tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7613859447522015622013-03-24T11:30:13.992-05:00It's My LifePamelanoreply@blogger.comBlogger409125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-12090065498417131452013-03-24T10:43:00.000-05:002013-03-24T10:43:00.994-05:00Disney World: Our LodgingWe have been home from Spring Break for a week now. We took several days just to sit and relax and sleep! I have been wanting to blog about our amazing trip to the happiest place on earth but I have just felt so overwhelmed by the experience. How could I possibly fit it all into one blog post?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRxZR4OwD0Y/UU5ihzJ4WqI/AAAAAAAAERI/XRmWWE2KvnY/s1600/fountains1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRxZR4OwD0Y/UU5ihzJ4WqI/AAAAAAAAERI/XRmWWE2KvnY/s400/fountains1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Well, I am not even going to try. This week I am going to bring you reviews and post of our trip.<br /><br />This post is about our choice to not stay on Disney property. Staying on property has so many advantages: free transportation, extended park hours, a variety of budget options, and a complete Disney experience.<br /><br />But there are some disadvantages as well. The rooms that would fit into my budget would put all four of us sharing a hotel sized room. We would be limited to Disney property.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hy7ihKSk2k/UU5iV4JSVfI/AAAAAAAAERE/QuDcsD2ozo4/s1600/fountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Hy7ihKSk2k/UU5iV4JSVfI/AAAAAAAAERE/QuDcsD2ozo4/s400/fountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We opted to stay at The Fountains, a Bluegreen Property about 10 miles from the park. To stay off property meant that we had to rent a vehicle to get around and we had to pay parking each day we visited the park but we saved a ton of money on food, which absolutely offset the cost.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvhhF5RqYjw/UU5kQ6KBgxI/AAAAAAAAER4/y0Uq2q2FxP8/s1600/fountains7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvhhF5RqYjw/UU5kQ6KBgxI/AAAAAAAAER4/y0Uq2q2FxP8/s400/fountains7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We stayed in a two bedroom condo that was approximately 1,350 square feet, two bedrooms, two batrhrooms. No, it did not have a view of Disney but it did have a beautiful view of a small lake. We also had a full kitchen and our own washer and dryer. On our way to the condo we stopped off at a Publix {local grocery store} and bought a weeks worth of groceries. Every day we ate breakfast and lunch with the food we purchased. We even ate dinner in our room half the time. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6I9E5-F2Tsw/UU5iiPg1yzI/AAAAAAAAERU/DTSEzCm5NPY/s1600/fountains2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6I9E5-F2Tsw/UU5iiPg1yzI/AAAAAAAAERU/DTSEzCm5NPY/s400/fountains2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />There were so many pools at this resort. The kids loved it! To be honest I kinda wish we had more "relax at the condo" days so that we could have enjoyed the pools. I loved waking up early and enjoying coffee on our screened in patio. {My condo neighbors did too, and I learned quickly I needed to dress before I went out on the patio!}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJTeYWRWYIg/UU5ij4whUMI/AAAAAAAAERk/vXIx88t99vQ/s1600/fountains3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJTeYWRWYIg/UU5ij4whUMI/AAAAAAAAERk/vXIx88t99vQ/s400/fountains3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />The Fountains also sold Disney tickets. They were slightly cheaper than purchasing them at the park but what we benefited from was not having to stand in line to purchase tickets. We were able just to walk straight to the security and check-in lines.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmi5r4g315w/UU5ijrql4BI/AAAAAAAAERg/TjNmPHJ4yVk/s1600/fountains4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kmi5r4g315w/UU5ijrql4BI/AAAAAAAAERg/TjNmPHJ4yVk/s400/fountains4.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br />The Fountains also had a full service bar. How could we not enjoy something cold, creamy and tropical on our first night there. They even had a wide selection of non-alcoholic drinks for the kids.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQaSyGs4KM/UU5kMe2OMJI/AAAAAAAAER0/QQH09nTIg0w/s1600/fountains5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xfQaSyGs4KM/UU5kMe2OMJI/AAAAAAAAER0/QQH09nTIg0w/s400/fountains5.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br />They even had two restaurants on-sight that delivered. How fun are these Domino's Pizza delivery bikes. We never utilized this service, we wanted to one night but we got home right after they closed. The Boy was so disappointed!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJI6mlly7p8/UU5ik1v4ZJI/AAAAAAAAERs/VSl1OsHLRoY/s1600/fountains6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vJI6mlly7p8/UU5ik1v4ZJI/AAAAAAAAERs/VSl1OsHLRoY/s400/fountains6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Overall, if you have access to a time-share they should be a viable option in your Disney World trip planning. I am positive if I compared The Fountains and its amenities to a Disney property, I would compare it to the big ones: The Grand Floridan, The Polynesian, or The Contemporary. And those properties easily rent for $500 a night.<br /><br />Stay tuned. Tomorrow's post is going to be about our first full day in Orlando and our visit to Universal Studio's.Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-72823342099802947312013-03-23T22:36:00.000-05:002013-03-23T22:36:55.311-05:00Surprise! We Are Going to Disney World!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Lw8gFh8O_Yk/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Lw8gFh8O_Yk?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Lw8gFh8O_Yk?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div><br />For The Short Chic's birthday we gave her a HUGE surprise! We were giving her a dream trip to Disney World. It was time to meet all The Princesses!<br /><br />She knew we were planning to go "some day." In fact, she has been saving pennies, and nickles and dimes in hopes of "getting enough money" to go.<br /><br />This video is a little loud. We presented her with her surprise at her 5th Birthday party, where she had 15 friends over. Plus parents. Grandparents. Aunts/Uncles ect. There was a lot of people there.<br /><br />Finding the perfect way to tell her was a little challenging. She still does not read, so we had to find another way. I thought about puzzle pieces and putting them inside balloons that she would have to pop and put together. But my puzzle pieces were too big.<br /><br />In the end, we went to Build-A-Bear and purchased a voice box. My Husband, The Boy and I all recorded her a message. It said, "You've waited so long and now the time has come to go have some fun, so pack your bags, we are going to DISNEY WORLD"<br /><br />As you watch the video I want to point out a few things. She played the voice box twice. After the second time you can hear her Papa ask her what did it say. You can't hear her response but she shrugs her shoulders and says "I have no idea!"<br /><br />So then the three of us did a reenactment. And her response was, "Oh."<br /><br />It was not until I read her a letter that described more detail, "We are leaving in 6 sleeps" does she get excited.Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-57655960488673911662013-03-23T13:36:00.003-05:002013-03-24T11:30:14.024-05:00Dr. Seuss Inspired Birthday Pennant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pO_vkdfcaE/UU30C99yr9I/AAAAAAAAEQg/1JlVC2JLt18/s1600/seussbanner6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--pO_vkdfcaE/UU30C99yr9I/AAAAAAAAEQg/1JlVC2JLt18/s400/seussbanner6.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><br /><br />My best friends sweet baby has turned ONE! You may remember me blogging about her. We welcomed her to this world with a cute <a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2012/02/ready-for-baby-welcome-to-world-gift.html">Welcome To The World Gift</a> and again with a beautiful <a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2012/04/sip-and-see.html">Sip and See Shower</a>.<br /><br />Now it is time to welcome her to the toddler years. Her party is inspired by Dr. Seuss and all of his bright colors and whimsical patterns. I volunteered to make a birthday banner for her high chair. Since it is threatening another snow storm this weekend, I needed a project!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXjw5bpxxfU/UU3u3ZTa1dI/AAAAAAAAEQM/nmAT3EygADQ/s1600/seussbanner2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AXjw5bpxxfU/UU3u3ZTa1dI/AAAAAAAAEQM/nmAT3EygADQ/s400/seussbanner2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>(1.) Supplies. I used red and turquoise card stock, ribbon and some embossing folders.<br /><br />I used my Cricut and the Pretty Pennants Art Cartridge. I cut out 6 inch triangles and banner tops.<br /><br />(2.) and (3.) Then I took the triangles and banner tops and dry embossed them using the Cuttlebug embossing sleeves and the Sizzix Texture Boutique. I love how this machine transforms ordinary card stock into beautiful embossed card stock in no time at all!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiJDhI4-nq4/UU32I2r1RmI/AAAAAAAAEQw/1Gwu-nqOEmA/s1600/seussbanner7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiJDhI4-nq4/UU32I2r1RmI/AAAAAAAAEQw/1Gwu-nqOEmA/s400/seussbanner7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMIhSSYf5gc/UU3u3fWq2SI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/T0Zpkz8g6Po/s1600/seussbanner3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dMIhSSYf5gc/UU3u3fWq2SI/AAAAAAAAEQQ/T0Zpkz8g6Po/s400/seussbanner3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>(4.) Next, add some adhesive to the banner tops and (5.) adhere them to the triangles.<br /><br />(6.) I took my exacto knife and cut small slits through both layers of the card stock. One cut on each side of the pennant.<br /><br />(7.) Weave ribbon in and out of the two slits and continue weaving until you have all the triangles on ribbon. I leave a little space between the triangles so that I can add additional ribbon.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfvTX8JwjZk/UU3zRGQ44gI/AAAAAAAAEQY/UxXxvinWCQU/s1600/seussbanner5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfvTX8JwjZk/UU3zRGQ44gI/AAAAAAAAEQY/UxXxvinWCQU/s400/seussbanner5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have linked up to these great blogs:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/03/strut-your-stuff-saturday-link-party_22.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20sixsistersstuff/TUsn%20(Six%20Sisters'%20Stuff)">Six Sisters Stuff: Strut Your Stuff Saturday</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/03/world-label-giveaway.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20blogspot/OivM%20(Tatertots%20and%20Jello)">Tatortots and Jello: Weekend Wrap Up Party </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-75191705329364954942013-03-20T07:08:00.001-05:002013-03-20T07:22:01.513-05:00Wordless Wedneday 3/20: The Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YInnQNAZhw/UUmkOrsyzQI/AAAAAAAAEP4/j0YcsS2S9Wg/s1600/beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YInnQNAZhw/UUmkOrsyzQI/AAAAAAAAEP4/j0YcsS2S9Wg/s640/beach.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>We went on vacation last week. Introduced our Short Chic to the Beach.<br /><br />She loved it!<br /><br />I have linked up! Check out these other WW blogs:<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://wordlesswednesday.blogspot.com/">Wordless Wednesday</a><br /><a href="http://www.sakuraharuka.com/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-linky-party-joys-of_20.html">Sakura Haruka</a><br /><a href="http://talesfromamother.blogspot.com/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-linky-happy-st.html">Tales From A Mother</a><br /><a href="http://energizerbunniesmommyreports.com/2013/03/waiting-2.html">Energizer Bunnies Mommy Reports</a><br /><a href="http://www.feelingbeachie.com/thats-all-you-got-wordless-wednesday/">Feeliing Beachie</a><br /><a href="http://realworldmom.com/2013/03/19/wordless-wednesday-my-new-business/">Real World Mom</a><br /><a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-march-20-2013-wlinky.html">Tots And Me</a><br /><a href="http://www.blogshe.net/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-benjamin-at-hospital.html">Blog She</a><br /><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=254371&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Pamelanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-61354630594625362582013-03-15T01:00:00.000-05:002013-03-15T01:00:05.962-05:00Adoption Series: Final ThoughtThis week I have brought you a small, surprisingly successful, series on adoption. Having worked in public child welfare for the past twenty-two years, I have been surrounded by adoption. As Sharon called it: the triad (birth parents, children, and adoptive parents)<br /><br />While my experience is in the arena of public child welfare, there are other ways to adopt. Private adoption agencies can help people who want to adopt domestically (within our country) or even internationally. Lori's adoption was arranged back in the day when there were not very many private agencies. Her birth mother and adoptive mother shared the same doctor who served as a broker between the two. <br /><br />Since I have more knowledge of adoptions through public agencies than private, I shall focus on those. The main difference between the two seems to be the child. Private agencies are often where a birth mom turns to when she has made a decision to not parent. Private agencies tend to work with newborn children. I am sure you can imagine, the wait time can be long. Parents who adopt through a private agency tend to feel well informed about the birth mother's past, where in public adoptions that information may not be known.<br /><br /> Public agencies tend to have older children, minority children, or even sibling group of children. What they absolutely have are children who have suffered some type of abuse or neglect. They have special needs compared to the newborn baby. Those special needs can be broadly different per child.<br /><br />Because of their special needs, every state has an adoption subsidy program to help adoptive parents meet the children's needs. Adoption subsidy plans typically aide an adoptive parent in the legal fees associated with an adoption (conservative measures put that cost around $15,000 for a domestic and a lot more for an international), child care cost, medical coverage, and even counseling services until the child reaches the age of 18 years old. In summary, yes, children available through a public agency might have had a rocky start to life, some have even experienced some life events you don't even want to think about but kids are recilient and are capable of overcoming so much when placed in a loving and supporting family. <br /><br />An adoption story is a love story. The decision a birth parent makes to place their baby into someone else's hands is not an easy choice to make. It is probably one of the most selfless acts one can make. To decide "now is not a good time in my life", or "I am not at my best right now" just takes a lot of self-reflection and even courage. Sharon talked about carrying around the fear of judgement for years. She wondered how people would relate to her if they knew her decision to place a baby for adoption. I wish I were older and knew Sharon back then. How I wish I could have sat next to her in church and held her hand and stood next to her on Mother's Day. It is not a decision based on personal need or instant gratification but on love and hope for a brighter better future than can be provided at that time. It is not a character flaw. It is a character strength.<br /><br />An adoption story is a love story. It is a story about an individual or a couple who can open their heart and recognize that love can grow from any where. They know that while DNA might determine a person's gender or eye color, it does not determine the relationship between a parent and their child. Adoptive parents can look past the circumstances of a child's past and can see a child's life potential.<br /><br />If you are an a part of the adoption triad and live in a state that has closed adoption records and wish your search could be as simple as Lori's, please consider reaching out to your state's lawmakers and ask for adoption reform. <br /><br />If you have ever considered adopting a child, please use the Internet to help you learn more. <a href="http://www.adoptuskids.org/">Adopt US Kids</a> is a great place to start. If you missed any part of this four-part story, you can check them out here:<br /><br /><a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/03/adoption-series-part-1-guest-writer.html">The Hardest Decision</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/03/adoption-series-part-2-adoptees-story.html">An Adoptee's Story</a><br /><br /><a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/03/adoption-series-part-3-reunion-and.htmlhttp://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/03/adoption-series-part-3-reunion-and.html">Reunion and Healing</a><br /><br /> If you have questions, I will try my best to try and answer. If you are searching for your birth parents, I know Sharon can help put you in touch with support groups in your area. If you enjoyed this series, let us know. We welcome comments. <br /><br /><br />Again, thank you!<br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-29089824618022577852013-03-14T12:54:00.001-05:002013-03-15T09:34:00.649-05:00Adoption Series Part 3: Reunion and Healing<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Thank you all for returning for part 3 of a 4 part series. I am sorry this post is later than I would have liked. I am having some internet issues today. Today's post is once again from Sharon. She is going to share with us her re-connection story. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Tahoma;"><strong><u>Sharon's Story Continues:</u></strong></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">I will never forget the telephone call that came at 9:00 AM on 02/02/1995 when I was told my daughter, Lori wanted to meet me. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Without any worry about what my friends, family or anyone else would think, I knew immediately I wanted to meet my daughter. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Later that night when she called me, I learned she had one question. For years I had expected and prepared for “Why?” Instead, I heard, “Where did I get all of this hair?” I told her if she could see me or my nieces, she would understand. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><img src="webkit-fake-url://5306457E-B1FC-4D28-9C17-71BF3DD5AF4F/imagejpeg" /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Nine days later, we met in person where I learned she also has my smile. One of the many fun experiences that first year was in learning all of the many ways in which we were alike. I got to attend her wedding a year after we met and saw the most beautiful bride I had ever seen walk down the aisle.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> My first Mother’s Day after meeting Lori was a little different than the year before: When the pastor asked the mothers to stand and be recognized, I was probably the first to stand and I am sure I had the biggest smile of them all, as I stood with all of the other mothers. Yes, I had tears in my eyes.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span> <img src="webkit-fake-url://A78949AC-D2D8-462C-8C46-AB424B3DC7AF/imagejpeg" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Lori’s mom is a wonderful lady, and I have been privileged to get to know her. Lori and her Mom are close, just like a mother and daughter should be and just what I had always hoped and prayed for. Becoming a grandmother to Lori's children has been more exciting than I ever dreamed possible. Words cannot adequately describe those awesome emotions. Lori and her husband, celebrate Mother’s Day every year with a barbecue at their home for their three mothers. We are all truly blessed! Having attended Grandparents’ Days with Lori' children and now their band concerts, plays and other school activities, we eagerly are there to cheer them on. </span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwaInDxIM8/UThQQbDfDJI/AAAAAAAAEPE/0DGBufjRio0/s1600/35892_3848157053636_2066782677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" psa="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwaInDxIM8/UThQQbDfDJI/AAAAAAAAEPE/0DGBufjRio0/s320/35892_3848157053636_2066782677_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother's Day Celebration</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Part of the transformation period after meeting Lori was offering and accepting forgiveness. I had to forgive Lori’s birth father for all of the bitterness I felt toward him. That bitterness was not hurting him; he wasn’t around to see it. I was only hurting myself. I had problems in getting close to anyone or letting anyone get close to me. I stayed inside that protective shell like a turtle and secretly blamed him for my problems in relationships. A burden was lifted when I was able to forgive him, not face-to-fact but deep in my heart. I also had to forgive myself for all of the shame and for not allowing myself to share my tears and pain with family and friends. Forgiveness is not something we do for others; we do it for ourselves – to get well and move forward. I thank God for breaking through my shell of protection and bringing me so much happiness amidst all of the darkness.</span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">The last 18 years have been the best years of my life, including allowing one male to break through that shell of protection: After meeting My Husband in 1998, we got married seven years later in the presence of Lori and her family, as well as Roger’s two sons. In addition to Lori's children, I now have another grandchild:his nickname is R2, after my husband.</span><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Today I am active in adoption reform. As Cofounder of the Adoption Triad of the Ozarks, I meet with other members of the adoption triad at our monthly meetings. I also meet with members of other support groups across the state trying to open the adoption records in my home state of Missouri, so adult adoptee can obtain his or her original birth certificate, a freedom that adoptees in several others states have. With medical history becoming even more of an urgent need for everyone to have, we want every adult adoptee to have access to his or her OBC. Lori was thrilled to be able to go to her doctor after meeting me and provide her medical history instead of continuing to say, “I don’t know, I was adopted.”</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"> I am a former staff member of the Pregnancy Care Center in my hometown and also a speaker at many events such as church services, mother-daughter banquets, high school FACS classes, conferences and other events that are mentioned at my web site. I try to keep in mind every time that I speak if I can touch just one person and help to bring about a change from the pain of the past, that is what life is all about. My husband is supportive of all of these activities and in fact has filled in for me on one occasion when I got laryngitis on the day I was supposed to speak later that night. Lori and I have both spoken together on five occasions which is such an awesome time for me.</span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">A wise therapist told me that regrets are things that no matter what you do, you cannot go back and change them. All you can do is make the best of the decision you made, and go on from there. I have tried to follow that advice for many years because I learned that bitterness and guilt can ruin one’s health. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">While Lori and I have a special relationship, we do not have the same kind of a relationship that my sister, Evelyn, has with her daughter Kayleen. Evelyn was there for Kayleen every step of her life, just as Lori’s mom was there for her. My thoughts were there; I was just not there physically. (When I have been asked if I know anyone who has the perfect marriage/family, the name that first comes to my mind and has remained there through the years is my sister Evelyn.) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">Lori has that same mothering quality of sacrificing herself for her children, and I love her very much. She, too, had a great role model, her mom.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">When I see Lori and her husband with their children, I am reminded that Lori had a wonderful life with both a loving mother and a loving father.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;"><strong><u> How can I regret any of that?</u></strong> Every mother should want the best possible life she can provide for her child. When I see Lori smile, I can be assured that she had the best possible life a child can have.</span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px;">For more details about this story, please read I Choose This Day – Mournings and Miracles of Adoption by Sharon Fieker with contributions by Lori Smith. </span><a href="http://www.ichoosethisday.org/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.ichoosethisday.org</a>Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-194009048784740762013-03-13T01:00:00.000-05:002013-03-13T07:49:36.988-05:00WW: Dreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wordless Wednesday: Dreaming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am tired of the snow; and the cold; and winter in general. I am dreaming of a vacation!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPWRrd7yFHc/UThgpG0mKLI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EvyJPEqS5dw/s1600/travel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BPWRrd7yFHc/UThgpG0mKLI/AAAAAAAAEPg/EvyJPEqS5dw/s640/travel.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=246752&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script -->Pamelanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-74034867611612148642013-03-12T02:00:00.000-05:002013-03-15T09:34:41.434-05:00Adoption Series Part 2: An Adoptee's Story<br /><div class="MsoNormal">Today's post is another guest writer. The author is a dear friend of mine, Lori. Lori and I met back in college in the late 1980's as we both pursued degree's in Social Work. When I got this idea of bringing to light some adoption issues, I asked Lori if she would tell us her story. And she said yes!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Lori's Story:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I always knew I was adopted. I was cool with that. I never had any issues with it. However, as I got older, I became more curious about my background; particularly where my naturally curly hair came from. I realize this is a pretty silly concern, but having grown up in the 70’s and 80’s where straight feathered hair was the norm, I fought with and hated my hair with a passion. I really wanted to know where I got this mop! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfU7uVVBFJ8/UThSNVVteHI/AAAAAAAAEPM/5DX0oPzqctA/s1600/15024_1407677803180_1997613_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfU7uVVBFJ8/UThSNVVteHI/AAAAAAAAEPM/5DX0oPzqctA/s400/15024_1407677803180_1997613_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I had the best parents a kid could ask for and I didn’t want to hurt their feelings so it took me a while to get the nerve to bring it up the idea of searching for my birth mom. But with the help from my Mom, who gave me my adoption papers, the search was on! It turned out to be frighteningly easy for me, and I located my birth mom in 1995. Not wanting to infringe on her privacy in case she didn’t want anything to do with me, I asked a co-worker to call her on my behalf. She was very excited to meet me, and we talked on the phone prior to meeting in person and my first question was to ask about my hair. Turns out my hair comes from her father, my biological grandfather, and most of my cousins have hair similar to mine. Thankfully I’ve learned how to style my hair, and of course there is a whole market of products now specifically designed to make my hair cooperative, if not beautiful on occasion. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Meeting my birth mom Sharon was a great experience for me and my Mom both I believe. My Mom has been supportive from the beginning even though it was probably only for my benefit. She has always been strong and awesome in that way. I’d like to believe though that the wonderful relationship that we all share is enjoyed and appreciated by all of us equally. I love that all of us get together to celebrate Mother’s Day, and attend our children’s’ events. My in-laws, my Mom, and my birth mom Sharon and her husband all get along great and it makes for warm family gatherings.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwaInDxIM8/UThQQbDfDJI/AAAAAAAAEPA/_BZK_RVGNz0/s1600/35892_3848157053636_2066782677_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QYwaInDxIM8/UThQQbDfDJI/AAAAAAAAEPA/_BZK_RVGNz0/s400/35892_3848157053636_2066782677_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">It certainly helped the situation that I had a wonderful upbringing and didn't feeling as though I was ‘missing’ something or longing to fill emptiness; I was primarily curious about my hair. The fact that it was so easy to locate her I’m sure helped a lot. I was placed for adoption in Kansas, which has open records. Some of the documents my (adoptive) Mom gave me had my birth moms’ last name on them. It was an unusual name that she had not changed when I was looking for her so she was easy to find. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">I am really excited to see so many people now using Facebook to search for their biological relatives. I can only hope the positive reunions outweigh any negative experiences even though I know both will happen. During the early years of our reunion Sharon contacted my biological father who still, to this day does not want any contact with me. I view it as his loss as I never wanted anything more than medical information from him, and certainly never meant any harm. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The end result of our experience is now a published book. My birth mother, Sharon Fieker Cummins wrote a book about how our reunion has changed her life. It is titled <u>I Choose This Day: Mournings and Miracles of Adoption</u>. It tells of the transformation that occurred when I found her, and the roller coaster ride of emotions she experiences as a birth mother. It has been an interesting experience for me as well. A friend asked how I felt about being the topic of a book. I told her that my opinion is pretty simple, if someone finds comfort after reading about our <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=761385944752201562" name="_GoBack"></a>experience, regardless of what their own experience might have been, it will have been worth it. I must admit that it is an awkward and unusual feeling to read about yourself and know that others will now be able to know such intimate details of your life, but at the same time I am proud of Sharon for pursuing this dream that I am simply happy to support her efforts to share our story. </div>Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-14144401973977587222013-03-11T08:07:00.000-05:002013-03-15T09:33:49.271-05:00Adoption Series, Part 1: The Hardest Decision<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><br /><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 17px;"> A few months ago, I started seeing these post on Facebook. They were adopted children using social media to search out their birth parents. I am so inspired by their journey that I approached a friend of mine to share her story. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;">Parts of her story might be controversial</span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"> for many; she is open and honest about her feelings, her choices, and her decisions. I ask that you read with an open mind. My guest writer today is Sharon. I met Sharon many years ago and have felt blessed every day to know her. She has an amazing story to share and she has agreed to share it here. With you!</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;">Sharon is the author is the book, <i>I Choose This Day: Mournings and Miracles of Adoption</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small; line-height: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <img height="320" src="webkit-fake-url://E8CFBC1B-E1F9-4D06-8E69-A88A84FCB5B3/imagejpeg" width="203" /><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sharon's story: </span><br /><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 17px;">In 1969, I found myself in a situation where I had to make a life-changing decision: I was not married, and I learned I was pregnant. Being raised in a Christian-faith tradition, I felt my choices were parenting or making a plan of adoption; abortion was not legal. That same situation today is still a life-changing decision regardless of having three choices: parenting, making a plan of adoption or choosing an abortion. I am so thankful that abortion was not legal then because I feel most certain that I would have chosen abortion. I would not have been able to think beyond the “No one will ever know,” and I would not have been aware of the emotional consequences at that time. I was not aware of any pregnancy care centers like we have today to talk to someone. I had great role models in my mom and my three sisters, but I didn't think I was strong enough to live a life focusing on the stereotype of a single mother with a baby. I didn’t think it wasn’t fair to me or my child. For that matter, neither was it fair to my mom who already had parented 11 children. If I chose to parent, I would have to move back home, and my child would be more like my sibling instead of my child. I alone chose adoption since my boyfriend told me he didn’t care what I did, it was my problem; I haven’t seen him since. I thought that all babies deserve both a loving mother and a loving father, and I wanted that for my baby.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">My parents and my older siblings knew about my pregnancy and they helped me make a plan. I quit my job in the big city and left without telling anyone there that I was pregnant. I did not think anyone could understand? I moved across the state and lived with my brother and his family in a new city until after my baby’s birth. Shortly after her birth, I hemorrhaged and almost died. I did not see her after she was born. That was the way the hospital staff suggested it be done at that time. The only advice I was given at the hospital by the social worker was to go on with my life like this didn’t happen. I tried to do just that; I was strong, no one else needed to know. What possible benefit would I gain from opening up to someone who wouldn’t understand? Who could understand? I stayed out of church during that time because I felt so unworthy. I told one girlfriend about my daughter, but we didn’t discuss her again. My family felt it made me too sad to talk about it and I didn’t want to talk about it, so we never mentioned it. If “going on with my life like this didn’t happen” was the proper way to do it, I would do as the social worker said.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I got a job back in my home town as a legal secretary. The years following the adoption, my self-esteem was low, as I tried to go on with my life. I had problems with relationships, as I just wanted to be loved and made several poor choices. (Those same poor choices helped me later on to be understanding and not judgmental when working as a mentor at the Pregnancy Care Center.) Although I dated some throughout the years, I didn’t date often; I vowed never to get hurt again. I eventually started working at the Police Department. I had many close friends and I was close to my family. I was there for them, and I could not have made it without them; however, we never discussed my daughter.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">In the beginning and throughout the next 25 years, I felt like two persons: One side was my professional side or exterior side where I thought I was strong and loved my job and being around my family. I put my “all” into being the best employee I could be. I was always told I had a nice smile so I tried to smile often. My solace was in spending time with my family and close friends and being the best friend, daughter, sister and aunt that I knew how to be. Fortunately, for me, I didn’t turn to drugs or alcohol although I did occasionally have a social drink with friends. I went to evening college while working at the SPD and earned a BS degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Sociology.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">On the interior side when I was alone, I felt like such a failure. I felt disconnected from God and stayed out of Church all of those years because I felt so unworthy. I felt I had failed God, my parents, my only chance to be a mother, my only chance to be a wife. I felt I only had one chance at happiness, and I had blown it. Thus, began my long road of self-condemnation, enveloping myself into that shell of protection like a turtle, trying to be free from criticism and pain, the side I thought I had to keep hidden from others.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD0e4GZ55Q0/UThJVko9XHI/AAAAAAAAEOw/8ctvuG8Z_zE/s1600/703840_3993205633856_1712384103_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HD0e4GZ55Q0/UThJVko9XHI/AAAAAAAAEOw/8ctvuG8Z_zE/s320/703840_3993205633856_1712384103_o.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">After about 22 – 23 years, I began to want something more; my solace of spending time with my family and friends wasn’t enough. I felt a strong conviction to return to that Christian faith tradition I had known as a child. I started going to church again; but more importantly, I accepted God’s grace, love, forgiveness and my need of a Savior called Jesus Christ. I was beginning to open up and share a little, but I still couldn’t open up about my daughter. On Mother’s Day when the pastor asked the mothers to stand and be recognized, I just sat in my seat and hung my head and told myself I was a mother but I couldn’t stand because no one knew about my daughter so they wouldn’t understand.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> About that same time, I watched a movie about an adult adoptee needing a bone-marrow transplant and searching for her birth mom to get her medical history. Up to that time, I had always felt my daughter had a great life and I didn’t deserve to find her. That movie gave me a different perspective: She might need me. I learned after ordering the book that was advertised at the end of the movie that the state I placed my baby girl up for adoption was an open-records state and my daughter could obtain my name and information when and if she wanted. Thus, I didn’t do anything more about trying to find her. If she did decide to find me, what would my reaction be? Since my close friends did not know about her, would their opinion about me change?</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; margin-top: 10px;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sharon will continue her story later on Thursday. Please join us. Or you can read her book, I Choose This Day – Mournings and Miracles of Adoption by Sharon Fieker with contributions by Lori Smith.</span></div>Pamelanoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-7946314408706849452013-03-05T20:45:00.001-06:002013-03-20T06:59:57.938-05:00Wordless Wednesday: Faux Sleepover Birthday Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the birthday cake from my Short Chic's birthday party this past weekend. Before you ask, yep, I decorated it. Yep, I made the "headboard".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZl5OqHUBwA/UTaqEk2GrtI/AAAAAAAAEOY/48i4mmk6HAE/s1600/sleepover.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZl5OqHUBwA/UTaqEk2GrtI/AAAAAAAAEOY/48i4mmk6HAE/s400/sleepover.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't believe she is FIVE already.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am linking up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://wordlesswednesday.blogspot.com/">Wordless Wednesday</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://hardlyahousewifeblog.com/2013/03/fear-of-facial-hair/">Hardly A Housewife</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://mamato3blessings.blogspot.com/2013/03/brightly-colored-creatures-wordless.html">Mama to 3 Blessings </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://talesfromamother.blogspot.com/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-linky-how-to-make.html">Tales From A Mother </a></div><br /><a href="http://totsandme.blogspot.com/2013/03/wordless-wednesday-march-6-2013-wlinky.html">Tots and Me</a><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><script type="text/javascript"> document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=246752&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><!-- end InLinkz script --> Pamelanoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-43761501211605467632013-03-05T07:03:00.001-06:002013-03-06T07:00:46.969-06:00Homemade Facial Mask: Faux Sleepover Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sCRbXvjiks/UTXkwEP0mPI/AAAAAAAAEOA/jyD0ypr7pb8/s1600/facials2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4sCRbXvjiks/UTXkwEP0mPI/AAAAAAAAEOA/jyD0ypr7pb8/s320/facials2.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><br />When The Short Chic asked for a sleepover party I knew I was going to make it as "grown-up" as possible. We decided on three activities for the party: painting fingernails, decorating pillow cases, and facials.<br /><br />I briefly looked at mask purchased in stores. They just felt too processed for little girls. I then started exploring the internet for ideas. One mask kept popping up over and over again.<br /><br />The Avocado-Banana-Yogurt Mask.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi8sY0okfRo/UTXk1HuRqjI/AAAAAAAAEOI/sZFZOF_WeYk/s1600/sleepover2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gi8sY0okfRo/UTXk1HuRqjI/AAAAAAAAEOI/sZFZOF_WeYk/s400/sleepover2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I liked this mask because the ingredients were things I already had in my home. It smelled really good (which help convince the girls it was okay to put on their face! It was simple. And boy did it really work!<br /><br />To make this mask, you need three ingredients just like the name suggest: an avocado, a banana, and a container of plain yogurt.<br /><br />My daughter invited 12 girls to her faux sleepover. I knew I was going to need a lot of mask. To make this mask:<br /><br />2 very ripe avocado's<br />2 very ripe banana's<br />1/2 cup plain yogurt<br /><br />Mix it all together in a food processor. Store it in the refrigerator. When ready to use, smear the mask on your face, not getting any on the eyes, or air ways, and leave it on for 20 minutes. {For these girls we did a much shorter amount of time!}<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsL4TNIveZE/UTXkAYhzkoI/AAAAAAAAEN8/nTGq0MawJdU/s1600/facials1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsL4TNIveZE/UTXkAYhzkoI/AAAAAAAAEN8/nTGq0MawJdU/s640/facials1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />We also added thinly sliced cucumbers to their eyes. Cucumbers are suppose to be great for soothing tired eyes. {It also makes a cute photo!}<br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-27050173661524811802013-03-03T17:24:00.000-06:002013-03-07T01:24:33.939-06:00Breakfast To-Go!: A Faux Sleepover Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpaZo-y0zGA/UTPIbKX-DaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/xNovDf-F_RM/s1600/sleepover1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpaZo-y0zGA/UTPIbKX-DaI/AAAAAAAAEMw/xNovDf-F_RM/s400/sleepover1.JPG" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Five years ago today our world changed. Five years ago, this Short Chic moved into our house and our hearts.<br /><div><br /></div><div>We had her birthday party this past Saturday night. She came to me months ago and requested a pajama party. I wanted a Minnie Mouse party. She won. It is her birthday after all!</div><div><br /></div><div>A pajama party is great but a sleepover at the age of 5 does not sound great. In fact, it sounds like a long, sleepless night. We wanted the idea of a sleepover, activities from a sleepover. But we wanted to send everyone home at the end of the party. A faux (false) sleepover became necessary.</div><div><br /></div><div>During my planning stages, I saw a pin on Pinterest that inspired me. </div><div><br /></div><div> <img height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/736x/5e/89/27/5e892764084e7575ab030915f5155bc5.jpg" width="265" /></div><div><br /></div><div>I wanted to send breakfast home with the guest. I even tried to order these boxes and personalized stickers. However, I could not get the website to work. I needed a back-up plan!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQ5ENywsk0/UTPQt8ASZHI/AAAAAAAAENI/omVrwUrgeOg/s1600/sleepover7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_zQ5ENywsk0/UTPQt8ASZHI/AAAAAAAAENI/omVrwUrgeOg/s320/sleepover7.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Enter the drink carrier. Obviously, they are not white like the inspiration photo. And the compartments are larger but they are close enough. But they need a lot of work. With the help of my wonderful husband, we started gathering drink carriers (15 of them!) from our favorite convenience store.</div><div><br /></div><div>My color scheme for this party ended up being pink and black. I went to my favorite craft store with my 40% off coupon and found all scrapbook papers were 50% off! I picked up some pattern paper, flowers, stickers and ribbon (also 50% off).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BosvYIg2DSg/UTPeg5yuGKI/AAAAAAAAENs/5HgIx-E6aYk/s1600/sleepover9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BosvYIg2DSg/UTPeg5yuGKI/AAAAAAAAENs/5HgIx-E6aYk/s320/sleepover9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Decorating these drink boxes was actually very easy. But it was time consuming. I started on these Thursday night. I spent about four hours that night, another two hours Friday morning, and then I spend an additional five hours Friday night. {Remember, I made 15 of these boxes!}</div><div><br /></div><div>I used my paper cutter and cut strips of paper to fit each side of the box. The bottom portion was 3 1/2 x 7. The top portion was 3 1/4 x 5. After the paper was cut, I used an adhesive to stick the paper to the box. I alternated between a light color paper and a dark. I used an exacto knife to cut out the handles.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9y6gmhac0s/UTPRAHVJpdI/AAAAAAAAENY/XmNegqthriY/s1600/JanFeb2013+281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9y6gmhac0s/UTPRAHVJpdI/AAAAAAAAENY/XmNegqthriY/s320/JanFeb2013+281.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div>I added ribbon to the handle; lots of ribbon. Tying a thank you note on at the last. The thank you note was made out of solid black cardstock using pink letter stickers and pink and black star stickers. </div><div><br /></div><div>To complete the project, I added a pink/black flower to cover a part of the carrier that was not covered with paper.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pwu_3Rt1S8/UTPRAt5SXcI/AAAAAAAAENk/0E_bqvDx1js/s1600/JanFeb2013+282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6pwu_3Rt1S8/UTPRAt5SXcI/AAAAAAAAENk/0E_bqvDx1js/s320/JanFeb2013+282.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Inside each box was a jug of white milk, a box of cereal, a jug of chocolate milk, and a donut. I glued small alphabet beads to a plastic spoon, personalizing each box for each guest. I tied the spoon onto the box of cereal with ribbon.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqNRHYPfFig/UTPQ08iT3OI/AAAAAAAAENU/EEqdlK8C35I/s1600/sleepover4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqNRHYPfFig/UTPQ08iT3OI/AAAAAAAAENU/EEqdlK8C35I/s320/sleepover4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>At the party, I set up a "Breakfast to-go" station. At the end of the night as the guest was leaving, they were given a huge thank you and got to take home their breakfast for the next morning! </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div>Parties I have linked this post to:</div><div><a href="http://www.oneshetwoshe.com/2013/03/hello-weekend-new-pinterest-board-your.html">Or So She Says...</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.sumossweetstuff.com/2013/03/market-yourself-monday.html">Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2013/03/the-sunday-showcase-party-no-142.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20UnderTheTableAndDreaming%20(Under%20The%20Table%20and%20Dreaming)">Under The Table and Dreaming </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.serendipityandspice.com/2013/03/manic-monday-linkyparty-34.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20SerendipityAndSpice%20(Serendipity%20and%20Spice)">Serendipity and Spice: Manic Monday</a><br /><br /><a href="http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/2013/03/its-party-96.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20ACreativePrincess%20(A%20Creative%20Princess)">A Creative Princess </a></div>Pamelanoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-89094422170490009702013-02-27T10:00:00.000-06:002013-03-06T06:59:57.855-06:00Wordless Wednesday: Snow Ice Cream<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Kp86m0tBs/US1-2dTp_3I/AAAAAAAAELU/JviFnJpMva0/s1600/snowicecream1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v0Kp86m0tBs/US1-2dTp_3I/AAAAAAAAELU/JviFnJpMva0/s640/snowicecream1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Jufd9eg0o/US1-1s_yUQI/AAAAAAAAELM/cz20DyQNTyU/s1600/snowicecream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r9Jufd9eg0o/US1-1s_yUQI/AAAAAAAAELM/cz20DyQNTyU/s640/snowicecream.JPG" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><!-- start InLinkz script --></div><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"></P><p><br></P><p>document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=246752&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><!-- start InLinkz script --><br /><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"></P><p><br></P><p>document.write('<script type="text/javascript" src=http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=246752&' + new Date().getTime() + '"><\/script>');</script><br /><br /><!-- end InLinkz script --><br /><!-- end InLinkz script --><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-34590699918490106902013-02-26T17:56:00.000-06:002013-02-26T17:56:17.316-06:00Our Oscar Night Here is a recap of our Oscar Night!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMeX_LtsZN0/US1CDkTnDOI/AAAAAAAAEH0/OJwe8_7UpZY/s1600/oscar2013c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMeX_LtsZN0/US1CDkTnDOI/AAAAAAAAEH0/OJwe8_7UpZY/s400/oscar2013c.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />Who else had a party guest show up wearing a burqa? I did!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0YG2mI8twY/US1CQloDACI/AAAAAAAAEH8/jC5jKJAdaKY/s1600/oscar2013f.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d0YG2mI8twY/US1CQloDACI/AAAAAAAAEH8/jC5jKJAdaKY/s320/oscar2013f.JPG" width="171" /></a></div><br />This is my cousin Wendy. (She is a retired Marine and her husband is retired Navy.) Before her husband retired he was stationed in the Middle East and he brought her home these articles of clothing. (I felt the need to tell you all she was in the service too because I thought she would want me to point that out!)<br /><br />Anyway back to the burqa....how so Argo and even Zero Dark Thirty was this! Wendy welcomed everyone to the party in her burqa.<br /><br />We started our evening early...red carpet coverage started at 4:30 our time. Cocktails and appetizers were in order. Our menu was outlined in a previous post, <a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-road-to-oscar-what-to-eat.html">Road to the Oscars: What To Eat</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oauFr_USk0U/US1D87euXMI/AAAAAAAAEII/P-3ICr8ybdM/s1600/oscar2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oauFr_USk0U/US1D87euXMI/AAAAAAAAEII/P-3ICr8ybdM/s400/oscar2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The top two photos are the Sweet Potato Lettuce Wraps and the Love Potion Martini's. Both were very yummy. The lettuce wraps might have been the supporting actress that stole our show. They were hot and cold, soft and crunchy all at the same time.<br /><br />The bottom two photos are the Homemade French Bread and a substitution in our menu. Instead of making Southern Fried Chicken, Wendy made an Iranian Shirazi Salad. Very yummy!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2IseSAqwcw/US1D8851F2I/AAAAAAAAEIM/qDHsUACIhO4/s1600/oscar2013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2IseSAqwcw/US1D8851F2I/AAAAAAAAEIM/qDHsUACIhO4/s400/oscar2013a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next two photos are of the Pink Hummus and the Hot Maryland Crab Dip (which we put on the French bread and it was THE BEST!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />The bottom two photos are the Gumbo that Tracy made and the Roasted Root Vegetables (Brussels Sprouts, Garlic, Onion, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, and Butternut Squash). Both of these dishes were big hits!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIqmRtxm1WA/US1D-OuR1bI/AAAAAAAAEIY/xA0I24OLmC0/s1600/oscar2013b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIqmRtxm1WA/US1D-OuR1bI/AAAAAAAAEIY/xA0I24OLmC0/s400/oscar2013b.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />Our dessert was a simple White Cake with "Tarantino Sauce". What is Tarantino Sauce? It is nothing more than pureed strawberries. But when you pour it on white cake, it resembles...well, have you seen the movie?<br /><br />It was a long night. Many times we looked at each other with shocked open mouth at some of the things Seth MacFarlane said. I am still not sure why Chicago got a 10 year anniversary tribute. But loved the James Bond Tribute. Yes, I was shocked that Christopher Waltz won Best Supporting Actor but I thought his performance was totally worth it. And Yes, I am so happy that Jennifer Lawrence won Best Actress. And while I loved Argo, I was still rooting for Lincoln to win Best Picture. I did tear up at Ben Affleck's acceptance speech.<br /><br />And one last thought...did anyone else think the Jaws music was totally rude? I get that you want to move it along but how about limiting the amount of time the presenters get to present and announce and give the winners more than a few seconds to respond. I mean, they just won an Oscar for goodness sake. They deserve a few moments.<br /><br />So another year of Oscar has come to an end. All that is left is to watch the reviews of the Red Carpet.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIc4xwot9cw/US1EAF0ztFI/AAAAAAAAEIg/lmyq3aKgOkw/s1600/oscar2013d.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HIc4xwot9cw/US1EAF0ztFI/AAAAAAAAEIg/lmyq3aKgOkw/s640/oscar2013d.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Until next year...Cheers to You! We will see you at the movies!Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-25134495630457306102013-02-22T18:47:00.002-06:002013-02-22T18:47:36.812-06:00ChangeChange, my friends, is hard.<br /><br />Change forces us out of our routine and out of our comfort zone. Change brings about an air of uncertainty.<br /><br />Change often makes us feel uncomfortable. It brings about some anxiety and anticipation. The feelings associate with change often makes us avoid it.<br /><br />But change does not have to be bad. It can allow us to grow. Personal, spiritual, and even professional growth can come out of change. Sometimes change can even give us a new perspective, or a restored perspective. A re-commitment if you will.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTV-6IPDp2k/USgRap7nDvI/AAAAAAAAEC0/oFvF4TP91sc/s1600/daisy2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xTV-6IPDp2k/USgRap7nDvI/AAAAAAAAEC0/oFvF4TP91sc/s320/daisy2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />In order to accept change, we have to let go of how we think things should be. Many times we try and change other people's behavior and that is just not possible. When we can't control the situation, we accept it for what it is, then we are free to make the changes necessary for our benefit.<br /><br />So, open your heart. Open your mind. Accept change. And soar! Soar to your greatest potential.Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-12020019636830254012013-02-21T18:03:00.003-06:002013-02-21T18:03:30.124-06:00Ms. Book Worm: The Great Gatsby <img height="195" src="http://www.oocities.org/teacher_inspiration/bookworm.gif" width="200" /><br />I took advantage of a winter storm to finish my latest book. My book this month is considered a classic. In the literature world a classic is a book that stands the test of time. It's story and message remain relevant to many different generations.<br /><br />This month I read, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many of the reviews I read online claim this to be one of F. Scott Fitzgerald's best novels. I can make no such claims. This is the first time I have read his work. I will also be honest with you being on The Road To Oscar I have spent a great deal of time in the movie theater lately and this book is being made into a new movie staring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie looks good and it made me want to read the book!<br /> <img height="320" src="http://media.npr.org/assets/bakertaylor/covers/t/the-great-gatsby/9780743273565_custom-s6-c10.jpg?t=1340884943" width="209" /><br />The story is set in the pre-depression era of 1920's. The narrator, Nick Carraway, has finished his studies at Yale and moves to Long Island. He moves close to his cousin Daisy and her husband Tom. We soon come to understand that Daisy and Tom have a tumultuous relationship. It is common belief Tom has a string of mistresses and is abusive to his wife.<br /><br />The other thing that Nick learns quickly after moving in is his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, is well known in the area. Mr. Gatsby's home is the place to be on any given Saturday night. It is the party of all parties. But it becomes clear to Nick that while everyone knows Gatsby; no one really knows who he is.<br /><br />Despite his aloofness, Gatsby seeks out Nick's friendship. Nick soon learns it is based on a need of Gatsby. Before Gatsby became a wealthy man, he dated and fell in love with a girl. Daisy. Gatsby has a plan to relive the past and reclaim his long ago long, Daisy.<br /><br />The book is about the excess of the wealthy. I love Nick's perspective. He may come from wealth and privilege but he is grounded. He has an honest sense of what is right and what is wrong. He was skeptical of Gatsby in the beginning but I think he got to know him and really understood who this mystery man is or was. I believe the events of this story change his world.<br /><br />I am now searching for my next book. My reading list has diminished. Feel free to leave me a message and let me know what you are reading. Or what do you recommend that I read.<br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-76426845782017039272013-02-20T11:57:00.000-06:002013-02-27T11:47:33.333-06:00The Road To Oscar: What to Eat? <img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://www.auburn.edu/~mbl0011/numberthree" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="118" /><br /><br />The movie count is down to three. Three movies is all I was unable to see this year. Hitchcock never came close to my area (in fact a search showed it was not playing in a 250 mile radius of my home zip code). I missed my chance to see Wreck It Ralph. And I do not think I am going to go see Chasing Ice just for a best song nomination. <br /><br />I have taken advantage of free printables on the web and have made Oscar Bingo cards, Red Carpet Score Sheets, and of course the Oscar ballot.<br /><br />The other really big decision to be made is food for the big night. Every Oscar Night we gather together and make food inspired by the Best Picture nominations. I love this part. It is so much fun to sit and talk about the movie after you see it and determine the best dish that will take you back to a moment in the movie. <br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uzsKk42tNNk/UICypepCWvI/AAAAAAAAOj8/zroODwCNozU/s200/amour-2012.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="144" /><br /><u></u><br /><br /><u>Amour:</u> What a beautiful and sad love story. In honor of the title of this movie and the love between the two main characters, we will have cocktails called <a href="http://ahealthylifeforme.com/love-potion-9-cocktail/#">Love Potion</a>.<br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://ifanboy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/argo-poster1.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="134" /><br /><br /><br /><u>Argo:</u> I loved this movie. One of the scenes that stood out in my mind was when Ben Affleck's character makes it to Tehran, where the climate is anti-American and what do you spot in the crowded city? A Kentucky Fried Chicken. To honor this movie, we will make <strong><em><u>Southern Fried Chicken. </u></em></strong> Argo, f' yourself!<br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://tampatheatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/beasts-southern-wild-poster01.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="134" /><br /><br /><u>Beast of the Southern Wild:</u> When the main character is knicknamed, Hushpuppy, it seems obvious that one must have <strong><em><u>Hushpuppies</u></em></strong>. But just because we are crazy like that, we have also decided to cook up a batch of <strong><em><u>Gumbo</u></em></strong>!<br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/8b/Django_Unchained_Poster.jpg/220px-Django_Unchained_Poster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="134" /><br /><br /><u>Django Unchained</u>: <b> </b>The dinner at Candyland certaintly proved to be exciting leading up to a big bang over dessert. I think we have to have white cake for our party. (Random trivia fact about me; white cake is my absolute favorite cake EVER!) You can expect the best <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">White Cake</u> for dessert.<br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://meetinthelobby.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Les-Miserables-Movie-Poster-Large.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="138" /><br /><br /><u>Les Miserables</u>: With a nation starving, Jean Valjean went to prison over for stealing a loaf of bread for his nieces and nephews.We will be serving <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Homemade Bread </u>on Oscar Night.<br /><br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/57/Life_of_Pi_2012_Poster.jpg/220px-Life_of_Pi_2012_Poster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="133" /><br /><br /><u>Life of Pi</u>: The majority of this movie takes place on a boat with nothing but raw fish and rice crackers to eat. On Oscar Night we will take inspiration from the adult Pi, a vegetarian man from Indian decent. My selection for Oscar night: <b><i><u>Sweet Potato Lettuce Wraps </u></i></b>(<a href="http://showmethecurry.com/appetizers/sweet-potato-lettuce-wraps.html">Sweet Potato Lettuce Wraps</a>)<br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6a/Lincoln_2012_Teaser_Poster.jpg/215px-Lincoln_2012_Teaser_Poster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="135" /><br /><u>Lincoln</u>: There was not much food in this movie so we are researching President Lincoln's favorite foods. It appears he was a simple man: water was his favorite drink, he did not like alcohol, and he liked vegetables and apples. We are planning to make <strong><em><u>Roasted Root Vegetables.</u></em></strong><br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9a/Silver_Linings_Playbook_Poster.jpg/220px-Silver_Linings_Playbook_Poster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="135" /><br /><u>Silver Linings Playbook</u>: I am not sure what a crabby melt is but they sure did like them in this movie. While I may not know about crabby melts, I do know and love football food! Oscar night, we are going to make <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/hot-maryland-crab-dip/detail.aspx">Our Own Crabby Melts</a>.<br /><br /><img height="200" id="il_fi" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/77/ZeroDarkThirty2012Poster.jpg/220px-ZeroDarkThirty2012Poster.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" width="134" /><br /><u>Zero Dark Thirty:</u> In honor of the lead character in this movie, who is a determined, relentless, and a hardcore female, we are going to get crazy and make <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Pink Hummas</u> served with veggies for dipping.<br /><br />The other thing that I found was well represented in many of these movies was tea. So, once again, we shall serve tea at the Oscar party.<br /><br />The only thing left for us to worry about is the weather. Here in my midwest city, we are about to get hammered with a major snow storm. I just hope the roads are all clear by Sunday. Because as they say in Hollywood...The show must go on!Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-85234847638193922382013-02-12T08:09:00.003-06:002013-02-12T10:14:34.626-06:00A Winter GetawayThis is a post that started back in September.<br /><br />Back when it was warmer.<br /><br />Back at a small town's 25th class reunion.<br /><br />Two classmates, who each have a love of campers, started talking about RV's. They quickly discovered they were owners at the same time share. They quickly hashed a plan to meet at the time share for a winter retreat. They decided to invite a third classmate.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX64BGN2a8E/URo_boXadEI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Wbh_W3BGJek/s1600/febtrip6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX64BGN2a8E/URo_boXadEI/AAAAAAAAEAE/Wbh_W3BGJek/s320/febtrip6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The winter is now here. It is cold. But we are lucky because some days are not as cold as others. But it is still winter. The ground is frozen, the grass is brown, there are no leaves on the trees.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>The classmates and their spouses traveled to Branson, Missouri this past weekend. {I can't tell you how much we all needed a winter break!} Do you see children in our photos? No! That is because despite all of our character, we left them at home. This was an adults only trip.<br /><br />Besides fishing...and shopping...and eating...and laughing we did a little sightseeing. We visited Smallin Civil War Cave in Ozark, Missouri. Did you know Missouri has over 6,000 caves? When the classmates got together, we learned how much we all love exploring caves. Visiting Smallin seemed like a<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4MImdJqc8k/URo-7O9D2II/AAAAAAAAD-k/dX6l8StJYYU/s1600/febtrip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y4MImdJqc8k/URo-7O9D2II/AAAAAAAAD-k/dX6l8StJYYU/s400/febtrip.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />Smallin Cave is not named after it's size. In fact, small it is not. The mouth of the cave is absolutely huge. Smallin is named for one of the former owners of the cave. Our tour guide was Kevin, he and his wife currently own Smallin. He was the kinda guy you could sit around and talk about Missouri history and caves for hours.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnJAECZn6_s/URo_RZfRbjI/AAAAAAAAD-0/W15EKdVHK4o/s1600/febtrip1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xnJAECZn6_s/URo_RZfRbjI/AAAAAAAAD-0/W15EKdVHK4o/s320/febtrip1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The above photo is a rock that generations of cave visitors have carved on; from early Native American's to Civil War Soldiers, to early Ozark settlers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbjz-gRij0U/URo_TjLugZI/AAAAAAAAD_E/myYAlhO_LX0/s1600/febtrip4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbjz-gRij0U/URo_TjLugZI/AAAAAAAAD_E/myYAlhO_LX0/s320/febtrip4.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>The cave is full of natural light.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZa_CSOmE64/URo_TexXcGI/AAAAAAAAD_A/ozTNi0Saum0/s1600/febtrip2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZa_CSOmE64/URo_TexXcGI/AAAAAAAAD_A/ozTNi0Saum0/s320/febtrip2.JPG" width="237" /></a></div> It is also full of cave animals including these eye-less, see through, cave crayfish. They do not like light, so they tend to hide. But we got lucky and caught glimpse of two of them. Some of us actually saw three but I could not find the third one. We also saw bats but no salamanders.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmyZBQ_s87Y/URo_TKggoWI/AAAAAAAAD-8/9EKkOVCaz0Q/s1600/febtrip3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SmyZBQ_s87Y/URo_TKggoWI/AAAAAAAAD-8/9EKkOVCaz0Q/s320/febtrip3.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The cave is beautiful The roof of the cave holds all kinds of perfectly preserved fossils of long ago sea life. We saw snails, worms, even starfish.<br /><br />We did some exploring at the lodge we stayed in. It is amazing the amount of construction that is going on during the winter. The resort is building a new wedding chapel, a new spa, a new water park, and even a new bowling alley. Everywhere we turned there was evidence of building.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYfPe_1ToJQ/URo_QsrCfQI/AAAAAAAAD-s/mhgyg9Pwfz4/s1600/febtrip0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYfPe_1ToJQ/URo_QsrCfQI/AAAAAAAAD-s/mhgyg9Pwfz4/s320/febtrip0.JPG" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We missed Big Cedar's Welcoming Bon Fire. They cancelled it Saturday night due to rain and apparently they do not welcome guest with a bon fire on Sunday. No S'mores for us this trip! But that is okay, we found a fudge store in Branson and sampled fudge instead. We also enjoyed Krispy Kreme donuts, cheese from the Osceola Cheese Factory, and some local wine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCFZ5zcpMKw/URpMswU-GlI/AAAAAAAAEBc/q4zTQAPyiso/s1600/febtrip11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCFZ5zcpMKw/URpMswU-GlI/AAAAAAAAEBc/q4zTQAPyiso/s320/febtrip11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-G6opG1FI/URo_YfohrDI/AAAAAAAAD_s/CgqHQV_Y0yU/s1600/febtrip8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TT-G6opG1FI/URo_YfohrDI/AAAAAAAAD_s/CgqHQV_Y0yU/s320/febtrip8.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />We all had a great time. We made some memories. We certainly shared a few good laughs! We would absolutely do it again.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbrfOXvmSU0/URo_agbbrII/AAAAAAAAD_0/g3vbl-UvH80/s1600/febtrip9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbrfOXvmSU0/URo_agbbrII/AAAAAAAAD_0/g3vbl-UvH80/s320/febtrip9.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />And some couple time is always nice. Even in the middle of the winter.<br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-78580234510995389042013-02-08T07:13:00.000-06:002013-02-08T07:16:25.468-06:00Book Review: The Secret KeeperI have been so busy watching movies on my <a href="http://pammiej2002.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-road-to-oscars.html">Road To Oscars</a> that I have neglected reading. This past weekend, having no movies to see, I caught up on my reading. One of my goals this year is to increase the amount I read. Last year I averaged about a book a month and this year I want to increase that by 100%.<br /><br /> <img height="400" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345228600l/13508607.jpg" width="264" /><br /><br />I just finished reading The Secret Keeper by Kate Morton. My husband jokes that he can tell when I am totally into a book, he will catch me reading with every glimpse he makes. Although it took me a few days to really get into this book, I found it addictive and I could NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!<br /><br />The book is set in England and flashes back and forth in time. It begins with a young adolescent Laurel, sneaking away from her families celebration of her baby brother's birthday. She is hiding in her childhood tree house dreaming of her future when something catches her attention. She looks out of the tree house to see a stranger approaching her mother and her baby brother. Her mother has words with the stranger and then uses a family heirloom to kill the stranger. The incident is never discussed again in this family.<br /><br />The book changes times and goes forward. Laurel has left home, leads a full time and has become a famous actress. Her mother, Dorothy, is in the hospital dying. Laurel becomes determined to finally understand what happened on that long ago day.<br /> <img src="http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTHY03s-AS7v1p-R4w-uduT6cEmw_Kuaw25SFlWHe9ghrhhCgZ-" /><br />The remainder of the book travels back and forth between Dorothy as a young woman coming of age in the midst of World War I in England and Laurel's journey to piece together memories and clues from her mother's past to answer the question that has haunted her her entire life. We are also introduced to a third key person, Vivian Jenkins, and a section of the book is told from her perspective. Vivian Jenkins is Dorthy's closest friend during the war and seems a critical role in the death of the stranger who appeared at Laurel's home that long ago day.<br /><br />As indicated above, I found the story started slow. The author is very descriptive in her writing and it takes some time to work through all of that. But once it grabbed me, I could not wait to figure out what happened. I was hypothesizing {A word my 4 year old daughter just started using!} about what happened and how the story would end. The ending had a nice big twist to it, one that I found myself very happy with. In fact, I think the big twist made the whole book.<br /><br /> <br /> <img height="320" src="https://images.bookworld.com.au/images/bau/97817423/9781742374376/0/0/plain/the-secret-keeper.jpg" width="210" /><br /><br />Our book club is meeting on the 17th and I am looking forward to hearing what the other women thought about this book.<br /><br />Next month, I am reading a classic. Looking forward to bringing it to you!<br /><br />Happy Reading!<br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-26037203628219745062013-02-04T21:20:00.001-06:002013-02-04T21:20:34.991-06:00The Big Game ReviewDid you watch the big game? Did you have friends over?<br /><br />What did you think of the half time show? How about the blackout?<br /><br />What was your favorite commercial?<br /><br />We did have friends over. Not a large crowd as in years past but a few people, all pulled together in the hours before kick-off.<br /><br />Thankfully years of big football parties has left me with an ample supply of football decorations. We were able to pull some items together.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdlra_jR6rM/URBuvLd4f3I/AAAAAAAAD7o/g92tdXm_AcU/s1600/superbowl5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rdlra_jR6rM/URBuvLd4f3I/AAAAAAAAD7o/g92tdXm_AcU/s320/superbowl5.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used the windsock cans from last year to hold the goal post. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUAW6SqqzTk/URBuv9IS30I/AAAAAAAAD70/x5E4O_ZcrGI/s1600/superbowl6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUAW6SqqzTk/URBuv9IS30I/AAAAAAAAD70/x5E4O_ZcrGI/s320/superbowl6.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />This banner was made last year. It was the only banner that was not team specific.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcv7xO8MAeI/URBurYF8B3I/AAAAAAAAD7E/JxI0aWlW-NA/s1600/superbowl.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mcv7xO8MAeI/URBurYF8B3I/AAAAAAAAD7E/JxI0aWlW-NA/s320/superbowl.JPG" width="215" /></a></div><br />We pulled together some yummy food. I made homemade chicken wings {which I will say I barely got to eat any of. I guess they were good!}.<br /><br /><br />I also made some Twisty Dogs, sausage wantons and buffalo chicken dip. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKKy8CjXV30/URBusHZL7UI/AAAAAAAAD7M/LbBWoJXMbTc/s1600/superbowl1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hKKy8CjXV30/URBusHZL7UI/AAAAAAAAD7M/LbBWoJXMbTc/s320/superbowl1.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><br />I made Jello Jigglers and a giant football shaped Rice Krispie. Our friend brought over some Beer Cheese Dip, Guacamole, and Rotel dip.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2RmUnLES2o/URBusRyXi4I/AAAAAAAAD7U/h6av151JVmA/s1600/superbowl2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2RmUnLES2o/URBusRyXi4I/AAAAAAAAD7U/h6av151JVmA/s320/superbowl2.JPG" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The teen boys in the house devoured large amounts of food. Luckily, we had very little leftovers!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK18BqiYo7Y/URBuub27vmI/AAAAAAAAD7c/FE1l4gBwRbo/s1600/superbowl3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oK18BqiYo7Y/URBuub27vmI/AAAAAAAAD7c/FE1l4gBwRbo/s320/superbowl3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />What would a Big Game be without a drink...or two. I tried this new flavor of beer from Shock Top, Honeycrisp Apple Wheat. This beer is AMAZING! If you love the tart sweet flavor of a Honeycrisp Apple, you will love this beer.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oLLujDpGNM/URBy4v6O3qI/AAAAAAAAD9M/7Sg1ZTAwZvA/s1600/photo+(96).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3oLLujDpGNM/URBy4v6O3qI/AAAAAAAAD9M/7Sg1ZTAwZvA/s320/photo+(96).JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Another tradition in our home on Game Day is Prop Betting. We actually do not bet on anything. We do guess. We put out a few questions and let everyone guess on them. We then award prizes for those with the correct guess. It sure is a lot of fun and keeps everyone excited in the game. Even The Short Chic got in on the fun. She picked The Ravens to win everything {She really picked purple over red!}. Needless to say, her strategy paid off. She won a prize!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n8btceM48k/URBuusvhaWI/AAAAAAAAD7g/Xd0VwOZzDYw/s1600/superbowl4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3n8btceM48k/URBuusvhaWI/AAAAAAAAD7g/Xd0VwOZzDYw/s320/superbowl4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />As far as halftime and the blackout. I have to say I thought Beyonce did a great job. I have been singing "All the Single Ladies" in my head all day. I was excited to see Destiny's Child. The blackout sure changed the momentum of the game! I think it was just what the 49'ers needed. Unfortunately, I think they get paid a lot of money to make big plays and I think they failed to deliver. {Sorry, but that is my opinion!}<br /><br />In the end, The Short Chic was happy her purple team won. The Boy and The Husband were sad. Me, I wanted Tony G and The Atlanta Falcons to be dancing at the Big Game and my heart refused to pick a team for this game.<br /><br />As far as the commercials go I had a few favorites.<br /><br />I loved the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sillEgUHGC4">Paul Harvey/God Created a Farmer </a>commercial for Dodge. I grew up with only an A.M. radio station and we listened to Paul Harvey every day. I enjoyed hearing him again and I loved the photography used in the video.<br /><br />I also loved the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKzOqSPdKPU">Taco Bell/lively elderly people</a>. How much fun was this commercial! Still can't read what the tattoo says, anyone else get it?<br /><br />I also loved the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2prAccclXs">Budweiser Clydesdale Commercial</a>. The colt used in the commercial is from my home-state of Missouri. I love the song. And can I say, I had to choke back tears when I watched it.<br /><br />I am not sure but my last favorite commercial might have been a local one. It was shown after the game and it so cracked me up. It is no big secret that our own Kansas City Chiefs had a rough, horrible, losing season. The only bright spot is that we secured a First Round Draft pick, an honor reserved for the team with the absolute worse record! So my last favorite was the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1M9aSWirOQ">Leon Sandcastle</a> video. Neon Deion still makes me smile. And if you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?!!<br /><br />Commercial I hated: Really only one. I hope to NEVER see that <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQTyxNTQTtk">Go Dadd</a>y commercial ever again.<br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-65466219796726571622013-01-29T20:07:00.002-06:002013-01-29T20:07:54.648-06:00On-The-Go Breakfast SandwichesI like to think I am a fairly typical working mom. My mornings are very hectic. It is always a struggle for me to get up, get myself ready for work, get the dog out in the morning, the kids up, showered, fed, and out the door.<br /><br />In my rush, my own breakfast is often overlooked. I recently gave up eating food that is served in a paper bag. {Meaning fast food restaurants}<br /><br />In my attempt to be successful in my new endeavors, I realized I needed a plan.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIOrDTbAPoQ/UQh0oHQUupI/AAAAAAAAD5c/snVJFHpfolA/s1600/Eggcups.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIOrDTbAPoQ/UQh0oHQUupI/AAAAAAAAD5c/snVJFHpfolA/s320/Eggcups.JPG" width="242" /></a></div><br />My solution is Egg Cups. The super good news: They are only 1 Weight Watchers Point Plus Points. So this breakfast will not derail any weight loss attempt!<br /><br />These are simple to make. You need some fresh vegetables {I used spinach, portabella mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes}, egg substitute, and a tiny bit of Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese.<br /><br />I took my muffin tin and sprayed each tin with a nonstick cooking spray.<br /><br />In each tin, I added some torn up fresh spinach. There is no real right answer as to how much you use. I just kept adding spinach until I felt I had enough.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h8s4j5ZnZE/UQh0oF46LII/AAAAAAAAD5g/POFYUKCOOpg/s1600/Eggcups1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4h8s4j5ZnZE/UQh0oF46LII/AAAAAAAAD5g/POFYUKCOOpg/s320/Eggcups1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Next, I cut up baby portabella mushrooms and added them on top of the spinach. I did the same with cherry tomatoes. After you get all of your vegetables added, it is time to add the egg substitute. A quarter-cup of egg substitute is equivalent to one egg. {An egg has 2+ Points Plus}<br /><br />I added one quarter-cup Egg Substitute to each muffin tin. Add salt/pepper to taste. Then because I like a little cheese flavor, I added less than a tablespoon of shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. {If you add more cheese it will change the Weight Watcher's Points Plus. Which is okay, but just make sure you count it!}<br /><br />I baked the egg cups in the oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clbOkHmiPDI/UQh0sqU99XI/AAAAAAAAD5s/Y60UMdZpjXM/s1600/onthegobreakfastsandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clbOkHmiPDI/UQh0sqU99XI/AAAAAAAAD5s/Y60UMdZpjXM/s320/onthegobreakfastsandwich.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />After the Egg Cups cooled, I stored them in an airtight container in the refrigerator In the morning, when it is time for breakfast, I reheated an Egg Cup and put it inside a mini whole wheat bagel.<br /><br />Such a yummy on-the-go breakfast sandwich that had a total of 4 points! {Do you know that an egg sandwich from a popular fast food restaurant has 8 Weight Watchers Points Plus Points?!!}<br /><br />Maybe you are not rushed in the morning. Maybe you can have a sit down breakfast and casually read while you sip coffee. If that is the case, you can still have Egg Cups. Just reheat them and put them on a plate. <br /><br />I hope you enjoy them!<br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-12806299490135599182013-01-27T21:50:00.003-06:002013-02-04T21:34:01.714-06:00The Road To The Oscars!This is the third weekend after nominations.<br /><br />And four weeks until The Oscars.<br /><br />How is your movie countdown coming along? I hate to admit it, I am way behind in reading for my bookclub but I have about tackled this year Oscar list. I have 9 movies left to see.<br /><br /> <img height="400" src="http://imgc.allpostersimages.com/images/P-488-488-90/36/3674/FPLCF00Z/posters/number-9.jpg" width="277" /><br /><br /><b><u><i>Best Picture: 8/9 Seen</i></u></b><br /><br />I added Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook to my "watched" list this weekend. I will admit to never finishing the book Life of Pi despite the wonderful things I had heard about it. So, I had no expectations of the movie. I thought it was wonderful. I have spend the day thinking about how powerful the mind is to protect us from things we can not handle.<br /><br />My Best Friend and I got together this afternoon to see Silver Linings Playbook together. We use to see numerous nominated movies together but both of us are super crazy busy so we are lucky if we can see a few movies together. We are both HUGE Jennifer Lawrence fans and we loved her in this movie. Great acting. Great story. I will just say I have never cheered so hard for 50%!<br /><br />What's left: Amour, which apparently hits theaters Feb. 8.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Actor in a Leading Role: 3/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />Bradly Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook is the only movie I have added to this category.<br /><br />What's left: Joaquin Phoenix in The Master and Denzel Washington in Flight.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Actor in a Supporting Role: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I added Robert De Niro in Silver Linings Playbook to this category.<br /><br />What's left: Phillip Seymour Hoffman in The Master<br /><br /><b><i><u>Actress in a Leading Role: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b>I added Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook and Naomi Watts in The Impossible to this category. I already talked about Jennifer so let's say a few words about Naomi Watts. Naomi plays a character based on a real person who was vacationing in SE Asia when the 2004 tsunami hit. I felt her fear. I felt her determination, and eventually I felt her relief.<br /><br />What's left? Emmanuelle Riva in Amour<br /><br /><i><b><u>Actress in a Supporting Role: 3/5 Seen.</u></b></i><br /><br />I added Jacki Weaver in Silver Linings Playbook She played Bradly Cooper's characters mother.<br /><br />What's left? Amy Adams in The Master and Helen Hunt in The Sessions<br /><br /><b><i><u>Animated Feature Film: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I added Frankenweenie and The Pirates! Band of Misfits to this category, both are available on DVD. The older I get the more I love Tim Burton movie's!<br /><br />Wreck It Ralph is the only film left in this category.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Cinematography: 3/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I added Life of Pi to this category and have Anna Karenina (anyone seen it out there?) and Skyfall left. Skyfall will be on my list for next weekend.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Costume Design: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />Still looking for Anna Karenina<br /><br /><b><i><u>Directing: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I added Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook. This category could not get much tougher to chose.<br /><br />What's left? Michael Haneke in Amour.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Documentary Feature: 2/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />This is a category I do not normally see movies in. They are harder to come by and are slow to make it to DVD. But, I did get lucky and found two on Netflix today. I watched 5 Broken Camera's and The Invisible War.<br /><br />I am ever impressed by the dedication and perseverance shown in 5 Broken Camera's. I can not imagine such a long hard fight.<br /><br />I have thought about The Invisible War all day and I am sure I will continue to think about it for days to come. The Invisable War is about rape in the US Military. I am outraged. I am mad. And I am convinced that it must stop.No where else could offenders get away with such crimes.<br /><br />What's left: Really nothing. These are bonus movies that were not figured into my original count. But, if I happen upon another one then I will watch it.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Film Editing: 5/5 seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I "closed-out" this category today by seeing Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Makeup and Hairstyling: 1/3 Seen. </u></i></b><br /><br />Still needing Hitchcock and The Hobbit. On a completely semi-unrelated subject. The Short Chic has been watching Lord of The Rings with her father. She has gone to bed mad at me because I took over the TV to watch Frankenweenie and Pirates! I may have to take her with me to see The Hobbit.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Music (Original Score): 3/5 Seen</u></i></b>.<br /><br />I have added Life of Pi.<br /><br />I still need Anna Karenina and Skyfall.<br /><br /><u><i><b>Music (Original Song): 3/5 Seen.</b></i></u><br /><br />I added Pi's Lullaby. I am still thinking Suddenly from Les Miserables will win.<br /><br />What's left? Skyfall from Skyfall and Before My Time from Chasing Ice. I am probably not going to see Chasing Ice just to cross off a nomination for Best Original Song.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Sound Editing: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /> Skyfall is all that is left.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Sound Mixing: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br />Skyfall is all that is left.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Visual Effects: 4/5 Seen</u></i></b><br /><br />I added Life of Pi. I still need The Hobbit.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Writing (Adapted Screenplay): 5</u></i></b>/5 Seen.<br /><br />By seeing Life of Pi and Silver Linings Playbook I closed out this category.<br /><br /><b><i><u>Writing (Original Screenplay): 3/5 Seen.</u></i></b><br /><br />I am still needing Amour and Flight.<br /><br />I think Django Unchained will come out on top of this category.<br /><br /><br />That is it for another week. It is about time to start thinking about food for the night of the Oscars.Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-23979067512492190282013-01-23T21:14:00.002-06:002013-01-23T21:28:24.075-06:00The Librarian and Winter SangriaOne of the things we try to do as a family is sit down and eat dinner together every night. As crazy and hectic as our lives get it is at least thirty minutes out of our day when we are all together. My favorite part of the meal is our family dinner conversations.<br /><br />Tonight, in our attempt to be healthier I made fish for dinner. No one really likes fish {except me}.<br /><br />The Short Chic: <i>Dad, do we like fish?</i><br /><i><br /></i>Me: <i>If you are gonna be a pro-fisherman when you get big, you are gonna have to like eating fish.</i><br /><i><br /></i>The Husband: <i>crinkles up his nose and shakes his head yes. </i>{That is probably as much support as he can muster when we are having fish for dinner.}<br /><br />The Short Chic: <i>Well, I am going to be a librarian when I get big.</i><br /><i><br /></i>The Short Chic: <i>Or work at McDonald's.</i><br /><i><br /></i>The Boy: <i>McDonald's serves fish sandwiches.</i><br /><i><br /></i>The Short Chic: <i>Yep, I am going to be a librarian.</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4t5hsZfLUk/UQCeAtGZu-I/AAAAAAAAD2s/WTKl_uuefzM/s1600/librarian.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4t5hsZfLUk/UQCeAtGZu-I/AAAAAAAAD2s/WTKl_uuefzM/s400/librarian.JPG" width="271" /></a></div><i><br /></i>According to The Short Chic, this is what a librarian looks like. She highly recommends Pinkalicious books!<br /><br />While The Short Chic was <strike>playing</strike> practicing to be a librarian, I was making my favorite Sangria. I am hosting one of those at home parties tomorrow night and I am trying to get as much prep work done ahead of time as I can.<br /><br />I found this Sangria recipe on Pinterest, it comes from a blogger named. <a href="http://www.deepsouthdish.com/">Deep South Dish</a>. I have made it once before and it was so good. I am looking forward to a glass or two tomorrow.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUWDaOUExCY/UQCmjzEwwaI/AAAAAAAAD4E/cIH3hCtR84I/s1600/photo+(90).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LUWDaOUExCY/UQCmjzEwwaI/AAAAAAAAD4E/cIH3hCtR84I/s320/photo+(90).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />Winter Sangria by <a href="http://www.deepsouthdish.com/2009/11/weekend-cocktails-cranberry-pomegranate.html">Deep South Dish</a><br /><ul><li>1 bottle of red wine</li><li>4 cups of cranberry juice</li><li>2 cups of POM pomegranate juice</li><li>1 cup orange juice</li><li>3/4 cup simple syrup</li><li>1 apple, peel on, cored, quartered and sliced thin</li><li>1 orange, halved and sliced thin</li><li>1 lemon, halved and sliced thin</li><li>1/2 cup of fresh cranberries</li><li>1/3 cup of pomegranate seeds</li><li>Sparkling Water</li></ul><div>Combine all of the ingredients in an extra large storage container. You can adjust the flavors to your liking. Make this the night before you plan to serve it as the flavors will come together. Before serving, stir and transfer to pitcher. Use a pair of tongs to remove some of the fruit for each glass. Top each glass off with a splash of the sparkling water. Stir.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-78305512020659431682013-01-20T09:42:00.000-06:002013-01-20T09:42:25.092-06:00The Road To Oscar: Week 1<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/NShw_16.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/NShw_16.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />I am happy to report, I am down to 16 movies left to watch.<br /><br />Where are you at in your list?<br /><br /><b><u>Best Picture/Actor in a Leading Role/Actress in a Leading Role:</u></b><br /><br />I have currently seen 5/9 Best Picture nominations. {I am seeing another today but I have not counted it yet!}<br /><br /><b><i>Beast of the Southern Wild</i> </b>you can find at the local Red Box. I am totally smitten with that cute little girl who was only 5 at the time of making this movie. <br /><br /><b><i>Djando Unchained</i></b>. Okay, first let me say, I don't know how I feel about Quentin Tarantino movies. I liked <i>Pulp Fiction</i>. Not so much other things. Will admit to not watching <i>Kill Bill</i>. This movie is typical Quentin. Blood. Or at least fake blood. Lots and lots of it. Over the top moments that you just can't help but laugh at. I liked the story line. I really liked Christoph Waltz, if I had a mustache, I think I would be grabbing at it.<br /><br /><b><i>Les Miserables</i></b> was wonderful! Having never seen it on Broadway or even off Broadway, I assume it is pretty comparable. It is long! The music was fabulous. I can totally understand all the fuss over Anne Hathaway. Her solo sent chills to my extremities! I think Anne Hathaway's competition is Jessica Chastain. But then again, I have only seen 2/5 Actress in a Leading Role movies. <br /><br /><b><i>Lincoln </i></b>is probably still my favorite of the nominations. I saw it a few weeks before nominations came out. Daniel Day-Lewis was absolutely amazing as President Lincoln. I can not imagine him not taking home the gold statue. As much as I loved Daniel Day-Lewis, I also loved Sally Field. She was spunky and clever and stole her scenes.<br /><br /><b><i>Zero Dark Thirty</i></b> is a great movie. The commitment it took the main character to hunt for a needle in a haystack that everyone was protecting was unbelievable. I wanted to cheer and I wanted to cry. I do however, find myself asking who gave up this information And couldn't everyone make a great movie if they had access to confidential informational? Jessica Chastain starred in two Oscar nominated movies last year and I loved her performances then but she grabbed my attention in <i>Zero Dark Thirty</i>. {Can I tell you I am secretly repeating her most quotable line, "I'm the Mother F'er how found him, Sir!"<br /><br /><b><u>Animated Feature Film</u></b><br /><br />I have seen 2/5. I love<i> Brave</i>. I love that Disney made a Princess who did not marry and whose Momma was strong ... and alive! I also thought<i> Paranorman</i> was good. I will say it did not hold The Short Chic's attention. I watched it alone.<br /><br /><b><u>Cinematography</u></b><br /><br />I have seen 2/5 (<i>Django</i> and <i>Lincoln</i>)<br /><br /><b><u>Costume Design</u></b><br /><br />I have seen 4/5. My bet right now is on <i>Les Meserables</i>. But I have not seen <i>Anna Karenina </i>and I know Oscar loves a Victorian piece.<br /><br /><b><u>Film Editing</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>I have only seen 2/5 (<i>Lincoln</i> and <i>Zero Dark Thirty</i>).<br /><br /><b><u>Make-Up and Hairstyling</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Is hair-styling new to the category? I think it might be. I have only seen 1/3. Anyone seen <i>Hitchcock</i> in a theater near you?<br /><br /><b><u>Music (Original Score)</u></b><br /><br />1/5. Not doing so well in this category.<br /><br /><b><u>Music (Original Song)</u></b><br /><br />2/5. So far my bet is on <i><u>Suddenly</u></i> from <i>Les Miserables</i>.<br /><br /><b><u>Production Design</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Again, I have only seen 2/5 in this category. Hopefully I will have more by next week.<br /><br /><u style="font-weight: bold;">Sound Editing</u><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>Yep, 2/5 movies watched in this category.<br /><br /><b><u>Sound Mixing</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>2/5 in this category.<br /><br /><b><u>Visual Effects</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>3/5 here. We watched <i>Prometheus</i> this week. I do not do well with Sci-Fi thrillers. They kinda stress me out! I find I hold my breath and that only adds to my stress. Funny enough, I thought I recognized the birth of the alien at the end. I was the one who explained it to my hubby. Clever writing but it is not nominated for writing.<br /><br /><b><u>Writing (Adapted Screenplay)</u></b><br /><br />Speaking of writing, no surprise I have watched 2/5 in this category However, it is my goal to finish this category this week.<br /><br /><b><u>Writing (Original Screenplay)</u></b><br /><b><u><br /></u></b>I have currently seen 3/5. You can find <i>Moonrise Kingdom</i> in your Red Box and I will say it is a quirky cute coming of age movie. The staff is amazing (loved seeing Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, Bill Murray, Francis McDormand, and Tilda Swinton)!<br /><br />As much as I loved this movie, Oscar usually gives Best Original Screenplay to the number 2 movie. Right now, I think<i> Lincoln</i> will take home the top honors and <i>Zero Dark Thirty</i> will take home the second place spot.<br /><br />Thanks for reading my ramble. I have to get going, I have a date with my cousins. We are watching another movie, <i>Argo! </i><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-761385944752201562.post-65059762185449381912013-01-14T22:28:00.000-06:002013-01-14T22:28:11.062-06:00Lemon Poppy Seed DressingMy coworker had a birthday last week. {It was one of those monumental birthday's that shouldn't be overlooked!}<br /><br />We had a celebration in her honor at work. I made a quiche and a salad. The salad was a simple winter salad with homemade dressing. The dressing was probably the easiest thing to make and it was so yummy!<br /><br />I may never purchase salad dressing again.<br /><br /><b>Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing</b><br /><br />1/2 cup white sugar<br />1/2 cup lemon juice<br />2 teaspoons diced onion<br />1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />2/3 cup vegetable oil<br />1 Tablespoon Poppy Seeds<br /><br />In a blender, add the sugar, lemon juice, onion, mustard, and salt. Process until well blended. While blender is on, slowly add the oil in a constant stream. Add the poppy seeds and process just a few seconds longer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqvljayt774/UPTUmxyXX-I/AAAAAAAAD1U/i_v6qfbWLQ8/s1600/photo+%252889%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qqvljayt774/UPTUmxyXX-I/AAAAAAAAD1U/i_v6qfbWLQ8/s320/photo+%252889%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />I tossed this dressing with some romaine lettuce, Swiss cheese, a diced apple, diced pear, some dried cranberries, and a few cashews. It was the absolute yummiest! The dressing has just enough citrus to make it tangy yet a hint of sweet. Every bite just danced in my mouth. Perfect for pepping up a cold drab winter day!<br /><br />I guessed I made about 10 servings of dressing. I used it very modestly and made several salads with it. Estimating 10 servings, the dressing is about 5 points per serving. That sounds like a lot but if you leave off the cheese and cashews, the rest of the ingredients are fairly low to no point value. I assure you this salad probably has less points than a salad from your favorite restaurant.<br /><br /><br />Pamelanoreply@blogger.com0