Off to the Theatre!

I simply enjoy going to the theatre, even though I have not been as often I would like in the past two years. My sister was a part of Riverside Youth Theatre. I am also proud to say I personally know the owner and founder. Debbie is a fantastic and talented director for all of her productions. They have performed Cats, Joseph and Technicolor Dream Coat, Annie, Grease, Mulan 2, Shrek live, High School Musical, just to name a few. There is some phenomenal talent! You must see them in action. Take your children or enjoy a night out listening and seeing some of the best talent Riverside has to offer. They are award winning individuals! If you want your child(ren) to get plugged into a group like this check out their upcoming schedule for 2013 and go for a try out. Go to their website for more information www.riversideyouththeatre.org

A recipe tradition

Yesterday I attended a mommy group that meets twice a month. The groups meets at a local church and this session we were to bring our favorite dish along with the recipe to share. Plus an meal planning ideas we had were welcome.

During our conversation a woman from the group shared a beautiful tradition. She said that her grandma would jot down what people were doing- sights, sounds, smells (painting a picture for whoever would be making that recipe later on. Isn't that beautiful to pass down or reminisce about Thanksgiving 10 years ago?! I am going to start this. I will compile some of our favorite dishes in a book along with a photo & I cannot forget to jot down some some special memories.

Let the holidays arrive!!

Cost Savings

Have you ever completed a survey for home energy and water efficiency? Southern California Edison, Gas Company, and Water district compiled a packet for us to view. We answered some questions last month and we were eager to find out how we compare with our neighbors, how we can save, and if we are on track on making the best of our resources. The next step is to purchase low flow shower heads or maybe cutting down on the length of showers to save more water. A drip system needs to go into place for our plants, flowers, etc.. This is what we found out pretty impressive:

Our water: huge portion is landscaping

Our electricity: air conditioner and refrigerator is a hefty cost

How we compare with neighbors- we are much less!

Branching Out

It is not easy to take a leap when you are thankful for consistency. I enjoyed living in Riverside, I was active in the community and the church. When we moved to Murrieta 22 months ago I was not ready to leave "home." Riverside was my home for almost 25 years! I know the mayor, school board, chamber, the movers and the shakers. I enjoyed knowing people! So, when we moved it was difficult. I prayed and many others prayed along with me so that I could find peace. A peace that only God could give. I wanted to be a part of my new city but I felt like a lost child, looking for something familiar.

God spoke to me this past weekend and I acted upon it. He told me that it was time to find a home church here in my city. I wanted to break down and cry. I kept it together! Matt was off at work and I checked out some of the churches close by (via Internet). It is amazing everything that you can learn about on the World Wide Web but you just don't know until you interact with others, especially when you want to learn about a church and their members. I jotted down all of the questions I could think of. Ministries are important to us so that is what we want to get plugged into. I want to join a mommy group and I am signed up to attend this Thursday. What is even more impressive is that we have hired a sitter to be with Kaden for an hour while Matt gets home from work. Family is not very close by so a friends daughter is coming to watch him for an hour, a trial run. Will keep you posted as to how things go. Any great connecting groups?

Great apps

I usually find out about great apps from friends. I enjoy free apps because if I don't care for it then no money is lost. This past week a friend posted a photo strip on Instagram. She stated that it was a free app when you entered in the code (thanks Starbucks)! K and I dashed to Starbucks (I was good and did not purchase a drink- my new diet). I have never entered a code to receive a free app, and the steps were so easy that I am sure a 5 year old can do. Instantly I had "Photobooth!" It's super fun to take pictures. Matt and I have old photo booth pictures when we were dating and I think my parents still have photo booth pictures of my sisters and I growing up.

I like free apps so if you happen to have a one let me know. You can never have too many apps!

Look whats cooking!

My goal for this week was to make dinner each night. Hence.. goal! Since being away for the majority of the month of June and feeling lazy with this warm summer I have not been up to making meals.

Semi homemade dinner- kung pao chicken from Trader Joe's with steamed white rice and veggies

Semi homemade dinner- Morton's steak (Costco) grilled, with grilled asparagus, and campfire potatoes. Side green salad

Roll it up!

I enjoy cooking (occasionally)! I saw a picture of a delicious pan of lasagna on pinterest. It caught my eye because it was not your average lasagna. It was rolled (individually), shocking! I am proud to say that I have some of my Grandma's craftiness! When she saw something she liked, she was determined to figure out how to make it. Whether it was food, desserts, little party favors, you name it she could master it. Well today I pulled an Abuelita (the word grandma in Spanish)! Since seeing the picture of the rolled lasagna, and I had coupons for ricotta and mozzarella cheese, I took the plunge.

Add sauce as your base, lay lasagna noodle and add your filling and simple roll up

Add more sauce to the top and sprinkle your favorite cheese and bake covered for 35 minutes at 325 degrees

A few tears

Today marked a very special day for Kaden. He joined me in learning God's word. We value the importance of teaching God's word from the very beginning. In the womb Matt and I would read to K and our favorite things to read are passages from the bible.

K did cry a little because he was unsure of his surroundings. He came home and I asked him "Kaden what did you learn at BSF, in your bible study class... with an eager & loud voice he said "GOD!" My heart melts every time I hear this. He enjoys touching the bible and says "BIBLE!" He know that we learn about God from the Bible and it is important to learn.

Tuesday September 11, 2012 marks a special day in my heart. A beginning of teaching my son about our Loving Father, a relationship with Christ. This year BSF is in the book of Genesis. Very applicable to us as we an entering a new beginning!

Healthy style

Have you ever tried spaghetti squash? I have seen some of friends post about it on facebook and I have seen recipes on pinterest. Well I do not think I was fully prepared for this. I am not a professional when it comes to cooking, let alone using knives. I bought the Spaghetti Squash at Fresh and Easy for $1.99 (I thought this was a steal, but I have not priced around). I washed it thoroughly and attempted to cut it. Since I was having a hard time I figured I would use my pumpkin carving tools (I knew if I used them then I would not lose a finger in the process). After cutting it, I scraped out all of the seeds. In the cooking dish I added some water, drizzled some olive oil, sprinkled salt and pepper. I baked it at 375 degrees for 35 minutes. I scraped the squash and it did look like spaghetti which still amazes me. In the crock pot I had artichoke and spinach chicken cooking, everything was complete in two hours. Give it a try, you may like it.

Right out of the oven

Just a small portion of the squash, using this for leftovers tomorrow

Artichoke and spinach chicken served on a bed of spaghetti squash

Pumpkins!

Today we headed off to Oak Glen (Yucaipa) for a fun afternoon checking out the pumpkins with two other mommies. Kaden had a great time (even though he had a few meltdowns). It was a chilly 46 degrees up there but totally worth it. I was able to snap a few photos of Kaden with the "punkins" and with the animals. We could not leave without some apple donuts, they are delicious! We need to make this a tradition each year. Pick apples, eat donuts, and enjoy the petting zoo.

Parents night in

Matt and I are blessed to have my parents watch Kaden for two full days & nights. You might wonder if we went away? We didn't! In my mind I am calling it our night in. We went out to dinner and were able to stay up late watching movies and know that we can sleep in! Horray for us.

We did sleep in which has not happened in 18 months! Sleeping till 8 am is a luxury and very rare. We are off celebrating Matt's 36th birthday. God has truly blessed me with an amazing hubby, best friend, and daddy to my son. We had breakfast at home, went to the movies (rare & luxury) saw Taken 2 (pretty good for a sequel), had Japanese food for lunch, then off to a couples massage. It was wonderful to spend quality time with my honey and we did not have to go anywhere. Can't wait for another "parents night in."

Fitness Friday

I am happy to say in one week I have lost 3 pounds!! These are my changes to my lifestyle...
1. Daily exercise whether it is a 30 minutes workout or a 30 minute jog, making it a habit.
2. Drinking water! No soda or fruit juice. I have not had Starbucks in a week which means about $10 saved!
3. Eating more meals at home. I have been making meals at home and controlling portions. No junk food, no desserts and no dairy. Limiting carbs!

Looking forward to week 2!

The new do

Kaden had an eventful week! He is now a big boy and sleeps in a toddler bed and has had no issues. Amazing!! He also had another haircut. The count is now THREE. I know a few kiddies that at 18 months have never had a haircut, let alone three.

K did very well at a new salon. There is new place called Sports Clips. It is targeted for men so they could go and watch sports while they get a cut. Why isn't there something for women? We spend hours at a salon getting hair dyed, highlights, blow outs, etc.. Anyways this place is great for K, since he loves tv! He sat in the chair all by himself and let the young woman cut his hair. I was very proud! She even changed the channel to cartoons so that Kaden would sit still. The cut was quick and he was ready to explore the salon.

K turned 19 months on October 8th, the time is flying by and we are realizing daily that our baby is growing up to be a very active boy. He is learning about his world and loves to read. He sees me with my bible and says "mama BIBLE!!!" Such a cutie