Strawberry Jam

Scroll to bottom of post for strawberry syrup/jam recipe

It is strawberry season! The children and I met some of our friends (Mia and Heather) out at the strawberry patch this past Wednesday. We all had lots of fun picking the berries and playing with "Haus" the resident dog. Heather made such a fuss over that dog that I was certain she was going to slip him into her car on the way home. He really was a great dog. Which, it goes to figure. The entire place is surreal. It is like when you are there you are in another world. Rows and rows of strawberries greet you when you first pull up. Then there is the quaint little strawberry store that is actually an old barn where they have you pay for your pickings, and offer a selection of strawberry delights. Fun for the kids is the tire swing that hangs from this huge old oak tree. Heather and I sat at the picnic table watching them play. It was a beautiful day, and she and I decided that if the place ever goes up for sell, we are buying and moving our families out there!!! LOL (Up the hill is a large two story house where we would all live)

Amanda Lily and I are making strawberry jam today with our flat. We are celebrating Papou's (grandpas) birthday tomorrow, and one of his favorite things it our strawberry jam. He loves it on his toast. So, we are hoping to fill a mason jar with the good stuff, and give it to him as a gift.

Here is our super simple recipe:

STRAWBERRY SYRUP/JAM

2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled

4 cups white sugar

1/4 lemon juice

Crush berries (in batches if you need to)

In large saucepan, mix together all ingredients

Stir over low heat until the sugar is dissolved and blended

Increase heat to high, and bring to full rolling boil

Boil, stirring often for about 20 mins

Poor hot mixture into sterile jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and seal

After jam has cooled, eat up or refrigerate.

Quick Dinner Idea

scroll to bottom of post for baked apples and baked potato soup recipes

Today has been a pretty chilly day. Tonight is supposed to be even cooler, so for dinner I made potato soup. While in NC last week, Trish made it for lunch one day. It was incredibly comforting and warming to the tummy, so I was inspired to make it today. While cooking, I thought "this couldn't be easier, I should blog the recipe for my friends."

Baked Potato Soup

Peel and chop up 5 baking sized potatoes

Boil in one box chicken stock (I use wolfgang pucks organic free range broth from publix) until potatoes are tender

Mash potatoes with potato masher, or use your spoon and smash them on the walls of the pot

Add milk, a little at a time, until desired consistency.

Season with butter, salt, and pepper.

Stir in a little cheese

While soup is cooking, bake up a few strips of bacon. (optional)

Add the bacon and a couple snips of chives. (optional)

For those of you who have not read my "nutrition" post, all the ingredients I use are organic. You can even find bacon at publix that is hormone free and grain only fed.

Dessert is super easy as well.

Baked Apples w Pecans

Core some apples (however many people are eating) and set aside in a baker

Stir a few chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a couple pats of cut up butter in a small bowl

Put mixture inside cored out apples, cover with tin foil and bake at 350 for 25mins

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt and sprinkle with cinnamon

YUMMY.

North Carolina

One day while visiting my friend Trish, something caught my eye. She has one of those nifty photo frames that allows you to upload digital photos and it scrolls through. I noticed one of the photos was breathtakingly beautiful. She told me it was a picture taken at her Mom and Dads place in North Carolina where they have a second home on the "tippy top" of a mountain. Within minutes of conversation, she invited us to go up with her family for a weekend. I jumped at the offer and the trip was planned and airfare purchased in only a couple of days. We were all so excited for the trip because Steven, Amanda Lily, Ben, Josh, and even little Gracie have become close friends, and I knew they would all have a great time together. We adults have done our fair share of bonding as well, and find allot of pleasure in just chatting and hanging out. So, we knew we were all in for a great time.
The cabin was awesome, and Ms. Patsy (Trish's Mom) was a wonderful hostess. She made me feel right at home, even giving up her kitchen to me one night to make dinner. She made us feel like just another part of the family. The nature was just as breathtaking as the photos in Trish's frame.
By the time our flight landed and we got our rental car, it was dark on Thursday night. We drove up and up. I told Trish once we arrived that when she said "Tippy Top", she wasn't kidding. We would have never made it up the mountain without 4 wheel drive.
It did not snow while we were there, but we all jumped into the SUV's and went down the mountain to Maggie Valley where we found "Tube World" The boys slid down the artificial snow while Amanda Lily and I built snow people. The weather really teased us because it was VERY COLD, just no snow......our rental car's doors were even frozen shut!
We went on a nature walk and the kids had a blast throwing themselves down the incline and rustling around in tons of leaves. They even climbed up a huge rock.
Another good time was watching Larry and George sling the kids down the front lawn on cardboard and snow saucers. The photos don't do the front yard justice, but it is a pretty steep hill that the kids loved running and throwing themselves down on.....or just rolling. Watching them made me dizzy. I also got a kick out of wondering which were the bigger kids, the children or dads.
The boys went off on the four wheeler in search of firewood, and we roasted marshmallows on sticks to make smore's.
It was such a relaxing, laid back weekend. None of us wanted to leave. We are so blessed to have good friends in our lives who are willing to share their lives with us.


PS....Amy, you are the reason I am still blogging. I almost abondoned my blog completely until I got your comment. (:

PSS There are photos in the slideshow on the right

Privacy Please

Hello to all my friends and family. Just wanted to let you all know that I will be making my blog private as of Monday. If you want to continue to have access to my blog, please give me your email address so I can put you on the list of those who are allowed to view. It never really occurred to me that random people are looking at my personal photos and thoughts. I know some people are perfectly ok with this, but it kind of gives me the willies. I naively thought that you had to know my blog address to access it, and who would randomly type that in???? Jennifer showed me the "next blog" button and how it just automatically takes you to the next persons blog. I almost scrapped my blog completely until she encouraged me to look into how to make the blog private. I've got it all figured out, but I don't want to loose contact with some of you who I do not have your email. So, if you want to keep following, send me your email address.

Hope you are all doing great!

Ok, so just so you guys know. My kids do eat junk food and sugar, as well as pizza and fettuccine alfredo with shrimp! On occasion, we even stop thru a fast food joint, but to get through it, I have to tell myself that I can't deprive my kids of childhood fun when we do.


It is because I LOVE to cook that it is so easy for me to spend time and energy doing it. There is something creative in it that gives me a thrill. Somehow cooking to me is not a chore. I even enjoy going to search out in season fruits and veggies at the farmers market that is held every Thursday literally within walking distance of the restaurant. I actually show up early to prep at the restaurant so that I have time to go over there and check things out.


I do use sugar, flour, pasta, and rice products. Most of the time they are whole wheat brands. I even make pancakes with whole wheat flour. The kids wolf them up like they are going out of style.


There are currently alot of "convenience foods" on the market that we use as well. My favorite distributor of these types of foods is Kashi. They have great cereal bars, instant oatmeal, frozen waffles, etc.

After reading my previous post, I thought you all might get the idea that I am a "drill Sargent" of food. So, I wanted to make sure you all know that I don't deprive the kids of sugar, it is just in moderation......and always the real thing. (:

Exploring Nutrition

I have really been looking forward to this blog. I am writing about one of my favorite things. Good food. Coming from a Southern family, baking has always been an important way of showing love and appreciation. I picked up my love of cooking "real food" from my exposure to Greeks and Italians. I have learned how food is woven into everyday life and traditions. Traveling abroad and living with people who cook totally different than I do, has had a huge effect on how I cook. Another way I have come to appreciate good food is through actually having a restaurant. Customers who love to cook, love to talk about it. Over the years, many have shared recipes and ideas with me, just because they know that we appreciate something yummy to eat. Also, eating and entertaining go hand in hand, and all who know me, know I LOVE a party. I will use any excuse to have people in my kitchen. Even if they are all 6 years old and under.

Speaking of that, I would say what had the most profound affect on how I cook was having children. While pregnant with Steven, I could not read enough about healthy eating and how food has a direct effect on our bodies (and our children's). You all know how every Mother has their "thing". It's the one thing that no matter what, she doesn't compromise. That for me is what goes into my children's mouths. For others, it may be making sure they have a helmet and knee pads on while ridding bikes. (my children have them, but seldom wear them) You all know what I mean. Everyone is different, and I do not judge other mom's for their choices of what to feed their kids. And, I would appreciate no judgement on the helmet thing. (: The only time I cringe is when I see my own child making poor choices on what to eat.....not others. However, if I could give some gentle advice, and you are willing to take it, read on.

In my cooking, I try my best to cook with fresh ingredients. This means cooking with no cans and no boxes. If you can't cook with organic ingredients, do your best to make sure they are fresh and without hormones. I once read that the best foods for you to chose in the supermarket are on the four walls of the place, not down the aisles. I encourage you all to give it a try. Next time you are at your grocery store, only shop the walls. Don't go down the aisles unless it is for cleaning products, etc. (Cleaning products are another blog) For me, vinegar and water are great.

You can also stop at your local fruit and vegetable stand. It is very likely that the food sold there is fresh and hasn't traveled far. Cook your veggies in a steamer pot. If you boil them, it zaps a lot of the nutrients right out. This is most every vegetable.

I have no problem with butter and spices, as long as it is the real thing. Ask yourself if it comes from the earth. "Did the Good Lord make this product I am about to put in my mouth?" He doesn't make fat free or substitute sweeteners, so splenda and anything containing aspartame are NOT ideal. (unless you have a specific dietary reason) Also, I encourage you all to give cooking with herbs a try. I have a small herb garden in pots on my lanai, that I use almost everyday in cooking. If a recipe calls for herbs, just use a little more fresh than you would dried, as the fresh herbs are less potent.

As a result of all this, my children have come to appreciate good food. They have such advanced palates, and eat some of the most non "kid friendly" food. They are willing to try most anything, and are very picky about what they eat, but in a good way. Imagine me taking them over to Greece for the summer, as we do. How in the world could I get them to eat over there, if they weren't used to eating real food? In Greece, they do not have processed foods. No boxed up or canned foods. I would have to pack a whole suitcase full of mac n cheese boxes. No Thanks! Put food that comes out of a can in front of Steven, and he'll look at you like your crazy. Ask my brother who once tried to feed him spaghetti o's. Steven said, "Umm, no thank you" then pushed the plate away. The child knows good food better than most adults. Also, Amanda Lily LOVES to help me cook. She loves watering the herbs, etc. Taking on good nutrition is a fun process. I know most people won't take it up like we do. It is just something I am passionate about.

Another thought is Teflon.....I do not cook with anything that is coated in the stuff. All stainless steel pots and pans in my kitchen. Think about it. When you heat up a pot or pan, then add your food, how much Teflon is leaching into your food????? Not to mention if your husband cooks and decides to use a metal spoon then scrapes little shavings of the stuff into your food. Also, do not heat plastic or melamine in the microwave, or you get the same cancer causing plastics leaching into your food. Only use glass when using your microwave, otherwise you might end up eating more than just your day old pizza, or even worse, serving it to your child.

Ok. So, I could go on and on and on(fast food and soda, etc) but I'll stop here. I hope you all have taken something from this post that you can use in your cooking experience.

Jeanne, this one was for you. (:

Natalie's Baby Shower

My sweet friend Natalie. Well, after many years of trying and lots of heartache and losses, she and her husband are being blessed with a little girl! She is super excited, as we all have been for her. I hosted one of her baby showers here at my home, and was so happy to do it!

I made a great cherry chicken salad for finger food, as well as chocolate strawberries, and a variety of other food. (those two foods seemed to be the popular ones) Natalie got lots of great gifts to start her off in Motherhood. We all can't wait to meet baby Coryn, and are praying for a quick, easy, delivery. And, a happy, healthy baby and mommy! I hope all you fellow high school cheerleaders enjoy the photos. I'm sure most of you haven't seen Natalie since Graduation......

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was a blast for us. It was very low key. We had friends and family, and a bunch of kiddie's! I was very surprised at how well the children all stayed up without completely falling apart! Which, they were all vamped up on chocolate fondue and Uncle George's fireworks! Seriously people, I can't believe the fireworks that were in my backyard. Our neighbors must have LOVED us that night! (: George traveled over to Daytona to get them to the same spot he has been buying fireworks since we lived over there 9 years ago. They were beautiful. Not talkin Disney, but definitely better than Venetian Gardens on July 4th. We also had sparklers that were fun. I lost it laughing at Dan playing around with the sparklers. He and Jessica somehow became the designated sparkler lighters. The kids couldn't get to them fast enough. It was a great time. The fondue was soooooo fun. I really enjoyed making it up, and it was yummy. I am thinking of doing a Valentine's fondue party for the kids and a few friends. (That was supposed to happen last year, but my kids got seriously sick, and we cancelled) Anyhow, it is a great idea for those of you who have small kids. Little effort is involved, and what kid doesn't like fondue???? My prayer is that all who read this have a blessed 2009.

ps..I have a prayer request for my pregnant friends. Please pray for them. Their names are Hannah, Natalie, and Jennifer. All three have amazing pregnancy stories, and are needing prayer for strength.

Love to all.

Christmas

This Christmas has been hectic. It is of course a wonderful time of year, but my favorite by far is Thanksgiving. We have had family dinners and get togethers and have opened our home to family and entertaining mostly the entire month. We have attended and planned special school events. (Amanda Lily's preschool program, and Stevens International Luncheon) Then there was ensemble at church. I decided this year that I was ready to take on the commitment of taking part in our Christmas Eve Service which require hours of rehearsal. The service was pretty good, but I was so sad for Melinda who had put so much planning and effort into it, and there were many glitches. We even managed to squeeze a trip to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in the mix, and we spent the night! It has been a memorable Christmas, but I am ready for a break. I am blogging all of it in this one blog, because I am just ready to move on!

Each of the following paragraphs really deserve there own private blog, so if you get tired of reading, just stop and come back to the next paragraph another day!

Lets see, we'll start with Stevens International Luncheon at school. For those of you who do not know, Steven is in the Dual Language Program at his school, where he is taught the same lessons in English as well as Spanish during the day. When Mrs Keyes called me with the idea of an International Luncheon, I thought it was a great! And, boy did it end up GREAT! We had over 17 mothers make different foods from their country of origin. I of course made Greek food. Baklava and Adaka with Feta which are two of Stevens favorites. We had Spanish Pork, Swedish Meatballs, German Pie, Plantains, Vietnamese Rice, we even had Sushi, and much more. It was all sooo good. We had one of the moms bring in chicken nuggets from chic fil a, because we weren't sure how the kids would take to such a variety of foods, but they actually were more than willing to try everything. We had over 25 parents attend, as well as the Principle, Assistant Principle, and office staff. The day was topped off with Pinatas for the kids to swing at. It was a blast for them.

The Annual Green Family Dinner was at my house this year. I was so happy to have my extended family in my home. Everyone brought a side dish, and we had ham. All the food was really yummy, but the company was even better. I did miss Scott and his family, though. I got to see Jennifer, and let me tell you all....she doesn't look a day pregnant. Will is such a sweet boy. He was ready for some present opening. I think it's so strange that he has the same blood in his veins as I do, and he is my best friends kid. Even after all these years, Jen is not my cousin....she is my best friend. I was also very happy to see my little cousin Michaela bonding with my little girl. The two of them really seemed to hit it off. The night was a huge success, very laid back and relaxed.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party was a BLAST. So worth the money. We had arranged a room at the Contemporary Resort so that Steven could watch the monorails go through. In all our Disney travels, the one thing we hadn't done is spend the night. This seemed like the right time because the actual party started at 7pm and didn't end until midnight. Upon arrival we were told that we had been "upgraded" in honor of Disney's Year of A Million Dreams. The woman handed me a key to insert into a slot in the elevator to get us to the "all suite floor"

I almost dropped my teeth when she told us we had a butler/concierge. If you all remember, the last time we went to Disney, we had gotten VIP service that was very uncommon. This was over the top. Our concierge had Uncrustable PB and J's with juice boxes and milk for the kids along with all kinds of fruit, cheese, croissants, beer, champagne, wine, and espresso for George and me when we got to the room. I kid you not.....our view was unbelievable. We had a birds eye view of Cinderella Castle and all the Monorails and The Grand Floridian, from our balcony. I took photos, so check them out! Once we got to the park, we had lots of fun. For the first time in years, we didn't have to wait in line at all. When I bought the tickets, they told me that they were only selling a "limited amount" I thought yeah, what they consider limited and I consider limited are definitely different. Not so....it seemed as if there was no one in the park. Steven even got down at a Character Dance Party. I laughed so hard as he did the YMCA and danced to Vanilla Ice.....Ice Ice Baby. He actually did pretty good and kept with the performer on stage teaching the kids the steps. George and I enjoyed it so much that we've decided not to renew our annual passes, and to just go to the Christmas Party every year and spend the night. (We may also go in May in honor of both kids birthdays being that they are only a week apart.) I highly recommend it.

Let's see...we opened presents from Mom and Dad the night before Christmas Eve. Mom outdid herself once again. My favorite was one of her gifts to Amanda Lily, a sewing machine. She is so excited about making clothes for her dolls. Christmas Eve service was at 6pm, then we headed up to the restaurant to have dinner with George.

Christmas morning, Steven, Amanda Lily, and Tre' were soooooo excited. I mean bouncing off the walls! This is such a good age for "Santa" they are 4 5 and 6. Steven was most excited about his Amtrak Train Set, Amanda Lily was thrilled with her pink kitchen, and Tre' freaked over his four wheeler! Good times. Mom made her famous omelet's, and I made my famous pancake puffs for breakfast.

Christmas night we all packed up and went over to Amanda's (mom in laws) for dinner and gift exchange. The kids and I made cupcakes for "Baby Jesus' Birthday" The food was prime rib and lots of Greek dishes. It was really unbelievably good.....I mean Stavro (dad in law) really has a gift in the kitchen. Steven got an awesome CSX train engine from Uncle Pete Aunt Heather and Jimmy. His reaction was priceless. He literally could not come up with words to say. He was like "this thing........" Then he passed around the huge thank you hugs. Amanda Lily got kitchen stuff from Pottery Barn Kids, little Cupcakes and a cake, and the cutest apron ever with cherries on it.Baby Sophie was laughing really hard at Steven as he danced around all silly to entertain her. She is getting so big. Heather had to remind me that she is almost 8 months old! I keep thinking she is 6 months. I just don't want her to grow up!

The kids also received a Christmas package from Greece. Our cousin ViVi aka Girly Girl, is AWESOME. She sent them glow in the dark stars that are already on their bedroom walls and beds. As well as all kinds of stickers and chocolates and candies and goodies. She spoils them so much. It is very special to get things like that all the way from Greece. It keeps them connected. I love that the kids are so loved and doted on by our family.

I got a Cricut cutter for my craft room, a new camera, and a yellow diamond ring! My husband is so good to me. He surprised me thoroughly.....and I LOVE to be honestly surprised.

Sorry to have put all of my Christmas adventures into this one blog. I am just really ready to move forward a pull out of the Holidays. I may keep my blog colors though....they will do through Valentine's Day at least! Oh and I took so many photos that I am putting them in seperate slide shows. I'll title them so everyone can see the different goings on. Also, I'll put a couple of my favorites on the blog page. I hope you all had as blessed a Christmas as we did.

Church Christmas Padgeant

Both Steven and Amanda Lily participated in this years Christmas Program at our church. Steven was an elf who helped with the singing. Amanda Lily had a small speaking part. Her lines were "Grandpa Biddlebop, tell us again about your first Christmas at Santa's workshop." and "I just love that story" Pretty simple stuff, but we were sure proud that at a young 4 years, she had no problem speaking into the microphone in front of around 400 people. I was certain that she was going to have a panic attack and run off the stage, but she did not. She was very composed and said her lines perfectly. Her only concern was that someone was going to put makeup on her face.....that she did not want, and she most likely would not have done it if they had. The play was the same weekend that the stomach bug had gone through my house. Steven and Ben (his friend that had also been sick) were standing side by side in the play. Trish and I had our fingers crossed that the two of them didn't start throwing up!

Aunt Mary, Mom, Yia Yia, George, and myself were there armed with cameras, but none of us got really good photos. The kids were all great, and we were once again thrilled to watch.

Christmas Cookie Bake

The annual family cookie bake was an interesting adventure this year. We were planning for a crowd as usual, but sometimes plans can be interrupted. It was a bit frustrating because we were all so excited. I had the hot chocolate with cinnamon sticks and marshmallows, all the sprinkles and cookie cutters, and Mom and I had made up lots of homemade cookie dough. We had even made everyone personalized brown bags to bring their cookies home in. But, lets rewind to Friday morning. I woke Steven up for school around 7:00. He was eating his breakfast and kept running into the bathroom. I followed him in to investigate. The poor guy had diarrhea. I had a big day with Amanda Lily's program, but thought it better to keep him home from school. He did pretty good all day with just a couple of "incidents", so I didn't really give it much thought. Until, his best friend Ben's mom called. Trish told me that she had kept Ben home from school today due to diarrhea and vomiting. I told her that Steven had been home as well, but no vomiting. That was at 9pm on Friday night. Around 15 mins later, Steven threw up. I decided to call everyone to let them know of the possibility of a stomach bug. I got mixed answers, just as I thought I would. Some of the moms said their kids had already had the stomach flu, so they were still coming. Some said they would rather chance it than send their kid into a complete meltdown by telling them they weren't coming. And of course, others said they would see us next year. Steven threw up until 4:45 that morning. It was a rough night to say the least. I went ahead and sprayed the entire house with lysol and wiped down every surface with a mix of bleach and water. People started showing up around 9:00am Saturday morning. We had lots of fun cutting and decorating. The gingerbread cookies were my personal favorite. At the end of the afternoon, I was more than exhausted. Amanda Lily came over, gave me a big hug and said "Mommy, I love you more than much" I almost cried. I was so glad that she was happy and Steven was feeling better. They are after all the reason to have a cookie bake. I have yet to hear of anyone being sick. Hopefully all the brave souls who decided to come will remain healthy!

It turned out to be a fun day. I crashed around 10:00 because I had to have the kids at the church Sunday morning at 8:00am for the church Christmas Pageant......but that of course will be my next blog!

Amanda Lily's Pre School Program

Amanda Lily's class had their Christmas Performance on Friday. They mainly sang carols and did some small motions. As I caught myself smiling from ear to ear, I looked around thinking how amazing it is that we adults are so easily impressed! You all know the scene....parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles all clammering about to get the perfect picture. George looked like a proud papa watching his little girl. It was really a great program, and of course to me, Amanda Lily was the cutest kid up there. She is her sweet girly girl self. I am posting a video of their last song. I hope it makes all the family Greece smile. By the way, she's the one with the big red bows in her hair!


PAUSE THE MUSIC AT THE BOTTOM OF MY BLOG SO YOU CAN HEAR ONLY THE KIDS.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving has been all I would have hoped it to be. Mom, Dad, and Larry drove down from Georgia to spend the Holiday together. Mom and I started prep on Wednesday, then finished things up on Thursday morning. Our job was easy this year, as it was my Sister in Law Heather's turn as Hostess at her and Pete's house. Mom and I were responsible for the ham, green bean casserole, sweet potato souffle, and garlic roasted maple carrots. I also was in charge of the "kids table". Everything turned out so nice. It was particularly great for me because I had both sides of my family present. We had dinner around 6:30, and of course watched and played football in the backyard. Some photos are from Thanksgiving morning of Steven and George in the backyard playing football. The guys played play station while waiting for us girls to get things together. I mostly helped out with Sweet Sophie. She had skipped her nap, and refused to fall asleep even though she was so tired. I don't really blame her though....who wants to sleep when your entire family is at your house! Too much fun going on. Dinner was wonderful...we have leftovers out of our ears. (Ham and turkey sandwiches for a month) We just took most of the leftover side dishes up to the restaurant for the employees to enjoy.



Earlier in the week, Steven had a Thanksgiving Feast at school. It was fun to have all the kids in the classroom for lunch. He didn't eat a bite of his lunchroom food, with the exception of his bisquit. Those of you who know him, understand. He told me that the Turkey and Gravy looked like "dog food" I have created a very picky eater by cooking most of his meals and sending him with a lunch box everyday. I pride myself in putting healthy food in my kids bodies. It is one thing that I am pretty consistent about as a Mother. I think it is very important. I could really run off on a rabbit trail here on nutrition, but I'll save that for another blog. I am after all posting about Thanksgiving!



Our family tradition is to pick out our Christmas Tree on Thanksgiving night. I usually string the lights on it, then we all decorate it the following day. This year, the kids were so excited to decorate it that we went ahead and got it all done on Thanksgiving night. I was happy to get it done. Now we only have to get the "Kids Tree" put up in the kids activity room. That is actually a project for us to do today.



What am I thankful for? This year I am really thankful that I am an American. Maybe you are thinking, what???? The economy is awful, the price of gas, the war, etc. I realize that alot of us are "hurting" financially, but in reality, WE ARE NOT. We as Americans are spoiled. Most of the world does not have clean water to drink.....we mop our floors with it. And, we have the audacity to complain about the price of gas? Many citizens of our world are happy to walk miles

to get food for their families. I have been guilty of muly grubbing myself, but I have a new outlook. Thank you God that I am blessed in so many ways, and please forgive me for my selfish heart.

Chasity

I am a little late in blogging this, but in my defense, I just got my hands on the photos that were taken with Carrie's camera. So, I am happy to finally get the chance to do this post.

Most of you do not know my God Daughter Chasity. Let me tell you all...she is a special girl. Not only is she a bright shinning child inside and out, she is a CHEERLEADER!!! (A girl after my own heart) She recently had a birthday, and it makes me feel old. She is now 9 years old, just a year younger than I was when I met her Mother.

I am sharing pics from her birthday party that was a blast. Kudos to Carrie for pulling it off. It was a glow in the dark party, complete with glow in the dark putt putt, glow in the dark face painting, glow in the dark necklaces, etc.


All the kids had a great time, but most importantly, Chasity did. She is such a love, who will always hold her very own spot in my heart.

Halloween!!!!

What a busy day!!! A couple of other Moms and I decided to put on a Fall Festival at Stevens School today. It was a huge success! We were all so glad to see the kids having fun. I am blessed to have two Teachers who share their students with me. We set up four stations......Pumpkin Painting, Sticker Fun, Playdoh, and Fall Cookie Decorating.

Little Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Painting

We rotated the 40 kids between each station. Then George brought up pizza and all the kids had lunch in the classroom. I was surprised at how much Parent participation we had. Over 20 parents sent in goodies for the treat bags, and 8 moms came in to help. It was great fun. I brought in hay bales and set them up with a scarecrow and all 40 pumpkins to make a small pumpkin patch. Each child chose his/her own pumpkin out of the patch and then they painted them. (Thanks to my friend Heather for giving me the idea) The day was flawless.

Around 1pm I left Stevens school for Amanda Lily's preschool. They had a small class party with treats and then trick or treated around the school. It was low key, but fun for everyone.

Pete and Heather brought Sophie by for a photo opp of the cousins. I was so glad that they did. I'm amazed at how much Steven and Sophia look alike! Every time I see her, it takes me back to when Steven was her age. She is such a sweet girl. I am waiting for photos from Heather to post. Pete took some good ones.

To finish the night off, Pam came over with Caleb and Druw for Trick or Treating. The kids had a great time. We even went over to the church festival for a Hayride. Lastly, we headed up to the restaurant to have dinner with George. It was his shift this Halloween, so I wanted him to see the kids in their costumes. Wheeeeeew. What a day. I hit the pillow pretty hard.