Lazy Mom's Chicken Spaghetti

A lazy mom version of Chicken Parmesan.

Chicken Spaghetti
5 Chicken Breasts (I use the thin sliced or cutlets)
1 jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce
Mozzerella & Parmesan Cheeses
Garlic Powder
Onion Powder
1/2 pound cooked spaghetti

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 9x12 pan. Season chicken breasts with garlic and onion powders, salt and pepper. Place in the bottom of the pan, cover with sauce (reserve some for your pasta). Sprinkle with cheese and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last five minutes. Serve with your favorite pasta.

You could also make this recipe in the crockpot on a hot day when you don't want to turn on the oven. Just top with cheese when you plate it up!

Prettying up the Front Porch

This post is going to be covering photo challenges at I Should Be Folding Laundry (topic: green), and at a new blog I recently found, Simplicity (topic: home).

I decided the other day that our front porch needed a little sprucing up. Since I am definitely not green-thumbed, succulents were the way to go. Cooper of course was thrilled at the idea of getting his little hands deep into the dirt! Me, notsomuch. As with many types of crafting, I love the "idea" of planting, I love how they look sitting on my front porch, but, really, I do not enjoy the process. at. all. At least, until I did it with Cooper. He had such a great time, I'm thinking we may be doing some more of this. That is, if these don't die.

I think that makes my front porch look a little prettier, don't you?

When Did He Grow up?

AWE n. 1.A mixed emotion of reverence, respect, dread, and wonder inspired by authority, genius, great beauty, sublimity, or might

I am in AWE of how fast the past two and a half years have gone. My son started preschool today. He cried. Well, actually, he screamed. I could hear him screaming as I walked across the courtyard to my office. It made me cry (just a little).

I'm told the crying lasted only a few minutes. Since I work for the church on the same campus, I got to watch him walking to and from the playground with his class (I wanted to take pictures, but was afraid he might see me). He had the biggest smile on his face when I picked him up, and he was all giggly in the car on the way home. I am so proud of him for being such a big boy, and yet, so sad that he's such a big boy. I know this is only the first in many of these types of milestones, so I'm holding on for the ride!

Hope you enjoy our little mini photo shoot for my baby's first day of preschool...

All photos by Rick Maxwell Photography

I asked him to sit up for his photos, he told me "No Mama, I want to sit like this."

Ok, Mr. Big Independant Preschooler!

Today I'm linking up with Alysha for her last Mono Monday challenge. I love reading Alysha's blog and looking at her photos - she's an amazing photographer, and a sweetheart to boot!

Friday Already???

Really? I can't believe how fast this week went. Wait, I say that every week. Riddle me this: why is it that the older I get, the faster time seems to move?

Ok, time for another edition of Five Question Friday!

1. Do you know how to play a musical instrument?

In the 6th grade I played the flute. I was very proud of myself for being able to play the intro to "Stairway to Heaven." I also played a mean "Hot Cross Buns."

2. What is your pet peeve while driving?
Oh, well there are so many. I do live in Southern California, after all. Probably my BIGGEST pet peeve is when people don't use that little stick thingy on the side of the steering wheel. What's is called again? It makes this ticking noise...oh yeah! A freakin signal! Use it people!

3. Would you rather have a housekeeper or unlimited spa services?
Ok, this is a tough one...first I thought definitely take the spa services, because then I could always go for a massage after doing all that housework. Then I thought, no, the housekeeping, because then I would have time for the massages. But then I decided I want both. Can't I just give up a kidney or something?

4. Is there a song that you hear that will take you back to the moment, like a junior high or high school dance?
There are so many songs. Probably 75% of what I hear on the radio will take my back to some time in my life. "You Give Love a Bad Name" by Bon Jovi is probably the one that sticks out the most in my mind as a song that I remember tying in with a specific moment. It doesn't really matter why. Let's just say I should've listened to it a little closer.

5. What song best represents your life right now?

This is an easy one. There is one song that I have said for a while now is my favorite song, because of how it touches my heart, and reminds me to appreciate all that I have been given. My life is a blessing, the pain the hurt, the anger, the bitterness, the joy, the love, the promise.

 

"Blessed the Broken Road"

by Rascal Flatts

 

Every long lost dream led me to where you are

Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars

Pointing me on my way into your loving arms

This much I know is true

That God blessed the broken road

That led me straight to you

These lyrics ring true for me every day. Looking at my son, I think of all the heartache that led to him being a permanent part of my life, and I wouldn't trade it for a second. I know that all of those things that happened, the loss and the heartache, helped to get me to the person I am today. When I think of Rick, I think of all the lousy, abusive men I've dated, and know that he is so different. I know that those experiences help me to truly appreciate the wonderful man that he is. Don't get me wrong, sometimes bad things really do just happen, but so many of the things that break our hearts, are blessings. Blessings that God places in our path to help us to see the beauty of what we do have, and to appreciate the road we've taken once we reach our destination.

These Little Legs

These little legs are starting preschool on Monday. *sigh*

They will be

running,

and jumping,

and climbing,

and riding bikes,

and sitting criss-cross-applesauce at Circle Time.

*SIGH*

And this mommy will be crying.

A. LOT.

My saving grace is that now he'll be near me all day - since I work at a church with a preschool, that's where he'll be going. Most parents drop their kids off at preschool and have no idea what they do all day. I'm going to have a bird's eye view. And that makes me happy. *smile*

You Capture

The Boredom Bucket

Today was the first FULL day of summer!! (I am fully aware that yesterday was the summer solstice and thus the "first" day of summer, BUT it started at 7:28 am, therefore TODAY is the first FULL day of summer. okay rant finished).

Our kids tend to get, well, let's just say "active" with too much time at home, so I've decided to come up with our Summer "Boredom Bucket." (I got the idea from Jen at Parenting in Blue Jeans and her summer "Bucket List."). I'll put a bunch of ideas in a bucket and let one of the kids choose an activity for the day. This will include free activities, places to go, and things to do at home. Of course, this will be a weekend only thing since we work during the week.

AT HOME
Set up pool/Slip N Slide/outdoor water play
Backyard BBQ/Picnic
Buy an Ice Cream Maker and make our own ice cream
Blow bubbles
Go for a nature walk
Bake a cake or cookies

FREEBIES
Atlantis Park
Dotson Park (local park with water play area)
Visit the Library
Visit the duck pond
Centennial Farms
California Science Center (not local, so we'll see)
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium (again, not local)
Cerritos Public Library
Shipley Nature Center

NOT SO FREE-BIES
Out for ice cream/smoothies
Watermelon Tour at Tanaka Farms (pick your own watermelon and taste all kinds of yummies - fun!)
Irvine Park (Pony Rides/Train Ride/OC Zoo)

These are all my ideas, so I'll talk to the kids about what their ideas might be too.  I like Jen's idea of using colored paper, so I'm going to figure out how to incorporate that as well. I love the element of surprise this provides, and hopefully the kids will too. We'll probably end up using it year round!

What's in your "Boredom Bucket?"

The Grief That Comes with Infertility

I want to say first, that most of this post was written a couple of years ago to be shared with a group of adoptive mothers, many of whom have struggled or are struggling with infertility. I'm sharing it here, as support for other IF women; you are not alone, your feelings are valid, and don't let anyone tell you different.

The first baby shower I went to after being diagnosed with IF (and before adoption) was for my best friend I've known since Jr. High. I had never dreaded anything more in my life. I went, because she had always supported me through everything, and I was genuinely happy for her, but it was very hard for me.

She had asked me to be the "official photographer," so I brought my camera and while people were still arriving, I went outside to take pictures of the decorations, tables, and gifts. As soon as I stepped outside I started to cry. I had to go around to the side of the house and compose myself before rejoining the party. I didn't even tell my friend about this breakdown until a year after her son was born.

A year after I brought my son home, when I thought I was well past the sadness, my small "Mommies Only" Bible Study group had a baby shower for two of our members. Again, I was dreading it, but went anyway. They played those stupid baby shower games (I realize some people like the games, but I'm just not one of them). The first game was all about prenancy myths. Ugh. I didn't play; I just couldn't do it. A well-meaning friend asked why I wasn't playing and I gave the generic shrug, "I don't like games." But you know what I wanted to say? "Well, since I have never been, nor will I ever be, pregnant, I have no idea what the answers could be, so it would be pointless for me to play, thankyouverymuch," because that's how I felt. After the games they opened their gifts; and then came the stories about childbirth and labor, and blah, blah, blah...that's when I went back to the kitchen to help clean up. I was so glad when that was over!

Friends and family have been so supportive of me going through IF and adoption, that I feel I should be there supporting them, so as not to seem ungrateful or selfish. I don't enjoy it, it makes me sad, and I just don't wanna go (*stamping feet and crossing arms*)!

I entered adoption feeling that I had completely grieved not being able to give birth to a child; to see myself in my child's eyes or smile; and for the most part, I had. I was happy for friends who were pregnant, and had stopped tearing up when I saw a pregnant woman or walked by the maternity clothing store. But the baby showers...ouch.

My boyfriend and I have been together for three years and have a wonderful, committed relationship. He and his ex-wife get along like great friends, and she and I have reached that point as well. They have two beautiful children between them, and while I love those kids as if they were my own, there is some sadness at what I will never have. While we're happy with the children we have between us, I know that I will never have the connection with him that she has, and that is at times, incredibly difficult for me.

Adopting as a single mom, I didn't experience that same "guilt" that some IF women have, not being able to "give" their partner a biological child. I had never thought about infertility as something I would never share with my partner. I look at Rick with his son and daughter and can see the combination of their parents in their faces, in fact, I find myself looking for it, and it just makes me sad, not because of what I can't give him, but because it's a part of him that I will never be able to share.

So does all of this mean I'm really not done grieving? I don't know. I think any loss of this magnitude takes years upon years to grieve, but it will always be with you. Infertility is a part of who I am, and who I will never be. It's like a death, it's not something you can just "get over" or "forget," but something that takes time, lots of it to learn to accept and to heal. And I'm ok with that.

My Mr. Wonderful

Let me tell you a bit about my Mr. Wonderful...

Rick and his ex vowed when they separated, to remain in each other's lives and to co-parent, because they felt it was the best way to achieve some normalcy for their children. And they did, and it was. Even though they both have new relationships, they have continued to strive for the same sort of normalcy, and their children are, as their mom puts it, winners. The best part is that we all get along, all four of the adults in these children's lives, and that is a tribute to the strengths of their parents.

Almost any man can father a child, but some never fully understand what it means to be a Dad. Rick loves his children fiercely, and has their best interests at heart all of the time. While he may not live in the same house, or see them every day, he stays on top of what is going on in their lives. He loves his children the most, and it's evident every single day. He is always taking advantage of those "teachable moments," sometimes in unconventional ways. The pride he has radiates from his smile, he is heart broken when they are apart, and when his daughter goes home after a weekend with us, he misses her before she's even gone. His love for and commitment to his children is something I strive for as a parent.

Chris, Rick's son, just graduated from High School, and Rick was sharing with me some of the sadness at that time being over with, but that he feels secure knowing that he gave his son the best childhood he could, and how he put all he had into molding him to be a good person and teaching him right from wrong. He grieved a bit, as I'm sure most parents do, but he stayed positive saying, "now it's on to molding Gracie...and Cooper."

Rick was there for me through one failed adoption and has been with me since day one of bringing my Cooper home. I don't know if I can ever express truly what a blessing and gift from God Rick is to my son's life. I had no worries adopting as a single mom, expecting that my child would have positive male role models in my father, and in my brother-in-law and teenage nephews. Life took some unexpected turns, and Rick has effortlessly taken a positive place in Cooper's life. He has become the role model Cooper needs, even though he didn't have to be. My son will benefit from his wisdom, his humor, his honesty, his ethics, and his love.

Not only is he an incredible father, but partner to me as well. He is the Shrek to my Fiona...saving me, helping and encouraging me to be my most true self. As I shared in the story of how we met, we have had some struggles, but I believe with all my heart that God blessed my life by bringing this man into it.

He has seen me at my worst, and stuck by me. He’s suffered through my issues with trust, and has healed my broken heart. He has wiped my tears of self doubt, held me through the heartache of letting go, and rejoiced with me in times of triumph. He is kind, confident, brutally honest, hard working, funny, independent, secretly compassionate, knows how to be silly, and is the smartest man I know. He is my best friend ~ he accepts me, all of me, for who I am, and I love him for it. He has supported me and cared for me and I am so deeply and endlessly grateful to have him in my life.

Happy Father's Day Honey ~ YOU are my WONDERFUL!

(Join the "Mr. Wonderfulest" Contest at My Little Life.)

Diggers

I've got beautiful gardens in my backyard, lovingly planted and cared for by my grandmother before she died (now somewhat lovingly cared for by my gardener), and our kids love to dig, and pick, and pull and dig some more in these very gardens.

They pick flowers for G's mom and for me, they dig up ground cover looking for roly polys, they search under very large stones and bricks that I am just sure are going to break a toe one of these days, and I just about have a meltdown.

Ok, so I suppose I should really learn how to let go of this, but it drives me C.R.A.Z.Y. The once beautiful gardens are starting to look a bit sparse where things have been pulled and picked and overturned.

Last Sunday was no exception, only I wasn't here to yell at them. I came home to this:

How could I get mad at them for that?

Makin' Whoopie (Pies)

It's Mono Monday and the topic is ecstacy.

Definitions:
1. Intense joy or delight.
2. A state of emotion so intense that one is carried beyond rational thought and self-control.
3. a state of elated bliss.

This was kind of hard for me, since it's such an intense emotion, and I was having a hard time figuring out how to properly convey that in a photograph.

Then we baked these.

These, my friends, are Whoopie Pies. Intensely decadent, cake-y, chocolate cookies with ooey-gooey marshmallow centers. Heaven. Bliss. Ecstacy.

Here's the recipe:
Even though it seems as though there are a lot of steps, it was incredibly easy.

Ingredients
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (I used chocolate chips)

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)

1 cup sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup natural cocoa powder, such as Hershey's or Scharffen Berger

1/2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 teaspoons fine salt

18 large marshmallows, (not minis)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicon baking sheet.

Put the unsweetened and semisweet chocolates and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl; heat at 75 percent power until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir, and continue to microwave until completely melted, about 2 minutes more.

Whisk the sugar, eggs and vanilla into the chocolate mixture until smooth.

Sift the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt into another bowl. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until moistened. Switch to a rubber spatula and finish folding the batter together; take care not to over-mix.

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto the prepared pan. Repeat to make 36 cookies, spacing them about 1-inch apart. Bake until the cookies spring back when lightly touched, about 6 minutes. (It took about 7-8 minutes for - DO NOT under-bake).

Cool the cookies slightly. Transfer half of the cookies to a rack. Turn the remaining cookies on the pan over, so they lay flat side up. Place a marshmallow on top of each flipped cookie and return pan to the oven. Cook just until the marshmallow begins to soften and puff, about 2-3 minutes. Cool marshmallow topped cookies slightly, about 2 minutes. Top with the remaining cookies, pressing lightly to make sandwiches. Cool whoopee pies completely on wire racks. Serve. (Do not top the marshmallows too soon, or the cookie will slide off as it cools.)

These are superbly chocolatey goodness that is so rich and yummy you will want to eat them all. Thankfully, I had the good sense to share some with a friend, otherwise we would have!

I'm also linking up to Just Something I Whipped Up

The Things Kids Say...

The funniest conversations have been taking place at our house lately. These kids crack me up and really keep us on our toes!


Cooper: "Don't do that or I will be angry!" (Said to me while walking away, after I threatened to take something away from him).


Me: "Cooper?" (Calling from the other room)
Cooper: "I not doing anything!" (which of course means he is most defininitely doing something - in this case, he was pouring soap into the sink).


Cooper: "I Superman!!" (wearing my bra on his head like a cape). Yes, I took pictures. No, I'm not going to post them here.


G: "Cooper's throwing the pillows and blocks on the floor."
Me (knowing he's making a fort): "It's fine. I don't care about that anymore." (annoyed, but some things are just not worth the fight).
G: "Do you still care about jumping on the bed?"
Me: "Yes."
G: "How about jumping on the couch?"

It has been such a long weekend, and I am exhausted. At least I've got these little beauties to look back at!

Meal Plan 6/12/10

I'm back on track, sort of...I made five of the six meals I planned to last week. Not bad!

Saturday: Hamburgers, corn, fruit, french fries
Sunday: Baked Tilapia, Rice
Monday: Tacos/Burritos
Tuesday: Shrimp & Pasta with Asparagas
Wednesday: Chicken Spaghetti
Thursday: Crockpot Roast
Friday: Graduation Party!

TGIF

Friday has come at last! This weekend is another jam packed one...Lil G will be here and we're going swimming Saturday morning, and taking her to see Shrek Saturday afternoon while the boy naps at Grandma's. Not to mention the numerous errands, laundry, grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning that will be going on! And perhaps some alone time with the man? He's taken all next week off for his son's graduation and post-grad party, and has some big plans to do some major cleaning around here (the garage may actually get organized!). But that also means that he will be home at nights and I will get some quality time with him. Color me excited! :)

Here's another addition of Five Question Friday:

1. What do you think makes a good friend, or friendship?
Anyone who will put up with me is a good friend! But seriously, a good friendship is based on trust, like any relationship. You have to trust that they care for you, trust that they have your best interests at heart, trust that they like you for who you are, and I could go on...but I won't.

I have a friend who I have know for 20 years (which really makes me feel old). We met in eighth grade and were instant friends. She knows literally everything about me, and I her. And she doesn't hold it against me! I can tell her exactly what I'm feeling, even the really bad stuff, without holding anything back, and she can tell me exactly what she thinks about it, no holds barred. No judgment. That's a true friend.

She's Cooper's godmother, and he loves her too.

2. What is the last thing you bought & later regretted?
I am the return queen. I'm the reason all these stores have implemented their new stricter return policies. C'mon, it's not easy shopping with a two year old! So technically I guess I don' thave regrets - I just return it!


3. Have you ever had a prank played on you?
I can't really think of anything specific. I think people know better.


4. What is your favorite theme park?
We live five minutes from Disneyland, and for goodness sakes it's the happiest place on earth! These photos all happen to have been taken on the same day, but we have passes and go at least once a month. My first trip was at four months. The Boy's was at two and a half months.

5. Have you ever seen someone else give birth?
Numerous times. But it was on TV, so I don't think it was real.


Have a great weekend everybody!!

For the Love of Dump Cake

I am not big on sweets. I keep ice cream in the freezer, and cookies in the pantry, but they are usually gone before I even remember they're there. I'm a sucker for a good piece of chocolate, and I love my Skittles, but typically don't buy them. I don't order dessert at restaurants. I do bake; cookies, cake, brownies, but the same applies - I usually forget I have them and then they're gone! We do love our salty snacks, but that's a story for another post...

Ok, so anyway, where I'm going with this...I've discovered a new love. Dump Cake. It sounds awful, it's not all that pretty to look at, and once you know the ingredients, you start having chest pains. But ohmygoodness it's so good! And there are so many ways to make it! Confession...we can eat a whole pan in less than three days.

The proof?

I baked this Sunday night, and Wednesday morning, this is what was left. From a 9x13 pan.

Here's the original recipe:

Dump Cake
1 can cherry pie filling
1 14 oz can crushed pineapple
1 box yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter or margarine

Preheat oven to 375. Spread cherry pie filling in the bottom of a 9x13 pan, then pineapple. Sprinkle cake mix evenly on top. Cut butter into about 12-14 even pieces (as even as possible) and spread evenly on top of cake mix. Bake for about 45 minutes.

It's good hot or cold. The key is to have enough of your wet ingredients on the bottom to help cook the cake mix.

Here's some variations I've tried:
Peach Cobbler - 1 large can sliced peaches, cake mix, butter, cinnamon
Raspberry Peach -1 can peaches, 1/2 pint fresh rasperberries (sprinkle with a little sugar and let sit to help bring the juices out), cake mix, butter (this is the one pictured above).

And here's a few I've found but have not yet tried.
Blueberry Dump Cake
Apple Spice Dump Cake
Black Forest Dump Cake
Alabama Mud Dump Cake

Or make your own variation with your favorite fruit.

I'm going to have to try the Alabama Mud next - I bet we could finish that pan in two days!!

Signed. Sealed. Finalized!

There are many important dates in an adoption:

"Gotcha" Day (as some refer to the day you bring your child home)

The .26 Hearing (the day parental rights of the natural parents are terminated)

The Signing (the day legal papers are signed before the adoption can be finalized)

The Finalization (The final court hearing when the child is legally yours) 

These are the most memorable for me, although every adoptive parent has their own. I've shared before about the importance of the date I chose for our finalization, but today I'm going to talk a little bit about the day itself.

I don't remember what time we got to the courthouse, or how long it took to get inside. I don't remember much of what the judge or the attorney said. It was an overwhelming day; I was overwhelmed with the feelings and emotions of exactly what that day meant.

I had heard stories about adoptive parents getting emotional during their finalization hearing, and I was determined to keep myself together. The judge asked if I agreed to “bestow upon him all the rights of a natural-born child?” With a lump in my throat, I nodded, yes. Then he told me we were bound together forever as parent and child, and the tears came. Nearly seven years of agony were over. I was a mother in every sense of the word.

This is the only picture I have of us with the judge. Sorry, the lighting was terrible...

There is something inherently different about adoption - with childbirth, no one asks you if you promise to love and keep your child, but with adoption, you make a verbal and legally binding commitment to the child whom you have chosen to parent.  You stand before a judge, and numerous other county employees, and make a conscious decision to take on the responsibility of the life another human being.

It was the greatest, most selfless thing I have ever done.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

"Happiness is an attitude.
We either make ourselves miserable,
or happy and strong.
The amount of work is the same."
~ Kahlil Gabran

Happiness is:

Spending a warm and sunny day at the park with my son...

Enjoying a picnic lunch...

of sandwiches from Panera Bread (Yum)...

and a refreshing iced tea with lots of lemon.

Happiness is:

Tunnel Slides

long, wobbly bridges,

and even bigger slides!

Happiness is a day at the park, just me and my son.

(all photos were taken with my camera phone, since I forgot my "real" camera)

What made you happy this week? Head on over to Mono Monday at Supermom and share with us!

Meal Plan 6/6/10

So, here's what's on the menu for the coming week:

Sunday: Eat out or Take out
Monday: Grilled London Broil, Baked potatoes, salad
     I'm always afraid to try this cut of meat since it's usually so tough, but I found a marinade that I 
     think sounds promising...I'll let you know!)
Tuesday: Ground beef tacos/burritos
Wednesday: Oven Baked Turkey and Cheddar sandwiches (a variation of my roast beef & cheese sandwiches I posted yesterday)
Thursday: Baked Tilapia, sticky rice, steamed aspragus

Friday:  Spaghetti, Salad and Bread

Saturday: Grilled chicken, corn, french fries, fruit

Oven Baked Roast Beef & Cheese Sandwiches

A couple of people asked me for the recipe I used for these sandwiches. I wish I could say that it's very complex and gourmet, but notsomuch!

Oven Baked Roast Beef & Cheese Sandwiches

Sliced Roast Beef (from the deli section)

Sliced Jack Cheese

Sesame Seed Buns (or any rolls you prefer)

Season Roast Beef with salt & pepper, add your favorite spreads to bread (mayo/mustard). Layer beef and cheese on a roll/bun and wrap with foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and meat is hot. I love how the bread gets just a little crispy on the outside. There are so many ways you could make this, the possibilities are endless!

Five Questions

Since I love answering random questions about myself, and I know that you are dying to know more about me, I've decided to participate in "Five Question Friday" over at My Little Life. Sometimes it's difficult to find things to blog about, so this is a great jumpstart!

1. If you could go back to college would you change your major? Or, if you were to go to college right now...what major would you choose?

I don't think I would change my major - I was a Early Childhood Development major (although I only took it as far as an Associate's Degree), and I loved every related class that I took, especially now that I am a parent. I may need daily reminders of what I learned, but it's all still with me, and it helps me understand where my son is at, where he should be, and where he's going. It's amazing the amount of development that happens in the first five years of a child's life, and how many people take that for granted and just sit their children in front of the TV or computer! Get up and play with your kids people!

2. What do you love most about your home?
I love the amount of history that's there, and the fact that it is MINE, all mine! I recently blogged about it here.

3. What types of books do you like to read (if you like to read at all)?
Lately, I'm more of a Dr. Suess fan than anything. I guess it comes with parenthood.

But if I do get the chance, I enjoy reading authors like Nicholas Sparks, stories that touch your heart, make you think, have a little romance. The last book I read was "Night In Rodanthe" (yup, it's been a while).

I was lost in this book for a week; it made me cry, and made me laugh out loud. I LOVED this book. I was so excited when the movie came out, but the movie did not live up to the book and I was so disappointed.

4. What is the grossest thing you've ever eaten?
Wow, that's a tough one...Probably octopus, although it didn't taste gross. It was pretty gross thinking about swallowing the tenticles. I tend to try and avoid eating gross things. :)

5. If you HAD to be a character on a TV show, whom would you be?
I'd have to say I'd love to be Meredith Grey. She gets to kiss McDreamy. 'Nuff said.

Ok, that was fun. Do you feel like you know me a little better now? Good!

Have a great weekend everyone! We've got another busy one planned. The boy has a haircut tomorrow and we're still cleaning up from our BBQ/Party last weekend (yikes!). Then we've got a photo shoot on Sunday, which is always fun! :) Doesn't leave much time to relax...

Happy Friday!!!

What's For Dinner?

The Boy (cooking on his new "BBQ"): "Mommy, time to eat!"

Me: "What's for dinner?"

The Boy: "Chicken!"

This kid just cracks me up somteimes!

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

This week's You Capture photo challenge @ I Should Be Folding Laundry was a bit more "challenging" than usual...choose your BEST SHOT?? It was hard to choose just one, but the subject was easy. I only took my camera out once this past week...

My friend, Kate @ Salvage Dior, asked me to take some pictures of a GORGEOUS trunk that she found and had in her space at Country Roads, a local antique mall where she is a dealer. I've mentioned my boyfriend, Rick's, daughter "G" before, well Kate is her mama, and I'm blessed to call her friend as well. So G and I headed out to Country Roads (which btw, is awesome!) and shot the photos, then took a walk around the beautiful Johnnye Merle Gardens. Since her daddy is a photographer, G has become quite the little model. I snapped a bunch of photos of her, some of which you can see on Kate's blog, and decided to choose my favorite for this week's You Capture challenge.

Isn't she beautiful?

What did you capture?

Meal Plan 5/30/10

Ok, so it's Wednesday and I'm just now getting around to posting this. It's no secret that, like I said last week, I'm slackin in this department! So here we go...

Sunday: BBQ at our house with friends (sausages, chicken and hot dogs)
Monday: Oven Baked Roast Beef & Cheese Sandwiches
Tuesday: Rotisserie Chicken, Rice and Beans
Wednesday: Chicken and pasta
Thursday: Pizza Party
Friday: Easy Night
Saturday: Grilled Tri-Tip

Dear family,

I'm sorry, I'm in a cooking slump. The lack of sleep has been getting to me. I promise to try better next week...

Disney World Vacation

Last year, my mom won a trip to Walt Disney World. Yup, you read that right. She WON a trip. To Disney World. All expenses paid. She’s entered every contest with the word “Disney” in it that she’s ever seen, and her time finally came!

I had been twice before, once at eight years old and again at 24. Both times were amazing in different ways, but this was the boy’s first time. I dreaded the five hour flight, but he did amazingly well. In fact, the whole week he did great.

We live five minutes from Disneyland, we have passes, and Cooper's been more time than I can count since he was two months old. But Disney World, is a WORLD of its own. We had an amazing time and it was so great watching the wonder and amazement on my little boy's face at everything he saw.

I thought for this week’s Wednesday’s Walk, I would share some of our trip with you, by sharing some of my favorite pictures.

In the car on the way to the airport. It's way too early to be sing "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt."

On the plane, all he needed was Gram's ipod and some headphones.

Oh, Country Bear Jamboree, how I miss you...

This one is big, because it was the first time he wasn't scared to death of the characters. He loved every single one we saw, and we got so many great pictures. This one got me teary...

His first pair of Mickey ears!

Just bein' silly...

In front of the Living Seas...my favorite part of Epcot...

It's Bruce!

More character meet-ups. Just look at that smile!

We stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. This was the view of the "Savannah" from our hotel balcony. Every morning, as soon as Cooper woke up, he would say "Animals sleeping?" and he would rush to the window.

Gram, Coop, Mommy, and Aunt Patte in front of the Tree of Life at Animal Kingdom.

Hmmm, we've seen that before...

We did as much as we could in a short amount of time, visiting each of the parks at least twice. We saw shows, ate great food, and bought way too many souveniers. The trip was over way too soon, and we can't wait to go back!