The Sugar Free Challenge

The Nourishing Gourmet is hosting a sugar free challenge. Surferman is always saying that we eat too much sugar. By October 12th, he might be eating those words and wishing he had a little sugar to sweeten them.

Starting next week she will be blogging about going sugar free. I'm joining her. She says its a great time to give it a go. It's the start of cold and flu season and sugar can lower the immune system.

She has set up three levels of participation. I'm going for the beginner level for my family and push myself to moderate as able.

Beginner level: Take out all refined sugars including corn syrup and white sugar. Also remove all white flour from your diet, as it’s also very sugar forming.You will need to read labels carefully when buying prepackaged foods. Instead use natural, more unrefined sugars such as rapadura, coconut sugar, honey, stevia.

Moderate Level: Remove all natural sweeteners as well, and only use fruit to sweet foods. Consider removing other starchy foods that can also feed yeast, or make you crave sugar more.

Will you consider joining me? Or at least rooting me on?

Grom's Bookbag - Grandfather's Journey

We've been reading "Grandfather's Journey" by Allen Say. It is the story of a Japanese man who travels to live in the United States. In the U.S. he longs for Japan. Later he takes his family back to Japan where he longs for the U.S. It's a nice portrait of the story of Japanese immigrants.

There were many good books to go along. Some of them made me cry.

"America the Beautiful" by Katharine Lee Bates
"Baseball Saved Us" by Ken Mochizuki
"How My Parents Learned to Eat" by Ina R. Friedman
"Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes" by Eleanor Coerr
"The Bicycle Man" by Allen Say (video from Reading Rainbow)
"Easy Origami: Colorful Introduction to Practical Paper Folding" by Kazuo Kobayashi
"Japan" by Ann Heinrichs
"Sayonara Mrs. Kackleman" by Maira Kalman
"So far from the Sea" by Eve Bunting
"Tea with Milk" by Allen Say
"Yoko's Paper Cranes" by Rosemary Wells
"A to Zen: A Book of Japanese Culture" by Ruth Wells

Daybook September 28, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday September 28, 2009

Outside My Window... well... I'm actually at gymnastics... well... watching Grom do gymnastics. They are practicing head stands right now.

I am thinking... I hope I don't drop my computer off my lap.

I am thankful... that Grom is a boy and doesn't have to have a leotard for gymnastics. I imagine leotards can cause drama.

From the kitchen... leftovers from my parents' golf tournament last weekend. This week it's all about re-purposing leftovers.

From the schoolroom... It's a beautiful week to study the letter B. We also have some great books about fall to ready.

I am wearing... black pants, light blue long sleeved tee, flip flops. It's warm upstairs at gymnastics. I wish I was wearing capris.

I am creating... movies! I'm learning iMovie and iDVD. I thought we had lost a bunch of footage and am stoked that I was able to figure out how to upload it. Also making some earrings. I sold my first pair. Maybe I'm going into the jewelry making business.

I am going... crafting tonight. It feels like it's been forever.

I am reading... A Time to Embrace by Karen Kingsbury.

I am hoping... to have a garage sale on Saturday. I have to get stuff cleaned out and then make sure my sister can help me as Surfermna has to work.

I am hearing... a cacophony of voices but I can't make out many words. The gym is loud and crowded.

Around the house... Solar panels on our roof. I'm hoping it will let us get rid of our time of use meter and that I'll be able to do laundry whenever I want. When you hate doing laundry, it's hard when you can't do it whenever you finally feel like it.

One of my favorite things... our church and our church family.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: a couple of doctor appointments, maybe a trip to the park with friends, a birthday party and FINALLY a garage sale.

Here is picture I am sharing... from our "date" this afternoon at Starbucks.

How you can be praying for me and mine...

1. Our friend, baby Simon (7.5 months) is having his 4th surgery to repair a hole in his esophagus. Please pray that the surgery would be successful and that his family would have peace through the entire process.
2. I have a couple of doctor appointments (just routine "I'm getting old" stuff). Regardless, I don't enjoy them and would like peace.
3. October 31st is coming and with it decisions about how to handle it with Grom.

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

The Lord speaks to me...

"Or do you not know that your body
is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,

whom you have from God, and you are not your own?
For you were bought at a price;
therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV)

What's for Dinner - September 27, 2009

Monday
~Beth cooks~

Tuesday
Chili Baked Potatoes
Salad
Fruit

Wednesday
~Mom cooks~

Thursday
Dinner at Farmer's Market

Friday
Steak and a Movie Night

Saturday
~birthday party~
raw veggies & hummus

Sunday
~family dinner~
my folks cook

He says it's a broken ferris wheel...

I think it's a pear.

We love Lite-Brite.

This one was actually mine when I was a kid. It's definitely vintage if not an antique.

I couldn't plug it in until my design was done and it seemed like we never had black construction paper to block the light. Grom's childhood will be way better than mine. I have a huge stack of black paper.

Not this momma's tattoos

I remember temporary tattoos from when I was a kid. If you were lucky, they were the toy surprise in a box of Cracker Jack. Lick your arm, press the tattoo on and hold still until the ink transfered. They lasted until your next bath - maybe 3 whole days.

Let me tell you, they don't make kid tattoos like they used to. They are more colorful and more detailed. Grom found some in our bathroom cupboard (I have no idea where they came from) and talked Suferman into putting one on. I wanted to get them out of our house so I applied the rest.

Doesn't he look tough, rough and ready for a rumble?

Just wait until you try to get them off... not as easy as the package describes. They would have you believe that a little baby oil and off they come. I don't think so.

We googled and found that a mixture of baby oil and alcohol should remove them. Apply equal amounts liberally to the tattoo. Let sit 30 seconds (or more) and then rub to remove. Surferman scrubbed... I scrubbed and they are mostly off.

No more tattoos for us.

When life gives you avocados...

make guacamole.

My recipe is simple. Smash ripe avocados. Add lime and lemon juice. Add lots of garlic. And a few shakes of Marie Sharps. Salt if needed, but there is usually enough on the chips.


This yummy batch is in the freezer waiting for a bag of chips.

What's for Dinner - Week of September 21, 2009

Monday
~Beth cooks~
LO Fettucine with Smoked Salmon and Asparagus
(it tasted like Tuna Noodle Casserole)
Green Salad
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tuesday
Zucchini Grinders
Warm Delicata Squash Salad

Wednesday
Pancakes
Sausages
Orange Juice
Eggs to order

Thursday
Eat at Farmer's Market

Friday
Frozen Pizza
Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan cheese
Salad

Saturday
~my parents Golf Tournament Dinner~
~all hands on deck~
the help gets to eat when everyone is served

Sunday
~Family Dinner with Guests~
~I'm cooking~
to be determined

Daybook September 21, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday September 21, 2009

Outside My Window... it's a bit overcast. Our usual summer weather. Fall is nicer.

I am thinking... about change.

I am thankful for... little boys who can amuse themselves.

From the kitchen... avocados and fresh veggies.

From the schoolroom... we are still reading "Grandfather's Journey" and books that go with it. Our schoolroom is pretty messy. I need to get in there, pick up and put away. Homework started. Grom has an alphabet page to finish by the end of the week.

I am wearing... horrible grey pants, orange tee ... not a favorite outfit.

I am creating... some earrings. I should post some pictures of my creations.

I am going... to make a bunch of guacamole for the freezer when I'm done with my daybook. Yum!

I am reading... the same Karen Kingsbury book (still can't remember the title). It's a double volume and really heavy. Maybe it's... "A Time to Dance"?

I am hoping... that all went well at the adoption hearing? of our friends. It's time for that boy to be totally theirs.

I am hearing... happy noises of a little boy amusing himself.

Around the house... we are settling into our new fall routine. I am eager to schedule in some things I've been neglecting.

One of my favorite things... rooibos ice tea - it's caffeine free and really yummy. I had tropical tea with my lunch.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I don't think we have anything unusual or exciting planned. I'm ready for a quiet, boring week.

Here is picture I am sharing...to remind you how wonderful orange is.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Surferman needs more rest. I need to be more consistent and pay better attention to myself. Grom needs prayer for a stinky personal problem.

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

What's for Dinner - Week of September 7, 2009

Monday
~Beth cooks~
Spinach Dip with veggies & bread chunks
Rosemary Penne Pasta with Chicken

Tuesday
leftover homemade Veggie Soup
Avocado Sandwiches
Cantaloupe & Grapes

Wednesday
Nachos with Guacamole

Thursday
Warm Delicata Squash Salad
Crusty Bread with Butter

Friday
~Summer Missions Recap~
Sliced Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil

Saturday
~Birthday Party~
Zucchini Grinders
Green Salad

Sunday
~Family Dinner~

Daybook August 31, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday August 31, 2009

Outside My Window... dark. I need to get to bed, but thought I could bust this out quick.

I am thinking... about making earrings. I had fun learning how to wire wrap. I'd better start wearing these earrings I'm making.

I am thankful for... a great One-to-One session at the Apple Store. I feel like I got so much accomplished and learned a lot.

From the kitchen... soaked steel cut oats for breakfast. I made a huge pot this morning but it was thin like gruel. Who wants to eat gruel? Thankfully it thickened up and we can enjoy it tomorrow.

From the schoolroom... Kindergarten seems to be going well. He brought home a book that he made and "read" it to us. We are finishing The Glorious Flight and will be starting Grandfather's Journey soon.

I am wearing... blue pants, striped tee and my favorite suede mocs that need to be replaced because they are falling apart.

I am creating... movies. I just learned iMovie and am having fun filming whatever I can.

I am going... to finally throw away those tuberose from a couple of weeks ago. They are pretty ugly by now and not so smelly.

I am reading... a new Karen Kingsbury book that I can't remember the title of yet. I barely started it last night. I read right before bed and actually fell asleep reading this big book (it's actually 2 books in one). I dropped it on my face.... y'ouch. I'm also reading The Writing Diet: Write Yourself the Right Size.

I am hoping... I don't wake up at 4am again tonight. I have the past few mornings and then I lie in bed believing I'm not sleeping, but probably am. I think it's making me have weird dreams - like a grocery store that only accepts paper cash (no coins). I kept trying to explain that it didn't seem right that they were rounding up to the next dollar amount. They never rounded down and acted like I was crazy.

I am hearing... TV from the other room.

Around the house... paint chips on our bedroom wall. We are talking about painting this weekend. I'm not thinking it's going to happen (at least right now). Regardless, it's fun looking at all the pretty colors.

One of my favorite things... playing dog with Grom. When he's Maui he loves to be scratched behind his ears and play fetch. For some reason Maui the Dog talks in a really high pitched voice. It makes me giggle inside.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Back to School Night, Surferman's Birthday!, All Church Picnic and a birthday party

Here is picture I am sharing...
How you can be praying for me and mine... consistency and follow through. Boldness.

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

What's for Dinner - Week of August 31, 2009

Monday
Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled Corn on the Cob with garlic and parmesan cheese
Peaches

Tuesday
Vegetarian Moussaka
Garlic Bread
Cantaloupe
Tomato Cucumber Basil Salad

Wednesday
~Sister Cooks~

Thursday
~Back to School Night~
Chicken Caesar Salad
Cantaloupe

Friday
~Surferman's 44th Birthday~
~Home Group~
Ravioli and Cheese Bake
Green Salad
Fruit

Saturday
~All Church Picnic~
Sausages and Corn to BBQ
Cupcakes?

Veggie Scramble
Toast

Sunday
~Friends Birthday Party~
Raw Veggies
Yogurt Dip

Get more menu ideas at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

The Wheels on the Bus

Three days in and Grom was ready to ride the school bus.
Truthfully, Grom said he was ready on Monday.
It took me a couple of days.

We waited at the bus stop with the other kids. His nose itches, promise.

"Bye, Mommy"

After he got on the bus, I hightailed it to school.
I knew he'd make it, but wasn't sure what he'd do when he got off the bus.

He kept walking and pretended he didn't see me.
I stalked him all the way to his classroom.
Of course, he did great.

I think this going to school thing might be harder on me than on him.

I didn't follow the bus today.

Daybook August 25, 2009

FOR TODAY... Tuesday August 25, 2009

Outside My Window... it's late, so it's dark.

I am thinking... about going to bed. I'm yawny.

I am thankful for... tuberose. My mom bought me a bouquet almost two weeks ago and they are still smelling up my studio. I wore tuberose in my hair so their odor brings back fond memories.

From the kitchen... a really yummy tuna noodle casserole. I can't remember the last time I made it. Grom liked it. We may be having it more often.

From the schoolroom... Our FIAR book this week is The Glorious Flight. We are reading about the history and pioneers of aviation.

I am wearing... black pants and my lemon yellow Power Lab VBS t-shirt from last year. We didn't get shirts this year... bummer.

I am creating... hopefully some earrings. I'm learning how to wire wrap tomorrow. I'm very excited.

I am going... to put Grom on the school bus tomorrow and then secretly follow him to school to make sure he makes it to his classroom. I feel like a dork, but at least I'll be at peace.

I am reading... Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin. I'm finally almost done.

I am hoping... to get our freezer and pantry cleaned out a bit in the next couple of weeks. I think I've said this before (maybe a few times), but it really needs to be done.

I am hearing... Surferman shredding. Unfortunately for him, it's papers and not waves.

Around the house... trying to settle back into routines. As I speak lunches are ready for tomorrow in the fridge and the coffee pots are ready to go first thing.

One of my favorite things... my nine year old Honda Odyssey. We've been some great places together. It's reliable, roomy and handy.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Lunch and Park with friends, Grand Opening to show off the remodel at Grom's new school, Grom's first "real" gymnastics class, Farmer's Market, Parents Night Out = Date Night with Surferman and other fun stuff. I have a bunch of phone calls to make.

Here is picture I am sharing...My pirates!

How you can be praying for me and mine... My time with the Lord has been sporadic and unfocused. Pray I would have sweet times with my Lord in His Word. We are settling into a new schedule. I'm good at filling up time... let it be productive and for His glory.

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

What's for Dinner - Week of August 24, 2009

Monday
~Sister cooks~
Lasagna
Salad
Garlic Bread

Tuesday
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Zucchini
Cantaloupe, Blueberries & Strawberries

Wednesday
Soup from the freezer
Biscuits
Salad

Thursday
~Grom - Gymnastics~
~Dinner at Farmer's Market~

Friday
~Parents Night Out~
~Date Night~
Picnic & Movie at the Beach
Turkey Sandwiches
Tomato Soup
Corn on the Cob

Saturday
~Friends for Dinner~
Tacos

Sunday
~Pasta Dinner at the Arnold's~
Take?

Join the meal planners. Post yours at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

Grom the Kindergartner

Monday was the first day of school for Grom. After much going back and forth, Surferman and I decided to give our local elementary school a try. It was a really hard decision, there were good reasons on both sides.

Grom and I are going to continue reading and discussing our Five In A Row books. We had settled into a nice habit of reading first thing in the morning that we plan to keep.

Please pray for Grom's transition and that we'll both make some friends.

Watch for pictures tomorrow of Grom's first school bus ride. Yikes!

Daybook August 10, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday August 10, 2009

Outside My Window... dark. We've been having our normal inconsistent summer weather - fog, cold, hot, beautiful. Not much wind though.

I am thinking... my feet hurt and I should take off my sneakers.

I am thankful for... turkey sandwiches on baguettes without tomato from the French Bakery on the front steps at church with a great friend in midday sunshine that felt more like sunset. It was a great lunch break.

From the kitchen... We been enjoying Soaked Oatmeal from the Nourishing Traditions Cookbook. It has a nice tang to it and doesn't need salt. I've been adding a spoon of brown sugar, some cranberries and nuts. It's very filing and holds me until lunch. yum!

From the schoolroom... Grom earned a week to study whatever he wanted. He chose volcanoes. I found a couple of story books, some science books and few movies. It looks like a fun week. I think we'll save the exploding model of a volcano for when he's a little older. Instead we might make a volcano sundae.

I am wearing... hoo haw! something different today... grey trackpants, white tee, trainers. I had on a track jacket earlier, but I got warm. Tomorrow I'm wearing black capri pants, natch.

I am creating... nothing. I'm hoping to learn how to wire wrap beads soon. I'd like to make some earrings and other pretties.

I am going... to make an appointment to get my hair cut and colored this week. It really needs it. I can't tell you when I had it cut last and it's getting a little more grey than I'd like to admit to on top.

I am reading... Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin... still.

I am hoping... to sleep through the night. Last night I woke up at 2:30 and toss and turned for "hours" before really getting back to sleep. Everytime something popped into my head, I prayed and gave it to the Lord. I had a lot on my mind I guess.

I am hearing... a huge Surferman yawn from the other room.

Around the house... We got a Wii... well my mom did. She'd be happy to tell you that her Wii age is 6 years younger than her actual age. Grom is quite enamored even though he's not quite coordinated enough for Wii Sports. I don't like game systems. I'll let you know if this changes my mind.

One of my favorite things... pandora.com Free music suited to my taste (which is weird). If you haven't checked it out - go there as soon as you finish here.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: I hope to get a One-to-One lesson at the Apple store. I'm having some pesky problems. Eating lots of veggies, drinking lots of water and going for a few walks. Surferman and I need to finish our Family Mission Statement.

Here is picture I am sharing... I'm sure there is something great on my iPhone, but it's in the other room. I'll post something tomorrow.

In the meantime, here's a great local sunset...

photo by mikebaird

Did you know that Morro Rock is an extinct volcano? It's a volcanic neck... all that's left. It's the first in the series of volcanoes that formed the Seven Sisters. Mommy learns too.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Surferman has a new job. I have some health issues to deal with that I'd just as soon be healed of. And Grom has been emotional and bossy lately - almost like a teenage girl. Please pray for my family.

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

What's for Dinner - Week of August 10, 2009

There are a lot of ??? and veggies in the plans for this week. I'm back to trying to use up our CSA vegetables before they turn and our freezer is packed full again. Those ??? should be replaced by yummy stuff from the freezer. Honestly, I'm too lazy to go see what's out there right now.

Monday
~my sister cooks~
Salmon
Pasta
Salad

Tuesday
Veggie Fritatta with Ham
Strawberry, Cucumber & Basil Salad
(recipe from our CSA - I'll post it if it's delicious)
Cornbread

Wednesday
Macaroni and Cheese
Salad
Zucchini
Cherries

Thursday
Corn on the Cob
???

Friday
~dinner for friends with new baby~
Easy Ravioli Bake
Garlic Bread
Salad

Saturday
~watch the Girlies~
???

Sunday
~family dinner~
my folks cook

Happy Eating!

Check out more menu plans at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday carnival.

Daybook August 4, 2009

FOR TODAY... Tuesday August 4, 2009

Outside My Window... grey foggy sky... it's summer here at the coast

I am thinking... about change... about friends who are perservering through tough situations and trials... about a cup of coffee...

I am thankful for... Surferman... for too many reasons to mention... well here's one... he made me a latte this morning.

From the kitchen... I don't really feel like cooking, so I'm not very inspired. Sandwiches and eggs sound good to me.

From the schoolroom... Mike Mullligan and His Steam Shovel. We get to visit Popperville and learn about stewardship, steam engines, flexibility and more.

I am wearing... lime green capris, grey t-shirt, flip flops

I am creating... another name meaning gift for a friend who had a birthday on Sunday. I need to post pictures of these things. I also have a washcloth on my knitting needles. Surferman and I have been working on our Family Mission Statement.

I am going... to the doctor today. I don't like going to the doctor.

I am reading... Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin. The jury is still out... My next book needs to be non-fiction.

I am hoping... to bang out my to do list this week.

I am hearing... quiet. I love quiet.

Around the house... the pursuit of order and routine.

One of my favorite things... bananas. I just ate some perfectly ripe perfection. I don't know why I don't eat them more often.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: library trips, doing something with friends, Home Group, Celebrating with our friends their new daughter (from Foster Care and 11 years old), new routines and organizing.

Here is picture I am sharing from our visit to the fair last week.

How you can be praying for me and mine... It looks like Surferman has a job! Past the job you could be praying for Surferman and I as we finish our Mission Statement, that we would be inspired and realistic, but at the same time uncompromising in the things we need to do / change to be the family we want to be. Also we have to make a final decision about Grom's schooling by the end of the week.

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