2nd Anniversary Katrina

For those of you who don't know, I'm a "Katrina" survivor. If you search my blog and find my long story from last year's anniversary, you will see how far I've come AND how much we went through. This year I'm not sad. I had a few people ask me if I was o.k. and how it must be hard to think back. But I discovered that though I do miss the simplicity of the life we had there in New Orleans--AND--the people we had fallen in love with! When I look back, I now think happy thoughts. Gratitude for having enjoyed that time, those people, that life.



God was so good to allow my family to have that experience and though I find myself missing the idea of it as a whole, I do not wish to go back. I wish to continue forward. God has continued my path in this direction for whatever reason and I can't wait to have it revealed one turn at a time. I prefer to think happy thoughts on the 29th of August and happy birthday on the 31st!

My Find!

Look what I found!

It's a Rocking Horse!

No, It's a High Chair!

No, It's both AND only $2!

Nani's Beauty Parlor

M spent the night at Nani's a week or two ago and she came back with pink nails...

And some AMAZING bed head! Hah!

Break Mommy's Heart!

One little monkey jumping on the bed...She got overly excited and rammed her face into our headboard!

A sad lesson learned the hard way.

Mommy's heart is still heavy about it. I know I have caught a glimpse of the heart break of standing back and watching your loved ones make poor choices. Hopefully, she's learned to trust and obey Mommy and Daddy...and in turn, one day she can trust and obey Jesus in the same manner.

Back to High School

I'm writing in response to my bloggy friend's recent post. Head over to Jamie's site. You will not be disappointed.

1. Who was your best friend?
Depended on the year...I moved senior year! Previously, my BFF in A.T.L was Meggie Lowe. We were two peas in a pod at church even thought she was a year younger than me and we went to two totally different schools. Two other BFF's at school were Clara Kim and Joanna Vaughters. They dissected the art of creating the perfect packable sandwich!

In B'ham, my BFF was Robin Taylor. A little crazy, or maybe alot, but I couldn't help but be drawn to that personality!

2. Did you play any sports?
I did cheerleading in 10th grade till I found out it really is like they say.

3. What kind of car did you drive?
When I finally was allowed to drive, it was the majorly handed down blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera don't remember what year, but OLD

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you?
likely on a date with some musician type

5. Were you a party animal?
Not in the respect that you likely think of immediately, but know that there was rarely a dull moment with me around

6. Were you considered a flirt?
definitely

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?
both band and choir

8. Were you a nerd?
nah.

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?
no

10. Can you sing the fight song?
No.

11. Who was your favorite teacher?
Have a horrid memory! I know I loved my AP history teacher in 11th grade. I can see her in my mind's eye.

12. What was your school mascot?
Dunwoody Wildcats and Vestavia Hills Rebels

13. Did you go to the Prom?
Did I go to the prom??? Uh yeah THREE times! Ha ha!

14. If you could go back, would you?
You could NOT pay me enough money to go back to high school!

15. What do you remember most about graduation?
Remember the organizer she was like the graduation Nazi! Geez!

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?
At school. I didn't have much of an option. My mom found out about it and made sure I knew there was no skipping

17. Did you have a job your senior year?
Express (clothing store)

18. Where did you go most often for lunch?
Senior Patio

19. Have you gained weight since then?
Yes, but who hasn’t since high school?!

20. What did you do after graduation?
Went to Samford University!

21. What year did you graduate?
1997

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date?
Alex Winston (still have fond memories...of the guy...not the night thank you!)

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion?
I'll be so close, but I still can't go! made a commitment to go to my niece's first b-day! I do wish I could go. It's a great place to do vacation!

24. What is your biggest regret in high school?
Not figuring out who I was until summer between 10th and 11th grade! Still, not too many regrets.

Okay … now you jump in and tell me about you in high school!!

I smell a meme! You're it: Beth, Miriam, Kendra, Shelby, Minnah

Works for Me Wednesday!

So they say necessity is the mother of invention. I would definitely agree! I forgot my bib when at a nice restaurant for an after church lunch. Seeing as M was wearing white and her back-up outfit was also white...AND we had ordered spaghetti! She just turned two, so I stripped her dress off and took two cloth napkins, tied them together at two points making a hole for her head and just slipped it on! It was an ingenious moment.

I'm sure you don't have to get you child clothing-less in order for this to be effective!

Also, you could take one of those sticky table topper place mat things and finagle it into a bib. Course if you can remember one of those, you should be able to remember a bib! ha!

I forget bibs all the time!

WINNERS!

Well, as cliche as it sounds...everyone that gave me a suggestion is a winner, cause I have greatly depleted my chicken finger supply! Only half a bag left!

I had trouble choosing! As far as ease goes and yum factor, I loved the salad way. There are so many ways you can go with that as far as various toppings and dressings! It's just so good. Now, as far as taste! BiG Taste...that was the chicken fried chicken suggestion! THat was a big hit across the board! It took more work, but was so yummy!

So, since there is a tie, then there are two winners! Horray for Kendra at Tres Alejandros and Nico at NicoWorld!

I will be mailing out a goody pack on Thursday to Nico provided I get your contact information. Also for your sewing center order...

Kendra I will contact you personally since I know you. feel free to contact me if you like. You too get a custom something from my sewing center.

Yeah! Winners!

Cha-Ching!

Hallelujah. #2 has made it in the potty. Clearly this is a small step because M is still "scared" of the whole #2 in the potty concept. But her being so bright and verbal has made for interesting new conversation! She told the man at the cash register today that she made a brown poo-poo in the potty today! Alright! Well, at least it was brown. How much more interesting would it have made things had she given it another color?!

A humongous step in the right direction, but a long way to go in this arena. Still I'm very proud of my little one. She even went on the "big potty" in nursery last night. She's go step #1 down. She still has accidents, but that's pretty normal. One uncontrollable one today. She tried, she really did. She just waited too late.

This adds a whole new dimension to doing things out though. In some ways I can see how convenient the diaper is! Today at ALDI, she told me she needed to go on the potty. I didn't even know if they had a restroom. Thank goodness for pull-ups, cause they had one, but I didn't find it quickly. We sat on it anyway. It's a memory training thing.

Just sharing the good news!

Chicken Fried Chicken

Last night we tried the "Chicken Fried Chicken" recipe suggested by Kendra at Tres Alejandros. My husband ate it up! I'm actually amazed! It was actually quite good. I made sweet tea (a treat cause I always just forget to make it), rice and white breakfast type gravy, and green beans. I wanted to make biscuits or rolls, but ran out of town as we had choir last night. Big spread of rice with the chicken nugget/fingers on top, and pour the white gravy over it all. Pretty darn good!

Yes, Miriam, I added your b'fast burrito to the list! gonna make in on Saturday morn while hubs is here to enjoy it. I wanna make Kendra's suggestion tomorrow or Sunday am with the sister schubert rolls. I saved some gravy for that very recipe. Gotta get the sister schuberts today at the store.

So the contest is winding down. We've done the Chicken parmesian thing before, but we may try it again just for refreshing. I'm going to sort through the recipes and make sure that we've tried them all and then post my decision! Look for it Monday! Hopefully I will be through with all those breaded nuggets! Ugh. At least this month there weren't any listed on the Angel Food order form. Hallelujah!

Been out with the Flu

Lovely beginning to my week...I go the flu. Stomach flu that I acquired from working in the nursery, or just food poisoning from the Mexi restaurant I ate at Sunday night. Not sure, but I'm glad that's over. My mom was generous enough to take me to her house and "nurse" me back to health.

Yesterday, feeling significantly better and it being my day off from keeping Cuz, I tried to take care of a few overdue things on my list. I went to the store and got a new microwave. Ours has been smoking. (There are some things worth buying new.) I got M some "big girl panties" and training pants! And me some long overdue undergarments as well--what a special treat! (And like I said, LONG OVERDUE!)

August is no eating out month. Now we aren't being too stringent, but it is a principle that we are trying to reset in our brains. July we ate out way too often. In fact, to celebrate the end of our eating our rampage we went out to eat last night! Ha! I was still trying to recuperate from my flu, so Hubs, M, and I went to Panera and used our coupons to have something light (and for the Chicken Noodle soup!)

After eating out we went to Target! I haven't been just for fun in a long time! I used quite a bit of self control and only managed to buy M one pair of shoes and myself one pair of shoes...on clearance of course! BUT...it was then and there that I decided that this is the store I want my b-day giftcard from. What fun! So I told Jason of course.

And on that note, we have reached the beginning of my birthday month! Yippee! Only 30 more days.

Contest Ends

The "What to do with all these Chicken Fingers" Contest is officially closed. I have tried numerous recipes. I still have a few to try, so I will finish that up this week and announce the winner on Monday! Can't wait! I have quite a package put together...And for your personal sewing options...I'll have to get the winner's "order!" My camera is really acting up, so if I post anymore pics (food or otherwise) it'll be via camera phone!

Potty Time

We're potty training over here in our little neck of the woods. In fact, we really haven't hit it hard cause of the chaos that has turned out to be summer! But, typically M is interested in trying or "practicing" at least once every evening! We're discovering the trick for her is being naked. I know that concept is not the most acclaimed way to patty train you child, but it works rather well around here. Of course that's during the day while we are at home...what'd you think? I drag my kid out in public without clothes?!

Yesterday we had 4 potty successes! Each time there were 2 fairly back to back! The biggest success I would say was when M (making the I need to tee tee face) said "no tee tee ing in the bath!" So I asked if she wanted to get out and go on the potty. She actually said yes...and then went! I was pretty impressed! I know that the next logical step is potty training "panties" which will be just as effective as being naked. I must admit that I fear the #2 part of this training. M is already quite cognizant of the fact that she will be getting a My Lovely Pony the first several times she goes #2 on the potty. (That's the $1 version of My Little Pony--of which she knows no difference).

Still yesterday she pulled her diaper off without my knowing so she could practice going potty, but at some point had to go a little #2! Ooops! A smudge on the floor! Luckily she tried to hold it...so the mess was minimal, but oh I dread it!

We'll hit this harder when there are less distractions in the house. Cuz may be vacationing at the end of the summer, so that would be perfect. He tends to get really mad when she's in the potty and he can't come in. Not to mention when we are all out and about together, he tries to flush the potty while she's still trying to go! That is a little unnerving I can imagine.

Ahhh. The fun times of potty training! More to report on that I'm sure!

There's a Mouse in My House

Fun Book. Not so fun reality.

Never before...and hopefully never again...will I see what I saw last night while lying in bed reading. I thought I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. But when I really looked I didn't see anything. When we chose to rent this house, we knew that this was an old mill house and so the small hole in the wall behind the door didn't really bother us. Well, it does now. Last night the "movement" that caught my eye returned as I continued to read and in the dim light, I was quite certain it was a very tiny mouse. I'd guess 2 inches long or so. It was surprisingly cute, although at first I desired to speak no louder than a whisper while standing on the bed trying to "call" my husband into the room. Of course, he thought I was crazy. He even said so, thought he might need to send me to some therapy!

Then I spotted the mouse (who from henceforth will be referred to as Chester), and he was under the baby bed headed straight for me. Then Chester realized that he didn't much like me either and tried to run back to his hole (where hubby was standing). We played the game of trying to box him in, having no clue what we'd do if we were actually successful, but he "disappeared." Yes, I know. Oh so comforting as I am supposed to crawl back into bed and try to sleep. I made hubby search every crevice for Chester. Hubs turned up nothing. We had blocked under all the doors, so Chester's only hope was his hole. I assume that's where he went.
Then Hubs did one of the dumbest things I think he has ever even attempted to do!!! He gets my favorite pair of blue jeans out of the basket and heads for the hole. When I ask him what he's doing, he proceeds to tell me that he is going to plug up Chester's hole with my jeans. Uh...No! I then try to shed a little light on the insanity of that thought process, to which he then opts for the old, dirty beach towel to do the temporary plugging. Whew!

Believe it or not, I eventually did fall asleep, but I did dream about scores of tiny mice coming in the air conditioning vent! What an experience. Chester's hole is still plugged with that beach towel and you'd better believe I'm not touching it with a 10 foot pole! The exterminator is coming tomorrow, so until then I still look for Chester when I go in and out of my room. So far, no further sign of him! Whew! Bye bye Chester...and good riddance!

I have Apples?!

While playing and learning in the back yard on Monday, I discovered that we have an apple tree. It's really in sad shape though because it has been woodpecked to death. Which I assume means it has a lot of bugs. As if that tree didn't have enough problems, there appears to be some type of fungus trying to take it over. Still...it is producing new shoots and apples. The apples may not be much, but having a tree that produces anything is sort of a novelty. Hopefully I'll be able to collect enough apples to try and make something. Just sounds like fun.



And speaking of food...Look how cute M is! She got this container out of my pantry and ran off mumbling about fixing "dada" lunch in "her kitchen." This is what she came up with. She even brought it to him. He thought it was so cute he took a pic. 2 is a fun age!

Chicken for Lunch

NO. I did not have chicken for supper last night...or breakfast this A.M. However, yesterday I tried two different "recipes" at lunch yesterday. Both of which I actually enjoyed a good bit. I had the chicken "bits" sprinkled over a salad and added cheese, cucumbers, and balsamic vinaigrette. Really good combo if you ask me.



Then I had the chicken on a bun with Hellman's Mayo and Mt. Olive Dill Chips. It was quite tasty as well. Good lunch altogether. Great suggestion Lu.

Chicken Wraps and Contest Update

Nico and Rebecca suggested doing chicken wraps. Tortillas, chicken, whatever sauce you want...

Here's how we did it. M ate the nuggets dipped in honey mustard. I had tortilla with chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and honey mustard. Hubby had the same but plain once and with ranch the second time. He actually commented that he liked the ranch one. M gobbled up the chicken and honey mustard. Here is a pic. M took a bite of the tortilla first...and don't be offended by my "china".


Tomorrow at lunch I'm having it on a salad as Nico also suggested. Then for dinner (maybe) I think I'm going to try Chicken Parmesan suggested by Kendra. That's if I don't need a chicken break! Keep the suggestions coming!

BTW: I'm hoping to close out the contest by the end of the month instead. I hope to be completely out of nuggets/fingers and breaded chicken in general by then. So Comment until the 31st of July then come the prizes!

Belated Birthday

I'm so late on this. Summer really gets away from me. But...My little one turned 2 on the 6th and we had her lovely last minute party on the 7th. I will be getting more pics from my parents as they were more at ease to take them while I was in take charge mode. For now, I'm sending you to my SIL's website to see her slide show of the party. And BTW, she made the two fabulous cakes you see there, so if you live in the area and need a cake for any occasion contact Aunt Shebby's Cakes.

Chicken Fingers Contest!

It's my first CONTEST to host! Those of you who've already given your input in the previous posts comments section have been entered! I decided this will make a great contest. I will try all of your "recipes" and take pics. I'll post the pics and a review of each result. On Aug 15th I will announce the winner. This will be judged simply on ease and "family taste test!"

1. Go to the comments and post your suggestion and/or recipe for what I can do with the loads of breaded chicken nuggets and fingers I have acquired from Angel Food Ministries boxes.
2. When you post your comment make sure you leave your contact info (blog site and/or email info) If it makes you feel more comfortable, just email me the info.
3. Last possible day to enter is July 31st! I will try each recipe for lunch or dinner, and use my family for help in judging. I will post the winner shortly thereafter and contact him or her for prize delivery.
4. WHAT DO I WIN?! A Homemade collection of various items. Homemade Jams for sure, and definitely something from the sewing center; a taggie security blanket maybe (If you have children, I would love to tailor it to your child, grandchild and such)a John-John, a pillowcase dress or outfit with top and pantaloons (monogrammed if you so desire).
5. Get to commenting!

What to do with Chicken fingers?

Periodically I do Angel Food. It is a once a month box of food for $25.00 The amount of meat and such makes this a good value if you actually eat and use the items. However, I have quite a bit of breaded chicken nuggets/fingers that we almost never eat. And I'm not one to waste, so I was just curious if anyone has any good ideas for how I can use this chicken in unique ways. I'm up for any idea...Seriously!

Baby Wipes Recipe

Here is the wipes recipe that many of the comments were directed at. I haven't perfected it yet, but even the first attempt was satisfactory. The container I used was a bit smaller than regular wipe containers, so I measured it so that I could cut the paper towel roll accurately. That part was the hardest! I need to perfect the art of cutting the paper towel. I used a knife cause the scissors couldn't do it. The instructions say to pull from the middle of the roll. In that case, I would think that saving an old lysol wipes container would probably work better. I'm trying that next.

This recipe is for an entire roll, so two "batches" of wipes (at least). I did half a batch...that's all that would fit in my container. You have to use high quality paper towel. Tightwad Gazette suggests Bounty or Brawny, but my fave is Viva! I buy those anyway. One of my "splurges".
Cut the roll accordingly (in half or less depending on size and style of your container). Then remove the cardboard center.

2 1/4 Cups of water
1 Tbsp of baby oil
2 Tbsp of baby shampoo/soap

"Marinate" the cut portion of the paper towels in the mixture (ziploc bag worked well for me). turn it over so that the whole thing gets soaked. Then squeeze out a bit of the solution before transferring the wipes to your container. if you have them in a lysol type container, then pull from the middle. Otherwise, good luck!