Oopsey-Daisy

Today I'm Posting Over @ Oopsey Daisy Craft Blog!

See you there! :)

Grooming Tactics

Oh! The things kids say! 

 The other night as we were getting the kids ready for bed, I called Chase into the bathroom to brush his teeth. He quickly scanned the toothbrush cup and said his toothbrush wasn't in there.  I told him to go look in the bathtub toys (since many nights I have them brush their teeth during their baths).  He just shrugged and said,
"Eh, I'll just use a random toothbrush." as he reached for one out of the cup.

I said, " WHAT?! A Random toothbrush?!  Eww... Chase, please don't ever use someone else's toothbrush!" 

It left me seriously wondering how long that's been going on!

Then the next day, I was talking to Livvy in preparation for school starting back.  Not wanting her to be sad that she will be the only kid at home this year, I was trying to sound positive.  I said,
 "Livvy, you know that the kids all go back to school in a couple of days and we will have lots of time to spend together-just you and me!" :)

She gave me the cutest grin and squealed and said, "We can have make-overs!" :)

I laughed, not knowing how she even knew what a make-over is.  Maybe it was inspiration. 
 I think I probably need one...

That and a new toothbrush!

Picturing the Future

We went to the parade this weekend in our little town.  It feels so great being part of such a wonderful little place to live, where my kids have great schools and friends, my husband serves on the fire department, and I am blessed with wonderful neighbors and friends. :)  I took lots of pictures of all the fun we had that day-out in celebration of our community.  Lots of cute pictures of my family.

Fortunately for me, Sommer took my camera at the parade and took some pictures too.  

And I ended up in a couple.

Like This one.

I used to think that one day my kids will look through all the pictures and wonder why I was never there.  

Of course, I was and am (just behind the lens).

Now, I wonder what Chase will think when he sees ones like this?  

(Like why on earth did I torture him so...)

Maybe being the "photographer" is a better option...   :)

LOL.  But I still kinda like this picture...  It makes me laugh :)

All Bets Are Off! Hands Down- the Best Lettuce Wraps Ever!

These Lettuce Wraps are a soooo good!

This is my new favorite meal and I just have to share!  Its filling, but light.  And it has tons of flavor with very little fat!   Its perfect for dinner or even a picnic.  They are great when you have fresh garden produce that you need to use up.  I love summer produce.  These wraps just taste so fresh!

What you'll need:

2 cups of bagged Broccoli (or Cole) Slaw

1 large red bell pepper

green onions

1/2 cup cilantro

1 Roma tomato

1 carrot 

1 lime

Half pound of Grilled Chicken

6 Tblsp. Mayo

1/2 Tblsp. soy sauce

                                                                                                        

Wash all your produce and let it drain well.  You won't want your

 wraps to get soggy later.

I previously grilled some chicken with lemon pepper and a little garlic.  You can use any chicken, even canned chicken if you want to make this meal on an evening that you don't want to cook anything. But I definitely recommend the grilled chicken!  
                                                                                                            

In a bowl, add two cups of broccoli slaw.  (Don't worry- this won't taste anything like traditional Cole slaw.)





Finely chop red bell pepper, tomato, cilantro, green onions, and carrot into small pieces. 

Add all veggies to a bowl.  It's pretty. :)

Shred chicken and add to 
your dish.

Add 1/2 Tblsp. soy sauce and
 6 Tblsp. of Mayo for the dressing. 

Then you add the juice of one lime. 
Mmmm... this is where it gets really yummy!  I love lime!






Now, you can stir and blend it all together.

Photos just don't do justice as to how delicious it is all put together.  

Lastly, arrange on some lettuce leaves.  I like Romain, but any would work.  This recipe makes about a dozen wraps.

  The cilantro, pepper and lime make these wraps so tangy and fresh.  My kids love them too and I love how many veggies they are getting when they eat them.  I think next time I'll try a little crumbled bacon in them, but even without, they are delish!

Seven

There are moments in my life that stand out more than others.  I'm sure it is that way for all of us... certain years that lessons were learned, knowledge was gained, and when prominent happiness infiltrated our days.  When I was seven was one of those times in my life.  When my kids ask me to tell stories from my childhood, so many are from when I was seven. Sometimes I wonder why that year was so significant.  Maybe it is because that is the year I learned to play baseball for real with my brother and all the boys in the neighborhood, or how I hid a She-Ra doll behind a bush so I could keep it and play with it longer and consequently felt immense guilt for stealing something for the first (and only) time in my life.  Or maybe how we started going to church, or because I loved my second grade teacher.  

I don't know why that year seared more memories into my brain, but I do know it probably has something to do with that is when I felt like a big kid.  Not one of the little ones anymore.  

Seven was big stuff.

Chaser is now seven.  Big stuff seven.  My heart is full of gratitude that I get to raise him, and it is also breaking a little.  I've always loved planning fun parties for my kids and I think I figured that one out.  Maybe its to mask the pain of them turning another year older.  Redundant, yes; I know I am.  But I do get a little blue when I realize my kids are growing up...  soooo fast!  I am so thankful they are here and I wouldn't have it any other way, but I wish they'd slow down a little bit.  Let me hold them and kiss them and play with them a little longer.  

Thankfully Chase is still willing to let me love on him.  Because I don't think I can resist kissing those cute cheeks.

I think he is becoming such a handsome young man.

On Friday, we did a little mini-photo session at the cherry orchard down the road.  I think we got some cute photos- mostly candid because Chase hates to pose for photos.  Livvy had to be right with Chase the whole time, just like every day.  They are two peas in a pod these days.  Really good buddies...best friends.  :)

Happy 7th Birthday Chase!  Your Mama Loves you!

 

 

I knew if I posed him like this, he'd stay for a while and I could get some shots. :)

 

 This is when Chase was fishing for a piranha- Me. Hmmm...

wonder what that means.

Oh-Livvy, You're pretty cute too. :)