Last week as I was driving through town, I noticed a stand with a pile of fresh, super-sized zucchini's. As a dutch woman, I noticed "FREE" and pulled over to grab a couple then later decided what to do with them. A few minutes on Pinterest proved successful with delicious recipes that claimed to be quick and easy.
Win. Win.
I took the kids to pick a few more blueberries and thorny blackberries for the recipes and back home we went to have an afternoon of baking. I under-estimated how much these two zucchini's would produce.
I also had a package of cream cheese waiting to be used so what better than to make my fan favorite: black bottom cupcakes. The recipe I use freezes well so I may be making more for those school days needing a sweet treat. Always nice to have something on hand!
I made a fantastically delicious blackberry cobbler that Addi and I enjoyed last night as we watched our weight loss TV show. Go figure. I'm hoping to bake a few more breads and muffins for morning options and then get to freezer meals before the school year begins. Thanks to a cooler day with a little rain to get me in the mood.
At the end of the day, I ended up with…
1 large loaf of chocolate chip zucchini bread
3 large loaves of blueberry zucchini bread
2 mini loaves of chocolate chip zucchini bread
3 mini loaves of blueberry zucchini bread
1 black berry cobbler
2 dozen black bottom cupcakes
&
1/4 of the zucchini still leftover!
What's your favorite freezer meal recipe?
(All but the cupcake recipe can be found on my Pinterest boards. )
With temperatures in the 90's, we braced ourselves with frozen water bottles, snacks and sunscreen to endure some fair fun. We originally planned on going Wednesday, but with the weather forecasting rain and thunder showers I thought it best to go the first of the week. The kids LOVED the hobby barn as they envied the LEGO collections and Pet Shops and from there smelled farm fresh cow poop. It's such a wonderful thing to see the animals without having the responsibility of taking care of them. Thank you to all the kids behind the scenes (and many parents too) who take interest in 4-H and other programs for all of us to enjoy! Charlie found Mr. Seahawk and a close walk west found the wild animals from snakes to cougars and chomping alligators too. One must have large gonads to get in a cage with a cougar and manage to plant a kiss on his head…I prefer to stay on the outside of the cage and just look in!
{ Myriam wanted to pet every animal behind the cage. Thankfully one was out and allowed us some petting time. }
{ Charlie & Mommy enjoyed Moowiches as the girls enjoyed corn dogs and cool ice cream cones. }
The kids did really good despite the high temperatures. Myriam managed to have a nap for a little bit which gave the older kids time to explore without the toddler fits. Daddy came to join us after work and worked his magic in talking the kids into saving their ride pass money for Disneyland rather than standing in the hot sun waiting for a quick minute ride. I was surprised it worked as I kept telling the kids all afternoon, "no rides until daddy comes tonight!" I was a little disappointed as we skipped the fair food and gave break to the heat eating dinner at Fairway Cafe. Oh well, I spared myself 3,000 calories of in take.
{ Addison in front of her friends pigs in the Country Partners pig pens.
Great job Olivia! }
So, there you have it. A successful trip to the Northwest Washington Fair with minimal grease intake and melted kids in tow. It's always entertaining watching those walk around you as some forgot to wear clothes upon entering the gates and others wore too much. It truly is a melting pot of cultures when you invite thousands into one place.
Until next year carnies. Thanks for keeping it real.
Last week Thursday, Tim and I dropped off Addison and Charlie at Papa & Nana's for a week boat trip in the San Juan Islands with Auntie Traci and cousin Talan. The kids were very excited even though the leaving part was a little challenging for Chuckles. Lately, anytime I leave him he gets clingy, teary-eyed and throws quite a show for those around at that time. Thankfully, a minute after Tim reluctantly pulled out of the drive-way he was fine and already laughing.
Myriam was a different child without her siblings around. Poor gal kept asking me, "Mommy, where my Addi go? Addi, where are you? Mommy, where my Charlie go? I want my Addi and my Charlie." I kept hearing this adorable phrase all six days the kids were gone. With no one to push buttons and having no one to pester, the little one was amazingly calm and super sweet.
Thursday and Friday I helped Cookie Grandma with her overly organized garage sale as Myriam had a play date with Marley and Melinda. I love that I live so close to friends and family and have the option to ask many in the time of need for sitters. With our kids gone and the neighbors gone on vacation, Myriam ruled the roost! Saturday morning brought on an extremely hot nine mile training run and some around the house chores. Part of our To-Do list is checking off items from our foster home inspection list. Besides a few more minor things I believe we are ready for our first home inspection. (There's been a situation that has brought us to the decision of pursuing our foster license and even though it hasn't turned out the way we prayed for, we still feel we should complete the licensing process.) On Sunday, Tim was able to get the pile of stuff needed to be installed put in place which is always nice when more kitchen counter space is revealed!
Monday Miss Michaela came to play as I recovered the school table chairs in an adorable chevron print that plays along with my teal and orange color theme downstairs. I am so in love with these chairs and hope that some added padding and a cute print will motivate the kids this school year.
Tuesday was a glorious day for me! My brother watched Myriam all day as I bargain hunted, thrift store shopped and enjoyed a relaxing, sunny lunch with my sister friend, Linda. I started with a return to Target and then went across the street to Value Village where I tried on about 15 pairs of jeans BECAUSE I COULD without kids tearing the dressing room apart or hearing pleas to go home. It was a silent experience and I greatly enjoyed it. I managed to walk away with two pairs of jeans for less than $18!!! Next I went to Old Navy to return some dresses and scored the jean sale for Charlie then followed that with a steal from Kohl's spending $42 but saving $137 on these awesome ottoman bean bag chairs for the play room. I was so excited for that purchase! I had strict guidelines to find deals for me, but when I found some long sleeve shirts at super cheap prices I caved and got a few for the kids. Marshall's, Innovations, Little Red Wagon and TjMaxx were a few other places I managed to squeeze in my day.
After a delicious lunch on the beautiful Anthony's patio, I headed to Deal's Only where I found all clothing to be 50% marked down from the already ridiculously cheap prices. Yes, it's dirty in there and most clothes are in a big box, but at prices cheaper than consignment I had to. The other deal I always score from there are my energy beans I use for long training runs. At $.49 a bag I bought a stack full compared to the usual $1.50 per bag elsewhere. After picking up my Boo, we headed straight for the paint store where from there, I painted Charlie's accent wall and taped Addi's room for her ombre' walls. This entire day was a birthday gift to me where I could bargain hunt without complaints, drink coffee to my delight and feel satisfied with the dutch deals I found throughout the day.
Wednesday morning I started on the taping of the ombre' stripes and got the bottom and top stripe painted and ready for a second coat before having to pick up the kids at the harbor. Myriam was so excited to see her brother and sister as they were excited to see Mommy too! After a few trips to and from the Knot So Fast for all the kids' belongings, we then headed to Nana's as Charlie needed a little Mommy time before going to Portland in support of Auntie getting her special medicine. Thankfully, there was no separation anxiety when I left Charlie at Nana's for the night.
Thursday brought on more painting, removing tape, putting tape back up and getting the third color on the walls. (one more color to go) Addison's room is going to be AWESOME! Literally, the paint says so! Before my hair appointment arrived, I got the swimming pool emptied, cleaned, and filled back up for the girls to play in as we prepare for another hot week. The girls and I had a coffee date at Berthusan Park and hiked almost all the trails in the woods. Myriam nearly ran the entire time as she was picking up walking sticks and trying to keep up with Big Sister. The girls are so sweet to each other! Later in the evening, we got on our bikes and rode to Edalene Dairy for ice cream cones and stopped by GiGi's house to say hi. After a late dinner, we settled down and finally went to bed.
As far as the To-Do list goes, the small things are done, the craft projects almost complete and just a weekend away from Tim getting the other bigger items checked off. Tim flew out on business Tuesday and will be driving back with Charlie and my parents on Saturday so I have one more day to get a few more things done!
But, being today is my birthday, who knows if we decide to play all day or continue on the list. First some laundry, mopping and cleaning the bathrooms. Oh, and to put the seat back on the newly painted and recovered bench/ottoman too!
It never ends!
We might not have had the best cooperating children, but we did manage a few good pictures of all of us. Thanks to Melissa for making it happen and Michelle from R5 Images snapping the moments! Here's a glimpse of attitudes, smiles and a few tears.
{ Happy chaos…it only tanked further after this. }
{ Melissa has become a sister to me and will always have a family in our home. }
{ Tim, you're not looking at the camera. Charlie, what are you looking at? Myriam looks like she's dropping a terd. Happy family! }
{ At least us two got the memo about picture day. }
{ Sassy pants. }
{ Love this man. He loves me. }
{ I've always wanted a picture of Charlie's backside for his 6 year photo. Goof, turn around! }
{ Myriam, put your tongue back in. }
{ A bunch of sweet princesses. }
Well, as it clearly can be seen…. we tried. Good effort kids. Picture retakes will be soon!
Sunday night, I attended Catalyst Worship at NCCTK. It's a night to worship freely, take communion and fall deeper in love with the God who created the stunning beauty surrounding us, the super moon over the night skies, the vibrant orange and pink sunsets and beating hearts within our children's chests. There were many moments I felt God speaking directly to me and of others.
There is no denying God put this ALL into existence.
There is no denying that no other human is possibly capable of creating such majesty.
There is no denying we serve a creative, artistic, compassionate God who loves to please His children.
It's been weighing heavily on my heart recently for those who don't have a voice. For the innocent children who may not know the simple love of their Eternal Father. For the children who don't have options until it's placed in someone else's hands beyond their control.
I recently read a great book written by a young boy who had witnessed his family all shot to death in front of him by the rebel army in Africa. He managed to escape death and fled for many years with four other friends jumping to and from villages to dart around death, starvation and being caught by the enemy. He eventually was recruited into the rebel army and did the exact thing another boy soldier did to his family. The events in the book are beyond disturbing and to think such devastation happen to one boy was daunting. In the end he was rescued by an organization that reunites boy soldiers with the real world and introducing them to a future. I believe the system we have in place for our foster kids is much like the story besides the gruesome details; although, there are some kids who are blessed and given a chance at a better life.
These kids fall victim to violence within their homes, pain because of drugs, emotional abuse and many are left without food because of addictions that take priority over themselves. It's heartbreaking at most and makes me want to jump into action. I can't fathom the world many live in as I was raised by two loving, caring parents who put us kids first. I had meals prepared, warm beds to sleep in, clothes washed and ready to wear. I received encouragement, had set boundaries, was given opportunity to thrive and felt loved with the knowledge taught about Jesus Christ.
Think about an existence without that? Without knowing there is a God who loves you more than your very own parents. Without knowing God will see you through the end in whatever situation you find yourself walking through.
I was doing some searching on Pinterest a few weeks ago and stumbled across a short film representing a child's eye of chaos.
I found myself wrecked after watching this film. I have never suffered in my life in ways these children suffer today. What can I do? Am I living as Jesus would to help those in conflict and suffering pain?
One of the songs we sung last night spoke about the new generation; 'He Is Faithful'. I found my mind drifting to four little faces who are living in confusion. My heart is longing to love; to hold ever so tight to the little body in need of attachment. It's sometimes to much to carry and the love is waiting to burst through.
I want to give every lost child an opportunity to shine, to thrive and know they have potential. I want them to believe they too can be the next generation to share the love of Jesus to others. I want these kids to know that God is rising up an army of brothers and sisters in Christ to make a difference! Think about if every Christian were to access their situation and honestly ask themselves, "How can I do more? Am I doing enough for the Kingdom? Am I living too comfortable or could I offer more?"
What would our prisoners of war (the foster system, the kids in our orphanages) look like if more stepped out and gave opportunity to a child's life? What if more stepped up and offered advice and became mentors to those who don't have adult examples in their lives? Would it take that much to make a difference? I believe one changed life makes a difference.
Even if it's just one person you could help or extend a hand to who is in need of something grand or small. That may be the one person that becomes a life changer and changes the world after he/she was given one chance of someone believing in them. You could be the only Jesus they know.
What is stopping you?
I pledge to be the voice for the faces who plague my mind. I pledge to do all I can and not stop until it's safe for those to return. I want to act as God is calling me to do and not stand in His way of His will.
I never want to know I was given the chance of potential and denied it for selfish reasons when I could have replaced it with love.
Recently, my parents treated us adult kids and families, to a long weekend at Bridal Falls in Canada where the skies opened up and DUMPED on us! Despite the inches of rain, we had a great time being forced to stop as we played endless games, enjoyed ourselves on the watersides and camped under my brothers redneck green tarp to stay dry. I love our yearly trips with my family!
It started before I was in high school as my family celebrated my dad's end to chemotherapy treatments from his colon cancer with a tropical trip to Hawaii. We celebrated once again when he reached his 5 year remission marker after I graduated. The tradition continued when both Dad and Traci completed their side by side radiation and chemotherapy treatments, but this time, we had two kids to add to the mix. Since then, every year we've gone on a family trip where we make many memories and the kids get quality family time.
Before we left for camping, My Hero had received news that her tumor markers had gone down…
20 points!!!! That has been unheard of during this entire 7 year journey!!!
And then again yesterday, Traci got reports back again that her tumor markers had again dropped by nearly 7 points!!!
God has been SOOOOOOOOO good to us. There is no denying that truth and God's Hand in this matter. It has been too long of a journey, but we know that God has a purpose and a plan in all of the ups and downs. For now, we celebrate the amazing results and pray that they continue to gain strength in Traci's body as the cancer better be scared…it's cancer butt kicking time!
Thank you to the many who have never stopped praying for My Hero!
{ Selfie with the ladies besides Lindsay and Ashlyn. }
