Paleo Garden Chicken

2 Chicken breasts, pounded flat
1 egg, beaten
1/4 C. Almond flour
1/4 C. Coconut flour
Sea salt & Pepper to taste
Coconut oil
Guacamole
Broccoli Sprouts
Tomatoes, sliced

Drudge chicken breast in egg and then in flour and seasoning.  Fry in coconut oil until juices run clear and crust is golden brown.  Spread guacamole on chicken breast, top with tomatoes and sprouts.  Enjoy!

Cork Board Project

I found this great 30"x 42" cork board on Craigslist for $10, it had never been used and it was in perfect condition.  

 I almost forgot the before picture, but here is what it looked like before.  I think cork is very boring so I thought I'd spice it up.  

 I did the back round color in a flat finish, and the design was metallic of the same color.  I drew out a template for the design I wanted and cut it out.  I would just lay the template out and paint about an inch around it, so the template wasn't getting covered in paint, I also didn't want the pattern to be perfect so I wasn't super concerned with following the pattern exactly.  

I am not a naturally organized person, so it has been my goal since becoming a wife and mother of four to learn some organizing skills.  I found this great website called iHeart Organizing and printed out some great free printables that will help me keep track to appointments during the week, meal plans and a few other things. 

My fabulous cork board is now hung in my kitchen and ready to keep me on track.  

Shrimp Taco's with Spicy Slaw

 Spicy Slaw

*This recipe is great with any Tacos, fish tacos, a side dish for fajitas, etc...

1/2  head of cabbage slices thin
1 jalapeno diced
3 green onions
1 small bunch cilantro

Dressing:
1 T. Olive Oil
2 T. Vinegar
1 lime zest, and juice

Mix it all up and pour on dressing and toss.   It's spicy, tangy and crunchy!

Tonight we used this recipe for our shrimp taco's: Lettuce (in place of tortilla),  Shrimp (seasoned with lime, cilantro, & garlic powder), Spicy Slaw, & Salsa.  Delicious!

Nap Time Crafts: Jewelry Hanger

I met up with my sister today to pick up some coupons she snagged for me, as we were having a quick chat she mentioned she wanted to make her own jewelry tree or hanger.  I expressed how much I needed one as well and after hearing her fabulous idea I said, "Let's do it right now."  So.... we did.  That's right, we forgot about the dishes, checkbooks, laundry, and other mundane household chores and decided to create something much needed and awesome.  Her idea was to get a piece of board and paint it fun and add some large nails for hanging the jewelry on.  

We headed to Home Depot and found a sheet of plywood that was thick enough for some heavy duty nails but not too heavy to make it difficult to hang on the wall.  Home Depot gladly did 2 cuts for us giving us 3 jewelry boards! Two boards 12"x 34" and one 14"x 24".  We also picked up some 1 1/2 inch nails with a nice large head, and some metal picture hanging brackets for the back.   

Total cost: UNDER $20!!! 

We painted a base coat of black (this is my favorite back round color, everything looks amazing on black!).  And from there let our imaginations wander.  

This is the one we made for her roommate, it's a bit hard to tell in the picture but the birds are a metallic silver, and the large dots you see are the nails.  Now, the only difficulty we had with this project was getting the nails to stay.  Some of them went in nicely but others would seem in and you would move onto another and they would start popping out, if I did this project again I would consider using screws or smaller nails.  You also had to be careful how far you pounded them in because if you got them too deep they would come out the other side of the wood.  

 This is my sisters... it will match her bedroom perfectly and I LOVE these colors.  She did a great job painting it, but we ran out of time to get the nails in so she took it home to finish that part.

Here is mine... I was so excited to hang it up that it was still partially drying when I hung it on the wall. I painted my nails black so they would blend in and you don't really even notice them when you look at the painting.  

Here is a side shot so you can see how much the nails are actually sticking out and the thickness of the board.  I only painted the head of the nail, but because the angle of the light it looks like the whole nail is painted black when you see it on the wall.  

I love that we were able to combine art and function all in one inexpensive project.  It was such a fun surprise for my day and I'm so glad we were able to accomplish 95% of it during nap time... SUCCESS!!!  Thanks to my sister for the fabulous idea and willingness to set aside her full "to do" list and join me in the creativity!  

Toes and accountability.

Last night I made a quick run to the grocery store for a few things... as I was heading inside my mind was wandering thinking about the possible gang members living in our apartment complex (this was in the days previous conversations) and I somehow tripped as I stepped up onto the curb.  Tripped meaning I ended up laying on the sidewalk with a throbbing toe.  This morning when I woke up this is what I found:

A nice bruise across my toe and a difficulty bending it in either direction very well.  I wanted to go to the gym this morning and I thought Crossfit makes me feel better all the time why not my toe? 

I entered the gym with some apprehension of even being able to complete the workout being that today was 4 rounds of 800 meter running.  Oh yay my favorite running :(   Now, I have never enjoyed running and have never really done it much but Crossfit has really taught me that you can learn how to do anything and there is always room for improvement.  So off I ran... my first 2 rounds I got the same time 6:22.  As I was starting my third round a visitor from a Crossfit gym in Anaheim, CA named Al joined me on the run.  I assumed he was just starting his own round until he asked me what time we were going to beat? I was a bit confused and he then explained he was just warming up and was there to help me beat my time.  He stuck by me, always running just a bit faster so I wouldn't slow down.   I made it to the top of the hill where we turn around and head back to the gym, this is when it got more challenging.  He told me to relax it's just down hill from there, then the closer we got to the gym the faster he had me running and by the end we were sprinting and he was cheering me along.  I came in and had beat my previous times by almost a full minute!  Was it easy? No way, but it felt great accomplishing something that I walked into the gym not even knowing I could finish let alone improve.  It also shows the power of accountability in our lives and that other people can see our potential especially in an area we feel weak in. Why is it so easy to not strive as hard when were are alone with no one challenging our standards or method?  

A big thanks to Al from Anaheim Crossfit for challenging and believing in me today! 

And... my toe is feeling a bit better than it did this morning : )

Merry Little Christmas time...

We had a lovely Christmas this year, it's so fun to see how the kids change and respond differently.  We watched some videos from last years Christmas and the kids all looked so little, I'm thinking we should watch those videos every year as a new tradition just to see a glimpse of our past each year.  

Here is the short version, or I like to say Official Trailer of our Christmas morning.  

Here is the full version with a little more detail.  Marinn was very embarrassed to receive panties in her stocking and Taurin was really excited about it, oh what an age difference makes sometimes.  Shaw got lots of fun cars to push, and drive everywhere.  Blaize just looked really confused and a bit excited that everyone was tearing paper and it was all over, since we are always confiscating paper from him! 

Christmas always seems to feel like you are finishing up a year and new goals and memories are coming so quickly.  This year has been so very challenging in many ways, but looking back and seeing where we are today I realize that the foundation we have created from the beginning of our marriage and the commitment to serve and love one another with everything we have has been the reason for our success in difficult times, challenging situations, and just bad circumstances.  In the end, a year that could have broken our family and relationship has made us stronger and reminded us that the effort that we have put forth to keep our family strong and healthy has paid off,  that is has all been worth it.  It hasn't been easy, but situations have always seemed to work out for the best even though they seemed impossible in the moment.
"We must all face the choice between what is right and what is easy."

I'm excited to say that Andrew will be starting his first day of work tomorrow, I'm so proud of all his hard work and perseverance to complete his training and go for the job and department that he wanted. Sometimes our dreams take sacrifice but it always seems to be worth it.

I found the videos from previous years : )  yay!

Christmas 2010

Christmas 2009

The Joy of Family

The other day, this is what my morning looked like.  All my babies snuggled in our queen size bed. Yes, I had to crawl out from under a few of them to get to my camera but it was snuggle heaven. 

 It makes my heart happy to see how they care for and love each other. 

This morning I had the 3 amigos to help me make pancakes.  They ate about half of what I was taking out of the pan so by the time I was done cooking they were full.  But it sure saved us some mess and syrup. This picture cracks me up... Marinn sitting on the pancake warmer with her feet on the cutting board I'm pretty sure this is not up to code with the health department but she had a great time.  Shaw's job was occasionally opening the lid to the warmer so I could throw a pancake in.  Taurin was the one who let me know when to flip the pancakes and just look cute. 

Raising 4 kids ages 5 and under can sure be challenging at times but just getting to know them and having the opportunity to impact their lives is totally worth it.  They have so much love, wisdom, and excitement for life to share if we just take the time to pay attention. 

Here are just a few moments in the last few weeks that were memorable...

1.     Taking all the kids to the grocery store... well 3 different grocery stores to get some deals with some coupons.  At the first store Marinn and Taurin stood at the end of the line with bags in hand ready to do some serious bagging.  They kept shaking open the bags looking all crazy like line backers, as if they were going to charge our cashier at any minute.  I asked her to please pass them anything they couldn't break so they could bag it.  She looked over at their eager faces and posed a challenge.  She said, "Are you ready? Because this is gonna happen fast!"  This was the wrong thing to tell Marinn, my super competitive child.  She got that "look" in her eye and gave her bag another fierce shake.  The cashier started scanning crazy fast and flinging the items toward Marinn and Taurin.  They were bagging like pros! Groceries were flying into the bags and they were running to the cart to toss them in around Blaize and Shaw (who was constantly trying to escape his safety belt).  It was a site to see and I couldn't help but wish I had put more groceries in the cart just to wear them out.  As I left the store with my cart half full of groceries, half full of children I realized that I could have gotten frustrated with their over eagerness to help.  I was proud of myself for letting them be a part of the process and a valuable asset.  I think we all want that, to feel like we are needed and have something to offer even if it might be small.  

2.     At the grocery store once again, with my pro-baggers at my side.  In the checkout line I decided to hold Shaw so he wouldn't attempt an escape during check out.  We enjoyed pressing our pretend buttons while the cashier rung up my things.  Then all of a sudden I feel something extremely hot on my side right where I am holding Shaw,  I assume he is peeing, but am surprised at how hot it is even through his diaper.  I shrug it off as I watch Marinn and Taurin convince the bagger that they are fully capable of hauling the gallons of milk to the cart.  That was hilarious watching a 3 and 5 year old practically move a grown man out of the way so they could carry the milk.  He was totally impressed.  Then, I set Shaw down for a minute just to pay and all of a sudden my side where there was heat now feels cool? Ut oh?!  Somehow, with Shaw in a fresh diaper fully secured to his body the pee has snuck past multiple barriers including his pants to soak a nice large circle on my shirt.  What's a girl to do in this situation?  There isn't many options, but I know that our perception is our reality and they way we think of things often effects our emotional response.   I thought to myself,  I am wearing my work out attire and who's to say that's not just a result of an intense workout?  So as I walk out of the store with my head held high I think, no need to be embarrassed this could easily just be sweat.  

3.     On Monday's we have a play date at the park.  As I was getting the kids ready to leave the house for our play date, Andrew asks if Shaw is wearing a diaper.  I think to myself about the last time I saw him which was moments before and I recall him being in a diaper.  We head to park and everyone is having a great time until Piper and Taurin notify me that Shaw has pooped.  They are very insistent and vocal about me taking care of it immediately.  I walk over to get him and realize that there is a very serious situation going on.... I discover that Shaw had somehow taken off his diaper before leaving the house and has now pooped freely in his shorts.  I take him into the bathroom to clean him up... pretty much a bath.  Now, I will be honest I thought of just placing him inside the toilet and flushing a few times but how could I have posted that blog entry without some serious criticism?  I take off his shorts that pretty much fell off by the time we made it to the bathroom and I place him in the sink.  Well, lucky us it's one of those faucets that you press down and it gives you about 5 seconds of water.  And this one was the kind that shoots out water at the speed of light in very small streams.  Needless to say there was water and who knows what else blasting and flying all over the place, but we somehow got Shaw fully refreshed.  I had left the new diaper and shorts in the van so I wrapped Shaw in a large paper towel skirt and we walked over to get in some fresh clothes.  The the fellow play date moms gave us a cheer for his awesome skirt as we came out.  He finished up playing and had a great time, no embarrassment or shame.  Such a great example of how sometimes life just happens and we have to take care of business.