My Little Patch of Sunshine

Wordless Wednesday -- sleepy girl

2013-05-08T18:58:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday -- date night

2013-04-24T21:01:00.001-07:00

Eggland's Best Eggs - Delicious! (Sponsored Giveaway!)

2013-04-12T21:04:00.000-07:00

I was offered the opportunity to host a brunch with Eggland's Eggs. They sent me a gorgeous ceramic bowl, coupons for eggs, a cute cutting board and other goodies.

If you've been with me, you know the last 6 months have been long and stressful. Bo doesn't really like eggs, but when he's out of town, scrambled cheesy eggs is my go-to comfort meal for me and the kids. It's a meal that I know will be met with agreement by all, and I know it fills their tummies. In fact, tonight was just such a night -- Bo out of town and we were feeling a bit out of sorts, so scrambled eggs with cinnamon sugar toast was dinner. It was delicious!

I did remember the task given me, however, and last week we enjoyed a wonderful Sunday morning breakfast with french toast (made with Eggland eggs) and fresh berries. And, later that day, I made this wonderful pineapple upside down cake (link to recipe) In fact, there are a bunch of great recipes at the Eggland website.

One thing I learned at their website is that the polystyrene containers are recyclable, and have less environmental impact than the paper cartons! I also like the fact that the feed they give chickens does not contain any animal byproducts, hormones, antibiotics or other nasty stuff.

If you want to learn more about them, you can check them out in a variety of places:

I'm excited to tell you that they have a great gift pack for one of my readers!

The gift pack includes a coupon for Eggland's Best Eggs, a ceramic bowl, a ceramic mug, a wooden cutting board, a whisk, a scraper and a reusable bag! If you would like to enter the giveaway, please follow this link to my giveaway page and fill out the necessary information. Entries in the comments will not count for the giveaway. On the giveaway page, you will enter your name, email, name of giveaway and answer to mandatory question. You will get an extra entry if you have liked my Facebook page.

Giveaway ends April 17, 2013!

Name of Giveaway: EGGS!
Mandatory Question: Which recipe from the Eggland site would you like to try?

Good Luck!!

*Disclosure: I was provided information and products from Eggland's Best Eggs to facilitate this post. They also provided the gift pack to give away. This is a sponsored post.*

Tell Me Thursday - Dad

2013-04-11T07:00:00.000-07:00

This is the last picture I took of my Dad. We were sitting outside in the courtyard of the hospice, enjoying the sun and warm breezes. There were many birds in the courtyard, and we talked about how much noise they made. We mostly sat there quietly. My Dad was always a thoughtful man -- thinking about many different things and contemplating things and figuring things out. He was so very intelligent, and the liver disease stole away pieces of his brain.

Today marks a month since his passing. I miss him so much, and know that I always will.

His memorial service was very special. My mom & brother gathered things that meant a lot to him and had them displayed in the chapel. They brought in a large print of a photograph he took, a gargoyle (which he collected), a Tardis (for his love of sci-fi), and other items. I compiled a number of pictures that the funeral home made into a slide show that played on a screen throughout the service.

My brother started things off, then Colin played Largo from Dvorak's New World Symphony on his viola. Then I spoke, and my Dad's only brother, then his cousin, and finally my mom. Nate wrapped it up playing the same piece, but on his string bass. My Dad loved music, and I know he would have loved knowing the boys played for him one more time.

My mom had asked for donations to the AZ Humane Society, but some people still sent flowers. I think there were 3 arrangements with tropical birds of paradise -- and I don't think I ever want to see another one.

Each eulogy given was special in its own way. This is what I shared about my Dad:

I want to thank you all for coming today. My dad was a special person, and will be missed. As the original daughter, I was his favorite . . . well, until my sister, Jane, was born anyway. And, then Matt came along. Truthfully, my dad didn’t play favorites, but instead loved his children for their uniqueness and their own gifts.

There are so many memories of my Dad that I cherish – waking up before dawn when I was very small and seeing him come in from work when he was driving a truck for Mobil, road trips to visit places across the U.S.,him leaving small gifts for me when we worked in the same office, his solo visit to Arizona soon after we moved here. I cherish these memories in my heart.

People often ask me how I ended up working with computers. I always tell them that I have my father to thank for that. In high school, I wanted to take jewelry making. Instead, he insisted that I take a BASIC programming class. In high school, I also took the secretarial track by following his advice, and that knowledge helped me feel comfortable with computers when they were just taking off, and also helped me find higher paying jobs as I went through school. Today, I love teaching others how to use software and simple programming – all in thanks to that push from my Dad. In fact, I am so used to training that at this point I feel like I should pause and ask for questions.

My father was a man devoted to his family. His family always came first, and there was no doubt that he put us before anything else. He loved talking about his children and his grandchildren to anyone who would listen. Especially during these last years, I was able to be with him when he would regale nurses and aides with stories of how proud he was of us.

He was especially devoted to my mom. Their love for each other was obvious to anyone, and that love was strong and passionate. For as long as I can remember, they were always by each others’ side. He doted on her, and did his best to make her feel special and loved every day.

My Dad loved to learn. He would read about anything – just to learn more about it. He was curious and interested in how things worked, and especially loved new technologies. The books in our home covered every topic imaginable, and provided many hours of enjoyable reading during my childhood. One thing that I strive to instill in my own children is that life-long love of learning.

My Dad also loved music. His CD collection was eclectic and far reaching. He especially enjoyed Irish and Indian flute music, but that by no means limited what he enjoyed listening to. Not many of you may know this, but among my Dad’s love of music – he loved funny Christmas music. He had quite the collection of humorous Christmas songs that he loved to play during the holidays.

I’m going to miss my father fiercely. He was a loving, compassionate, respectful man. Even though we may not have always agreed, he respected my intelligence and my choices. He never insulted me for making the choices I did. I know he loved me, and I will hold that in my heart for the rest of my life.

Wordless Wednesday - Dad

2013-04-10T20:14:00.001-07:00

Tell Me Thursday -- this boy

2013-04-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

I don't have a favorite child, but when I'm sick -- this child is my favorite child. He is the most caring, most empathetic, and most gentle person to have around when you're not feeling well.

I know -- what a surprise! -- but I was sick again this week. This time, the entire family came down with a stomach bug. Nate got it a day earlier than I did, so when I was feeling like a truck hit me, he was the one who made sure I had drinks and even made me Jell-O (and now you know another secret about me -- when I'm sick I crave Jell-O. I also craved it throughout my pregnancy with him.)

He also quietly played with his sister and plugged in headphones to the television so the sound wouldn't disturb me. None of which I asked him to do -- he just knew what to do.

This picture is of him visiting his grandfather in the hospice last month. He's also the only one in my family who really talks about his grief or asks about mine. He's one special kid, and I am honored to be his mom.

Wordless Wednesday - this boy

2013-04-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - siblings

2013-03-27T12:58:00.001-07:00

Tell Me Thursday -- Greystoke

2013-03-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

Greystoke is the beautiful cat in this picture, who was rescued by my sister this week. But this picture really isn't about the cat. It's about the beautiful woman who is my sister, who has held my heart from the moment my mom brought her home from the hospital.

A person couldn't dream of a better sister -- loving, caring, not afraid to tell me when I'm unreasonable, and able to make me laugh until my sides hurt or I spit out my drink.

And my kids couldn't have a better aunt -- fun, loving, adventurous, kind, dependable, and always ready to listen.

My life is so much richer with her in it. And her kitties are lucky to spoiled by her, too!

Wordless Wednesday -- Greystoke

2013-03-20T16:47:00.001-07:00

50% Off Tickets for Disney on Ice Treasure Trove in Phoenix

2013-03-16T22:25:00.000-07:00

Disney on Ice's show Treasure Trove, will be in Phoenix from April 11 - 14, 2013. You know how much we love Disney on Ice, and I am super excited to tell you about this fabulous opportunity to get 50% off the cost of tickets for the Phoenix shows.

On Friday, March 22, 2013 (ONLY), if you bring a new school supply to the US Airways Center, you will be able to purchase tickets at an amazing 50% discount!! All school supplies collected will be donated to Children First Academy, a local school for homeless children. The deal begins on March 22 at 12:00PM and ends at 1:30PM. Tickets are limited to 50 tickets per show, and only 4 tickets per person. (not valid on VIP seating)

Once the limited number of Treasure Trove Deal tickets are sold out on Friday 3/22, fans with school supply donations will still be able to purchase until April 11th at a $5.00 off discount rate (excluding VIP and front row seats). The ticket promotion lasts until April 11th at 7pm.

Showtimes:

Thursday, April 11 7:00PMFriday, April 12 10:30AM & 7:00PM
Saturday, April 13 11:30AM, 3:30PM & 7:00PM
Sunday, April 14 1:00PM + Spanish Language Performance at 4:30PM

For more information, visit www.DisneyOnIce.com or visit us on Facebook and YouTube.

Tell Me Thursday - hands

2013-03-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

This is a very difficult "Tell Me Thursday" post to write. This picture is my hand in my father's hand, taken sometime last week. It's also the lock screen on my phone.

He spent the last couple weeks under hospice care, and left this world late Monday night. He battled long and hard, but finally reached a point where he couldn't fight anymore.

My Dad loved his family above all else. His love for my mom began in high school and continued unwavering for 48 years. She was the light of his eye, and his constant companion. He was her protector. My Dad was a romantic - always writing her love poems and notes, and showering her with jewelry. Their example of commitment and love started me well in my own marriage.

He adored his children. I remember one year that he was on a business trip that was during my birthday, and he made a special effort to return the night of my birthday. I also remember him leaving little gifts on my desk when we worked in the same government office early in my career.

We never hung up the phone, or walked out the door, without saying " I love you! " There is no doubt that I was well-loved by my father. And that love was multiplied for my sister and my brother. When I would be out with him, he would regale pretty much anybody who would listen to stories about his 3 children (and his 3 grandchildren as well!)

There's a million more stories I could tell. It's tough right now.

My sister and I were with him, each holding one of his hands and telling him how much we loved him in his last moments. I held his hand in the last couple months more than I had in the last couple decades. I wish I had held them more often. You never know when the last time may be.

Wordless Wednesday -- hands

2013-03-13T11:33:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday -- drag races

2013-03-06T17:14:00.001-07:00

Review: CalmAid Lavendar Capsules

2013-03-02T15:24:00.006-07:00

If you read my last post, you know that I've been under some stress lately. I was sent a box of CalmAid (lavendar oil capsules) recently to try. They are made by Nature's Way, a company that also makes Sambucus (an elderberry syrup we keep on hand all the time to help shorten colds) and also the Valerian Root capsules that I have used in the past to help me sleep. So, I feel pretty confident in their products.

The lavendar capsules are meant to be taken once a day, to help reduce tension and stress. I know that the scent of lavendar is calming, but I hadn't known that the oil could be ingested for the same effects. When I know I am facing an especially stressful day, I have taken one in the morning and it seems to help me feel less stress.

The capsules have been tested in clinical studies, but they have not been evaluated by the FDA. If you take any prescription medicines, always check with your physician before adding any supplements.

You can find them online, and also at local retailers. Check out the Nature's Way website for more details.

*Disclosure: I received a box of CalmAid to facilitate this review. No additional compensation was provided. All opinions are my own.*

Tough few months

2013-03-02T15:10:00.001-07:00

Some of you may remember back in November when I mentioned that Nate had a mysterious illness that affected his ability to walk. He had 2 hospitalizations, one which culminated in sending him home in a wheelchair. He is so much better than he was (plans to return to altar serving and soccer next week!) but he's yet to be 100%. We're still visiting specialists and trying to make sure he doesn't have a relapse.

And, then, there have been my kidneys. I had another attack in November, followed by another in December, then a doozy in January that knocked me flat for a few weeks. It's so difficult because I have no warning, and then I'm down. It's frustrating for the company I contract with, since I have had to cancel at the last minute a few classes now and it's hard to replace me at the last minute. I'm slowly returning to teaching, but . . .

My dad, who has been sick for quite a while, has recently taken a turn for the worse. A little over a week ago, a decision was made to accept hospice care in his home. My mom is an amazing caregiver, but he requires 24/7 care these days and so I've been doing what I can to support them both.

There's more to each of those stories, but it explains why I've been missing in action mostly these days. Because, of course, there's more to life than just what I've posted, but those things have probably taken up the bulk of my time and effort. If you've been wondering where I am, though -- now you know!

Wordless Wednesday - old photos

2013-02-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday -- favorite things

2013-02-20T10:38:00.001-07:00

NHRA Drag Racing in Phoenix (Discount!)

2013-02-15T13:25:00.001-07:00

Have you ever been to a drag race? We had tickets to a Monster Truck event a few weeks ago, that I had to miss because I was sick, but Bo and the kids had a blast! I know that's not the same as a drag race, but it's close enough that I'm excited that we are going to the drag races next weekend & I am healthy enough to go!

On February 22, 2013, pro-qualifying sessions begin and run through Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Phoenix Firebird Raceway. Tickets can be purchased through www.NHRATix.com or calling the NHRA at 800-884-NHRA (6472).

Tickets for children 12 and under are FREE with any paid adult ticket! Fans have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers with exclusive pit passes.

My kids are so excited to go! My husband has warned me that it will be loud, but I know we'll have a ton of fun!

Thanks to my wonderful contact, I have a discount code to pass along to anyone who wants to attend. If you visit www.FirebirdRaceway.com to purchase your tickets and use the code MOMNHRA13 you will save $10 on each ticket purchased. You'll also find more information at www.FirebirdRaceway.com.

Let me know if you plan to attend! We'll be there on Sunday the 24th!

*Disclosure: In exchange for this informational post and an objective review of the event, I received tickets to attend the event with my family. No additional compensation was provided.*

Tell Me Thursday - makes me smile

2013-02-14T17:20:00.001-07:00

My picture yesterday (in case you couldn't tell!) is the front of my refrigerator. It makes me smile every time I look at it because it's covered in pictures of my sweet family, magnets from places we've visited (or that mean something to me - like my saint magnets) and various notes from the kids teachers when they've done something noteworthy.

Sometimes I go through phases where I think we should have a clear refrigerator . . . and then I miss my pictures and my magnets and they slowly creep back. A blank stainless steel front can't begin to compare to the smiles brought on by the slightly messy jumble that is there now.

Wordless Wednesday - makes me smile

2013-02-13T18:02:00.001-07:00

Tell Me Thursday - listen to mom

2013-02-07T21:05:00.000-07:00

That sweet note was written by Lydia (Please listen to Mom. If she wants anything get it for Mom.)

It's been a long couple weeks around here. More than 2 weeks ago, another kidney stone struck, that turned into a kidney infection and resulted in lots and lots of pain, high fevers, puking, feeling terrible and lots of time in bed watching Netflix Instant Stream. (Oh! And missed work. Way too much missed work.) It hasn't been fun - for anyone.

Lydia wrote the note after a meltdown I may have had while Bo was out of town for work and I felt like I was being kidney-punched and slightly delirious.

I am feeling better, but still not well. Lydia said, as she came with me to run an errand a couple days ago, "I'm really glad you're not doing that groaning anymore. It really annoyed me." Yes, my daughter is nothing if not honest. I assured her that my groaning annoyed me too.

I'm off to see a brand new urologist tomorrow, in hopes that he can help more than the one I've been seeing the last 2 1/2 years. In addition to the strain on my family caring for me, I've lost a ton of work, and I'm now nervous to accept any travel in case a stone strikes while I'm far from home. I have no warning -- just POOF! I'm in excruciating pain.

And that's just a tiny look into all that is going on right now -- the other stories aren't mine to share -- but they are mine to live. I need to get healthy again so that I can deal with the rest of the storms brewing.

Wordless Wednesday -- listen to mom

2013-02-06T13:44:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - First Time Sledding

2013-01-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust Review / Giveaway

2013-01-28T21:12:00.000-07:00

My family loves pizza. Whether it's takeout, delivery, or homemade, I think my husband and boys would be happy to eat pizza 3 or 4 nights a week. I know we'll have pizza this Sunday for the Super Bowl!

While sometimes Bo enjoys making pizza completely from scratch (and he makes an excellent crust & pizza sauce!), we don't always have time to wait for the dough to rise and rest. For those nights when I really don't want to spend the extra money on delivery or takeout, premade crusts are a great way to go!

Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crusts come in a tube available in the refrigerated section, and roll out into a beautiful crust. Topped with our own toppings, it makes a quick meal that satisifies everyone.

If you want to try out the Artisan Pizza Crusts, Pillsbury has a $1.50 coupon available for download right now! Pillsbury also has a ton of great recipes available to check out. Bo likes that this crust is easy to grill, just like his own crust.

I have a fun prize pack to give away to one of my readers. This giveaway ends on January 30, 2013, so don't delay in entering! You will receive a pizza pan, a pizza cutter, a football shaped cutting board and a coupon for a free Pillsbury Artisan Pizza Crust. (similar to what's shown above)

To enter the giveaway, I need you to CLICK HERE TO GO TO GIVEAWAY FORM. Once you're there, fill in your information, including the information below:

Name of Giveaway: Pillsbury Pizza
Mandatory Question: What's your favorite pizza topping?

The giveaway will end on January 30, 2013You can find all my giveaway rules linked on the top right of my blog. (Giveaway open only to US addresses.) Good Luck!!

As always, if you like my blog's Facebook page, you can earn an extra entry. (Even if you've already liked it in the past you will receive an extra entry!) My blog's Facebook page is found here (www.facebook.com/mylittlepatchofsunshine)

Disclosure: The product, gift pack, information, and additional sample have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark.