Going Kiwi

Simple Questions

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 18:39:00 +0000

I asked these questions awhile ago and I thought I would revisit them

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- I love you Kira

2. What makes mom happy?
Enzo-to listen to you
Kira-when I talk to you

3. What makes mom sad?
Enzo--when i not doing what you ordered
Kira-when i go to school

4. How does your mom make you laugh?
Enzo-by tickling me
Kira- by tickling me

5. What was your mom like as a child?
Enzo-you listened to your momma
Kira-you had cats and dogs

6. How old is your mom?
Enzo- eight or nine
Kira- 21

7. How tall is your mom?
Enzo-89, 60, 70
Kira- 20

8. What is her favorite thing to do?
Enzo-be with us
Kira-make something with me

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
Enzo-go to work
Kira-go to work or watch Enzo

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
Enzo- a movie star
Kira-a peacock

11. What is your mom really good at?
Enzo-cooking
Kira-making stuff

12. What is your mom not very good at?
Enzo-being a movie star
Kira-really hard things

13. What does your mom do for a job?
Enzo-managing
Kira-you be a manager

14.What is your mom's favorite food?
Enzo- green stuff
Kira- pancakes

15.What makes you proud of your mom?
Enzo- being nice to you
Kira- when we talk together

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Enzo-a mom
Kira-snoopy

17. What do you and your mom do together?
Enzo-talk with each other
Kira-we make crafts together

18. How are you and your mom the same?
Enzo-because we like each other
Kira- because we have the same color hair

19. How are you and your mom different?
Enzo-we are not in the same body
Kira- you are bigger and I am smaller

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
Enzo-because you dance with me
Kira- because we snuggle with each other

21. What does your mom like most about your dad?
Enzo-(he was done with the interview )
Kira-because I love him

22.What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
Enzo-nothing
Kira- cook

Bread Maker and Life

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 05:48:00 +0000

I borrowed a bread maker from a friend to see if I would possibly want to get one for my birthday.
I used my recipe for gf bread and it turned out amazing. Instead of following all of the details of the recipe, I simply put together all of the wet ingredients and sugar. Then I mix all the dry ingredients except yeast. In the baking pan I put the wet ingredients in first, cover it with the dry then, I make a shallow well and put the yeast in it and make sure it doesn't get wet. Press start and let it do what it does. So easy and quick. In fact, I am going to use the timer mode and make bread to be ready in the morning! I am pretty excited.
Plus a loaf of really tasty gf bread store bought is about $6 and this costs me about $2 a loaf.
So now that I told you what I am up today, I should probably fill you in on life in general.
It has been a long, tiring and stressful nine months since starting work full time. I feel like I have had a baby.
I am tired, out of shape and feel like I have had the life sucked out of me.
The restaurant, my baby, is doing well. I finally feel like it is doing what it should be doing. The staff is great and improving constantly. We are doing wine education and everyone is really putting the effort forward to learn. Sales are up and the regulars are coming in more frequently too.
The other great news is I finally have two days off in a row! I have been working six to seven days a week for the the last 39 weeks. I now have Sunday and Monday off. I almost don't know what to do.....almost.
I am enjoying Sunday with my family and doing a few errands. Mondays after I drop Kira off at school, Enzo and I are going to have a breakfast date. He is excited and so am I.
I am planning on getting rest and enjoying my time with my family and making an effort to do more things for them and with them.
Speaking of rest, goodnight!

Kira's Kindergarten Graduation

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Last day of kindergarten

I think she is excited

They did not have the music so we all hummed the graduation song

Cap and gown

Her class

So proud

So big!

the family

Her teacher

Ice Cream Social

Enzo shared with dad

Special Lunch at my work

Camping at Plaskett Creek

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:22:00 +0000

We did it! We got away! Only for the night but still we got away.

We went to Plaskett Creek, my favorite campsites, up Highway 1.

Kira immediately met another little girl from Fresno and they were two peas in a pod the whole time.

It was nice because she included Enzo too in they games

It was nice to not have cell phone reception and not have anyone call me!!

Sunday we drove up and set up camp.

I took countless pictures, just because

We walked around the camp and went to a trail by the bluff.

Love those kids!

We had hot dogs and gluten free buns. Gluten free graham crackers and s'mores.

Even though it was only one night, it was still fun and relaxing

April Showers Brought May Flowers

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Wed, 04 May 2011 04:27:00 +0000

Well, hello there!

How are you all? I am doing well and happy to be writing to you tonight.
I have missed writing and doing so many things these last few months.
Work got a bit nutty but I feel like we have a got most of the kinks out and are getting back to being a well oiled machine. I was putting more hours in than I would have liked to and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel as though I am able to step back a bit and let the restaurant do what it is capable of doing.
I am still working Monday through Friday lunches and then a couple nights. My hours have decreased a little and I am relieved. I think my husband is too!

I can not believe that it is May already! So many wonderful things going on this month! This week I get to see my dear sweet friend who lives in Kenya now. Next week I get to be part of one of my best friend's weddings out in Florida! A girl's weekend and I am not quite sure what to do with myself. School is almost out.

Last week for spring break my sweet momma came up and watched the kids while they were on spring break. She did all of my laundry, shopping, cooking and cleaning for a week! I am so spoiled and I loved every minute of it. I realized it had been four months since I saw her last. Crazy!

Anywho, it is nice to catch my breath and connect with you all and say hello.
I hope I can connect more often as I feel my schedule freeing up a bit.
Hope you are well and loving the weather, it is gorgeous here, but my allergies are gnarly, oh well.
Talk with you soon!

28 Days of Nothing-Not so Much

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Ughh! This month has been a little bit of a nightmare. I think my expectations of nothing was not really realistic with my work schedule and Valentine's weekend.
I have failed, not miserably but I have failed. Last time I wrote was the about the 5th and 6th. The next week was okay and I did really well. I think I bought a coffee and that was it, $3.85.
However that weekend was not so good. Eric and the kids went down to my mom's house, while I worked the whole Valentine's weekend. It worked out great because I was working crazy long hours and I knew I was not going to see them anyway. But I did spend way more than I had intended. Saturday I went to my friend's consignment shop just to peek around for the first time. I found two vintage dresses. Gorgeous and in perfect condition, these dresses are classic dresses. I need a black dress for a wedding I am in in May and for $40 I could not pass it us. If I bought this dress new it would have been $200 easily.

As for eating out....I did! I was running literally from Friday afternoon until Monday night straight. I am going to say I spent no more than $50 on food and coffee.

So, I have not wanted to write to admit failure but realized I needed to. It is the 19th today and the month is almost over. Nine more days in February. I think I bit off more than I could chew and I will be the first to admit it. I am not going to beat myself up over it though. I did make more dinners at home than normal and I was more conscience of my choices and I think that is good.

Working 40 plus hours a week and trying to cut corners in spending does not really happen. I am glad I tried and failed in a sense. I sometimes set unrealistic goals and then beat myself up over not reaching them. I realize that now and I am happy to say I can not do it all. I try to believe I can but not so much! This season of my life it totally different than any other I have had.

Hopefully you are able to learn from my mistakes and make good goals.
Obtainable goals!

Day 5 & Day 6 of 28 of Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th

Saturday was a great day! I had an eye appointment at 11:30. I have not seen a eye doctor for about ten years. I have noticed my eyes being more tired at the end of the day. I think my iPhone is making my eye sight worse. It causes me to strain sometimes and my eyes did not bother me until I got it. Oh well.
So I went and got my eyes dilated for the first time too. Well that was interesting to say the least. I have always been able to focus and see anything but for my eyesight to go it was really frustrating. Wow! How do you people who need glasses 24/7 do it? I have a lot of respect for you all now knowing a small percent of what you go through. I discovered I do need a slight prescription and waited for the dilation to end.

After about twenty minutes I drove to my surprise. I went over to a day spa for a nice Valentine's day surprise! I got a massage and spent the afternoon at a spa doing nothing! What a great gift! It was the best massage I have ever had!
I went to work and had a decent night. That was Saturday.

Sunday was perfectly mellow. Kira unfortunately had a slight fever, so we stayed home from church. I cleaned the house and we hung out. Our friend from San Clemente was up and he came over for a little bit and watched the game. On Sunday nights we normally go into the restaurant, have dinner and I check to make sure everything is going okay. So Enzo and I went to eat at my work for dinner for a date. Our date night was sweet and super special.

Saturday: $0 I am not counting the massage since it was a gift.
Sunday: I did leave a $20 tip for our dinner

Total:$20

It is funny to me that because I am consciously trying not to spend, it is all I think about and want to do.
How are you doing? Maybe you are still spending but not as much? I would love to hear.

Day 4

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:39:00 +0000

Friday was rough! It started out like a nice day. I had coffee with a girlfriend- $8.05. So much for the non-frufru drink. Work was busy at lunch and had a great shift. I went to pick up Enzo at school and then it began. He did not nap and was a nightmare. Poor bub, I know he was tired but he was beyond cranky. He was whining and crying over anything that did not go his way. We go and pick up Kira and it gets worse. When he is cranky, she is the worse thing to add to the mix. Kira antagonizes him like no other sister has before. SO for the one hour I was home with them I had to do damage control every five seconds. Needless to say I was done and actually anxious to get back to work.
Eric dropped me off and straight into work mode I went. We was slammed last night and had a very interesting mix of guests. Things did not run smooth. It was super to be busy and realize we need more people working, but it sucks when you can not get in a flow and make it smooth. Oh well!

So thankfully for me I get off work earlier on Fridays for now. Eric was still up in Atascadero and I was without a car. I decided to go and get a glass of wine and a little bit to eat. I know, I know I blew it! But it was so worth it! I had a perfect time and finished right when Eric came back into town. I needed a little treat and oh well, I am not perfect and I do not expect to do this anytime soon.

Coffee-$8.05
One happy mommy-$27.86
$35.91

Okay not a great start but not horrible.
Plus I realized we are not doing anything for Valentine's day because I am working all weekend (but mostly because I can not stand the holiday!).
Most people spend $40 on flowers!
Anyways here is Mr. Linky if you want to join in the fun with your posts.

Day 2 and Day 3

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:31:00 +0000

Wednesday was a great day. I was able to keep strong and not buy anything.
I worked a double and it was a busy day. Busy days keep my mind off wanting something.

Thursday was chocked full of everything. Another double today and I just got home. My feet are killing me tonight. I really want and need to buy support hose for my legs but it will have to wait. I really wanted to buy coffee today and a little snack while at Kinko's getting Valentine's day flyers done. Why do they have junk at the counter? For some odd reason I really wanted Mentos and a Snickers. Ugh! But I stood my ground.

Total spent: $0

Yeah! I did forget about a coffee date tomorrow morning with a friend so I just get a basic coffee and not a frilly frufru drink.

How are you all doing?

Day 1: 28 Days of Nothing

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Day 1:
It was a hard start today, but I stood strong.
I was running late but still did not buy coffee.
I did get pasta and rice bread at Trader Joes.
Yeah! Day one was a success and I am getting in the mindset of not spending.

28 Days of Nothing-Year 3

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:37:00 +0000

I have missed you all. December was crazy, not just with Christmas and traveling but work and getting into a routine. We are now at the end of January and it has flown by. I miss writing and miss interacting online. I have an iPhone through work now and I seem to do all of my online stuff on it but it is very difficult to type a post with my phone....ha ha.

So I am hear to say hello and tell you my hopes of next month. As you know I have done 28 days of nothing for the past two years and I want to do it this next month as well. I am sending out a challenge for anyone who wants to participate.

Guidelines:
1. Honesty: the most important thing about not spending money and writing about it is honesty. If you are not truthful with us then what is the point? It is a struggle not spending for me but knowing I have accountability here I am more likely to not buy anything. But if I slip and spend then you are the first to hear about it.

2. Your bills and basic food are not part of the 28 days. Obviously, you need to pay the gas bill, car payment or have food on the table. That is not part of the "nothing" challenge. However, your morning coffee drink and bagel at overpriced bucks is not a necessity. The new lip gloss or pair of shoes are the challenge. Saying NO to anything extra.

3. Post about it and be as detailed or general i.e.
Feb 2-day 2 I spent $1.65 on bottled water at the gas station.
It is up to you if you want to go into what you saw and wanted to buy. I think it helps to share with each other struggles it keeps it real and not holier than thou attitude.

4. Keep a running total of what you have been spending. It is the easiest if you have it in your post and then at the end of the month add them up. You will be so surprised at the extra money in your bank account at the end of the month.

You can link up using Mister Linky on Day 1.

Think about it and leave a comment if you want to participate.
Thanks for thinking about it.

Let Me Tell What I've Been Up To!

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:47:00 +0000

On December 1st everything changed! I got promoted to general manager of the restaurant that I have been a hostess at. What a blessing! We thought about it, prayed and knew it would be difficult at first. We knew we needed to make sure the kids were taken care of first and foremost. There is a Christian school that Kira got into and Enzo finally got accepted to a Montessori preschool. Th e last few weeks have been trying and stretching. We honestly felt that God had opened up all of the doors and we just needed to have faith and walk through!

Boy oh boy! He has really come through on every little detail. I am working more obviously, but as soon as we are more on a schedule, I think it will be smoother. Both of them start school on the 3rd of January and I feel like things will get more manageable. Since I will not be home as much posts will be few and far between while we are transitioning.

Everyone is excited about school. Kira has already started and loves her class, there are six other students. Enzo wanted to stay the day we checked out his school and his teacher is willing to met with his therapist too to see how much she can help in class with his left side.

I feel blessed and overwhelmed at everything so suddenly. However, I am so thankful for a God who is bigger than all of it! I am constantly clinging to Him for direction and patience.

Many blessings and love during this Christmas season to you and your family.
I hope to write our yearly update soon!

Butternut Squash Soup

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:27:00 +0000

I have wanted to try making this soup for a while now.

The restaurant I used to work at had a butternut squash bisque and I loved it.

(Of course it had tons of cream and a bacon wrapped sea scallop, oh well.)

I knew I could make a soup comparable to the restaurants and way more healthy too.

Success!

I was so excited, it tastes just like the bisque that I remember minus all the bad stuff.

Butternut Squash Soup
2 Tb Earth best butter
2 large butternut squash
2 medium onions
1 shallot
water
salt and pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 c cashews

Directions:
In a large stockpot melt butter and add onions and shallots. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
Add butternut squash and cook over low for about 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Add nutmeg and dash of salt and pepper. Let simmer for 20 minutes until squash soften. Remove from heat and blend in Vitamix or blender, reserve about one cup of broth. The second batch add cashews and blend until smooth. Pour all mixtures in the stockpot and season with s & p to taste. If too thick add reserved water.

Serve with dinner rolls or corn tortillas. Perfect on a chilly day or night.
I made this for lunch and Eric walked in and said it smelled like Thanksgiving! I agree!

Enjoy

I Won!

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:57:00 +0000

Tsh from Simple Mom just wrote a book and I won a copy!! I can not tell you how much she inspires me. I love all of the Simple blogs in her network. She is the first blog that I ever subscribed to via email/google reader. In fact, she inspired me to start Going Kiwi. I am so thankful for her words of encouragement and the simplicity of her posts. They really are simple, but meaningful posts. I think I have gleaned more from her blog and network than any other blog as a momma.

I really hope you will check out her book and support this amazing woman with a head full of knowledge!

This made my day!
Thanks again Tsh

Halloween 2010

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:57:00 +0000

Mermaid, Cat Burglar and the Vampire

Jesse and Woody

Yes, this was last years costume and I never got pictures,

thankfully they barely fit

Mermaid and vampire

I was so excited how her skirt came out,

I did not have a pattern.

His cape was so easy and the perfect length

My little mermaid

They are already planning on what they want to be next year. I think we should do Princess Leia and Darth Vader. Who knows.

Ruth

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 05:17:00 +0000

I started teaching a bible study at my house. We are going through the book of Ruth. Oh how, I love her story. Redemption, love and grace! I am going to share this week on here. So this is just a little teaser of what is to come.

I love that it is finally raining and cold by the way :)

Pumpkin Raisin Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 22:24:00 +0000

I subscribe to way to many other blogs in my Google reader and my email. Every once in a while a real gem comes through and today I hit the jackpot! Kitchen Stewardship always has great posts about healthy food and healthy living and today was no different. She wrote about pumpkin cookies. Now I am not a huge pumpkin fan. I think since my brother's favorite dessert was pumpkin pie and for his birthday (Christmas Eve) we would always have pumpkin pie instead of cake, I guess I just got burnt out on all the extra pumpkin pie and such. Don't get me wrong I love the pumpkin ravioli's from my last job but because they were savory not sweet. Something about the texture or maybe too much spice or something I just turned me off. But I know the kids like pumpkin and so after it finally getting a little cold here on the Central Coast, around 75 degrees, I thought I would actually turn on my big oven for the first time since February.
I made banana bread muffins and these little beauties

Yummy yum is all I can say but my mouth is full with one so I probably should not say anything. :)
Anyways here is how I made them

Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies
2 cups Earth Balance Butter
1 1/2 c turbinado sugar
16 oz. can pumpkin
2 Tb Cornstarch and 4 Tb warm water mixture (2 eggs substitute)
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups Gluten free flour mix
1 1/2 tsp Xanthan gum
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp salt
2 cups raisins

Directions:
Cream butter and sugar. Add pumpkin, cornstarch mixture and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients except raisins. Add to pumpkin mixture; mix well and fold in raisins.

On a greased baking sheet drop teaspoonfuls about two inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes.

*I initially baked them for 12-15 minutes but mine were not done all the way. So I adjusted to 15-20 minutes. I like them a little crispy on the bottom. Fool around with the time and find texture you like.
Enjoy!

Thank you Kitchen Stewardship again for such a great recipe!

Amazing Vegan Mac n Cheese

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:44:00 +0000

I love mac n cheese and who doesn't!?! When we first went off cow dairy products I made my mac n cheese with goat cheese but since we are off animal products I have stopped making it for some time. We went to Trader Joe's they had their pumpkin puree out in front and it reminded me of yummy mac n cheese. I bought some and made it last night. I used nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese and it was so good! The family gobbled it up with fresh green beans.
Here is the recipe:

Vegan Mac n Cheese

Ingredients:
Bag of Trader Joe's Penne Rice Noodles cooked according to package
3/4 can of pumpkin puree
3 Tb nutritional yeast
~1/2 c rice milk
1 Tb earth balance butter
Mary-Ann's seasoning salt or pinch of nutmeg and salt & pepper

Cook noodles according to package (for rice noodles I usually cook them 9-10 minutes but not more since they will fall apart). Drain, lightly rinse and return to pan. Add the pumpkin immediately. Then add nutritional yeast, rice milk and butter. Mix until blended well and add salt to taste. You might need to keep warm over low heat in order to mix well if noodles cooled down too much.

Serve immediately with a yummy green vegetable like broccoli or green beans.
Enjoy

Feeling Hot! Hot! Hot!

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 01:35:00 +0000

The clock in my bedroom

Well, I do not need to tell some of you how hot it is here but ugh!

It was 108 at the pool here on the Central Coast and boy did the pool deliver!

I am sticking to the couch as I type and my wrists are sweating as they rest on the laptop.

We do not have air conditioning and 99% of the time I could care less about a/c but the last two days it would have been nice for sure but then the electric bill would come and I would faint with sticker shock.

We had physical therapy today and Enzo's PT was a smart cookie and had the water table for him to play with. We caught the bus and headed to the pool (thank you Shelley!!!).

We got home and even though the house was closed up and dark it was still 92 degrees in my room. Right now it is 94 degrees but it is almost cooling off at 6:30 pm.

Besides the pool, ice cold drinks and doing much of nothing, how else to you cool down

Can we have ice cream for dinner?

#5 on the List Done!

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Nightgown for Sadie

Goodness, I finally got this puppy done on the List!

I started before and messed up so bad for some silly reason and

this fabric is not forgiving when you re-sew over a couple times. I got frustrated and walked away.

I found super cute hot cocoa fabric on sale a couple weeks ago.

So yesterday instead of cleaning the house, I decided to sew it.

Success!
Sewing all seams and going over with the serger was so nice.

The ruffle turned out better than expected and I just used the serger on it, so easy!

I admit my arms and neckline could be better, there are a few puckers.

But on the whole I think it will look so cute on the little Miss.

Kira modeled it for me and said "Is this for me?"

I replied "No, but I have enough fabric for one for you too."

"Yeah!" she exclaimed.

School and Morning Snack-Banana Bread Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 16:30:00 +0000

Well I guess I have been busy since it has been since August for a post....opps! I have been very busy but loving every minute of it. Kira has started school at home and loves it. We started Zoo Phonics in the summer when my sister brought it over from NZ. The kids love it and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a phonics program. It is fun and interactive for the kids, while teaching them (and me) phonics. I did not learn phonics as a kid, so it is interesting for me to learn the process. We started to read a couple little easy reading books, cat on the mat etc. Then she wanted to read more. So we read the first two pages of "The Fire Cat". She did great and loved every minute of it. She is getting some sight words and wants to learn more. I love seeing her excitement and do not want to drown it out with constant lessons and pounding it into her brain. But rather take our time and let her lead the way with the speed of learning. As long as she wants to keep reading in a session, we will.
I guess I am doing a mixture of traditional schooling but with a small part of unschooling in it too. The whole unschooling idea intrigues me. I love the idea of them studying what their interests are and as a parent you can lead the learning by certain books. I read this one blog on how the mom would put out a book on insects on the kitchen table in the morning and then the kids would go through it and it would produce the appetite for more. The kids would go outside with jars, shovels and magnifying glasses then have a day full of learning all untraditional. Anyways, I want to incorporate that type of freedom in teaching Kira and Enzo and encourage their interests to come out!

I have been baking more now that is is a little cooler...not that it ever really got hot this summer. There were a few days here and there but nothing crazy. I just realized that I do love to bake and I know why now. When I have something baking and the kids smell it and I overhear them talk to one another about it in wonder, it is so cute. In example, I was baking banana bread for our neighbor and Enzo and Kira are coloring in the living room. Enzo turns to Kira and says "Kira, do you smell that?" She replies "Yes, what do you think it is?" He replies "Something yummy!" Then they came to me and asked when it was ready and when could they eat it! It was so great that their senses were heightened and it peaked their interest! So cute! So I guess I am a baker after all.

This recipe is great, easy and quick. For some reason I thought banana bread was more labor intense than this. It is also vegan which is great, but full of flavor! I have tweaked the recipe a bit, it originally had one cup of sugar and it only needs 1/4 cup because the bananas are so ripe and sweet. I want to mess around more with it but for now this recipe is great!

Gluten Free Banana Bread Muffins
3 ripe bananas
1/4 c oil
1/4 c cane sugar
2 c GF flour
1 tsp xanthan gum
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 c chopped walnuts

Mash bananas and mix well with oil and sugar.
In a separate bowl sift flour, xanthan gum, salt, and baking soda.
Mix banana mixture and flour mixture.
Fold in walnuts
Using 1/4 c fill muffin tins about 3/4 full.
Yields 12 muffins

Bake at 360 degrees for about 20 minutes.
I bake them in my toaster oven for about 16-18 minutes.
My oven heats up the whole house and I not ready for that kind of heat :)

Kira does not like walnuts but Enzo does. So I split the mixture and only use 1/2 c walnuts in Enzo's and top the muffins with walnuts so I know which one is which. It just takes a second to do and then I do not have her picking apart the muffins :)

Enjoy!

Veggie Enchiladas

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:57:00 +0000

I made sweet potato and black bean enchiladas last week and thought I would try another recipe.

I used zucchini, carrots, red potatoes, black beans and onions.

Obviously, if you use sour cream these are not Casein free or vegan but you can use a sour cream substitute.

Veggie Enchiladas

Corn tortillas

2 carrots-sliced as big as potatoes

1 large zucchini sliced

1/2 med onion- cubed

5-6 red potatoes- large cubes

1 tsp Cumin

salt and pepper

1 cup cooked black beans

enchiladas sauce and/or

sour cream sauce- 1 part water 2 parts sour cream mixed

Directions

Bring potatoes and carrots to boil until fork tender about 5-10minutes depending on size of chunks. Meanwhile saute onions and zucchini with salt and pepper until tender. In a blender puree potatoes, carrots, zucchini, onion and black beans. Season with cumin. Warm corn tortillas on a skillet. There are two ways of doing enchiladas.

First is the prep before if you are not eating right away: in a baking pan pour enchiladas sauce or sour cream sauce and place warm corn tortillas in sauce covering on both sides one at a time. Once tortilla is saturated, spoon on about 2 Tb of potato mixture. Roll up and arrange neatly in pan. Cover with remaining sauce and cover with foil and bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Second prep is for immediate enjoyment. Your potato mixture is hot and tortillas are warm so you will need to warm up your enchiladas sauce or sour cream sauce. On a large plate assemble the tortillas with the filling. Pour the sauce on top and serve.

You can add black olives, green onions, cheese or even jalpenos to top of the enchiladas.

The kids ate these up and Eric even said these tasted like a meat filling. I think the cumin is the trick. You could use any taco seasoning too.

Enjoy!

You get veggies in there and the kids have no idea, I love it!

**If you want an easier recipe use two large sweet potatoes cubed instead of the red potatoes and carrots**

Bonjour Butterflies

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:52:00 +0000

Okay I am really going to get all of our vacation pictures up I promise.

I have a check up appointment on Friday with my OB/GYN and

we are going to talk about getting a second opinion.

But for now enjoy these pictures!

Here are the butterflies we saw at the Science center

Enzo is standing next to a little butterfly on the right

Close-up of his butterfly

They look like eyes

One just like this was on Kira's head but flew away before I could get a picture

Where Do I Begin?

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 22:55:00 +0000

Well, where do I begin? First off, I thought I was pregnant, which would have been amazing but not so much in our plans. I was a little excited and nervous thinking we just sold all of our baby stuff so it figures I would get pregnant. I decided I better go get tested and I might as well get my yearly out of the way since it has been two years, opps. I made my appointment and went in for my yearly OB/GYN last Friday. I went in and the pregnancy test came back negative, whoa, as I am wiping the sweat off my brow. Next we move onto the ever so delightful breast exam. "Hmm, do you feel that?" I thought to myself, huh?! As I feel around, I say "Uh, isn't that my rib?" She replies politely, " No, see it is not connected, it is not a rib". Sheepishly, I start to wonder I guess I am not that great at going my ~~quarterly~~ monthly self exam, what the heck?! She tells me I need to get a mammogram, oh great, cause that sounds like so much fun. We finish up all the fun and she gives me numbers for different diagnostic centers.

Wow! I am floored right now. I thought I was pregnant but really it looks like there is something wrong with the ladies. I call Eric and I am trying to keep it together. I walk down to the park with the kids because I promised we would go after the appointment. Dazed and confused I made my way down there. I made a few phone calls and got an appointment for a mammogram on Wednesday. Now let me remind you it was Friday. That means I had Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday to endure and then Wednesday for my appointment. Really?

Good thing I had to work Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday night otherwise I probably would have thought about it way too much. It is good to be busy and have to think about others rather than yourself when you are going through something unknown.

To be totally honest I was not too worried if it was cancer. If it is cancer I know I could handle it but the not knowing and waiting was killing me! I had to really concentrate on the Lord and His peace. Obviously, I needed to be in His arms. I know I need to be there all the time but how often do we wander off think that we are okay. He gently reminds us that we need Him.

By Saturday I was feeling emotionally better. I felt the prayers that were covering me and it was nice. Sunday morning came and our pastor was talking about trials....hahaha. Nice coincidence! He talked about Abraham and Isaac. How God had promised Abraham:
I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. Gen 12:2
But then He commanded:
Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you." Gen 22:2

It was crazy how Bryan was talking about the promises and commands of God and how we should have faith to follow His commands even though they might not seem to directly coincide with His promises. The whole sermon was great and I could relate.

I just tried to stay busy and when I found myself thinking about it and worrying I had to remember to cling to Him. I definitely had all of the "what if" thoughts but I found peace no matter what. Finally, Wednesday morning arrived and my appointment finally was here.

I got to the diagnostic center and tried to keep it together. I was not allowed to wear lotion, perfume or deodorant. Now, I do not wear lotion or perfume so that is no problem but deodorant?!? If you all do not know I sweat, a lot, no really a lot. I do not smell but I sweat. Since this happens to be on When they called me back the nurse told me on the way to the mammogram that I would need an ultrasound too. Yeah, not only are they going to squish my right breast but I get to have the ultra sound wand wandering all over it too. It just keeps on getting better. I will say the staff was outstanding and very sensitive to me.
By the time this the appointment came to and end I was left in the ultra sound room in my beautiful new gown waiting for the doctor's assesment. I was a little overwhelmed but at peace at the same time if that makes sense. I eyes welled up a couple different times. I kept thinking of scriptures and would not let my mind wander to the bad or the what if's. Obviously, our minds gravitate to those but dwelling on them is not what I wanted to do. Instead "And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil 4:7 came to mind and it did.

The nurse came in and told me everything looked normal. The lump was just tissue. It was not a cyst, mass, cancerous etc. just tissue. Now that we know it is there just keep an eye on it. I was relieved. To quote Tom Petty "The waiting is the hardest part". My nurse at the doctor's office called later that afternoon to check up. She was saying that the mammogram does not always detect everything and wants me to see a specialist. Hmm, not ready for that bill, but I will see you for a free check up in a week. So as for now I feeling good with the doctor's decision and we will see next Friday about anything further.

Thank you to all of you who prayed and for words of encouragement.
Love you all!

Seattle Day 2

noreply@blogger.com (going kiwi) — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:14:00 +0000

Enzo discovered all of the Legos at my aunt's house

Seattle Center

Okay, Stike a Pose!

Space Needle

Gorgeous Day in Seattle

We head over to The Pacific Science Center

Circus Circus

Enzo the Lion Tamer and a clown

Enzo the lion and now I am the lion tamer

A garden maze

Control panel for the Dinosaur

The electronic dinosaur

Dinosaur footprint

I remember coming here and sitting this capsule as a kid

Inside the cockpit

There was a whole insect exhibit, Enzo is riding the caterpillar like a horse, Giddy Up!

Butterfly Exhibit

I have about fifteen butterfly pictures and will post in a different post

Kira finds the one computer in the whole science center, of course!

A huge tree ring

Enzo, Cousin Cadence, and Kira

The power of water, the guns shot at pinwheels.

It is crazy to me how inconsiderate people are,

the guy in the red shirt was on that gun with his son for about ten minutes.

There was a line of kids and he was oblivious to the fact.

Common Courtesy is not so Common any more!

Huge granite ball

A water wheel, it took three of them to get it going

Well deserved snack with Cousin Shayli

A fabulous Salmon dinner with the whole family

Sheri(my new SIL), Terah(my sister's daughter), Papa Andy(my step dad),

Bethany(my cousin), Jenny(my SIL), Jacob(my brother)

Jenny, Jacob, Mimi(my mom in the red), Jebraun(my sister standing), Aunt B(in the black), Josh(my cousin's husband), Eric(my husband), Kelli(my SIL) Christian(my borther, back of his head, sorry)

The girl's table!

Cousin Jessica, Cousin Maile and Kira

Jessica is Jacob's daughter

Maile is Christian's daughter