What's for Dinner - Week of June 1, 2009

Monday
Shredded Pork Sandos
Cole Slaw

Tuesday
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce and mushrooms
Garlic Bread
Salad

Wednesday
Veggie and Tofu Stirfry
Rice
Fruit

Thursday
Chicken and Rice
Veggies

Friday
~Home Group~
???

Saturday
???

Sunday
Family Dinner
my parents cook

Thursday Thunks - 5/30/09

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I do it to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me. And I know today's Saturday. And as usual, I pulled some of the questions that didn't make sense or were not appropriate to answer.

21. How many states have you been in?
33 as I remember


22. If a sexist Man is called a pig, what is a sexist Woman called?
A feminist I guess.

23. You see the one person who you absolutely despise. If you were guaranteed that he/she couldn't say or do anything back to you.... What would you do??
Pray, for my heart and that person.

24. How many states are to the right of you? And don’t give us a map to look at.
Uhh 46

25. You can go anywhere in the world for free. Where are you?
My boring predictable answer would be Maui.
My more adventurous answer would be Australia.

27. Are you a boxing fan? Do you think there will be a rematch of the Hatton-Pacquiao fight?
No. Who?

28. What is the most disgusting thing you have ever eaten?
raw tomato

29. Is it cloudy right now?
Might be. It's dark. Hard to say.

30. What is your dream job?

31. Someone gives you a $500 gift card to WalMart or Target. What are you going to buy?
Probably clothes for the family. It would likely last a long time.

32. When you were little, what did you want to be "when you grow up"? And, how much different is your occupation now from where you thought it would be when you were younger?
I wanted to be a paramedic first, then a brain surgeon, then a doctor. I am an RN although I don't use my license. I never imagined I'd work at a church.

33. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I hate to admit it, but I was quite the Barbie girl.

36. What is the last place you had a good cry and why?
I get teary quite often. Tell me a touching story and I need a kleenex to blot my tears. But a good cry? I can't remember.

38. Which Sesame Street Character do you relate with the most and why?
lately... a combination of Cookie Monster and Oscar the Grouch. Do I need to explain?

39. What song one would you listen to over and over if you absolutely had to?
Mission of My Soul by Peter Himmelman (mine and Surferman's song) or
Blessed Be Your Name by Tree63 (Grom's song)

40. Did you ever make what you believed at the time to be a horrible mistake - that in hindsight turned out to lead you on the best path in your life?
All the time. I'm glad God is in control and has good plans for me.

41. If you could change one thing on your person, what would it be?
my weight

42. What’s your favorite show to watch on television nowadays?
We've been enjoying Out of the Wild - The Alaska Experiment. Grom wants to try some porcupine stew.

43. Do you believe there is life after death?
I believe in eternal life in Heaven for all who believe and acknowledge Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Eat your veggies!

veggiesOriginally uploaded by dboy

The CSA where we get our beautiful veggies every week needs more subscribers for it's 12 week summer season starting June 22.

Large shares are $26.50. Small shares are $20.

If you sign up, make sure you tell them I sent you... they are giving away free totes.  And we all know how much I like free things.

Last summer we were CSA newbies.   I blogged about the contents of our CSA box and experience every week.  If you'd like to see the variety and what you might expect if you sign up, check out the posts under my CSA Box label.

What's for Dinner - Week of May 25, 2009

We're eating this week, but I'm yet a bit disorganized about when and what we are eating. I'm still trying to eat up our pantry. I can't figure out where all the food keeps coming from.

Here are some things we need to eat this week.
Tofu Stir Fry - kale, snow peas, carrots, mushrooms
Chicken Enchilada Casserole - for potluck.
Mock Tuna Salad
Pepperoni Stromboli
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Steak and a Movie Night
Honey Baked Lentils and Rice

Have a great week! More menu ideas can be found at Menu Plan Monday hosted by the Organizing Junkie.

Lego Madness

I got Grom a free subscription to Lego Club Jr magazine. Everytime it comes, it sets off a session of lego enthusiasm. The magazine has a section where they have photos of kids and their creations. Here are Grom's last 2 submissions.

Grom's rocket ship

Dred Pirate Grom's Pirate Ship

I don't know if he'll ever make it into the magazine, but he's sure having fun trying.

Tales from the CSA box

We found another mystery vegetable in our CSA box this week.



It's called Romanesco. If you guessed that it's related to the cauliflower and broccoli you're right.

It's beautiful and further proof of God's creation being deliberate and beautiful. It's a Fractal Food which I don't fully understand (probably because I didn't take the time to read it all, but there are some incredible pictures of this baby enlarged).

I cooked it just like cauliflower and broccoli... steamed. It has a wonderful flavor that is pleasantly milder than cauliflower.

I hope we get more. If you see some at your Farmer's Market... buy it.

Thursday Thunks - 5/21/09

I'm back to thunkings on Thursdays.

Thursday Thunk is a blogging meme that gives you something to blog about. I do it to add to the biographical quality of my blog. Think of it as another way to get to know me.

1. Have you seen the new Star Trek movie, and if so what did you think?
Nope. Surferman and I don't go to the movies very often. I guess we're cheap that way. We have been to the drive-in a few times lately. It's less expensive and a double feature.

2. Which popular sitcom character (past or present) are you most like?
I have no idea. Who do you think I'm like?

3. What kind of dreams do you have?
I seem to have two kinds of dreams. Really long drawn out dreams that are like watching a movie except that the story is so screwy that even as I experience the dream I know it's a dream. My recurring nightmare is that I'm in school and have to go take a final exam for a class that I never went to. It's usually Sociology class for what it's worth.

4. Go get a tattoo and come back. Right, now answer me this, what is it?
If I ever went to get a tattoo, I'd probably come back with my ears pierced instead. I've always wanted to pierce my targus but am to chicken to go to a tattoo place or go through with the piercing. I'd probably have to be kidnapped to have go through with it.

5. Do you think you could be on American Idol with the singing voice you have now without any voice training?
Only if I could do all of my performances in the shower or my car...

6. How much wood, would a woodchuck chuck? If a woodchuck could chuck wood?
a woodchuck would chuck a chunk of wood

7. If you were a tree in a Dr. Seuss book, what would you look like?
Tall and wide. Orange with random blue spots.

8. Twilight? I'm addicted/Who cares/What the heck is Twilight?
I've heard of it. It's about vampires which isn't a subject matter that I seek out.

10. What the worst injury you've ever had?
I'm guessing that injury doesn't include post surgery. So I'm guessing the really bad case of plantar fasciitis I had a couple of years ago. If you'd count surgery, then it would have to be the c-section which brought the beautiful Grom into this world.

11. What is your favorite dessert?
I scream... you scream... we all scream... for ICE CREAM! Ben and Jerry's everything but the...

12. What do you prefer...beach or mountains?
Beach. I live at the beach.

13. What movie have you seen that still makes you cry?
I don't remember movies very well. I enjoy them while I'm watching, but can rarely tell someone more than a basic basic plot more than a week later.

15. How often do you do laundry?
Seemingly constantly. 3 times a week. Laundry is my least favorite homemaking task.

16. What is your favorite movie of all time, and why?
see number 13. The only movie that comes close to favorite status is The Princess Bride. It's probably been 5 years since I've seen it. It has a fun, clean story and Mandy Patinkin.

17. If you won a million dollars in the lottery, would you keep working?
The lottery only pays a little bit every year. After taxes... we'd probably need to keep working. I might not work in the same manner that I work now. Maybe Surferman and I would use the money to start our own business?

18. If there was a war of the gummies, would you be on the gummi bear side or the gummi worm side?
Who thinks of these things? I'm for the sour gummies whatever they look like. It's all about taste.

19. What's your favorite comic strip?
Peanuts. I love the whole gang... Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Peppermint Patty...

20. Close your eyes… imagine you are in the perfect room/place… describe it.
On a beach on Maui... sitting in my beach chair... in the shade... listening to my ipod... with an iced coffee.

Extreme Grom Makeover

Before

Grom wanted his beautiful blonde locks buzzed off.

Many tears were shed (him and me) before we agreed he could have a buzz cut like Surferman.

After

What do you think?

Do you like Grom's hair better short or buzzed?

You know you're a mommy when...

a view inside my purse...

A present from Cleo

I forgot I took a picture.
I think this is Rudy.

Daybook May 18, 2009

FOR TODAY... Monday May 18, 2009

Outside My Window... dark, dark, dark

I am thinking... about giving up TV. But then I think about all of the shows I like to watch and how happy I was today when I heard that Chuck was renewed. How much TV is too much? I did go through the DVR and delete a bunch of shows that we have been recording. I think that's a step in the right direction.

I am thankful for... a clean and decluttered bedroom. Surferman and I kicked butt yesterday and really cleaned out our bedroom. No clutter on the headboard, no clutter above the headboard and brand new bedding!

From the kitchen... Arroz Con Pollo. I made 4 of them. 3 for families with new babies and 1 for my family. Easy, easy recipe. I'll try to post it soon.

From the schoolroom... uhhh... we did a creative thinking workbook... I've set him up with his reading program on the computer a couple of times... I need to do some planning and be more diligent.

I am wearing... navy pants, pink striped tee and flips

I am creating... I finished Grom's orange slippers. Almost done with my coaster project. I have some name gifts to make. Most of my creative energy should be going to decluttering, cleaning and organizing however. My studio/office is a wreck.

I am going... to bed as soon as I finish this. I love my new sheets.

I am reading... Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret. So far a great biography. It almost makes me want to go to China... almost.

I am hoping... to get a new windshield and a fixed door handle for my van soon. The chip in my windshield spread before Surferman had time to fix it. And the sliding door handle broke from my pulling on it so hard to open the door. Who knew I was so strong? My poor Odyssey is showing some age. We need to get it patched up ASAP. The plan is to keep it going for at least 6 more years. I never want to get the mindset that it's a beater.

I am hearing... Kathryn Scott Radio on Pandora. I love Kathryn Scott and Pandora. The internet is a great place. Got any favorite stations?

Around the house... My parents came home from a golf tournament in Las Vegas. They brought Grom a new Thomas train set. It's really cool and they got an outstanding deal. I'm trying not to be grumpy about another multipiece toy coming into our home.

One of my favorite things... cloth diapers (well covers) drying on the line...especially when they aren't my diapers. I'm glad that my sister's girlies are getting use from Grom's diapers.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Just when I think life might slow down a bit... lots of stuff to do at work (stuff that I've been putting off because of Easter and the Women's Conference), my annual physical exam, Mommy and Me, baby meals, decluttering and cleaning.

Here is picture I am sharing...Grom and the Girlies.

How you can be praying for me and mine... Rest. I'm trying to get to bed earlier. Surferman could use prayer for direction. Grom and I could use prayer for allergies.

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

A Cat's Tale

The following post is written by Cleopatra Decker. She doesn't normally blog and she isn't particularly fond of email. She can usually be found in a sunny spot or whatever chair you'd like to sit on.

Meow. mwow mee mewo... fantastic... I found the command key to translate to English. That Mudther woman encouraged me to blog or twitter while my parents are away. I checked out Twitter and surprisingly and confusingly there were no birds there. I really like birds, they are tasty.

So I guess I'm going to try this blogging thing instead.

4.16.09 day 1 - who are these people in my house? where are my people? i'm glad they know where the food is. keep the food coming and no one will get hurt.

4.17.09 day 2- i just remembered that i was playing hide and seek with chelsey decker dog a couple of days ago. she must still be hiding...

4.18.09 day 3- i tried answering the phone today. it was a telemarketer. she didn't speak cat.

4.19.09 day 4 - it's hot! there are little things all over the floor. the little one makes funny noises when he's pushing them around. i always pick up my toys when i'm done playing...

4.20.09 day 5 - it's really hot! chelsey! where are you!

4.21.09 day 6- still hot! i don't think my people are coming back. it's time to start bringing these new people presents.

4.22.09 day 7- my sister gwenie always shows me up with the presents. they loved the dead mole she left in the bathroom.

4.23.09 day 8- i answered the phone again... they were looking for chelsey. where is that dog?

4.24.09 day 9- i never knew how much a gopher could pee. i've also never seen a gopher fly. don't worry mr gopher, i'll find you again. we'll have lots of fun playing hide and seek in the house.

4.25.09 day 10- gwenie is really scared of the little one. i don't think he's so bad. i wish i had pajamas like his.

4.26.09 day 11- ha! i got the big guy to give me an extra plate of food!

4.27.09 day 12- found an easy way to freak out these people... play with the bead curtains on the back door as they come in the garage... they think a robber is leaving the house. i sneak out our door before they get up the stairs.

4.28.09 day 13- aaahhh... fresh water....
it's good to be a cat.

4.29.09 day 14- hee heeeee... the little guy thought one of my toys was a dead animal... success...

4.30.09 day 15- yawn... she makes me purr when she rubbbbs my heaaaaad thaaaaat waaaaay she does.

5.1.09 day 16- gwenie says the bird had to die. it was taunting her. gwenie brought it inside and i painstakingly arranged the feathers all over the floor outside the shower. the little one really wanted to see the dead bird but his mommy scooped it up before he woke up. note to self... get another bird for the little guy

it's raining, it's pouring, gwenie is snoring... hee hee
speaking of snoring... where is that dog?

5.2.09 day 17- good food, good wine, we have it made... maybe the dog is gone for good?

5.3.09 day 18- they loved the dead mole so much, today i brought them one that is still alive. the alive ones are more fun to play with. she gave me some ice cream tonight. i wonder what kind of treat i get for a live bird?

5.4.09 day 19- mmm... salmon and shrimp...

5.5.09 day 20- yawn

5.6.09 day 21- it's fun to sleep downstairs. i figured out that the big guy will kick me off the bed three times and then he'll give up. he's sure is softer than he looks.

5.7.09 day 22- oops! gwenie accidently bit the head off a lizard. it was my idea to bring it to the boy. he was fascinated.

5.8.09 day 23- i'm beginning to think they aren't accidents. gwenie brought in another headless lizard. note to self... don't tick off gwenie.

5.9.09 day 24- yay! pizza! they forgot the anchovies... what are they thinking?

5.10.09 day 25- i wish my mother was here for mother's day. Mudther got a beautiful candle from the boy.

5.11.09 day 26- one last surprise! i found rudy (at least that's what he says his name is) outside and brought him in for the little one. rudy did a great job until... well i just can't talk about it. mudther says my people will be back today.

respectfully submitted,
cleopatra (call me cleo, but don't call me late to supper) decker