The 3 of us :)

Happy Friday!!

2010-11-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

How to stay organized..

2010-11-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

Can you tell me how? I just can't seem to do it! My house will be clean and organized one day and completely trashed the next.
Here are my issues:

My daughter has too many clothes making laundry and putting away clothes ridiculous
Every little thing in my house doesn't have a place (the new magazines that came in the mail, the phone chargers, ipod chargers etc) They are just on the counters.
I don't like organizing
I cook a lot and the dishwasher is usually full and then has to be emptied to fill again. It's a never-ending cycle.

I just need a few tips. Anyone? Thanks

Recipe Wednesday

2010-11-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetables with Dumplings- Bisquick recipe

2 1/2 to 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 pound small red potatoes (about 2 1/2 inches in diameter)

1 medium onion, coarsely chopped ( 3/4 cup)

2 cups baby-cut carrots

5 1/4 cups chicken broth (from two 32-ounce cartons)

2 cups Original Bisquick® mix

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons parsley flakes

1.Place chicken, potatoes, onion and carrots in 6-quart slow cooker. Add broth.

2.Cover and cook on low heat setting 9 to 10 hours.

3.Increase heat setting to high. Stir together Bisquick mix, water and parsley in medium bowl. Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto hot chicken mixture. Cover and cook 45 to 50 minutes or until dumplings are dry in center.

I love chicken and dumplings- this recipe is pretty tasty!

Disgusting, ugly, gross dinner

2010-11-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

That is what I made for dinner- disgusting, ugly, gross pasta with meat sauce.
The fit went on for an hour- and it ended with her apologizing to me. I love that girl! But WOW! she is feisty

Manic Monday

2010-11-15T20:14:00.000-08:00

Oh I love that Bangles song "It's just another Manic Monday oh oh I wish it was Sunday oh oh cuz that's my fun day..."
Anyways, Shutterfly has great websites for sports teams, classrooms etc. that are free. I even received 30 free 4x6 prints just for setting one up. I'm using one for my preschool class and I had one for Irelyn's soccer team. They are so easy to use and put all of the information you need in one place. Check it out!

Money for Goals

2010-11-14T07:56:00.000-08:00

While running down the soccer field with my team, the girls were having fun laughing, kicking, and then scoring! Our team scored! On the way back to our side of the field, the girl that scored shouted over to her Mom "You owe me a dollar!" I looked at her and I said "Your Mom pays you to score?" And she said "Yep."
As a coach, it is my "volunteer responsibility" to make sure the kids know skills, how to dribble, throw ins, goal kicks, and sportsmanship. Sadly, I cannot teach them sportsmanship when the majority of parents think that soccer is an individual sport and think that their kid is the "best in the world" if they score a goal. On our second day of practice I said to the girls after our scrimmage "That was great that _______ scored. Did she do that on her own or did you do it as a team." And a few of the girls answered "On her own" Now they are 6 and don't really know any better but soccer does not happen with one player. Of course you can have one really good player on a team, or even two or three. The point is that as parents we need to encourage the players as a team and teach our children to compete against the other team not their own team. It's not all about the goals... soccer is about teamwork, skills, building character, defending, supporting, and having fun!

Yay Electric Eels!

2010-11-13T19:52:00.000-08:00

Irelyn had a great time playing on the Electric Eels this year. And I had fun coaching...it started out a little rough but it's all for the kids right? As long as they are having fun then that is all that matters.

10 things I'm loving in November

2010-11-12T11:36:00.000-08:00

10 things I'm loving in November

90210
Holiday cups at Starbucks
Soup!
Modern Family
Coach's Oats
The fact that I wear a staff shirt to work makes getting ready in the AM soooo easy
my clean house
the anticipation of the Holidays
volunteering in Irelyn's class
my new philosophy and bare minerals from QVC

Celebrity Birthdays- November 11

2010-11-11T07:28:00.000-08:00

Wow there are quite a few celebs that have a birthday today.
Happy Birthday to:
Kurt Vonnegut
Barbara Boxer
Demi Moore
Calista Flockhart- gf of Harrison Ford :)
Leonardo Di Caprio

I wonder how famous people celebrate?

Recipe Wednesday

2010-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Pork Tenderloin in Apple Strudel- Trader Joe's recipe

Season 1 pork tenderloin with salt,pepper and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon
Sear tenderloin in olive oil
Thaw 1 apple strudel (Trader Joe's)
Open strudel and spread apples around
Add tenderloin and reseal around
Bake at 400 degrees for 35 minutes

Enjoy with potatoes, veggies or a nice salad.

Cousins

2010-11-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

Lauren(6.5) and Irelyn(6)

MONDAY

2010-11-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday! I'm trying to get excited about Monday but I can't. Did you ever have one of those days where nothing went right, but in a funny way? That has been my day. At least I can laugh about it, right? All I can say is I am happy I put something in the crockpot before I left for work today.

My parents and 5 grandchildren

2010-11-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Becca Hayes for taking this picture

SCIENCE

2010-11-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

Steve Spangler Science Experiment

Fill a plate with milk, put several drops of different color food coloring in the middle, put dish soap on a Q-tip and place it right in the center, hold it down and watch the colors spray. This was such a cool experiment to do. Irelyn could do the whole thing herself and was so interested in what was going to happen. After this, she wondered what would happen if she used water instead of milk. We tried it and although it wasn't as interesting, she was being creative and using her mind. Have fun if you try it.

NAEYC conference

2010-11-05T21:49:00.000-07:00

I spent the past 2 days at the NAEYC conference in Anaheim, CA with all of my wonderful co-workers. We laughed, went out to dinner, enjoyed wine, laughed some more...oh, and we learned too!
We heard some wonderful speakers, received free supplies and went shopping in the huge Galleria.
My favorite speaker was Steve Spangler. He was full of energy, excitement and had some fun ideas! I bought his book and will be putting it to good use this week. I even came home with 2 experiments for Irelyn to try. Although it was for work, I thought of it as a vacation. No dishes, nice hotel, all of my meals handled, no cleaning...I can't wait to go again :)

New computer

2010-11-04T00:32:00.000-07:00

I have a new laptop! My "other laptop" was a college graduation present and has been useless for years. I am sooooo happy about his computer- it is awesome! My new favorite is...
Windows Live Photo Gallery.
The face recognition is so useful! I already feel more organized :)

Recipe Wednesday

2010-11-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

Rustic Chicken Pasta

Debone and chop one market roasted chicken
1 bag baby spinach
1 lb. cooked penne pasta
1/4 c. roasted pine nuts

Dressing: mix and toss w/ above ingredients
1 c. olive oil
1/3 - 1/4 c. balsamic vinegar
1/3 c. dijon mustard
2 crushed garlic cloves
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tp. pepper

Serve immediately after tossing salad.

This is so delicious for a light lunch with friends served with some wine or champagne. Enjoy!

Teavana

2010-11-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Teavana is a wonderful tea store located in The Shops at Mission Viejo. You can buy loose tea there or have a hot or iced made for you to enjoy. You can smell/sample all of the teas and they will also help you choose a flavor based on your preferences.
Here are some of my favorite teas-

Youthberry
Wild Orange Blossom
Snow Geisha

Go check it out!

NaBloPoMo

2010-11-01T12:36:00.000-07:00

It is National Blog Posting Month again! I'm going to try to do it again this year. Posting every day for a month...
Here we go! :)

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween this year. Irelyn finally decided on a costume- she fell in love with this Sweetheart Bat as soon as she saw it. She won the fangs and added those last minute :)

Irelyn and Kanaya

Whoa it's been a while!

2010-10-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

Where have I been?
I'll tell you- at the end of August I decided to go back to work teaching. I teach MWF and it has been so great. I'm also coaching Irelyn's Electric Eels soccer team this year. But where was I in July and August- vacation! We had the best summer. We didn't go on any big trips but it was wonderful not having a schedule :)
July activities-
Irelyn went to soccer camp- we even got to have a house guest for the week which Irelyn loved
Art class
VBS at church
we didn't really get to the beach because the weather was cool
San Diego for the weekend to visit my brother's family
Sawdust Festival in Laguna Beach
the OC fair
Disneyland a lot
August activities-
the beach- lots of bonfires
tons of swimming
San Diego for 3 days- just us. It was great :)

And here we are now...in October. Time flies! The weather here has been amazing lately. Hot, and I mean 100 degrees hot. And then we had 3 days of rain. Love it!

So, around here we are getting ready for Halloween...Irelyn's ideas for a costume: a witch, the solar system, a fashionista, or ? I can't keep up with this girl! Every year she changes her mind over and over...it must have something to do with the fact that she changed clothes 4 times today. after school. after the party. before dinner. before going to the neighbors.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Happy 6th Birthday Irelyn!

2010-06-27T14:28:00.000-07:00

This year we had Irelyn's birthday party a few weeks before her birthday. At first she wanted a Care Bear birthday party. After we watched the Care Bears movie she changed her mind to Hello Kitty! Ha! It turned out super cute, she had a great time hanging with her friends and the cupcakes were delish. Happy 6th Birthday Irelyn

Hello Kitty Birthday Party!

YUM!

Irelyn's birthday was on a Sunday this year and George was still in New Mexico so we planned to go to breakfast with my parents, my sister and Irelyn's cousin Kanaya. Then we went to...

Jump n Jammin

Daddy came home from New Mexico on her birthday. She was very happy :) And we went to Panera for dinner

I'm starting another blog

2010-06-04T13:38:00.000-07:00

After 6 years of cooking almost completely Dairy Free, I decided to start a blog. And the address is...drumroll please...
www.cowsboo.blogspot.com

I'm hoping to post recipes, ideas, good/bad products to buy and all of my experiences. Check it out when you have a chance and pass it along to anyone you know with a Dairy allergy or anyone you think might be interested.

Thanks
Devon

And this is where we live...

2010-06-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

...jealous??

Aliso and Wood Canyons

2010-05-16T12:32:00.000-07:00

We have some amazing trails around here. Biking, hiking, easy, difficult...all within Aliso and Wood Canyon. We have hiked here many times but have never made it to Cave Rock and today that was our MISSION! And we made it- round trip 3 miles. It was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon and we made it back in time for a BBQ dinner. Along the way we saw a little garder snake slithering across the path, 32 black beetles and we searched for flowers and other unusual nature things :)

Mothers Day

2010-05-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

On Mothers Day we usually have brunch and then either go shopping or just hang out. This year we changed it- we went to Disneyland! It was fabulous. We are "early Disney people" and we try to get there when it opens..See how great it is?!

then we had dinner at China Moon

Happy Birthday Dad

2010-05-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

My Dad turned 68 today. He is a great Dad, amazing Papa and just an all around fun person to be around. Love you Dad!

They're home!

2010-05-02T08:33:00.000-07:00

Roxy and Snuggles

De-lish!

2010-04-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Sno on the Go

Mission Viejo

It's like fresh fallen snow... with yummy toppings, stuft with soft serve, or just the sno with sweet flavors. I can't even describe how yummy it is. We tried Carrot Cake (an April flavor), Caramel Smore and Cotton Candy.

Spring Break

2010-04-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

Spring break this year was so wonderful and much needed. We went Miniature golfing, went to Disneyland, bought a new couch, went to the beach and played lots of soccer. It was so nice to have some time together as a family during the day. We almost went out of town but I'm so glad we decided to "staycation" instead. I hope you enjoyed your week!

10 Things I'm loving in April

2010-04-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

1. Chopped apples, greek yogurt, peanut butter, and raisins all mixed up
2. my new couch
3. the way the sunshine comes through window and I immediately see Irelyn running down the hall for a big morning hug
4. Panera Power Breakfast Sandwich on an everything bagel
5. The California Poppies that are blooming down Pacific Park
6. Walks down at Dana Point Harbor
7. Teavana iced teas
8. Coaching Irelyn's Pink Cupcakes soccer team
9. the beautiful weather we have been having here in So Cal

and my most favorite thing this month...

10. my new Shark floor cleaner. Two friends told me it didn't work but it actually does!

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

See that bunny on the left? According to my husband and daughter...she is coming home with us in about 4 weeks. And 1 of her brothers or sisters. Now, we all love animals and have been debating the whole pet thing for a while. George is severely allergic to cats (Irelyn asked me last year why I married a husband that was allergic to cats! Her favorite animal. HAHA), I am allergic to most dogs (poodles are OK, some terriers etc. and the thought of picking up poop just irritates me, and the lack of a good yard for a dog) sooooooo where do we go from there? Bunnies!! Little baby bunnies born from a rescued Mama and Papa bunny. Oh aren't they precious?

So proud of my man!

2010-03-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

Daily Pilot article: BY DAVID CARRILLO PEÑALOZA

Updated: Monday, March 1, 2010 10:21 PM PST

Since George Larsen left his first high school coaching job on top 12 years ago, some of the best soccer programs in Orange County have offered him a job about every year.

But Larsen, who twice coached the Mission Viejo High girls to a CIF Southern Section championship and also won a CIF crown as a player for the Diablos, turned down every offer.

Larsen never saw himself coaching on the high school level again. It didn’t fit with his schedule, his family. Larsen also enjoyed far more success guiding the Newport Beach-based Slammers Futbol Club.

Mater Dei, where Larsen’s mom, Diane, has been a teacher for a quarter of a century, failed to lure him in.

So, why is Larsen at Corona del Mar? Who convinced him to return to the high school ranks?

Larsen’s ties with the Slammers helped. A handful of the boys who play for the Sea Kings once suited up for Larsen on the club level.

Despite the familiarity, Larsen still had no idea if CdM could make history in his first season at the helm. It can today.

The Sea Kings are one win away from reaching the section title game for the first time in the program’s history. Top-seeded CdM (22-1-1) plays host to North Torrance (16-5-5) in the semifinals of the Division IV playoffs at 3 p.m.

“I didn’t take [over] this program because I knew we were going to be good this year,” Larsen said in early in January, before the Sea Kings made waves nationally (now ranked No. 11 by ESPN RISE). “Before I took the job, one of the [players] I talked to was Reed [Williams]. I asked him, ‘Is this high school thing important to you?’ He almost teared up. He said, ‘Yeah, it’s very important to me.’

“That was one of the things that pushed me over the edge. When I saw the sincerity of how important this was, I said, ‘This is something I want to invest in. I could see that these kids were going to work hard for me.’ ”

The Sea Kings have outworked practically everyone on the field. They’ve outscored opponents, 70-11.

The two times CdM didn’t prevail, Williams was out with an injured right hamstring. The UCLA-bound senior striker is more than all right now.

Williams scored his 28th goal of the season in the Sea Kings’ 2-0 quarterfinal victory at Cathedral of Los Angeles on Thursday. Williams and CdM haven’t come this far to settle for anything but a section crown.

North Torrance is trying to qualify for its first section championship game as well.

The Saxons reached the semis for the second straight season by knocking off fourth-seeded Norwalk, 2-1, in the quarterfinals. In order to upset another top seed, the Pioneer League champion can’t afford to fall behind the way it did at home Thursday.

The Sea Kings’ defense is stingy. Since suffering its lone loss of the season on Jan. 15, CdM has allowed two goals during its current 10-game winning streak. One of the goals came in a 4-1 first-round playoff win over Wilson of Hacienda Heights.

As much as players like Williams, Jack McBean and Brian Ford receive a lot of praise for their abilities, guys like Jack Gorab, Greg Allen and goalkeeper Connor Gaal slow down the opposition. The Pacific Coast League champion Sea Kings are primed to move on to the title game, where they may possibly meet a league foe in Laguna Hills.

The Hawks play host to La Mirada in the other semifinal today. Larsen, as he said earlier in the season, isn’t one to overlook any team, even though his Sea Kings are the heavy favorites.

“Those rankings don’t help you win titles,” said Larsen, who in three seasons led Mission Viejo to Division I girls’ titles in 1995-96 and 1997-98, and won a Division 3-A title as a Mission Viejo boys’ player in 1988-89. “They’re nice. They’re flattering. They’re fun for the kids. I’ve been an unranked team and I’ve been a top-ranked team and won it.

“I’m having a blast. It’s not like a first-year coach getting acclimated. It’s just kind of me helping the community like I have been doing with the Slammers all these years.”

The article online

Baby Bunnies!!!

2010-02-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Aren't they the cutest?!?!

George's Mom and sister rescued several rabbits from the park a few weeks ago.... they already had 18 at the house so what is a few more, right?(all rescue bunnies) 2 days later, one of them had babies. The bunnies are now 2 weeks old and absolutely precious. Irelyn is in love and visits them and helps care for them every few days.

Butterflies

2010-02-16T13:22:00.000-08:00

If you have never watched caterpillars turn into butterflies you must do it. Your kids will love it.
Irelyn received a butterfly kit from my parents for Christmas and a few weeks later 2 containers of caterpillars arrived in the mail.

Here are the caterpillars after they formed chrysalids(don't ask me why it's not cocoon). See them hanging on the right side?

Ready to release

I saw a kit at Lakeshore the other day for $30 and you only received 5 caterpillars. This kit was from Costco, bigger and cheaper, and Irelyn received 10 caterpillars. Try Insect Lore and see if you can get a better deal.

Daddy Daughter Dinner Date 2010

2010-02-14T13:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 6th Birthday Lauren

2010-02-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

My sister in law Julie is so creative!! She always plans the best birthday parties for her kids and Laurens 6th party was super fun

It was an everything but sleeping slumber party.

jammies, crafts, movies, food...a bunch of girls having fun :)

Happy New Year! 2010

2010-01-01T14:14:00.000-08:00

We started New Years Eve with an extremely exciting soccer game. George is coaching Boys Soccer at CDMHS and the team was in the finals against our Alma Mater-MVHS. We were at the fields that George and I met at over 14 years ago. Man... I feel old!

I'm so proud of George for excelling as a coach and for his dedication to the players on his teams.

OC Register article

They won and George(and Irelyn) were congratulated with Champagne and cider.

Party in the Hood followed. Good times with good friends.

I hope 2010 brings you much love and joy

Disney on Ice

2009-12-28T22:00:00.000-08:00

If you ever get the chance to go to Disney on Ice you must go! We went the day after Christmas and we LOVED it. Our seats were really great and Irelyn was so excited when TinkerBell came over and waved right at her :)

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T13:50:00.000-08:00

Putting all 50 state quarters into the correct place. A gift from Papa

Christmas Eve bowling

Irelyn(5 1/2) and Zac (8 1/2)

Irelyn(5 1/2) and Lauren(5 3/4)

Goodies for Santa and the reindeer

Where have we been?

2009-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

Gymnastics Mini-Olympics

Disneyland

Doing everything Christmas!

How is it the middle of December already?? Time is flying...but this is my most favorite time of the year. George will be home now on the weekends and evenings for the next 3 months..such a wonderful break for him (and us). Enjoy this time with your family :)

A day at Disneyland

2009-11-29T22:45:00.000-08:00

We had one of the best days ever at Disneyland today. No lines!, the kids were able to sit with the driver of the Monorail, and Irelyn was in part of a show. They dressed her as Frosty!

After the show she said that she loved when the audience clapped for her. :)

Irelyn and cousin Kanaya

The best coffee

2009-11-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

At our local Costco this weekend they are having the road show for Jose's Coffee. You get a 3lb bag for less than $10. And the coffee is really good! They have so many flavors to choose from, including Merrimint and Nutty Doodle, and they will let you sample all of them too. Get to it!

Did you shop?

2009-11-27T19:33:00.001-08:00

I went to the mall around 8:30am. I got some good deals for myself, bought 2 Christmas presents, and just browsed. I definitely didn't think it was very crowded this year..or maybe my timing was good. The early birds were probably already gone and the late people weren't there yet. Either way, it was another fun day of shopping with my mom and daughter.

Did you get any great deals?

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

I hope your day was filled with family and fun!

Recipe Wednesday

2009-11-25T16:20:00.000-08:00

This dip reminds me of the Holidays... or maybe it just reminds of family. It's really a Super Bowl type food but it is just soooooo good!

Chili Dip
1 can chili- no beans
8 oz. cream cheese
Cook over low hear until cheese melts.
Serve hot with Fritos.

Seriously- it is delish!

I've given up

2009-11-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

on Tackle It Tuesday! The pressure is just too much.

Instead, this is our new favorite! the SNUGGIE!!! Do you have one yet?

Have you heard?

2009-11-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

Old Navy opens at 3am this Friday! What? That is insane. Now, I have been dragged by my mom on several early morning shopping sprees. Growing up, I was usually the only one that went shopping with my Mom on the day after Thanksgiving. I've won prizes, got coupons, stuffed animals, free coffee- all for being up at a ridiculous hour and standing in line. I can remember only missing one year of shopping and that was the year Irelyn was born. I have one memory that stands out the most and that is being in line at the South Coast Plaza Disney Store at 5am. If you were one of the first 50 people in line you would receive a little stuffed Winnie the Pooh bear dressed in a Holiday sweater. Seriously?? Apparently we really needed it and my Mom left me to stand in line while she went to Macy's. And to this day, when I take that Winnie the Pooh out the box...I remember :)

Me and my crockpot

2009-11-22T19:49:00.000-08:00

My BFF and I, I mean my crockpot, like these recipes.
Check it out
WAHM crock pot recipes

10 things I'm loving in November

2009-11-21T07:33:00.000-08:00

Gingerbread Coffee from Trader Joe's
Early morning walks in the cold, fresh air
Panera Bread!
Breakfast dates with my husband once a week
Being practically done with Christmas shopping so that I may enjoy the Season that much more :)
Doing arts and crafts with Irelyn
Watching Irelyn learn new skills at gymnastics
The anticipation of Christmas and a New Year
Making soup!
Wearing my "California cold weather clothes" again

What are you loving?

It's a Kindergarten feast!

2009-11-20T08:15:00.000-08:00

My little pilgrim

The first Thanksgiving! Hahaha they thought it was really weird that we were all there watching them eat.

Yogurtland

2009-11-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

If you have not been to Yogurtland yet you must go!

Try the pumpkin pie yogurt with cheescake pieces YUM!

And they give you great spoons that you can keep and use for kids cereal etc.

Yogurtland

Recipe Wednesday

2009-11-18T05:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of my absolute favorite recipes. I have made them for several different people- picky eaters(me), kids, adults...and everyone always loves them! They can seem time consuming to begin with but once you get the hang of it they take no time at all.

Rachel Ray's Crunchy, Oven baked chicken toes(http://www.foodnetwork.com/)
Ingredients

1 cup corn flakes
1 cup plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice - the SECRET ingredient
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenders, 2 packages, cut into 2-inch pieces by GH (Grown-up Helpers)
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup honey mustard (recommended: Gulden's)
1/4 cup barbecue sauce

Directions
-Have your GH (Grown-up Helper) turn the oven on to 375 degrees F.
-In a pie pan or other shallow, large dish, pour out the corn flakes. Crush the cereal up with your hands. Mix in bread crumbs, sugar, salt, pepper, and allspice - your SECRET ingredient. Do not tell anybody what your secret ingredient is - ever! If they ask how you make your special chicken toes, tell them about everything EXCEPT the secret.
-Drizzle about 3 tablespoons vegetable oil evenly over the breading, tossing and turning it to mix the oil all through the bread crumbs and crushed-up corn flakes. Have the GH pour the oil out slowly. A vegetable oil bottle has a big opening so, 3 tablespoons will pour out pretty quickly, probably by the time you can count to 5, so watch the GH closely and count really loudly!
-Have your GH cut the chicken fingers into toes, 2-inch pieces. Turn the chicken in flour, eggs and then in the special crunchy breading. Arrange the chicken toes on a nonstick baking sheet. Make your GH go and wash their hands. Place the chicken toes in the oven and cook 15 minutes or until crisp and brown all over.
-Mix together honey mustard and barbecue sauce in a small bowl. Serve hot chicken toes with honey mustard and barbecue sauce for dipping.

I have nothing to say...

2009-11-17T19:45:00.000-08:00

2 years ago...

Photo tag

2009-11-16T21:51:00.000-08:00

Here is how you play- pick the 7th album and the 7th picture in your files. I tag- Heather and Becky. :)

Snow Day 2007! HAHAHA look at Irelyn's face. She did not like it at all!

Family

2009-11-15T16:38:00.000-08:00

While digging through old boxes this weekend I came across this picture. From my Dad's side of the family. If you can't read the words below (you should be able to click on it to make it bigger) it says
left picture- Oliver Lee and Martha Ann Grissom. My great grandparents taken in Riverside, CA 1922
right picture- William Franklin and Amanda Grey Grissom. My great great grandparents. This lady is half Indian.

Thanks to my Grandma, I have these pictures and my Dad's paternal family tree going back to the birth of my great Grandpa in 1849. History is so much more interesting as we age...

What a sweetie :)

2009-11-14T16:20:00.000-08:00

Great websites for kids

2009-11-13T05:40:00.000-08:00

Some of our favorites

Playhouse Disney
Starfall
Daisy Meadows
Barbie games
DLTK Kids
Disney Channel
PBS Kids

What are some of your favorites?

What was I thinking?

2009-11-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Who needs this much stuff in their purse!!! Crayons galore, hair clips, and a bunch of other stuff! I eliminated almost all of it and my purse is so light. I feel like I'm forgetting something...

I'm sure some of you have similar purses ;)

Recipe Wednesday

2009-11-11T21:37:00.000-08:00

This is my own Chicken Noodle Soup recipe. It is so easy, quick and everyone seems to like it.

3 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1/3 onion, diced
2 garlic cloves
(I use my zyliss chopper for the above and it is done in seconds)
32 oz chicken broth
2 chicken breasts
1 lb. rotini pasta
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pot, add 1-2 T. olive oil. Saute carrots, onion, celery and garlic over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Don't let it burn. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let simmer while you cook 2 chicken breasts on a microwave safe dish in the microwave for 4-5 minutes. (This is such an easy way to cook it) Remove chicken from micro and let cool. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot according to package directions. After chicken has cooled slightly, shred with 2 forks or with your fingers directly into the soup. After draining pasta, add as much or as little pasta as you like. Season with salt and pepper.

I love this meal because it is so versatile. I can make a huge pot or a small pot. You can add red pepper flakes if you like spice. My husband likes to add hot sauce to it. And it is really delicous the next day.

Tackle it Tuesday

2009-11-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

The ridiculous playroom/storage room. Today I will make it a playroom again!

Before:

*I will update later today with my progress...

*Update- I will have to finish this Tackle it Tuesday next week. There is just so much stuff in there I can't figure out where to put it!

Fun craft

2009-11-09T05:01:00.000-08:00

This is a super fun and easy craft. We used pumpkins, Martha Stewart glitter and glue. These were supposed to be Fall colors but when my helper came along we ended up adding pink and purple to the mix :)

Fix it!

2009-11-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had an appliance, gadget, camera or something else in your house break and you didn't have the manual? Did you know there is a website just for this? There are over 5,500 brands listed and you can download the manuals free. Genius!!!
Safe Manuals

Disney's The Princess and the Frog

2009-11-07T06:59:00.000-08:00

Tip- (from the Disneyland website)

   Calling all Disneyland® Resort Theme Park Guests! If you're age 10 or older, you can receive a special offer to see Walt Disney Pictures' new animated movie, The Princess and the Frog, opening December 11, 2009. Here's how:

   Guests age 10 or older entering a Disneyland® Resort Theme Park from October 5 through November 22 can present their valid Theme Park ticket or Annual Passport at one of the merchandise locations listed below to receive a special card.
   The card provides details on how to obtain a certificate good for up to $8.00 toward the purchase of one child's movie ticket with the purchase of an adult movie ticket to see The Princess and the Frog at participating theaters from December 11 through December 31, 2009.
   Show your Theme Park ticket or Annual Passport to pick up your offer card at:
• Disneyland® Park: The Emporium, Disney Showcase, Disney Clothiers, Ltd., China Closet
• Disney's California Adventure® Park: Greetings from California, Engine-Ears Toys
• Disneyland® Hotel: Disney's Fantasia Shop, Donald's Gifts & Sundries
• Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa: Acorn Gifts & Goods
• Disney's Paradise Pier® Hotel: Mickey In Paradise
• Downtown Disney® District: World of Disney® Store

I'm done!

2009-11-06T13:23:00.000-08:00

I am actually done with Christmas shopping! This is absolutely unheard of for me. I still have the adults in my life to shop for but all of the kids are done. Target came out with their toy book and it was full of coupons and great deals. I suggest you check it out.

Tip- Tomorrow(Saturday) scarves at Old Navy are only $1

My Little Gymnast

2009-11-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

Recipe Wednesday

2009-11-04T20:01:00.000-08:00

This is soooooo good!! (from my crockpot cookbook)

Chicken Noodle Soup with Sweet Potatoes

6 to 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces (We prefer chicken breasts so I substituted and used 3 breasts)
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. marjoram
1/8 tsp. pepper
1 bay leaf
1 14 1/2 oz can chicken broth
8 oz. egg noodles, cooked

Combine all ingredients except the egg noodles in the Crock pot. Cover; cook on low for 8 to 10- hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Stir in cooked egg noodles before serving.

Tackle it Tuesday

2009-11-03T20:00:00.000-08:00

I had a plan to tackle the back part of my kitchen today... this area is home to Irelyn's art table and supplies, my hutch that collects stuff by the day, and my laundry room. Maybe next week...
Instead I decided to tackle my to do list

~~Trader Joe's~~
~~Do laundry and put it away~~
~~TJ Maxx~~
~~Put Halloween decorations away~~
~~Clean the bathrooms~~
clean the kitchen floor
empty the dishwasher
~~clean the coffee maker~~

I did pretty good today. But the rest had to wait! It was too beautiful to stay inside after I picked Irelyn up from school. It was a great day to play :)

Tip- according to Martha Stewart there are 6 things you should do each day to keep your house from becoming chaotic.
See here for her list Martha's list

Our fun filled Halloween

2009-11-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patches, Boo Bash at school, and then Trick or Treating! It was a great Halloween season...and Irelyn actually wore the same costume for each event. She wanted to be a leopard kitty this year, however she had to add a little scary to it so she wore her fangs.

Day 2

2009-11-02T13:29:00.000-08:00

Deal Catcher

Tip- This is a great website for finding deals and coupons. Especially with the Holidays right around the corner. My favorite is the grocery coupon category. You can even search for coupons within your zip code. Check the grocery store ads on Tuesdays to see what is on sale this week and you can save even more when you buy it on sale and use a coupon!

NaBloPoMo

2009-11-01T16:03:00.000-08:00

National Blog Posting Month is here again! Last year I made it- I posted every day for the whole month of November. This year, I'm going to try to make the majority of posts about a "deal or tip of the day" Since I love to shop... I might as well put it to some use :)

Here is tip #1- if you clog your garbage disposal drain with potato peelings, stick a large plastic straw(like one from Baja Fresh) into the draining hole that is inside your disposal. Stick it in as far as it will go and move it around. Do this several times. Then take a cup full of water and pour it into the straw to see if any water will go in. Do this a few times and shake the straw as you pour. Then run lots of water and turn on your disposal- the drain should unclog itself. And NEVER put potato peelings into the disposal! (Everyone knows this but I still forget)

Recipe Wednesday

2009-10-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

It's time to get out that crockpot!

1 to 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
1 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup lemon lime soda (diet is OK)
2-3 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Mix all ingredients in slow cooker and refrigerate 1 day prior. Cook on low 4-6 hours or until done. Voila!

Soccer

2009-10-05T20:11:00.000-07:00

CUTEST THING EVER!!

GOOOAAALLL!

It's a spare!

2009-09-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

I know, horrible picture, but cute nonetheless

Mrs. Knotts

2009-09-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have been going to Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner since I can remember. We used to meet my Gramy and Gramps there for dinner and then walk around the shops at the entrance to Knott's. I can still remember sitting at the table with them, eating TONS of biscuits with boysenberry jam, sipping my boysenberry juice and watching my Gramps eat the Rhubarb. Mrs. Knotts is full of memories for me. Irelyn's first trip there was when she was about 6 months old and now she loves it like I do. Don't you just love family traditions? :-)

Yay!! We love Mrs. Knotts Chicken Dinner

Flu vaccine

2009-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

I am so curious what others are thinking about the vaccines this Fall. Are you taking your kids to get the flu shot? The H1N1 shot? Are you getting the flu shot? Take my poll on the right- it's anonymous.

Friends :)

2009-09-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

From Left- Aidan, Aidan, Maddie, Cameran, Gehrig, Mia, Irelyn

The Kindergarteners

Go Purple Butterflies!

2009-09-20T11:39:00.000-07:00

A victim of Kindergarten :(

2009-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

Poor Irelyn didn't even last a full week yet in Kindergarten. The sickness got the best of her. :(
Now I don't know about you, but to me having a sick kid is soooooooo hard. I can't stand watching her uncomfortable, hot, coughing, crying and on and on it goes. Oh and not to mention the thoughts that run through my mind about what kind of disease she has contracted this time and where she got it. Ewww the germs! I'm hoping to make it through tonight without her fever coming back up and without coughing that wakes her up. Until tomorrow...

Summer is over...

2009-09-12T14:44:00.000-07:00

This was a very special week at our house. Irelyn started Kindergarten! She was very excited to go to school and was happy that she already knew 5 kids. She had a huge smile when I went to pick her up and had met more new friends :) We love you Irelyn and are so proud of you.

I just can't believe that summer is over and the Holidays are right around the corner. But first... Halloween! One of my favorites. I don't know why, I don't even like dressing up, but I love the decorations, the candy, apply cider, carving pumpkins...just everything about it! I can't wait!!

Picture tag

2009-09-01T19:44:00.000-07:00

The rules of picture tag are: Open your first photo folder. Scroll down to the 10th photo. Post that photo and story on your blog. Tag three friends(or more) to do the same.

Ok here is my photo:

This is a picture of Irelyn and her cousin Lauren at my Uncle Rick's wedding. Uncle Rick and Aunt Fran were married on December 31st 2007...New Years Eve! They met when my Uncle Rick came down to visit for New Years 1999. After they met that night, they had a long distance relationship (Fran in OC, Uncle Rick in Washington). Uncle Rick is my moms brother and Fran is my moms long time friend. Fran's son Sean and I also went to church and HS together. Small World? I think Yes :)

I tag- Heather, Becky and Karen. Get to it girls!

My little artist

2009-08-31T14:27:00.000-07:00

Irelyn's drawings from Curtoon Time

from top- hockey stick, trash can, bottle, piece of paper

Recipe Wednesday

2009-08-26T13:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't done Recipe Wednesday for a while. Click the label below for some other recipes.

Here is today's recipe:

Super yummy spaghetti sauce- serve with your favorite pasta

2 jars Tomato Basil Marinara- Trader Joe's
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 carrots sliced or chopped
2 celery stalks sliced
1-2 cloves garlic
1/2- 1 lb. cooked ground beef, turkey, or sicilian chicken sausage(from TJ's)

Add everything to the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
My favorite thing about this recipe is that it is so versatile. If you don't have celery- oh well. If you don't like a lot of garlic- just don't add it. It is delicious no matter what! Usually I save half and freeze it for another night.

It smells and tastes delish! Enjoy.

10 things I'm loving in August

2009-08-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

OPI nailpolish
Macy's sales
S'mores
that I cleaned out the garage
the family time we have been able to spend together
concerts
watching Irelyn at gymnastics
foot rubs
my bangs

and....

scallops!

See the world all around you

2009-08-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

I remember going through the collecting stage- I'm probably still in it because I recently blamed my Dad for taking some of my coveted rocks from my collection. I actually found the missing ones today in the garage. Sorry Dad. Anyways, Irelyn collects something everywhere we go...the beach, the park, the parking lot, out on the grass, she finds pretty things everywhere:) She made this box for all of her treasures and now she has 2 of my old treasure boxes filled with my rocks, shells and even a film container full of black sand from when I went to Hawaii when I was 11. I cherished these items and still do- I love remembering where I bought them or found them.

She reminds me to find beauty in the little things and to value them for their differences.

Her idol...or mine ;-)

2009-08-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

Irelyn and Mia Hamm

A Surprise Vacation

2009-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, on a beautiful Thursday morning, we woke up and went on VACATION! It was a surprise, planned that morning and it was wonderful :) We stayed at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego http://manchestergrand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp This was our second time staying there(first time with Irelyn)
We were very spoiled on our vacation- eating yummy food, beautiful weather, gorgeous hotel(words cannot explain this place), trip to Coronado, Gaslamp, shopping. We stayed 4 days and had a really great time.
I must say...traveling with a 5 year old is actually pretty fun. She is able to do more which makes all the difference...

Huntington Beach

2009-07-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, the 3 of us went to Huntington Beach for a vacation! No cell phones, no computers, no distractions...it was Heaven. It is so hard for George to get away from the phone so this was a real treat for him. We stayed at the resort pretty much the whole time since everything we needed was there. We ate room service, went on the water slides, hung by the pool during the day, and at night we roasted smores and went night swimming. It was the first vacation for us in a long time and it was PERFECT!

New kicks

2009-07-22T17:17:00.001-07:00

These are Irelyn's new kicks and I never want to forget them. And this pose...how cute! George picked this pair of shoes for Irelyn when he went to the HUGE Nike store in Oregon. I was impressed with his choice. ;-)

She's 5!

2009-06-28T14:52:00.001-07:00

Irelyn has been anticipating her 5th birthday for months now. And yesterday she finally turned 5! Irelyn keeps telling us things you can do when you are 5 and things that you don't do. 5 is such a great age!
When you are 5 you don't whine when you are hungry, you get to lose a tooth, you already know stuff even when people try to help you learn it, and you are not old enough to go on Matterhorn. That's about it for now. I'm sure she will come up with others though :)

WE LOVE YOU IRELYN PIE!!!!

Breakfast and tidepools on her Birthday. Excuse my tired looking face ;) She woke us up at 5:45!

The last day of preschool

2009-06-18T11:46:00.000-07:00

Look at these faces!!! This is Irelyn and her friends, and teacher Mrs. May, on the last day of school. Irelyn will be 5 next week and then it's Kindergarten! Oh my!

We hope you have a great summer :)

Azarian Gymnastics Mini Olympics

2009-06-13T14:03:00.000-07:00

Irelyn performed in the Mini Olympics at her gymnastics place today. It was soooo cute-- words can't even explain it! Each child received a medal and certificate and was able to stand on the podium and do "Ta-Da!" Irelyn was so poised and she concentrated and smiled the whole time. It is such a wonderful feeling to watch your child do something they love!

Irelyn with Coach Joette and Coach Kathryn

Soccer

2009-06-09T12:53:00.000-07:00

Irelyn and Lindsey

Sea World

2009-06-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

I have 5 actual work days left and my mind and body are dragging. I have tons of gluing to do for the kids end of the year books which I may get George to help me with over some drinks. He's a good sport :-) Honestly, I can't even make myself write but I wanted to get these pictures on here. We had SO MUCH FUN at Sea World yesterday. And we got passes that we can use until the end of '09. We are hoping to go again soon :)

Apparently, you must always know where you are at all times.

Dolphin/Whale trainer Barbie

PIZZA!

2009-06-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

It is a huge joke around here that Irelyn doesn't like pizza. She always says she loves pizza and will argue with you until she is blue in the face, but then wants it without cheese or sauce...ummmm so she likes bread! Anyways, Costco...pizza...need I say more? and of course off came the cheese and sauce :)

A day at the beach

2009-05-21T20:44:00.000-07:00

Slammers

2009-05-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, George's Under 16 Girls Slammers Soccer Team won the State Championship. This is their 5th State Championship in a row! This has only been done in the history of Cal South Soccer 2 other times so it is a huge accomplishment for the girls and for George. They have won each State Cup since Irelyn has been born so she is like their little mascot. She got a medal at the awards ceremony and you can just see her excitement in this picture.We are so proud of George and his team!

Now on to Regionals!

TK Burgers MV

2009-05-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

We've been anxiously awaiting the opening of TK Burgers and through the grapevine I heard it was opening tomorrow. But it was today! So, out for burgers we went...of course we brought along some willing volunteers. :) We really enjoyed our meal.. it was so weird being inside the same building we used to eat KFC at while growing up. One of the women working there said the Grand Opening is next week. I highly suggest you go try it... the special sauce and secret fry seasonings are yummy.
Here is a link to the article in the OC Register
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/restaurant-kalatschan-burgers-2409775-opening-viejo

Not even 10 minutes away...

2009-05-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

but a whole different world! (sort of) ;-)

20 bunnies, 13 horses, 2 donkeys and a bunch of dogs... glad it's not my house- however the kids love it :)

Starring:

Irelyn and Kanaya- the kids

Mini Cooper- the miniature horse

Herbie and One-eyed Jack- the donkeys (he really does have one eye)

Joy- the rabbit

Happy Mother's Day Mamas!

2009-05-10T15:26:00.000-07:00

I hope you had a WONDERFUL day!