If you hear a thud...

in the middle of the night, it might be Grom falling out of bed.

Surferman took the safety rail off his bed tonight.

Grom's a little worried. I think it's about time.

My baby is a boy.

What's for Dinner - Week of December 1, 2008

Monday
Pasta with Greens (Kale) and Ricotta
Zucchini
Salad

Tuesday
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice
Veggies

Wednesday
4WD Club Christmas Party!

Thursday
Teriyaki Baked Tofu
Veggies
Amaranth
Cucumber Salad

Friday
Salmon and a Movie Night

Saturday
C.O.R.D.

Sunday
Dinner with My Family

For more menu ideas check out Menu Plan Monday hosted by Organizing Junkie.

The best birthday gift ever

I thought I really wanted an iPhone.

But today Grom gave me the best birthday present ever... unlimited hugs and kisses.

When he first saw me this morning, he gave me the biggest head popping off squeeze that I've had in a long time. He followed it with a sloppy kiss. And then told me that I could have birthday hugs and kisses all day long. From a boy that routinely "runs out" of hugs long before his mommy is done being hugged, it was a great gift.

All I had to do was call his name and he'd come running to give me another tight squeeze.

And they were transferable. His grandpa and grandma and Daddy were all able to share in my birthday gift.

It was better than cake.

Happy, Happy Birthday to me

I'm feeling thankful
for the small things, today
I'm feeling thankful
for the small things, today

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
and to you

Happy, Happy Birthday to me
Happy Birthday to me
and to you-ah

from Happy Birthday to Me by Cracker

I'm 41 today
and today was a great day.

I
just
don't
feel
like
blogging.

Daybook October 27, 2008

FOR TODAY, Monday October 27, 2008

• Outside My Window...a beautiful sunset. There is a forest fire just up the coast. God consumes. God redeems. God paints amazing skies for us.

• I am thinking...about refining, about diligence vs. discipline, about grace.

• I am thankful for...missionaries. We have friends who are returning after 3 years serving the Lord in Romania and friends who are about to leave for Kenya. I'm thankful that they listen to God, follow His lead and serve Him with all their hearts, minds and strength.

• From the kitchen...delicious tacos that were a punt. Surferman got into the chicken I was going to make tacos out of. How can that man eat as much chicken for his lunch as I was planning on feeding the entire family for dinner? Fortunately, I had some cooked ground turkey patties in the freezer that turned into tacos rather easily. I wish I hadn't wasted that time I was mad at Surferman for eating our dinner.

• I am wearing...new black long pants, new blue long sleeved top, socks!, and black loafers. The changing of Robin's wardrobe is a sure sign that fall is here.

• I am creating...or I should be creating my ornaments for the Jesse Tree exchange that I'm doing. I'm kinda stuck. Crafter block I guess. I think I need to power through it.

• I am going...nowhere. No plans to go anywhere this week. Well... church.

• I am reading...Another Yada Yada Prayer Group book. I don't think I'll stop until they do. I'm enjoying the easy reading.

• I am hoping... we find great tenants for our home. And that Surferman gets a job or ???
  

• I am hearing... various beeping. I should probably go find out what it is.

• Around the house... Surferman is doing a side job for our neighbor. Our neighbor bought a camper van (not a VW) for his niece who is currently homeless and living in her car. Surferman is getting it into reliable mechanical shape before he delivers it to her. I think our neighbor is cool.

• One of my favorite things...Fabulous, Fun Friday - A day of grocery shopping, gymnastics, lunch out and play at a park with our "friend buddies" (that's what the boys call each other). I get to spend time with a godly woman and one of my best friends and our boys get to fight, tussle play with each other.

• A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I need to find the order in this house. It might be under that pile of books over there. Or at the bottom of that laundry basket. Or wait it might be...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...This is what I might look like if I were an m'nm and my hair was as blonde as it is in my head. Notice that I'm holding a cup of coffee. If I were an m'nm it probably wouldn't be a mocha. I'm glad I'm not an m'nm.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Oh... and the beeping stopped and I don't smell fire.

What's for Dinner - Week of October 27, 2008

From My pursuit of...

Here's what we're eating this week. Let me know if you want to join us, I can set the table for one more.

Monday
Ground Turkey Tacos with the works
(guac, sour cream, cheese, salsa, lettuce)
Ranch Beans
Fruit Salad

Tuesday
Stir Fry
Bok Choi, Brocolli, Carrots
Tofu
Rice

Wednesday
BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches
Asian Cucumber Salad

Thursday
Honey Baked Lentils
Rice
Butternut Squash

Friday
Veggie Soup
with Lentils and Rice
Green Beans
Zucchini
No Knead Bread

Saturday
Pancakes
Sausages
Eggs
Fruit

Sunday
Dinner with my folks.

People are eating everywhere. Check out menus from around the country and the world at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday carnival.

Aloha! Maui 2008 Wrap Up

Tropical Flower, originally uploaded by Sam and Ian.

2 years ago Surferman and I celebrated our 10th anniversary with a trip to Maui. I blogged about the 10 best things then. We visited the most wonderful of Hawaiian islands (yep, that's our opinion and we're sticking with it) at the end of August. I'm just getting around to blogging about our adventures. We checked up on some of our old favorites and discovered some new favorites too.

We stayed at the Maui Guest House again. It was just as wonderful as last time and still highly recommended. So comfortable and well equipped...


We found some great meals...

• Aloha Mixed Plate was as good as we remembered it. We stopped there our first day. It was a great way to acclimate.
• The Fish Market Maui - Fantastic, simple pork and mahi mahi tacos. We caught a taco special on a weekend night. Fantastic deal.
• Grandma's Coffee House - a nice place to get a latte and a really big cookie. Isn't it cute? Can you see the stained glass of Grandma in the window?
  
• Okazuya & Deli Honokowai - Big portions, low prices. You can sit at tables on the sidewalk of the strip mall, or do as we did and take it to Canoe Beach. We enjoyed our dinner as the outrigger canoe teams were coming in from their workouts and the sun set.
• CJ's Deli & Diner - a fantastic cheeseburger without the crowd at Cheeseburger in Paradise.
• The Gazebo - can't skip a trip here. Two words... Macadamia Nut Pancakes... okay that's three words. There's always a line. Bring a book.

As far as snacking...

The sweet potato and taro chips from Hawaiian Chip Company are the bomb. We bought a bag at Costco on our arrival and enjoyed them so much that we stopped for bags for co-workers, family and friends. A much better "I've been to Maui and you haven't" gift than those grody chocolate(?) covered macadamia nuts that aren't even made in Hawaii.

Things to do, things to see...

• One morning we did the silly tourist thing and drove to see the Haleakala Crater at Sunrise. It was a crazy thing to do. It's cold up there. It's one of those once in a lifetime experiences that I'm glad I can say we did. We stopped for breakfast at the Kula Lodge Restaurant. The coffee was hot and wonderful.
• With all our CSA boxes and interest in chickens and such, a stop at Surfing Goat Dairy was a no- brainer. It's a fun little goat dairy. You can pay extra for a tour, but poking around on our own was enough fun. It was a little hard to find, but worth it. We bought a goat cheese sampler. It was delicious.
• Royal Hawaiian Surfboard Rentals - Prison Street, Lahaina. Unfortunately they don't have a website, but in Surferman's opinion they have the best rental longboards on Maui. If it would've fit in his suitcase...

Where to kick back and relax...

• Barnes and Noble - Lahaina - This might seem silly, but we love bookstores. Love to sit and drink a cup of coffee and browse books. It's a nice way to spend an evening.
• Puamana Beach Park - at the south end of Lahaina. This was a great little beach for me to sit in the shade with a friendly surf break for Surferman. I got lots of video. Hopefully someday we'll figure out how to get it into the computer. He had so much fun.

What we'd do different...

• Rent a bigger car. We really cheaped out. On day two of our trip, we made a pact to stop complaining about the econob0x Thrifty Rent-A-Car was passing off as their Manager's Special. Nothing special about this car - power nothing. It was transportation. And the reason we'll have to tell you about the road to Hana after our next trip. Never rent a car that is shorter than your longboard.

Edited to add... It's been a couple of months since our trip. With recent changes, it was really nice to go back and remember our getaway, to count our blessings and get a little feeling of aloha.

Blessings of Layoff

wrench rust, originally uploaded by HVargas.

We just finished our first week of unemployment. I say we because even though Surferman is without a job, Grom and I are effected too. It's nice and strange to have him around so much.

For Surferman everyday feels like Saturday. He keeps expecting the weekend to end and it doesn't.

It's different around here. Not gloomy, just different.

I have always wanted to participate in Ann's Gratitude Community, but just haven't. Her beautiful way of appreciating the every day gifts from God is inspiring. Taking her lead, I'm hoping to share some of the blessings we receive during this time of layoff for Surferman.

Thank you God for...

Your timing...

Surferman was able to use this first week to get most of the repairs our home needed finished.

Your Word...

Grom's memory verse at Kid's Club this week is "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8. What a sweet reminder of where our focus should be. It's hard to help Grom memorize without getting my own heart engraved while I'm at it.

Your provision...

We received an unexpected monetary gift this week that was totally unrelated to Surferman's layoff. Our reserves have increased.

My family...

We were able to go to a corn maze in a local field. The "family friendly" (read we won't scare the pee out of you) hours were from 5-6 pm. When Surferman was working, we wouldn't have been able to go as a family. It was a lot of fun.

And while I look forward to how God is going to work this out, for the testimony of His faithfulness we will have to share with others, I appreciate your prayers that this season of our lives would be short and abundantly fruitful.

News and Prayer Request

Hello Friends and Family,

We have news. Today Surferman was laid off from his job. It's a result of the recent credit issues our country is facing - not anything to do with Surferman's ability to do his job. The house cards built upon expensive camper vans seems to be crashing down.

We are not worried. We are not afraid.

We would appreciate your prayers.

We know God is in control and has a wonderful plan for Surferman's employment and our family.
We just don't know what that is right now.

At the same time, our house that we rent out, is empty. We've been renovating it ($$$) and would appreciate prayers for stable long term, rent paying tenants. Grom would ask you to also pray that they have a small child. :-)

Here's a verse we came across at our Small Group Bible Study tonight.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Exceedingly Abundantly For His Glory,

Surferman, Robin and Grom

p.s. If anyone would like to pay Surferman to surf.... just kidding....

Daybook October 13, 2008

FOR TODAY... Monday October 13, 2008

Outside My Window... Dark. It's been a long day.

I am thinking... about our world, the sorry state of our economy and the upcoming election. I think we all need to take a chill pill, go to a movie, take a break and a deep breath and then... get back to work. Oh, and surrendering it all to God is probably the best place to start.

I am thankful for... unexpected blessings. I didn't know my fried cas was coming to town until she did. You haven't lived until you've had a hug from cas.

From the kitchen... the yummiest pizza from Costco. Well... it wasn't all that yummy, but at $9.99 and all I had to do was cook it and throw away the box. No one noticed that I didn't make them eat salad.

I am wearing... anyone else tired of this question? Same old thing - black capris, black flip flops, and a favorite purple t-shirt.

I am creating... ornaments for a Jesse Tree ornament exchange, salvaging some t-shirts with bleached designs, setting up a new brain - all because my studio is almost clean again.

I am going... to blog about my Bento obsession soon.

I am reading... still reading Yada Yada Prayer Group #3.

I am hoping... to buy some new pants. It's time to change my wardrobe from black capris to black pants. The last pants I bought don't have pockets. How worthless is that?

I am hearing... the tick tock of my clock that sounds like... laun dry laun dry laun dry

Around the house... Surferman had a LP Gas tank (BBQ tank) fall on his big toe. Ouch! He's hobbling around and not complaining (much). We are busy renovating the house we own (not the house we live in) as our previous renters moved out. There is a lot that needs to be fixed, upgraded, etc so that we can get some new tenants in quick. Grom is praying they'll have a "little child" (as opposed to a big child I suppose).

One of my favorite things... the first big quilt I ever made. I put it on our bed last night and even though it's rather sedate and nothing I would make today... I LOVE IT!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Fellowship Dinner at church. One day Women's Conference this Saturday. And... lots of work on the rental house.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...The quilt I mentioned as a favorite thing. It's an Amish Design. Traditionally done with black, mines navy blue. I'm such a rebel.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

What's for Dinner - Week of October 13, 2008

We are planning a trip to the Train Wreck Store (a market in a local community that sells cans and close to expire food for bargain prices) in a couple of weeks. We call it the Train Wreck Store, because we imagine that there was a huge train wreck on the way to the grocery store - the workers went out to clean up the tracks and then brought all the food to the Train Wreck Store. It's brands and labels we don't recognize, but always a great deal.

Until then, I'm trying to use up stuff in our freezers and pantry. Out with the old, make room for the new.

I can't get my mind around what we are going to eat each day, but here are some recipe that fit my grocery reserves. Lots of vegan and vegetarian choices here.

Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos

Sweet Potato and Curried Red Lentil Pizza Stew - I'm going to skip the crust and serve it like a stew.

No Knead Bread - a family favorite and a chance to try my Irish Butter.

Slowcooker Beef Vegetable Soup - I've got beef chunks to use up and there are always veggies to use from the CSA box.

BBQ Tempeh Sandwiches - I got a great deal on Tempeh. Finally figured out what to do with it.

Raw Veggie Sacks
Watermelon (somehow we have 3!)
Salads

Another Reason Surferman is My Hero

Odyssey blur, originally uploaded by jdfourtyres.

It's Sunday. We are late for church. And I'm feeling a bit pushed.

And then... I'm cut off by a car pulling out of a parking lot. To add insult to injury, said car stops in the middle of the road while the driver figures out that yes, he is driving a car. Shesh!

I spout my usual words of disgust (not profanity) at people who drive badly and give the steering a good thumping.

In the back seat, Grom wants to know what was going on. As usual he is in his own world and not paying attention. I tell him what had happened.

He ask me if I know what Daddy says to people who drive badly. I told him I didn't. Truly I was afraid of what might come out of my 4 year old's mouth. We've had some interesting conversations about what words are ok to say and where and to who.

And then from the back seat... Daddy says, "Duuuuuuuude" in a voice that sounded just like Surferman. "No worries!"

So much like Surferman...

Caught Grom playing with VW Buses the other day. Surferman drives a Vanagon.

high pitch Grom voice: Want to go surfing?

low pitch Grom voice: Sure. Do you have a longboard?

Yep. I put it on my roof.

I put mine inside.

Let's go.

Don't forget your wetsuit.

Let's go.

Let's go!

Just so those buses don't bring sand into my house...

Holy Spirt, Come

Holy Spirit come, Holy Spirit dwell
Fill Your child with joy over flowing
And peace over flowing
And love over flowing
In all of Your glory
Come
by Kate Miner

Over flow, originally uploaded by see what you want to see.

Surferman and I were able to attend midweek Bible Study tonight.

Worship was sweet and spoke the cries of my heart.

Holy Spirt, Come.

An afternoon spent at the Hopsital

I was feeling really, really, really sick. I needed to see a doctor right away. Lucky for me, Dr. Grom had an opening and was able to take care of me. First I had to lay down and put my feet up. And then a thorough examination... my temperature was really bad (a sad face), my blood pressure and my heart was fine. I received great care (as usual / as always).

Lots of shots helped me feel better, but I was pronounced all better after Dr Grom carefully pulled a very hungry caterpillar out of my ear. How in the world did he get in there?

The best part? My medical bill. FREE. Dr. Grom is a humanitarian doctor and doesn't charge. Okay, I admit it... I taught him that word. It's so adorable in his little voice.

Unfortunately, I got sick again, but this time it was a ladybug.

And then I relapsed again, but this time it was a ....

I love being the mom of a 4 year old.

Proof he's my kid...

The other day, Grom brought me a pad of paper and a pencil. He needed to make a to do list because he kept forgetting to get Surferman to help him hang a dinosaur poster in his fort (it's a big cupboard we let him play in).

He started dictating his list to me. I promise none of this was at my urging although I was beaming with pride inside.

Now... he walks around the house muttering and shaking his head just like mom... Where's my list?

Surferman would want me to clarify...
1) We don't sit around in a dark living room. 2 of the 4 bulbs in our ceiling fan are burned out, there is still plenty of light.

2) Grom doesn't routinely go in the oven.

Daybook October 6, 2008

FOR TODAY Monday October 6, 2008...

Outside My Window...Today was a beautiful day. Clear and warm. A perfectly lovely late summer (even though it's fall) day.

I am thinking... of all the things I need to do and the few things I want to do.

I am thankful for... security that comes from my Almighty GOD and not money.

From the kitchen... leftovers! My parents hosted a golf tournament this last weekend. Surferman and I helped at the catered dinner and were rewarded with yummy leftovers. I don't think I'll have to cook all week.

I am wearing... guess. Yep, you're right. Black capris, black croc flip flops and a purple top (one of my favorite shirts).

I am creating... I made a new brain book. I took a composition notebook, cut down the size some and decorated the cover. Actually, still decorating it. I'll blog about it when I'm done.

I am going... get my studio clean, organized and functional this week! And then do something creative.

I am reading... Book 3 of the Yada Yada Prayer Group Series by Neta Jackson.

I am hoping... we get enough people to make ornaments for our Jesse Tree ornament exchange. I'm making Bethlehem.

I am hearing... Surferman's LOUD television. I really need to get that man a hearing test.

Around the house... the second red sofa arrives tomorrow. We are almost finished redecorating.

One of my favorite things... when a new box of bento stuff arrives from Ichiban Kan

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: some work, some decluttering, some fun, some...

Here is picture thought I am sharing... I wish we had leaves like this here at the beach.

photo by Grant MacDonald (Flickr)

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.

Pears

Had to share these cute little pears. They came in our box this week. Each about the size of a golf ball (and just as hard right now).

I can taste them already. I hope they are as juicy as they are cute.

Grom is going to eat them up.

Daybook September 29, 2008

FOR TODAY... Monday September 29, 2008

Outside My Window... the setting sun is shining in on me... warming me... not quite in my eyes

I am thinking... about getting off my bumm and computer and starting dinner

I am thankful for... a little boy who can entertain himself outside so well

From the kitchen... dirty dishes mostly. I've been having fun making Baked Oatmeal. It comes out as a cross between a bowl of oatmeal and a Clif bar. I've been tweaking the recipe. I'll share it soon. Very yummy.

I am wearing... here we go again... black capris, black flip flops, black t-shirt with a dark red t-shirt on top... oh and a beautiful white bandage above my eye

I am creating... nada... zilch... nothing...

I am going... to go put away CSA veggies. I just saw Suferman drive around the corner. WOO HOO! Veggies and Suferman!

I am reading... Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I'm in deep and enjoying it. Don't like the cover (it's embarassing to take along)

I am hoping... Surferman will take us out to dinner. Don't think it's going to happen.

I am hearing... a little boy wanting something to eat.

Around the house... I'm trying to declutter. 10 things a day. I don't think I'll ever be done.

One of my favorite things... crisp, cold granny smith apples

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Open House at local Montessori Preschool, 4WD Club Meeting, Lunch with some wonderful gals, Stitches out (Grom wants to watch. Should I let him?), Party, Another Party, and Guests.

Here is picture thought I am sharing...We went to Disneyland the weekend before last. This is a picture of Grom enjoying a yogurt VERY early the first day. He was so anxious to get going and get to the park. He had talked to Mickey (wake up call) and thought that by being outside he was a little closer.

Read other Daybook's at Peggy's Blog, The Simple Woman.