Happy 8th Birthday Steven!

Today is my sweet boys 8th birthday. Here is a sneak photo from his party. I'll post about it another time.

Tiny Dancer

scroll to bottom of post for baked french toast recipe

Amanda Lily's Ballet recital was on her birthday this year. She was such a sweet tiny dancer, and did sooooooo great on stage. It was held at Lake Sumter Community College, and it was a packed house both Saturday and Sunday. She had a special part in the dance, but we weren't allowed to take flash photos, so I have no pics of it. I do have a great video though. If I figure out how to get it onto my blog, I'll update this post later. The photos here are of her during dress rehearsal, and then after the Sunday performance. She had friends and family come to support her. Nana even was in town from Georgia! We all were so proud of her, but I think George was the most proud. They have such a special relationship, and it fills my heart to watch. He picked up her roses from the flower shop, and was happy to present them to her after the show. Aunt Heather and Sophie and close friends Heather and Mia also brought her flowers. She LOVES them!!! When the performance was over, Steven gave her a big hug and said "Amanda Lily, you're a STAR!!!!" AWWWW.

After the show, we had Heather and Mia over for a little Ballerina Birthday dinner. When I asked Amanda Lily what she wanted me to make, she said "breakfast". So, I did a brunch type menu. We had baked french toast with pineapple cream cheese and a breakfast casserole. Also, her biggest request....cheese grits and fresh fruit! The breakfast casserole and french toast were make ahead items, so when we got home for dinner, all I did was pop them in the oven, and we were all set. I'll include the recipe for the French Toast. It was delicious, and EASY! I dressed the table up with pink tulle, white candles, and roses.

Now, I'm changing gears and getting ready for Steven's birthday party with his school friends that is coming this weekend!!!! The following weekend will be a double family party. Am I out of my mind? Maybe. But, I hate the idea of them missing out on their own special birthday parties just because they were born a week apart. My brother and I were born only 10 days apart, and Mom always had separate parties for us. I always remember being glad that she did.

Pineapple Cream Cheese French Toast

Sliced Sourdough Bread

8 oz container Cream Cheese with Pineapple

4 eggs

1 cup milk

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

2 lbs strawberries

Spray a 9 x 13 casserole dish with cooking spray. Line the dish with sourdough bread and spread cream cheese on bread. Top with remaining bread slices. Beat eggs in mixing bowl, and add milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon and salt. Beat well, then pour egg mixture over sandwiches. Leave the casserole dish at room temperature for 5 minutes, then turn the sandwiches over. Cover, and refrigerate overnight. Chop 1 lb of strawberries, and toss with 1/2 cup of left over sugar. Refrigerate overnight.

To prepare french toast, uncover and bake in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes, or until golden brown. Meanwhile, chop the remaining strawberries and add them to the chilled strawberry mixture. Mix lightly and serve alongside french toast with syrup. YUM!!!!!

Amanda Lily's Mermaid Party

Now you see them..........

Now you don't!!!!!

This past weekend was Amanda Lily's Bday Party. Here are a few pictures from the day.I made Mermaid Punch (blue gatorade), and we had PB & J in the shape of Fish and Starfish. Also, Goldfish crackers, fruit, and chocolate covered strawberries.

So, it is birthday season here in the Kountanis family, and I need to get in a post. I have so much that I feel like I have'nt posted yet, and much more coming as the month flies by.This year's plan is to have two individual parties with friends, then one big double party with family. This way, I don't end up with 100 people at my house at one time! The kids birthdays being only a week apart can really turn up the stress level for me. I LOVE entertaining. I LOVE having parties, and planning from beginning to end.I'm not so sure how much I love doing them only a week apart though!!!!

Anyhow, Amanda Lily's Birthday is this Sunday, the 16th. However, we pushed her party back to last weekend because she has her ballet recital this Saturday and Sunday (15th and 16th).

She wanted to have a Mermaid Party, but she was very specific.....NOT LITTLE MERMAID, MOM!!! So, this is what she got. The pool was the perfect entertainment. Everyone loved swimming. We had some mermaid dancing and bubbles, but mostly swimming.

I made her cupcakes myself, and found these adorable mermaid toppers online. (livinglocurto.com) I was so happy with the look. Most of the decor was seashells, and mermaid jewels. I don't have a picture of the favors I made, but they were cute. I put sand in a small glass jar with white glitter and a few tiny seashells. I sealed it with hot glue and a cork, then topped it with a small seashell.I wrapped a rafia ribbon around it and wrote "Magic Sea Dust" as the message. Amanda Lily told all of her friends that they could shake the bottle, and wish to become a mermaid, and that if they were at the ocean, they would transform!!! (Such innocence)




Nana made these adorable mermaid tails for each girl, along with flower headbands, and bracelets. These were a big hit!! I got most of my ideas from the super talented Amy, at livinglocurto.com. Check it out!
What cute little mermaids, huh??

Strawberry Picking

George and I took Amanda Lily out to the strawberry farm to pick. The day couldn't have been more beautiful. We picked down our row, then she took a swing on the tire swing and zip line. You can see from her face how much she enjoyed this one on one time. The next day, she and I came home and made Strawberry Jam for all of our favorite Teachers, then sent it to school as a special treat for them. Of course, Papou' got his own jar of jam, and we kept some for our toast at home. If you are interested in the recipe, click on the link under "From My Kitchen". This is a yummy tradition that we have kept for the last couple of years.

Happy 30th Birthday Nouno!

Amanda Lily's Greek Godfather celebrated a big birthday this year. His Mom called us to ask if we could make the trip over to their home in New Smyrna to attend the surprise party. We were so happy to do it. This was back on May 2nd, but being that I am home with Steven making his recovery, I figured, I could catch up on things I've been meaning to blog. Their home is gorgeous, and behind it, they have a working farm. One of the Lambs had just had babies, and had rejected two of them. So, they were keeping them and caring for them. They let Steven and Amanda Lily bottle feed them, and play around the house with them. They were ADORABLE. Oh my goodness....I wanted to bring one home. They had such personalities.

Notice the Dorothy get up Amanda Lily was wearing. Thank goodness that they went swimming, because afterwards, I convinced her to put on her real clothes before the other party guests arrived. She was all about wearing her wizard of oz costume, and having "Breena", her doll, wear the matching one. Thank you Nana for making these creations. They couldn't make a little girl happier!

Amanda Lily got to help present Demo (Godfather) with his cake. That is a Greek tradition. She really loves him so much. It was a fun filled night with lots of delicious food and family.

Spring Break on the Mountain Top

This year, we went back up to the mountains with the Buffkin family. We had a wonderful, relaxing time. Trish's parent's, Carl and Patsy, were our hosts, and they were awesome. My favorite part of the trip was our girls only trip to The Biltmore. Trish, Ms. Patsy, Amanda Lily, and I had a wonderful lunch at a tea room. At Biltmore, Amanda Lily was in awwwww. We went from room to room, and she listened to her headset with interest. She loved the idea that we were in a real castle.

Back on the mountain top,we went on nature hikes, rode four wheelers, and learned how to build a fire out of nothing but sticks! We all took turns shooting our guns. George wanted me to practice with mine, and it was a good thing, because I kept jamming it. Now we know that I actually do better with the bigger one!

Trish and I shared the cooking duties, and I really enjoyed my time in the kitchen with her. She and I are cut of the same cloth as they say, and we are definitely in our element in the kitchen together. Add a martini to the mix, and it's a PARTY. Ha!

Another highlight was Easter Sunday. It was so laid back, and enjoyable. The morning started with Easter baskets for the kiddos. We all were dressed and at church early enough to enjoy breakfast made by the locals. This is quite a feat being that we had 5 children under 8 to get together. The church we attended is Trish's parents church when they are on the Mountain. It was very small, no, I meant very very very small. There were maybe 10 others in attendance besides our crew. I somehow got wrangled into singing a duet with Mr. Carl (Trish's Dad) in church that morning. We sang acappello because the pianist couldn't transpose the song to the key we wanted it in. I was so happy that I sang though. It made for another great memory. I recall there being one moment in church that morning when I became a little overcome with emotion. The Minister lead the congregation in an old hymn, and it really touched me, because I thought of Nannie. I thought of it being her first Easter in Heaven, and I wondered if she was singing up there. I could'nt keep the tears from coming down my face. George slipped his arm around me, because he knew what I was thinking without my even telling him.

After church, we all went back up the mountain for an Easter Egg Hunt, and a late lunch. George and I made Lamb (Greek Style) on the spit. I was so happy with how it turned out. Delicious!The kids had a fun time hunting eggs on the sloping front lawn. I caught Steven in a sweet moment. Amanda Lily was upset because she didn't have many eggs in her basket. So, he split his with her, and counted them so that they would each have the same amount. Such a good heart that boy.

It was a wonderful getaway. The only negative thing that happened was Amanda Lily throwing up what seemed like a gazillion times from being car sick. I felt so bad for her. Next time, we will fly.

Zoey

Have you ever loved an animal so much it hurt? My family is now hurting over our Golden Retriever "Zoey". She passed away on April 1st. We have had her since 1997. She was mine and George's first child. She was the first pet he ever had. She brought such joy to us. She was everything a pet should be. The house is not the same without her in it. Maybe another post I'll share the story of her death. Right now it is just too fresh. All I can say is that her passing has been HARD CORE. Almost so painful that I don't want to have pets. I know it sounds absurd to love a pet so deeply, but she was so much a part of our family. I snapped this photo of her in February. I remember she was being so funny, wanting my attention, backing her rump up on me to scratch her, while I was trying to take photos of the kids. You know, the Greeks say that joys and sorrows come in 3's. After losing both of our Grandmothers within the last 6 months, we are really hoping that Zoey's passing is the last of the sorrows of death for us for a while.

Cinnamon Rolls

For the dough:
3/4 cup milk
1 package active dry yeast (regular or rapid rise will work)
3 TBSP sugar
4 TBSP butter, softened
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
3 cups flour

For the filling:
5/6 TBSP butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon

*These can be made a day ahead and refrigerated after they are shaped and in the 9x13 pan.
Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Remove the next morning and allow to finish rising at room temp. for 1 hour. Uncover and bake as directed. Do this on Christmas morning for a new tradition, and your home will smell warm and everyone will be happy to have a sweet treat after opening gifts. This is what we do after being given the idea by Heidi, our American Aunt who lives in Greece. She told me it is a tradition she does every year, and now I do it to! Jen, now you do them, and think of me. (: Food connects us!!!!

Heat milk in microwave to warm (not hot or it will kill the yeast) Add yeast and sugar to milk. Stir and let stand for 5 mins until yeast is soft. Mix egg and butter together and add to milk mixture. Add 1/2 the flour and mix well. Add remaining flour and salt. Mix. (You will probably have to mix by hand unless you have a heavy duty mixer or food processor with a dough hook)
Turn onto lightly floured surface and knead for 5 mins (or use your dough hook mixer) Place dough in bowl. Cover with clean kitchen towel and let rise until double in size. (1 - 3 hours depending on yeast used) Punch down and let stand for 5 mins. Roll dough into 12x12 square. Spread butter , brown sugar, and cinnamon evenly over dough. Roll into a log. Cut log into 12 equal rolls. Place in greased 9x13 pan. Allow to rise until doubled. Bake in 350* oven for 20 to 25 mins until lightly golden. Served iced or plain.

For Icing:
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 TBSP milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
Combine icing ingredients and stir until smooth. Drizzle over baked, somewhat cooled rolls.
I double this recipe because we like them sticky sweet!!! YUM!

Valentine's Day Tea

Amanda Lily invited a Kindergarten friend, Gracie, over for a play date. The girls were super excited to spend time together outside of school, and I used Valentine's Day as an excuse to spoil them by setting up a little tea party for two. They were so cute dressing up in proper attire, and sipping tea. They enjoyed chocolate covered strawberries and petit fors I picked up from Publix while grocery shopping. I brewed some raspberry tea, and they were set. I used my special china tea pot to serve them. I was so happy to do it. I feel like these are "the times of my life", and I should take every opportunity to make them special for my young children. Before I know it, they will be grown and gone, and my hope is to not wish I had done things differently. I encourage all of my friends to try and make special moments and memories that you and your children will cherish all their lives. It really does'nt take much effort at all to make a child's day.

Nannie

Well...my Nannie passed away on Feb 1st. I remember driving to the hospital for my final visit with her thinking, "I'm so glad I am an adult now, and this will be easier than when Popa died and I was only 17" Once I got there, she was very much alert and talkative. I sat on the bed beside her holding her hand. She stroked my hand and we talked about the kids. She told me that she was getting ready to leave this world, but that she wanted to see me in heaven one day. Aunt Brenda was in the room with us, when Nannie looked up to the sky and said, "Do you hear them????" I looked over at Aunt Brenda like.....did she just say that? I said, "No Nannie, I don't hear anything, what do you hear?" She said, "They're singing Amazing Grace, sing it with them, baby!" Aunt Brenda and I both started crying, and I tried to compose myself to sing the first verse. Tears just rolled down my face as I sang for her. She tried her best to comfort me by bringing me close to her and saying, "don't cry, baby". I knew she was hearing angels.I told her I knew she was leaving, and that it made me so sad because of how much I would miss her. It was such a precious moment in time. I'll never forget it. She didn't pass away for another couple of days, but she declined rapidly, and I decided not to go back to the hospital, because I didn't want to taint my special memory. It was just as hard as when Popa died. I had not emotionally grown passed being so hurt. I am reassured in my faith that I will see her again, but I do wish I had her here still. I wish I could call her for prayer, or to tell her about the kids accomplishments. I wish I had picked up the phone more times when she called. She used to call me and we would talk for an hour, then she would call back the next day wanting to talk more, and I wish I would have picked up instead of being so busy.

She spent her last Thanksgiving here at my house. The photo above is from that day.She was so happy. I remember sitting on her lap and talking about what we were thankful for. She would always say that she was most thankful for Jesus. I remember hugging her and smelling like her perfume for hours.(She would put on half the bottle, then anyone who came near her would smell like Beautiful) I think I might get myself a bottle of Beautiful just to have and wear every now and then.

I am planting a Gardenia bush in my yard in the Spring. Gardenias were her favorite. I remember my Popa always had them for her. He would go down our little road passing Gardenia's out to all of his daughters, and me, his only granddaughter. And of course, Nannie always had a big bunch on her kitchen table that he had given her. I imagine him meeting her in heaven with a big bunch of them in his hand. I've always thought of him whenever I've smelled a Gardenia. Now I will think of them together.

Nannie's viewing and funeral were wonderful. I got to see so many people who's lives she had touched somehow through her 87 years. She was born in Wildwood, and she lived her entire life in that little town. Most of the people I saw were those I haven't seen in 10 or more years. It was so strange how it seemed as though no one had changed. Everyone was still so warm and even looked the same to me! It was very hard for me to stand over her and see her in that casket. I hated it.

I didn't bring my kids to either service. I didn't feel it was right for them to see her open casket. They are both already taking it hard enough. Steven I think worse than Amanda Lily, although this morning before school, Amanda Lily just started crying. Literally, out of the blue. I asked her why she was crying and she said "I don't know" I said, honey is it because of Nannie? She shook her little head yes with tears falling down her cheeks. It broke my heart all over again. I know how they feel. They have a pretty good grasp on the fact that we won't see her again in this lifetime, but are happy to think of a reunion in heaven one day. One night last week, Steven was very upset, crying. My Dad went up to talk to him about it, and he said, "I know we will see her again, but it's harder for me, because I have many more years than you left on this earth." His little 7 year old self gets it. Then, there was the night that Nannie died, and I told them. They both cried and had lots of questions. Amanda Lily did what she does best....create. She made a beautiful drawing of her and Nannie holding hands next to a cross and wrote on it. "I luv u Nanee, u r a swet hart" (I love you Nannie, you are a sweetheart) Then, that night she put it under her pillow and prayed for Jesus to come and take it to Nannie in heaven. I guess she thinks if the tooth fairy can get teeth, then certainly Jesus can get a special letter. I took it from under her pillow that night and put it away to show her one day. She was so excited that Jesus came and took the note, I know it brought her comfort.

I was so glad to be able to go to Nannie's services, and not have to think twice about if my children were in good hands. I am very blessed to have good friends in my life who are there for me whenever/whatever, and they watched the kids so that I could take part in the services.

Nannie's funeral was a tribute to her legacy. She had her daughter playing the keyboard, grandson on the drums, and her other grandkids made up the ensemble. We sang songs she chose, and read verses she wanted read. We had church. It was just like she would have wanted it. I wondered how people felt about us not being more somber, and singing all those praise and worship songs. We were having a celebration of her home going. It was what she wanted.

Jennifer took a few photos that day, and I'm posting one of us grandkids, so that I can look back on it one day. I have another one like it from our Popa's funeral. We are all happy for Nannie because she is no longer suffering, but still sad because she will be dearly missed here. She was such an inspiration to me. I can only hope to live up to her standard. A woman about her family. She was always making it her business that every one of us was on the right path, and gently steering us when we were not. I'm certain that I'll feel her gentle guidance throughout my life. She has been one of the most infulential people in my life. How blessed was I to have her as a Nannie. Sorry that this post is so long, but I want to be able to look back on this one day and recall all the moments of her last days.