the correct answer yesterday. It won somebody and electric knife."
Norma had just put the phone down and was headed to the bathroom when the phone rang again.
"Hey, Normal, you just wonder who had the time to count all those cells, don't you?"

LOL I swear this book is just too funny, I am loving it and I'm definitely picking up any Fannie Flagg books I find from this day on. You have GOT to read them. (Anabela, let me know if you like the book)

Saturday morning I gave the house a good cleaning, actually Curt and the kids helped too, so now we have a spotless house. Here's the thing though, why is it that kids associate cleaning with someone coming over???

Jasmine's best friend came over for the afternoon, and yes while I did make sure she had her bedroom clean, the rest of the house cleaning is done because it's what I do everyday, especially on the weekends when Curt is home and can keep the kids busy, I get a LOT more done.

Anyway, I was cleaning the house and asked Jasmine to help with some stuff to which she quickly says....well, this is how it went:

Jasmine: Why are you cleaning mommy?

Me: Because it needs to be done Jasmine.

Jasmine: But why, is someone coming over?

Me: Yes your friend is coming this afternoon but that is not the reason I'm cleaning....

Jasmine: Oh, is someone else coming over?

Seriously, come on, if anyone hears this they're going to think that we live in a pigsty which only gets cleaned out if someone decides to come by.

It's like the day she stayed home sick and saw me cleaning (this cleaning thing just really confuses her lol) and she asked why I was doing it and I told her that it's what I do everyday...she replied with "really??? Oh I thought you just did your blog" LOL

If you're interested in seeing what I'm cooking this week, just head on over to my food blog where I posted my menu.

BTW we watched "Night at the Museum" yesterday and it was brilliant...we all watched together as a family and loved it.

Alright I'm headed out, I have a 4 year old that believes the couches pillows look better laying all over the living room floor...what is with kids and couches??? At least once a day you can find them diving off the couch onto a pile of pillows.....it does look fun but the mommy in me cringes everytime.

Have a great day everyone, God Bless,

Feels Like Summer!!!

FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY.....we are having amazing weather, upper 80's and clear blue skies. This is what it looked like this morning, I actually started laughing because it's like someone decided to scribble across the sky....how neat is that huh?

Yesterday morning I got out the new pool, blew it up and filled it with water, soon Nicholas and I had both jumped in there for about 30 minutes, thirty minutes of which I shivered and thought my teeth would fall off from the shattering. LOL


By the afternoon it was just beautiful, hot hot and it felt wonderful being in the cool water, needless to say we spent the rest of the day in the pool, barbecuing and just having fun.

I'm a summer person, I am in my element when I'm surrounded by water, sitting on a beach towel and tanning, nothing better than that, OTHER than the smell of the pool water.
Don't laugh but seriously, I got in there and the first wiff of the water I was instantly transported back to my childhood remembering lazy afternoons with my brothers, splashing around, the scent of sun block and hotdogs permeating the air.

I was complaining about my white legs the other day, well no more, I'm one of the lucky ones that goes brown straight away and all I really need is about 2 hours in the sun. I'm so happy cause I'm all brown and look like I just returned from a vacation at the beach LOL

Jasmine had her best friend over today, she's this really sweet girl named Betheny and I love watching them together. They played in the pool, ate hotdogs, played video games and then Curtis took them and Nicholas to the park while I ran by the library.

I LOVE THE LIBRARY!!! If I had to pick a place to get lost in and left to fend for myself, it would there. I would have to grab some snacks to take with me, but that would be all I would need....I guess I would emerge months later totally knowledge of every subject ever written about and also blissfully happy with the smell of book pages on my fingers LOL

Anyway, I picked up 3 movies and some books.

Ellen DeGeneres - Here and Now

Ellen DeGeneres has done everything, from starring in hit sitcoms and movies, to writing best-selling books, to having her own new talk show, scheduled to debut this fall. But she's never forgotten her roots as a stand-up comedian. Taped at New York City's Beacon Theatre before a live audience, Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now features the kind of humor that first made her a star, offering her offbeat insights into everyday life. Her feel good humor touches on something that everyone can identify with.

How to Deal

Halley is a young high school student who is disillusioned with love after seeing the many dysfunctional relationships around her. Her parents are now divorced and her father has a new young girlfriend she doesn't care for too much. Her mother is now always alone; and her sister is so overwhelmed by her upcoming wedding that she barely leaves the house anymore. On top of that, the shallowness of all the girls and guys at her school convinces Halley that finding true love is impossible. A tragic accident, however, leads her to meeting Macon, and suddenly Halley finds that true love can occur under unusual circumstances.

Big Momma's house 2

Martin Lawrence returns as FBI agent Malcolm Turner, a master of disguise who again goes deep undercover as the sassy septuagenarian "Big Momma." The FBI has learned that a computer software developer named Tom Fuller has created a computer virus that allows access to classified US government files, Fuller is planning to sell the virus to terrorist organizations all over the world. Upon hearing this, the FBI's best lead is Fuller's wife. So Malcolm goes undercover again as Big Momma in order to pose as Mrs. Fuller's nanny. and as always, Big Momma once again turns the house upside down.

And then I picked up these 4 books, the Fannie Flagg one I've already started, it's sooooo good, thank you Barb for bringing my attention to this hilarious author.

Fannie Flagg - Can't wait to get to Heaven
Jennifer Crusie - Manhunting
Sherry Garland - A line in the sand : the Alamo diary of Lucinda Lawrence, Gonzales, Texas, 1835
Barry Denenberg - So far from home : the diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish mill girl

Can't wait to read these!

Anyway, it's a saturday afternoon and my break is up, I have kids to play with and movies to watch. Hope you're all enjoying your weekend.

God Bless,

Show and Tell Friday!!!

The wonderful Kelli over at "There's no place like home" has started this friday feature, here's what she had to say:

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday!" Do you have a something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, a new antique find, an old love letter. Use your imagination and dig through those old boxes in your closet if you have to! Feel free to share pictures and if there's a story behind your special something, that's even better!

If you would like to join in, all you have to do is post your "Show and Tell" on your blog, copy the post link, come over here and add it to Mr. Linky.

If you've been reading my blog for a long time, you may remember me talking about my greatgrandmother and what a HUGE influence she was on the woman that I am today.
I'm sure there's times she shakes her head at me and wonders what I'm doing, but I know that deep down she's proud and THAT means the world.


One thing I love doing is cooking, and she did too. I remember spending hours watching her at the stove and learning from her. Those were some of the best moments of my life.

When I was about 15 or 16, we sat down at the kitchen table and together we collected recipes from magazines or newspapers to make this little booklet for me. I still have it and it's one of my treasured possessions. Now mind you all the recipes are in portuguese, because, well, because I'm portuguese LOL



Some of the pages are starting to fall apart, and at first I was thinking about redoing it, but then I remembered that my greatgrandmothers hands touched it, she tied the strings for me and I wouldn't DARE undo it. I hope to one day pass it on to my daughter.

Pictures and more Pictures!

If you're looking for my Slow Cooking Thursday post, it's just below, there's some YUMMY recipes being shared.

Now, are you ready for some more pictures? I have a few more from Margate, South Africa and then I have some I took yesterday of Jasmine and us, also the diner we had dinner at.....so come in and sit for a while, I know I know I share a lot of pics, but I really enjoy showing you all and especially the family, what we're up to on this side of the world.

So here we go, here's a little slideshow with some new ones from Margate. My brother took pics of places we had all been at together on vacation so it brought back wonderful memories, especially the seaside apartments we stayed in with our grandfather before he passed away. Enjoy!!!

Cool Slideshows

Now for yesterday, you remember it was Jasmine's birthday so I took some pictures of everyone, me included. I don't think I have to tell you how much I hate having my picture taken I always feel like I just don't look right and then when I try to look decent it comes out being forced and just weird LOL

Yesterday I decided to just let it go and just be myself...so you're warned LOL

Miss Jasmine doing what she does best, talk on the phone with her friends.

Mommy and kiddos, excuse the dark circles under my eyes, it's been a tough month.

Too funny not to share, I LOVE his face in this pic


Me in all my glory LOL

Mommy and birthday girl, she says she was trying to look like a pug???? LOL

Mommy and Nicholas, little man wanted his pic taken too

Now onto the dinner pictures, Jasmine picked a diner to go to. I LOVE diners, I just think there's nothing better than sitting there in your booth, eating a burger and fries with a milkshake and then having a sundae or banana split for dessert....what is BETTER than that I ask you???

Grinde's Diner

Inside the diner

Dessert Menu on the wall

Mushroom burger and seasoned curly fries

Daddy and birthday girl

Little man posing for the camera

I just had to post this one LOL Maybe his drink was spiked with something LOL

And there you have it, hope I didn't put you to sleep or bore you to death with all these pictures....I guess it's safe to say that I love my camera, Curt actually said to me yesterday "you look like a tourist with her camera" LOL

As long as I'm not snapping embarassing pictures of anyone I think it's safe right??? Doesn't everyone take pictures of their food??? No??? Is it just me??? I know Barb does too so I feel better LOL

Hope you're all enjoying your thursday, don't forget that tonight we have Ugly Betty, Grey's Anatomy and October Road (it's becoming one of my favorites to watch)

I'll be back tomorrow,

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday!!! April 26, 2007

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your avorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

I'm giving you 2 recipes today, I figured I would throw in a dessert to go with the chili :)

Enjoy!

Six-Can Slow Cooked Chili

Serves: 8

Ingredients:

* 1/4 c Cornmeal
* 1 ts Paprika
* 1/2 c Bbq sauce
* 28 oz Can whole tomatoes w/juice; cut up
* 2 cn Chili without beans; 15oz ea
* 15 1/2 oz Can Pinto or Dark or Light Red Kidney beans w/juice
* 15 oz Spicy Chili beans w/juice
* 1 cn Condensed French onion soup

In 3-1/2 to 4 qt crockpot, combine all ingredients; mix well. Cover; cook on HIGH for 2 to 4 or until thoroughly heated. Or cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours. TIP-For hotter chili flavor, 2 ts chili powder can be added.

Fresh Apple Coffee Cake

Ingredients:

* 2 cups biscuit mix
* 2/3 cup applesauce
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened or melted
* 2 apples, peeled, cored and diced
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1 teaspoon vanilla
* 1 egg egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup biscuit mix
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons firm butter or margarine
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 cup chopped nuts, if desired

Combine first 9 ingredients. Spread in a lightly greased 3 1/2 quart crock pot (or spread in a lightly greased baking dish which fits in a larger sized crock pot). Combine streusel ingredients with a fork or pastry blender; sprinkle over the batter. Cover and cook on high for about 2 1/2 hours, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

It's wednesday already???

Wasn't I just saying that the weekend had flown by and it was already monday but it seems that I blinked and it's wednesday??? Why are there not enough hours in the day anymore???

Do you all remember growing up the days seemed to drag, I used to say "I'm bored, there's nothing to do" but then my stepmom or dad would say something like "if you're bored I have some things for you to do, like clean your room". Boy was that enough to make me find something fast LOL


So it's the 25th of April and it's my little girl's birthday, yes, 8 years ago today she was born. I am just amazed at how much she's grown, it's so hard to wrap your mind around the fact that they were so little and now so big and independent. It's like she's turning 18 years old instead of just 8, the attitude is there, the phone calls from friends and the "whatever's" are ALL there, scary I know.

She's not having a birthday party this year, she just wants to go out to dinner with the family and really who are we to argue, I just figure it's cheaper on my pockets LOL

Curt is still having a hard time realizing that his little girl is growing up, he went out yesterday to pick up some last minute gifts for her and when he returned he said to me "I got her all these girly things", but if you could have seen his face LOL
It was like he was telling me that he got robbed or mugged or overcharged....I wouldn't know it but I've always heard about how hard it is for a daddy to watch his little girl grow, NOW watching Curt gives me some insight into what they may be feeling. It's not pretty I tell you LOL

I'm sharing some more pictures of beautiful Margate and also the Ushaka Marine World, my brother and SIL and the kids are just LOVING their vacation and I don't blame them, here we are in the cold and they're sitting at the beach enjoying the ocean, eating seafood platters and watching the dolphins......*SIGH* I feel the jealousy nagging at me LOL

I posted a new recipe on my food blog and will continue updating throughout the day so if you're looking for something new to try be sure to go by and take a look.

Our move is underway and there's so much to do, we pretty much have 2 months left here in Idaho before moving on to Arizona, so now the crunch begins, planning, planning and more planning. The one thing to remember is to stay calm and not get stressed out, the move is going to happen whether you fight it or not, so it's best to just get excited about it and think of how you'll be seeing new places and trying new things, it's like I've said before "being in the military you get to travel around and live in wonderful places" MAKE THE MOST OF IT!

The only thing that is worrying me is Jasmine's school, trying to find the right one and where she'll be comfortable at. It's tough, you want the best for your children and it's not easy to drop them off every morning and leave them for hours, it's doubly worse when you're not familiar with the school, the teachers and students......pray for me people, pray that I don't get all caught up in it and end up sitting in the back row of Jasmine's class everyday LOL

Nicholas just turned 4 and he's extremely smart for his age, I think having an older sister helps because he wants to do everything she does. In getting ready for Kindergarten next year, I want to be sure that he's ready and knows the basics and more if possible.....I found this great screening tool online for 4 year olds, it's developed to get an idea of your child's prereading skills. It's a simple 20 question game that you do with your child and at the end it gives you the score....Nicholas actually scored 20 out of 20!

Go ahead and give it a go, it's wonderful and after you get your score you're also given ideas activities and resources to help them strengthen those prereading skills.

Get ready to read - One on One Activity Cards
Get Ready to Read website - tons of great ideas and tools

Alright and with that I'm out, I have tons to do around here. Don't forget about the Slow Cooking Thursday tomorrow, get those recipes ready and get the word out, would love to have more people join in :)

God Bless,

I bring coffee and pictures......

Come on in and sit with me, I have some pictures of Margate to share with you and I'm sure I'll have more later. You know we could all use a trip to the beach right???

This weather has been absolutely dreadful lately, I'm so miserable, I want sun and warmth not rain and snow at this time of the year.

I am tempted to wear shorts but I would hate to traumatize people with my pasty white legs, is there anything worse than the first few times you wear shorts after winter??? LOL

I COULD get some fake tanner but then I would just be a walking orange and I fail to see the appeal of that.

Anyway, this is going to be a busy week, tomorrow is Jasmine's birthday, my little girl is turning 8 years old. How???? I can't believe how big she's getting, it's just amazing how fast time slips away from you before you know it you're kids are all grown up.

She's really excited because not only is it her birthday tomorrow but the second graders are going on a field trip AND she has a dentist appointment in the afternoon. YES you heard right, a dentist appointment on her birthday and she wouldn't have it any other way....this child LOVES the dentist and is always thrilled to go.

I don't have much time for a long post this morning, I have tons of errands to run and I want to pick up a few more birthday gifts for Jasmine, so here are some pics from Margate, South Africa.







I hate to leave you so fast but I really need to get going, enjoy your tuesday, I'll be back tomorrow.

God Bless,

Monday already......

This weekend went by a bit too fast for my liking, I was JUST getting into the quietness and sleeping in and BAM it's monday morning with another hectic week ahead.

So my kids are both sick with a cold, Jasmine is actually back to school this morning after being home thursday and friday last week. She passed the cold to Nicholas who in turn passed it to me.....I've told them I'm not interested in this kind of game but they just don't listen LOL

It's a given, when one of the kids is sick you KNOW you're going to get it too, I believe it's in the Mommy Handbook though I may have skipped that part, but I sure learnt fast and the HARD way LOL

As I'm writing this entry, I got an instant message from my brother Paul who is enjoying 2 weeks in Margate, South Africa. He was telling me all about the fun they're having and all the wonderful pictures they've taken, he'll be sending them to me later and then during their stay he will send more each day so that I can share with you all. I'm SO excited because it's like a little bit of home that I get to see and you all can enjoy too....so when I get new pics I'll be sharing them here on my blog.

Tomorrow they're heading to Durban for the day and going to Ushaka Marine World....now I'm even MORE jealous LOL
They might also go by this HUGE Mall called The Gateway, look at the wonderful attractions they have, indoor surfing WOW.
I have some pictures and will post them later today after I get them all organized.

This morning I got my coffee and then headed on over to I'm an Organizing Junkie for her Menu Plan Monday, I swear it was 6:30 am and I thought I would be one of the first on the list.....ummmmm I guess no one else is sleeping anymore because I ended up being #44 LOL
I managed to visit all the blogs but everytime I would hit refresh there were more....I finally gave up after #75 I just got a headache trying to visit all the Menu Plan ladies, so if I didn't make it to yours don't worry I will try to get them in tonight or tomorrow morning.

If you want to see my Menu Plan for this week it's on my Food Blog and I've posted the recipe for the Portuguese Piri Piri Chicken I'm making for dinner.




I want you to go over and check out Fishcreek house, it's one of my favorite blogs and today she's sharing a couple of recipes that are sure to have your mouth watering, she also talks about Earth Day and Organic food and products. Great post!!!

There's another blog I want you to go visit, it's Anita's My Country Cottage Garden and it's written in both German and English. This lady has a magic Green Thumb, she has the most beautiful gardens and always shares pictures which leave you in awe.

With that, I am out of here, got a little sick one to take care of, have a great day everyone.

For dinner tonight I'm making Portuguese Chicken Piri Piri, the recipe is up on my food blog if you're interested. It's pretty much a grilled chicken but it's been marinated for a day in garlic, lemon, olive oil and pepper flakes, it's really really good.

Dancing with the Stars - *New*- ABC - 7pm


Little People, Big World - *New* TLC - 9pm

Laundry
Bathrooms
Trip to Airman's Attic to drop off donations
BX for some more presents for Jasmine's Birthday on wednesday
Budget for this month
Moving plans

Fathers and Daughters!!!

Credit Image: DonnaBellas

Jasmine has always been daddy's girl and up until a few months ago she was all into the kinds of things he likes. Even though she still is to a certain extent, she's becoming a young lady and has started drifting towards girly things.

She likes the dresses and the pretty tops, the high heels, the earrings and don't let her near make up because she will bombard you with requests for that pretty lip gloss, or the red nail varnish. Yes, a girly girl indeed. Me, I'm ecstatic, I feel like I JUST gave birth to a girl and now we get to play together.

See for most of her life she wanted to do things with daddy, she watches all his movies with him and talks about superheroes and dinosaurs, comic books etc. Inside the stores I would try to pull her towards girl things only to be met with a dismayed NO, she wants to go look at the cars and boy toys.....it was depressing to say the least but I also knew that she was learning and discovering things so I let it go.

Now that she's into girl stuff, hubby is finding himself a little freaked out, it's hard for a daddy when he sees his little girl growing up.

Yesterday was a perfect example of how out of place he feels with these new things.....we had gone out for the day and Jasmine got herself a new lip gloss set, after returning home the first thing she did was put on the lip gloss, not perfectly I might add because it ended up above and below her lips LOL

She proudly walked up to daddy to talk about something and he said "Have you been eating your crayons?" LOL
OH MY GOODNESS!
I thought I was going to die laughing, I've never laughed so hard in my life.....she just looked at him and said "No daddy, it's lipstick", she found it funny too. I tell you I still chuckle everytime I think about it......oh the wonderful dynamics between daddy and daughter is great!

I'm sure you're listening to the beautiful song playing, it's by one of my favorite bands called IL DIVO and it's called Mamma, the words are absolutely beautiful and bring tears to my eyes everytime....the video itself is brilliantly done too and a sure tear jerker. Enjoy!!!



The first thing I did this morning was go visit all the blogs that I've been neglecting, I think I've gotten to them all, but there are some blogs that though they are my favorites, I really never comment. Do you have some like that too???

It's those that you LOVE visiting every morning and admiring the beautiful pictures and wonderful posts but you don't say a peep, for me the reason is that they're usually the ones with tons of comments, 50 or more and I feel like little ol' me will just get lost in the crowd, so I sit in the background, Oohhh and aaaahh about them and just close it down and go on my way.

Last week while when we went to the Boise Zoo we made a wrong turn, shocking I know, and ended up in the middle of Boise. I have to tell you I have been here for almost 9 years and never went into the actual city, yes we went to the mall and the outskirts but never to the middle of town. I am so annoyed with myself for not doing so because it's absolutely stunning.

Boise State Capital

Downtown Boise

It was great driving by the Old Boise Historic District.

If you're brave and hungry enough, you could swing by Big Jud's Country Diner and try to eat their One Pound Big Jud Burger served with One Pound of Fries.....yeah that's MY KINDA PLACE!

Well as much as I would love to stay and chat, there's things that need to be done around here....which makes me wish I was with my brother Paul and his family right now, they're enjoying 2 weeks in Margate, South Africa. One of my FAVORITE vacation spots, boy how I miss it.



You all have a wonderful sunday, it's rainy here so it's indoors for us, popcorn, movies and family time, hopefully some naps in between, one can only hope right???

FIVE SENSES SATURDAY!!! April 21

Well it's Saturday and you know that means my Five Senses Post, hope you enjoy. Oh by the way, I've added a new feature to my blog, under the menu section on the right side you will see a "Listening to" area, everyday there will be a new video, all you have to do is click the play button to listen. Most of these are Christian Songs so I know you'll enjoy.

The song I picked for today is by BarlowGirl - Never Alone....I think we've all felt this way sometimes:

I cried out with no reply
And I can't feel You by my side
So I'll hold tight to what I know
You're here and I'm never alone

We cannot separate
You're part of me
and though You're invisible
I trust the unseen

::Hear::

- The Fray "Look After You"

- Nicholas crying after his immunization shots
- Jasmine talking on the phone with her friend

::See::


- Animals at the zoo

- My husband smiling at me
- My family through the webcam

::touch::


- The tears falling down Nic's face
- The cold water in the pool
- The warmth of Jasmine's forehead when checking for fever




::taste::




- Crab Rangoon at the Chinese Restaurant
- First sip of coffee in the morning
- Cold Beer after a hot day at the zoo




::smell::


- White Linen Scented Candles
- My roses blooming in my front yard
- Ice Cold Coke with a lemon slice

Is there anything worse

than watching your children in pain??? Seriously, is there??? I can handle whatever life throws my way but when I see one of my children crying and in pain, I find myself feeling the most helpless I've ever felt.

This morning Nicholas had his 4 year check up and with that comes Immunization shots. As a parent I'm always on top of the shots and check ups, they get them everytime they're scheduled for one and will continue to do so, I just think that it's so important to protect our children any way we can.

As I stood there talking to his pediatrician, I listened as she said how well he is doing, he looks wonderful and is very smart, he's doing everything he's supposed to be doing AND more for his age....so I'm smiling right?? Then she says "he gets immunization shots today mom", so I'm thinking ok, I knew this was coming.....she goes out and calls the immunization doctor and he walks in with 5 needles in his hands.

I must have had this terrified look on my face cause he quickly said "I'm sorry I know this is hard". I got to hold Nicholas on my lap while the doctor poked him 5 times in a row on his legs....my little boy tried so hard to be a big boy but by the 3rd shot he was in pain and crying so hard, which sent me into tears LOL

As I sat there with tears in my eyes and feeling his pain I thought about God and how he must feel when we're going through a bad time, grieving, in pain, crying or heartbroken. This is exactly how He must feel, reaching out and feeling helpless to see us this way. Just like I did with Nicholas, I let him know I was there and whispered in his ear how much I loved him and that everything would be ok.....but in the midst of the tears and the pain he didn't even hear me, he was so focused on what was going at that moment that my words were lost.

Wow, how many times have I done that myself??? I find that I'm so caught up in my problems or in not feeling well that I fail to hear the Lord, fail to even pay enough attention the fact that I'm NOT alone, He's right there with me, holding my hand and whispering in my ear, just like I did today with Nicholas.

I have to tell you, I LOVE reconnecting with Him, it makes everything so much easier and life that much more pleasant.

So Jasmine has been home for the past 2 days, she's got a cold and as usual running a fever, I'm sure I don't have to tell you how common this is with her.
What frustrates me is the fact that she didn't need to get sick, but again, on wednesday while it was freezing cold, raining and snowing, the school allowed the kids to have recess outside. Why is my question???? What is soooooo wrong about letting the kids stay indoors while it's raining???

But moving on, last night I made Beef and Cheese Lasagna which turned out really good, the recipe is posted on my food blog along with another recipe for Caldo Verde, which is one of the traditional portuguese soups and just wonderful, one of my favorites.
Last night I realized that I had a bunch of Paperbackswap book credits just sitting there waiting to be used, you don't have to twist my arm to get more books. I don't even know why I get so many, I have tons at home and my TBR (to be read) pile is huge but I can't help adding to the collection, especially when it's by wonderful authors such as Lori Wick.

Here's the books I picked up:

By Lori Wick, Tucker Mills Trilogy
Moonlight On The Millpond
Just Above A Whisper
Leave a Candle Burning

Every Storm by Lori Wick

Lightkeeper by Susan Wiggs

Grab a Broom Lord: There's Dust Everywhere by Karon Phillips Goodman

I'm finishing off my English Garden Series by Lori Wick, I can't say good enough things about it, just love it.

Being friday night it means that mommy gets to lay in bed watching tv while the kids stay up late with daddy. Boy do I love friday nights LOL

I'm going to give the kids their bathes, take my own bath and then head to bed to watch tv and read, I hope you're all having a wonderful day.
I'll be back in the morning with my Five Sense Saturday!

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday!!! April 19, 2007

Hi everyone, before we carry on with my Slow Cooking Recipe for today I just had to share with you, the wonderful Mrs L. nominated my Food Blog for the Bloggers Choice Awards as the Best Food Blog. I'm excited and shocked, I've only been nominated once before for something else, I can't even remember because I didn't win anything LOL

You can vote for my blog by clicking on the Badge (no pressure of course).

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your avorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Slow Cooker Swiss Steak Supper

Throw together round steak, potatoes, carrots, onions and tomatoes before you go to work. It'll be ready to enjoy when you get home.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 8 hr
(Total time will vary with appliance and setting.)

1 1/2 pounds beef boneless round steak
1/2 teaspoon peppered seasoned salt
6 to 8 new potatoes, cut into fourths
1 1/2 cups baby-cut carrots
1 medium onion, sliced
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic and oregano, undrained
1 jar (12 ounces) beef gravy
Chopped fresh parsley, if desired


1. Cut beef into 6 serving pieces. Spray 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle beef with seasoned salt. Cook in skillet 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until brown.

2. Layer potatoes, carrots, beef and onion in 4- to 5-quart slow cooker. Mix tomatoes and gravy; spoon over mixture in slow cooker.

3. Cover and cook on low heat setting 7 to 8 hours or until beef and vegetables are tender. Sprinkle with parsley.

Makes 6 servings

Nutritional Info Per 1 Serving: Calories 220 (Calories from Fat 45); Fat 5g (Saturated 2g); Cholesterol 60mg; Sodium 680mg; Potassium 780mg; Carbohydrate 20g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 27g

Diet Exchanges: 1 Starch; 3 Very Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable

This recipe displayed with permission from General Mills, Inc.

I'll Look After You!

During the past few days the nation and the world has sat in total disbelief as we watched the tragedy at Virginia Tech. For me it was like going back in time and watching Colombine all over again, you want to reach through the tv and hug those students and pull them to safety.


As horrible as these images are and the shooting was, we know that through this all the Lord has continued to Look After Us....this is the reason I chose the song that is playing. Not for the rest of the lyrics but for the part that says I'll Look After You, because that is exactly what He is doing and it's also what the students are doing for each other, helping their friends get through this and coming together.


I've been glued to the tv, I've cried along with these students and I've sat in sheer horror watching the video captured on a cellphone, listening to the witness accounts of how it happened and I've prayed really hard for God to bring them some comfort and strength through all this.

If you want to share your condolences and thoughts and prayers go on over to the VT April 16th Memorial Website.

It makes me think of the Nooma DVD's, especially the one called Rain.

Things don’t always work out the way we want them to, or the way we think they will. Sometimes we don’t even see it coming. We get hit with some form of pain out of nowhere leaving us feeling desperate and helpless. That’s the way life is. Still, it makes us wonder how God can let these things happen to us. How God can just stand by and watch us suffer. Where is God when it really hurts? Maybe God is actually closer to us than we think. Maybe it’s when we’re in these situations, where everything seems to be falling apart, that God gets an opportunity to remind us of how much he really loves us.

If you want to watch the little clip of the video just go here.

This DVD has helped me through so many things especially now as I've been reconnecting with the Lord and trying to get back into the normal flow of things for me, which meant daily prayer, devotionals, reading the bible and pretty much devouring the Christian Word. You know that feeling when just the thought of reading a new Christian book made you giddy??? Well I miss that, so I'm slowly getting back into everything and one thing that I've noticed straight away is that no matter how far I stray or how disconnected I may be feeling, the Lord is ALWAYS waiting with open arms, it's like I never left His side.....I know He never left mine.

So while recommitting myself to Him this past week, I've noticed that I'm once again at peace and not stressing and frantic about my husbands tests, I have this amazing sense of calmness, I know where it's coming from and I MISSED IT! I'm so glad to have it back, it's at times like these that I wonder how I ever went without it, it's an indescribable feeling.

The overwhelming feeling of the move in July has been replaced by a calm and relaxed attitude,

• The move in 2 months, IT WILL GET DONE. Those words keep playing in my mind.
• My husband's tests, HE WILL BE FINE. Those words keep playing in my mind.
• I'm overwhelmed and stressed, I'M BY YOUR SIDE. Those words keep playing in my mind.

How blessed I am to have the Lord remind me over and over (I swear he must get tired of it LOL) that He's there, watching, helping and guiding.

Well I have things to do so I'm going to end this, please say a prayer for the victims and families of the Virginia Tech Massacre and hug your loved ones, especially your children, hug them tight and thank the Lord that they are here and safe while some parents are at this moment going through the worst time of their lives.

I also want you to pray for the troops overseas, at times we tend to forget that they're still over there, still dying and paying the ultimate price for our safety, let us NEVER forget their sacrifices.....I pray for them and keep them in my thoughts daily. May the Lord keep them safe and bring them home as soon as possible.

God Bless,

Father, you're close to people whose hearts are breaking, those who are discouraged and have given up hope. May You who see their troubles and grief respond when they cry out. When they're hurting, help them find their joy in You, for ...Your joy will be their strength. Help them to trust You as their God of hope. Fill them with Your joy, peace, and hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lord thank you for the wake up call!

Thank you to those that sent out a prayer for my hubby, I am calm and I know that it's in the Lord's hands so no use worrying about it, but it's great to know that we are being thought of.

I have to tell you that yesterday I was so frustrated and I couldn't understand why it seemed that everything was just coming at me all of a sudden but then it hit me.......I've strayed and I've become complacent with the Lord and this is definitely a wake up call.
I'm ok with it because it means that I may have to go through some scares and some down times but it's just so that I can open my eyes to the fact that I've gotten lazy and I need to grab hold of the Lord's hand and go back to being the good and devout Christian that I was....or rather still AM!

I've found that in my life there's good times and then there's times when things seem to go downhill, but there's always a constant and a pattern, it's during the period that I've started loosening the grip on the Lord's hand, I stop reading the Bible and Christian books, I even find myself going days without praying....I'm ashamed!
I let life around me dictate my relationship with God and THAT my dear friends is not a good thing for me.

I want to go back to the feeling of utter happiness, no worries, contentment with my life and knowing that even the smallest things are being overseen by God. Am I there right now??? Not even close!!!

So I'm resolving and deciding this morning, yet again, to turn back to the Lord instead of facing away from him and how lucky we are to have a loving Father who is always ready to take us back, always with open arms.

Interesting enough I got this prayer from my stepmom Nela, this morning, I prayed and I cried during the prayer....anyone else ever do that??? I'm so emotional with things like this, anyway I thought I would share it with you all.

Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to

see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving

God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep

on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or

thought that was not pleasing to you.

I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger

and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of

gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind

so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept

all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control

over.

And It's the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.

I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart. Continue to

use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a

blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep

me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray

for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that

are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You

intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it

with others. I pray for those that don't believe.

But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and

God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and

every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy

in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I

pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem,

circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your

hands for You to fight.

I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that

sees it.

I'm right now in the middle of visiting all the blogs in my bloglines, boy is there a lot, I've come a long way though so you'll be sure to see me pop up and say hi today. I've missed seeing what everyone is up to, there's such interesting posts going on and there's also a lot of pregnant ladies out there....is there something in the water I should be watching out for??? LOL

I see that some of you were brave enough to have your blogs critiqued, me, I'm not that brave and I'm afraid that I would probably be crying in a corner if he said anything mean about my blog. Not that it matters really, I mean I started this blog for my family and to keep them updated in what we're doing and where we're going....but still the thought of anyone not liking me would be heart breaking LOL
So if you're strong enough and can take it, why don't you send your blog in and see what they write in return???

I'm going to finish visiting the blogs and then get started on my bread rolls, my mouth is watering just thinking about them. I'll let you all know how they turned out :)

God Bless,

I feel like lately all I've done is ask for prayers.....

Have you ever had one of those months where things just seem to be happening and things coming at you from all sides???
Because that is how I am feeling this month, we've just had one thing after another happen, I'm tired and I'm sick of dealing with it all, I just want some peace and quiet for a bit. It's not that much to ask for is it???

Well the prayers this time are for my husband, he had some blood tests done a week ago and they all came back normal except for his liver function one. I have no idea what exactly it means but I'm scared and I'm worried and I don't want to bother him with it. Please send out a prayer if you can, he has to go back and see the doctor but he's not wanting to either which just frustrates me but makes me even more stressed out. Just keep him in your prayers please, it would mean the world to me to know that I'm getting some extra prayers sent our way.

Before I even go any further I just have to send my condolences and my prayers to the families of the victims of today's horrible shooting at a Virginia Campus. I've been watching it all day long and I'm shocked, I'm saddened and I'm just in total disbelief of what happened....what is going on with this world????

It's very sad to think that any individual could get to a state of mind as to take another human life with no feeling and no thought of his actions. These innocent souls who were in class and had their lives taken so drastically, it breaks my heart, it's absolutely horrid. My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and the rest of the campus in Virginia, this has to be so hard for them all.

Alright moving on, I've been trying to catch up on all my house cleaning, it hasn't been easy since I've been sick for the past month and only now trying to get things caught up, I'm slowly getting there though, I never thought I would be so happy doing housework but it means that I'm back to normal and THAT is what matters the most to me.

Tomorrow though I'm going to be baking, if there's one thing you're likely to find in Portuguese homes is these wonderful Portuguese Bread rolls or as we call them in Portuguese "Papo Secos"...I haven't had those in years and I'm craving some. Funny story actually, Curt fell in love with these when he was in South Africa, he just couldn't get enough of these rolls, so when I came to the states I actually brought some over with me LOL

I can't believe I travelled with a dozen bread rolls in my carry on luggage hahahahah
At least I was prepared if I got delayed anywhere waiting for my flight right???

Anyway, I'll be making some tomorrow and I'm giving you the recipe too in case you want to try them, they're soooo good you'll find yourself making them at least once a week.

I wish I had more time to chat but I have dinner dishes to do and then it's bath time for the kids etc.....I'll be back tomorrow hopefully with a post in the morning.

God Bless,
Sandra

Virtual Trip to Boise Zoo!!!

Illustration by Larry Moore

That is where we spent our Saturday, well, amongst other places. The kids birthdays are two weeks apart and they both wanted to go to the Zoo, so on Saturday we went out to breakfast and then headed to Boise which is about 36 miles from base.

We started at the Boise Zoo and even though it's not one of the nicest ones out there, I mean, there were no Giraffes or Elephants etc....we still had a great time. The key to having a great day is to just go with the flow and not get so caught up in what is missing but enjoy what IS available.

Now since this blog was started specifically for family to stay in touch and see what we've been up to, I'm going to be posting lots of pics, so I apologize to anyone else who may not enjoy them, though I don't know how you couldn't enjoy the animals that I'm about to share with you.

Our Trip to the Boise Zoo

The first animal we saw was the Coati, they're adorable and the kids loved them.

Next was the Racoon and even though everyone knows what they look like, it's always nice seeing one up close without fear of getting bitten LOL

Next is the Bald Eagles and they're even more beautiful up close.

Isn't this such a beautiful Pheasant??? Or as I mistakenly called it yesterday, a PEASANT LOL

As we rounded the corner we were met by this beautiful Condor.


Talking about beautiful birds, this Condor was showing off with it's wings wide open....it was just stunning.


Now these Cranes were Jasmine's favorites, she couldn't stop laughing at them with the spiky hair (hahaha)

There's tons of ducks walking around so we had to keep reminding the kids not to chase after them.


This next guy was scary, he was a huge gorgeous leopard, I couldn't get a good picture of him though because he kept pacing back and forth licking his lips.....I must have looked like a good meal to him LOL


Next we saw a Sloth Bear, happily sleeping in the sunshine


The Amur Tigers were just beautiful, they were both resting, one by the rocks and one catching some shade under the trees.




The kids were fascinated with this huge Aldabra Tortoise


These are the Desert Tortoises


This one was funny because Nicholas refused to go anywhere near it, he was terrified of the Komodo Dragon LOL


Here is a Gila Monster, they're actually really pretty but I have this thing with reptiles, they just really freak me out.....*shiver*


I love these little guys, the Ring-Tailed Lemurs are just too cute for words


Now if you hate snakes, you may want to look away for a bit, I can't stand them, they give me the shivers but they are beautiful and I couldn't help taking some pictures.
This is a California Kingsnake:

This one was inside the Rain Forest Exhibit and I'm so glad it was in a cage LOL
It's a Boa Constrictor, it's huge, it's pretty but good grief I kept having flashes of that snake wrapped around me.....morbid I tell you LOL

Inside the Rain Forest we also got to see these beautiful Rosella Birds


Next were the Spider Monkeys, I could just sit and watch them for hours, they're so funny.

This next one is like a huge rabbit, it's called a Patagonian Cavy

We headed into the Penguin Exhibit, it was fun watching them, especially the one that kept swimming around grabbing the fish then showing off for the people watching




And here's the last one, the Zebra was having a good nap under the tree

And lastly, here are some pics of the kids on the Merry Go Round, with me holding Nic of course, I tell you that thing made me dizzy LOL

I know this was a long post but I really wanted to share the pictures with you all....to end off this perfect day at the zoo, we headed to Toys R Us first to get the kids some extra goodies for their birthdays and then ended off the day at Red Robin for dinner. I LOVE RED ROBIN....I had their A1 Peppercorn Burger and OH.MY.GOODNESS, not only was it the best burger I've ever had but the Bottomless Steak Fries were to die for....washed it down with a Guinness Beer and by the time we got home I was pooped.

Nothing like spending a great day with the family to induce a restful sleep at night LOL

See you all tomorrow, I'm going to finish cleaning my house, it's actually spotless right now, I did some cleaning earlier but still want to get some laundry finished and put away.
Hope you're all enjoying your sunday.

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday!!! April 12, 2007

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your avorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Roast Slow Cooker Chicken

Assemble this dish mid-day for a home-cooked meal the same evening! Serve with a salad and dinner rolls.

Serving: 4 Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 360 minutes Total Time: 370 minutes

INGREDIENTS:
1 chicken, cut into fryer pieces
1 onion, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 10.75 ounce can chicken broth

choose your favorite vegetables:
1 cup sliced carrots
2 medium red potatoes, washed and cubed
4 stalks of celery, cut into large chunks (see note)


DIRECTIONS:
1. Remove skin from chicken pieces and rinse. Pat dry. Place onion in bottom of Crock-Pot® style slow cooker. Add chicken. Pour broth over top.

2. Cover and cook on LOW 6 hours or more.

3. You can thicken the broth for gravy, or save it for soup.

Cook's Notes: If including high water-content vegetables such as celery, wait until the last hour to add the vegetable to the slow cooker.

Brrrrrr I'm cold

Before I start, just want to let you all know that my Tackle it Tuesday post is just below this one.....

Image by Marla's Palette

It's so unfair to keep tempting us and waving the Spring Carrot under our noses for a day or two only to turn it around, dump tons of rain and high speed winds and make my poor little fingers freeze. What is going on???? Where is the groundhog and what has it told us???? Do I have to go hunt a groundhog myself and ask him about his shadow???

Seriously I'm sitting here with my cup of coffee and my mouse hand is frozen, it's always my right hand, anyone else have that happen???

I have some free time this morning so I plan on visiting as many blogs as I can, I'm so tempted to get rid of them all in bloglines because there's just sooooo many, I keep adding and adding to it and I've over 300 blogs on there, like I REALLY have time to go visit 300 blogs???
I need to do some serious purging of bloglines, I just can't bring myself to it, you should see me trying to decide which ones to delete and which to keep, it's like trying to throw out that little piece of paper that means NOTHING but you've had for years and couldn't imagine it out there all alone.....wow I'm pathetic, I'm sure there's a medical term for me I just don't know it yet. LOL

I'm sure you've noticed that I changed my blog theme again, I love pink and am always on the lookout for anything with pink in it and since I don't have the time to make my own, I will just use one of the many wonderful free templates out there.

So we're planning our move this summer and it's amazing how much stuff needs to be done and planned. Here's just an idea:

Get official orders
Put in for housing at next base
Wait to get house so we can determine which school Jasmine goes to
Get all medical and dental records from hospital
Get school records
Coordinate moving company dates and times
Coordinate when the stuff will arrive at new base
Book TLF (Temporary Living Facilities) for this base AND the new one
Get pugs their shots and vet records for next base

That is just a few of the things, there's plenty more and I really don't even want to think about it right now, it gives me a headache and makes me want to run for the nearest hill.....with some snacks and diet coke, Oh and my computer and internet of course, AND the tv, and the cellphone, oh and my kids and hubby too.....Screw it, might as well just stay where I am LOL

I was just thinking about how much I'm going to miss this base and my house, you know when you've lived somewhere for 9 years there's so many memories attached to it, but as a military family you learn to deal with it and you learn to carry those memories with you and make new ones wherever you go.

Ain't that the truth?!?!?

So tomorrow is Nicholas' birthday, he's turning 4 years old and he's very excited about it. I'm happy but also sad, isn't it weird how we get so emotional whenever our kids have another birthday? It's hard to wrap my mind around the fact that he'll be starting school next year, I keep telling him I'm not letting him go to kindergarten, he has to stay home with me....he's not buying it though, he very firmly tells me that he's going to school and that the pugs will be with me at home. THANKS NICHOLAS!!! LOL

I tried bribing Curt into giving me another baby, just so that I have someone to keep me company when both kids are at school, he's not falling for it either, he keeps saying "have you forgotten what it was like for you when you were pregnant?", I know he's right, honestly I don't think my body could handle another pregnancy, guess I'll have to take up a new hobby, shopping seems fun, maybe origami LOL
Heck, maybe I should just take up the clarinet or the saxophone, then again belly dancing is quite entertaining too from what I hear.

On the 25th, Jasmine turns 8 years old but I could swear she's turning 18. She has the attitude of a teenager and just this past week she's discovered the PHONE. Yep, the teenage years and the long hours of phone calls are upon us. Curt is not thrilled at all LOL
Jasmine's best friend is in her class, she's this adorable girl named Bethany and they do everything together, so this past week they realized that it was time they exchanged phone numbers and called each other. ALL.THE.TIME

I pick her up from school, bring her home and within 5 minutes the phone rings....they talk for an hour, hang up and within another hour it rings again or Jasmine is calling her. All I hear is the one sided conversation about play dates, going to each other's houses, sleep overs and do you like chicken pot pie. YES people because if you don't like chicken pot pie you can NOT have a fruitful and successful friendship.....at least that's what I'm learning through all this.

Anyway, I think I've babbled on enough today, I'm sure you've noticed that I'm feeling much much better, now I'm going to run and do some drive-by-comments as fast as I can before heading out for a bit. Be ready, you may not see me clearly but you will definitely see my dust as I zip to the next blog.....my goal??? Hit as many blogs as I can within the hour....wish me luck.

God Bless,

Tackle it Tuesday!!!

Join Us For Tackle It Tuesday

We’re making housework blog-able!

Each week on Tuesday, we are posting before and after pictures of a project or trouble area that we tackled this week.

The project can be little or big – whatever you want. Basically, Tackle It Tuesday is about giving ourselves incentive, deadlines and satisfaction in getting our household tasks done.

I am so bad, I have not done a Tackle it Tuesday in forever, gosh months at least....I have a good excuse though, I was so caught up to date and organized there for a while that I didn't have anything to tackle. It felt good, but now we're in the middle of planning our PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to a new base and things are hectic and chaotic to say the least.

I have lots to organize and tackle so I'm sure I'll have plenty of stuff to blog about.....BUT the one project that always remained and never got touched was my kitchen drawer where I keep my dish towels. See, base housing doesn't really give you that much room to pack stuff in and these drawers are tiny, I have so many dish towels and it got hard trying to find the one I wanted, I'm also very weird about the fact that they were folded and had creases in them.....yeah like the dishes care at all, but whatever it's one of my little weird things I guess.


I came up with a solution, I've started rolling my dish towels and stacking them neatly, now not only do they NOT have creases, but I can easily see which one is which without having to go through the whole drawer. Try it, it really does help.

If you want to join in, just head on over to 5 Minutes for Mom and add your name to the list, or you can just browse through the other blogs that are tackling projects, might give you some good ideas and get you motivated enough to go tackle that hallway closet full of board games....yep I have one too, adding that little sucker to list of things to do...I promise.

Good Morning everyone!!!

I can finally say that I'm back to normal. It's been a tough month for me, it's hard being sick and out of it when you have a family to take care of and little ones who don't understand why mommy is laying around instead of playing tag or jumping up and down, even getting up to get them a snack or lunch was just too much for me.

It's hard I tell you, all of you who are close to your parents and siblings or grandparents, your family that is right there ready to step in and help you when you need it, be thankful and appreciate every minute.....I don't have that, I have been doing it all for the past 8 years, it's not easy.

There's days that I want to crawl into bed and have someone else step in and take care of me, watch the kids etc. Yes my husband helps as much as he can, but he also has to work, it's not like he can stay home with me all day long.....but anyway, I'm finally past the worst, now I can get back to my normal routine, starting with giving this house a good cleaning.

I tried to keep cleaning but it's amazing how fast it all goes to chaos if you're not on top of it everyday. We're also starting to pack for our move so there's boxes and all that fun stuff.
I do like moving though, it gives you a chance to get rid of a ton of things LOL

I know by now a lot of you are wondering why I haven't been by to visit your blogs, I hope you don't think I've forgotten about them, I haven't, but you know that there's a lot going on with me right now so it hasn't been easy. I appreciate all the ladies that continue to visit and leave well wishes and sweet comments, it means the world to me. Thank you!!!

I have a busy week, we all have our yearly check ups and Jasmine has a dentist appointment on wednesday too. I know a lot of people who don't do it, but I've learnt to schedule all of them around the birthday month that way I always remember. Wish me lucky, it's my OB/GYN annual and I can not tell you how much I hate it. I would rather go to the dentist LOL

We also have Nicholas' birthday on wednesday, he will be turning 4 years old. I can't believe my little boy is getting so big and starting Kindergarten next year.....why does time just zip by so fast?
You think you have all the time in the world and before you know it they're out of diapers, playing computer games and telling you things like "I don't want to sleep in my bed alone, it makes me NERVOUS" LOL YEAH, makes him nervous???? LOL

Alright I have tons of things to do, I'm leaving you with my TO DO list for today, maybe it will inspire some of you, or maybe it will scare you into just doing nothing but sitting on the couch relaxing. Maybe I should buy a robot, don't they have those robots that look like real people???? I could get a girl one and name her Betty....let her help me around the house. Knowing my luck though there would be some sort of malfunction and before I knew it, she would be trying to take over my family LOL

TO DO LIST

Laundry
Iron
Sweep and Mop Kitchen
Change Bed Linens
Pay Bills
Clean bathrooms
Separate items for Yard Sale this weekend

Anyway, you all have a great monday....I want to send a huge hug and kiss to my family in South Africa....Miss you guys :)

God Bless,

Slow Cooking Thursday!!!

Welcome to my weekly Crockpot Recipes Exchange. It's such a great way to share your avorite dishes or to learn some new ones to make for your family.

What do you think??? Do You have some great recipes to share, or perhaps you're looking for some delicious ones to give you a reason to pull out the ol' crockpot???

Time to pull out those crockpots and put them to good use. If you want to join in, just grab the banner and add your name to Mr Linky :)

Fisherman's Catch Chowder
by Corwynn Darkholme

"This is a very savory fish chowder, and anyone who is a seafood lover will love this recipe! Use any combinations of the following fish: halibut, flounder, ocean perch, pike, rainbow trout, or haddock. (Double recipe for 5-quart slow cooker.)"

# 1 1/2 pounds cod fillets, cubed
# 1 (16 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, mashed
# 1 (8 ounce) jar clam juice
# 1/2 cup chopped onion
# 1/2 cup chopped celery
# 1/2 cup chopped carrots
# 1/2 cup dry white wine
# 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
# 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
# 1 teaspoon salt
# 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
# 3 tablespoons butter, melted
# 1/3 cup light cream



1. In a slow cooker, stir together the cod, tomatoes, clam juice, onion, celery, carrots, wine, parsley, rosemary, and salt. Cover, and cook on Low 7 to 8 hours or on High 3 to 4 hours.
2. One hour prior to serving, mix flour, butter, and light cream in a small bowl. Stir into the slow cooker until the fish mixture is thickened.

Nutritional Info:

Servings Per Recipe: 4

* Amount Per Serving
* Calories: 341
* Total Fat: 13.6g
* Cholesterol: 109mg
* Sodium: 1083mg
* Total Carbohydrates: 14.6g
* Dietary Fiber: 2.5g
* Protein: 34.8g

FINALLY turning a corner!!!

Before I even start this post let me tell you all, if you ever get prescribed Zyrtec by your doctor, pray and pray hard that you are not one of the unlucky ones that don't do well with this drug.

I have NEVER in my life felt so sick and like I was going to die. Seriously! Since friday morning I've been walking around like a zombie, disconnected, groggy, not myself, dizzy, lightheaded, headaches, foggy, heavy head....you name it, I had it. It was THE worst feeling in the world. I just can't believe that this one drug could have such an effect on my body. After looking online I came upon a site with tons of people complaining about the same thing.

Everyone's body chemistry is different and I guess I'm just one of the weaker ones. Any kind of drug that says "May make you drowsy" is enough to put me to sleep, so I would have appreciated it if my doctor had told me the side effects of Zyrtec. Drowsiness, lightheaded, dizzyness......THAT right there would have been a huge signal for me not to take it.

I have not touched zyrtec since thursday and I actually threw it away. Today is the first day (5 days later) that I feel 90% back to normal. It's pretty scary when you visit the ER twice in one week, yep, that is where I was saturday after my "Five Senses Saturday" post. I thought I was doing ok but right after I got off the computer I was hit by another wave of dizziness, I had enough of it so I drove myself and the kids to the ER. Unfortunately Curt had weekend duty and was already working, the way I was feeling I wasn't going to sit around waiting to see if his bosses would let him off work.....the hospital is just 2 blocks down from me anyway.

The minute your husband and children start looking worried and asking what is wrong with you, YOU KNOW it's time to do something about it. I never want my children to worry about me like that again.

Anyway, thank you to those that sent out a prayer, I do feel much better today, hopefully I can continue to feel this way, the ER doctor said it would take a few days to get Zyrtec out of my system, can't get out fast enough for me.

On to moving news, Curt has his briefing appointment this afternoon so by tomorrow we'll have a better idea on housing, dates, moving dates etc. I just can't wait actually, we're all excited to get on with it.

I think the worst is always the months in between, there is so much planning and I'm one of those people who just wants to GO. If you tell me I am moving, then let me move NOW. LOL

I want to quickly send out a hug and kiss to Anabela in Johannesburg, thank you so much for the comments you have been leaving, I'm SOOOOO excited to know that you read my blog :) BTW, your book is going to be mailed this week, hope you enjoy it :)

Of course I have to mention my stepmother too, she finally was able to leave comments too, so I'm SUPER thrilled and happy for that :) Nela, beijinhos grandes :)

Well I can't push it, watching tv and being on the computer just makes my headache worse, so I better squidaddle on out of here. Have a great day everyone :)

God Bless,