My pursuit of...

BEING Robin 01.24.2012

2012-01-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

THINKING: The parents group at Grom's school is organizing (still). We have 56 students and only 11 ~~parents~~ moms showed up for the monthly meeting. Why don't parents participate? What would motivate them?

DOING: Our schedule is generally busy. This week is busy plus! It seems like there is something extra at every turn. It's all good stuff and nothing that can be eliminated. Just... have... to... keep... moving.

COOKING: Woo Hoo! We have leftover spaghetti! Spaghetti Pancakes this week for dinner.... YES! I'm going to post my recipe after I make them this week.

TEACHING: Grom has no center time this week, so we are doing the independent study thing. Grom has been great about getting his work done. He learned about New York and chose New Mexico as his next state.

READING: Still listening to "The NIght Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. It's very interesting and I suspect it will make a beautiful movie. Grom and I are listening to "A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeline L'Engle. They are reading it aloud at Grom's school so I'm glad we are reading it too. I remember reading it as a kid, but don't remember how strange it is.

WATCHING: Ants crawl through their habitat. It's amazing that they work so well together.

CREATING: Grom asked to do some art. I saw a watercolor idea and set him loose. When it's done, I'll share it. It's cool. It's fun to see him being artistic.

THANKING: Rooibos tea. No caffeine and a warm smooth treat.

PRAYING: I'm starting a prayer journal. At the beginning of the year, my pastor challenged us to pray for 12 things every day. Easy enough right? I'm ready to see what the Lords going to do.

STUDYING: I've had fun digging into the life of Joseph to teach Kids Club. There are so many great lessons to learn from Jacob's boys. Still plugging along with my reading plan.

So that's what it's like being Robin this week.

Looking for the Daybook? I've moved on. I'm starting my own thing... BEING Robin. You can join me if you want, but don't BE Robin. Be yourself. Let me know if you share your week, I'd love to read it.

what's for dinner - 01.23.2012

2012-01-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

Source

Monday

~Grom - karate~

~Family Dinner~

my folks cook

Tuesday

~take meal to family with new baby~

~Parent Group Meeting~

bbq pulled chicken sandwiches

slaw

vegetarian beans

brownies

Wednesday

~Kids Club / Bible Study~

Spaghetti Pancake

salad

Thursday

~Grom - gymnastics / karate~

~teach Bible Study~

YOYO

Friday

~Servant Dinner~

Aunt Theo's Potatoes

Saturday

split pea soup with ham

biscuits

Sunday

~Fellowship Dinner~

Macaroni and Cheese with Butternut Squash

the Word

2012-01-22T10:37:00.000-08:00

Source: spreadhisword.tumblr.com via Robin on Pinterest

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

Romans 3:23

instafriday - 01.20.2012

2012-01-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

my week in iphone photos

road trip to the bay area

my parents gave Grom those great headphones for Christmas

he can't hear ANYTHING when he has them on

we got together with my dad's family for our annual Christmas Game

skyping with Beth and the girlies

we sure missed them

for the Christmas Game, we each bring a present and then we draw numbers

there is lots of laughing, scheming and stealing

i got a new set of knives and a really cool cutting board

Grom and a cousin-cousin

i love the way he's crossing his legs - it made me smile

sweet quiet time

i'm giving myself stickers when i finish my reading for the day

it's amazing how rewarding a sticker can be

karate!

i don't know where waldo is, but here are some friends

carnitas taco feast with friends

brussels sprouts go with tacos, right?

yet another beautiful sunset

buffalo chicken chili

ant farm update

still alive and digging

it was bring a friend night at kids club this week

we had 24 kids!

a new world record

etsy finds - pink

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000-08:00

frames - $69 from MountainCoveAntiques
fuzzy wool earrings - $9.50 from FishHollow
pink and white stripped paper straws - $21 from BakeMeHappy

chenile baby quilt - $112 from surelychenile
monster finger puppets - $16 from chasingmystar
shoe clips - $18.90 from finkshop

baby mobile - $49 from sweetsdivine
flower necklace - $38 from NestPrettyThingsKids
party poms - $30 from PartyPoms

Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese

2012-01-18T22:55:00.000-08:00

source

Roasted Butternut Squash with Blue Cheese
ingredients
6 c. cubed butternut squash
1/2 c. diced onion
2 T olive oil
1 T fresh thyme (minced)
1 c. crumbled blue cheese
1/2 c. panko bread crumbs

directions
preheat oven to 425F (convection if you have it)
mix all ingredients in a large bowl
spread onto a baking sheet (stoneware if you have it)
bake 35 to 45 minutes - squash should be cooked through and the top brown

BEING Robin 01.18.12

2012-01-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

THINKING: About single moms. Wow, what a tough job. I can't imagine being the only or primary parent. I'll be praying that the Lord show me ways to help.
PLANNING: The teachers at Grom's school are throwing a pajama movie night. They are raising money to go to the Montessori Convention. I think it's sad that they have to have a fundraiser, but that's another soapbox. Grom really wants to go. I need to find out what movie they're showing. I hope it works out... DATE NIGHT!

DOING: I started Weight Watchers on Monday. They have an app for my phone and it's like a game... as long as I have points left I can eat anything I want.

COOKING: Buffalo Chicken Chili. So yummy. Next time I'd add more Frank's Red Hot Sauce (which is probably the best hot sauce EVER). Just 4 points - 7 points with the blue cheese on top. Yep... I'm counting points.

TEACHING: I missing my verve when it comes to Grom's schooling. It's been a couple of hard weeks. We have a new learning period starting on Monday. It will get better when I have time to do some planning and organizing.

READING: I started listening to "The NIght Circus" by Erin Morgenstern. I'm not very far in. I also just got "10 Habits of Happy Mothers" by Meg Meeker from the library. I only have 2 weeks to l iisten to it, so I think it's going on the front burner. Still looking for something to read.

WATCHING: Top Chef. Grom likes to watch it with me. It's amazing what they can do with the challenges and amount of time they're given. I'm rooting for Nyesha, who is actually currently eliminated, but has a chance to get back into it via Last Chance Kitchen.

CREATING: I'm sewing the binding on a quilt. I think sewing the binding is one of my favorite parts of quilting. It's so relaxing and it means the quilt is done.

THANKING: I'm not a single mom. Surferman... you rock!

PRAYING: Surferman's business, Grom's obedience and listening, my discipline in getting to bed at a decent time and getting to the gym in the morning.

STUDYING: I'm studying the life of Joseph for teaching at SKC. I had a short stall with my Bible in a year. I have a few days to make up, but I'm current and moving ahead.

WORDING: verve - vigor and spirit or enthusiasm.

So that's what it's like being Robin this week.

what's for dinner - 01.16.2012

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

source

Monday

~Grom - karate~

~Family Dinner~

carnitas tacos / lettuce wraps

with the works

oranges

brownies

Tuesday

Buffalo Chicken Wings Chili

flatbread

salad

Wednesday

~Kids Club / Bible Study~

egg salad sandwiches

crudites

apples

Thursday

~Grom - gymnastics / karate~

~Bible Study~

YOYO

Friday

~Grom - pajama movie night at school~

DATE NIGHT!!!

Saturday

???

Sunday

~Baptism~

~Fellowship Dinner~

Garden Patch Casserole

the Word

2012-01-15T21:05:00.000-08:00

Source: chelseachatterbox.tumblr.com via Robin on Pinterest

instafriday - 01.13.2012

2012-01-13T21:43:00.000-08:00

my week in iphone photos

we're back in our routine

not as fun as last week, but still a great week

pinata fun

yes! that's a prosthetic leg being used as a bat

years ago they forgot the bat for the pinata

using our friend's surf leg is now tradition

after each kid had 3 turns knock that pinata apart

this marvelous mamma stepped up and took care of business

she's says it's better than anger management classes

the pinata was full of all kinds of fun stuff and some candy

and pens

public service announcement: don't put pens in a pinata

unless you want all the kids to be inked

i got my teeth cleaned

i wish i could say that i love going to the dentist

talk about eating a rainbow...

check out this veggie soup

friday night feast

nachos!

etsy finds - mugs

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

little red bird mug - $29 from joyelizabethceramics
jane austin quote mug - $16 from Brookish
owl mug - $12 from InAGlaze (I'd choose orange, of course)

binary mug - $12 GBP from MintprintStore
heart mug - $28 from TwistedRiverClay
blue pottery mug - $16 from LaurenBauschOriginal

moustache espresso cups and saucers - $36 from lovegracejoy
tangerine love mug - $27 - claylicious
upcycled mug with mustache gears and cephalopod - $801.99 from AntB

BEING Robin 1.10.12

2012-01-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

THINKING: I'm dumping the Daybook. My sister and dad gave me a hard time about some of the sillier writing prompts from the Daybook. Yes... it is most ALWAYS dark outside when I blog. So I'm starting my own thing... BEING Robin. You can join me if you want, but don't BE Robin. Be yourself.

PLANNING: It's a pretty standard week. So glad to have our routine back. YAY school! We are celebrating Christmas with my dad's family this weekend. It will be great to spend time with them.

DOING: I got my haircut today. My new hairdresser is great.

COOKING: I made the yummiest burritos for dinner tonight. I cooked dried pinto beans in the crock-pot. We stuffed them with the beans, rice, cheese and my secret ingredient... smashed cauliflower. I snuck that veggie in and no one noticed. Hot sauce and salsa added some zing.

TEACHING: Grom is back to school this week. We went to the aquarium last Friday so we're focusing on fun things like jellyfish, octopus and sharks. We gave Grom a Karyn Henley's Begin-To-Read Bible. He's been reading it every day.

READING: I'm not into anything right now. I've tried a couple of books, but can't get involved in anything. I need some suggestions, both for something to read and something to listen to.

WATCHING: Mr. Popper's Penguins. Grom and I really enjoyed listening to the book and were really apprehensive. I'm not the biggest Jim Carrey fan. Well.. they didn't use any of the book, but it was a nice story. A couple of scenes caused Grom and I to laugh uncontrollably. We recommend the book first and then the movie.

CREATING: Pins on Boards. I enjoy Pinterest.

THANKING: For opportunities to learn about God with Grom. Right now he's memorizing Psalm 147:5. "Great [is] our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding [is] infinite." Infinite - without bounds or limits... WOW!

PRAYING: Surferman's business, Grom's obedience and listening, my discipline in getting to bed at a decent time. Surferman and I have some reorganizing to do... unity in that project.

STUDYING: I started reading a One Year Bible on the 1st. I'm clicking along... 10 days for 10 days. I'm going to start co-teaching a women's Bible study. I've only taught kids for a long time. We are going through the Gospels.

WORDING: comport - to behave in a particular way. At the aquarium, Grom comported himself with expected good manners.

So that's what it's like being Robin this week.

what's for dinner - 01.09.2012

2012-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Monday

~Grom - karate~

bread soup

salad

Tuesday

black beans

cauliflower

cheese burritos

(make extra for freezer lunches)

salad

Wednesday

~Kids Club / Bible Study~

LO pasta

salad

Thursday

~Grom - gymnastics / karate~

~Bible Study~

YOYO

Friday

Wasabi White Ruffy

roasted brussels sprouts

tater tots

Saturday

~extended family Christmas celebration~

take bbq meatballs

Sunday

???

Need some ideas for dinner?

Check out the meal plans linked up at Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday.

the word

2012-01-08T14:27:00.000-08:00

instafriday - 01.06.2012

2012-01-06T21:32:00.000-08:00

so much fun

it's hard to believe it's been just one week

when in california... ice sledding

and ice tobogganing

new year's eve party

we made our hats

2012 family shareholders meeting

we talked about what we need to do to be a better family

heart shaped pumpkin pancakes

to eat during the rose parade

another beautiful sunset

ant habitat update #1

interesting ant fact - all of the ants in our colony are female

i have no idea what the seahorse told grom

grom is really good at keeping secrets

jellies!

if i had a pet, it would be a jelly fish

they are so cool

school of sardines

grom and i got to go to the monterey bay aquarium on a field trip

in the tube - and he didn't even get wet

the best carnitas in salinas at gutierrez drive in

etsy finds - scarves

2012-01-05T22:09:00.000-08:00

Where are you winter? I have scarves on the brain, and flip flops on my feet.

pattern - crochet fox scarf - SOLD from BeesKneesKnitting

pattern - hood & scarf - $3.99 from SweetKiwiCrochet

roses scarf - $32 from ozlemdesign

pattern - chunky crochet cowl - $4.99 from Carlitto

mustard yellow bubble scarf

pattern - knit medussa scarf - $6.20 from RubySubmarine

red flower scarf - $25 from fairstore

tomato ascot scarf - $26 from Knme

moustache scarf cowl - SOLD from piprobins

What's for dinner - 01.02.2012

2012-01-01T22:50:00.000-08:00

Monday

~Family Dinner~

Taco Temple

Tuesday

~Grom - karate~

wasabi white ruffy

roasted brussels sprouts

tater tots

Wednesday

~Kids Club / Bible Study~

pizza pinwheels

salad

Thursday

~Grom - gymnastics / karate~

~Bible Study~

Chilaquiles

pinto beans

salad

Friday

~Field Trip - Monterey Bay Aquarium~
???

Saturday

~Grom - karate~

pancakes

turkey sausages

Sunday

~Fellowship Dinner~

Lazy Mom Lasagna

Also Make

applesauce

vegetable soup

the word

2012-01-01T14:30:00.000-08:00

Oh, give thanks to the LORD! Call upon His name;

Make know His deeds among the peoples!

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever,

1 Chronicles 16:8,34

Source: Uploaded by user via Robin on Pinterest

Books Read in 2011

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Alicia Martin: Biografias - Cascade of books, originally uploaded by library_mistress.

Richard & Florence Atwater

Mr Popper's Penguins (unabridged audiobook)

Nicole Baart

After the Leaves Fall
Summer Snow (unabridged audiobook)
Beneath the Night Tree

Michael Baron

Spinning
Anything

L. Frank Baum

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (unabridged audiobook)

Melody Carlson

These Boots Weren't Made for Walking

Lewis Carroll

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (unabridged audiobook)

Francis Chan

Crazy Love (unabridged audiobook)

Amy Chua

Battle Hymm of the Tiger Mother (unabridged audiobook)

Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games (unabridged audiobook)
Catching Fire (unabridged audiobook)
Mockingjay (unabridged audiobook)

Cressida Cowell

How to Train Your Dragon (unabridged audiobook)

Kathryn Cushman

Leaving Yesterday

Roald Dahl

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (unabridged audiobook)
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator (unabridged audiobook)

Diane Mott Davidson

Crunch Time (unabridged audiobook)

Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

Melissa Ford

Life from Scratch

Rene Gutteridge

Scoop
Snitch

A.J. Jacobs

The Know-It-All (unabridged audiobook)

Neta Jackson

Who Is My Shelter?

Robin Gunn Jones

Sisterchicks On The Loose
Sisterchicks do the Hula!

Timothy Keller

Ministries of Mercy

Nancy Moser

Solemnly Swear

David Platt

Radical

Thomas Rockwell

How to Eat Fried Worms (unabridged audiobook)

Virginia Smith

Stuck in the Middle
Age Before Beauty
Third Times a Charm

Kathryn Stockett

The Help

Paco Underhill

Why We Buy (unabridged audiobook)

Alice J. Wisler

Rain Song

Sara Zarr

Sweethearts

instafriday 12.30.11

2011-12-31T00:23:00.000-08:00

My week via Instagram photos.

crab feast for Christmas Eve

games and cookies

the stockings were hung by the chimney with care

grom loved passing out the presents

the dice game with surferman's family

we all bring various presents

roll a 7 or 11 and you get to grab one from the middle

after they are all unwrapped you have to show your plunder all around

and then the fun/stealing starts

roll a 7 or 11 and go get the present you really want

so much fun

shooting nerf darts at the moon, uh... I mean solar tube

we were a little late, but we finally finished our Christmas countdown activities.

we made bags to give to homeless people.

everybody needs a tootsie pop now and again

strawberries from farmers market at the end of december

(and they are delcious!)

i love living in california

proof that kids get to do dangerous things at their grandparents' house

i love orange smiles

sleeping ants

watch for updates

grom received this really cool ant colony for Christmas

it was invented to take ants on the space shuttle... how cool is that?

etsy finds- baby boy

2011-12-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for a friend to have her first baby. So easy to find cute things for a boy.

iPood onesie - $10 from RevolutionCoOp
fortune cookie booties - $28 from sushibooties
before I formed you poster - $20 from happydeliveries

owl crib mobile - $85 from dropsofcolorshop
button loafers - $14.50 from asimplebee
cape bib - $10 from LittleTexasBabes

puppy dog cap - $24 from PamKR
sock monkey pants - $24.95 from chicbabyrose
robot onesie - $13 from squarepaisleydesign

what's for dinner - 12.26.11

2011-12-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

Monday

Spaghetti Pancake

salad

Tuesday

LO turkey & rice soup

bread & butter

Wednesday

Baked Spaghetti

veggies

Thursday

Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

top with roasted brussels sprouts

Friday

Curried Turkey

(I'll add cauliflower, beans and carrots)

rice

Saturday

~New Year's Eve~

french bread pizza sando

mint brownie balls

Sunday

~Fellowship Dinner~

???

Check out meal plans from all over the country (and world!)

Laura hosts Menu Plan Monday each week on her blog, "I'm an Organizing Junkie"

sabbath

2011-12-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

instafriday 12.23.11

2011-12-23T21:39:00.000-08:00

It's C-Week!

wedge salad - the best "healthy" part of my mom's birthday dinner

bacon and bleu cheese is "healthy"... right?

beth's chocolate cake - the best part of my mom's birthday dinner

twins with a twin

we were both wearing red long sleeve tees and light blue jeans

bebe's jeans were cuter... she had red hearts on her knees

think i could pull off red heart patches on my knees?

my beautiful friend after our church's candlelight worship service

it was a night packed with christmas songs and Jesus

cookie decorating at church

later the cookies were delivered to our local senior care center

girlies and grammy got in on the action

i didn't want to go

it's so stinkin' early in the morning

proof i was there

oh fudge!

making cookie plates for customers and neighbors

our christmas cards went in the mail today!

an amazing sunset

i love the colors in the sky and the dark silhouettes of the palm trees

two sleeps until christmas!

Etsy finds - snow

2011-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

top row
vintage neckace - $65 from RoseAndThatch
snowflake garland - $10 from hoopdaloop
fuzzy baby socks - $10 CAD from IraRott

middle row
snow cluster earrings - $19 from OooohShiny
snow monster - $7 from Calliekins
white felt balls - $36.20 from TaraTaraTara

bottom row
snow cold winter print - $15 from Raceytay
snow white lampwork beads (2) - $8 from MayaHoney
snow queen capelet - $52 from lorigami

Links for 2011-02-25 [del.icio.us]

2011-02-26T00:00:00-08:00

Se7en’s Edible Cell Biology Fun… » se7en

Links for 2011-02-15 [del.icio.us]

2011-02-16T00:00:00-08:00

Pleasant View Schoolhouse: Easiest Little Girl's Skirt, With Beads
Aren't these cute?

Links for 2011-02-14 [del.icio.us]

2011-02-15T00:00:00-08:00

Elastic Sweet Marshmallow Bar Treats | SimpliFried
flexible, easy and yummy - looks like

Links for 2011-02-08 [del.icio.us]

2011-02-09T00:00:00-08:00

ONLINE STARCHART - The Best

Links for 2011-02-06 [del.icio.us]

2011-02-07T00:00:00-08:00

Sun Butter Balls
Grom might love these. And I have sunflower butter in the pantry
thelongthread.com » 35 Printable Valentines
A long list of printable valentines. I don't know if Grom's new school does valentines. ??? I sure hope so. We always trot out Proverbs 17:17
Mobile - Roadside America iPhone App
for our next roadtrip

Links for 2010-11-05 [del.icio.us]

2010-11-06T00:00:00-07:00

Easy Cake Mix Cookies (4 recipes)
I have a lot of cake mixes that I got on sale

Links for 2010-10-24 [del.icio.us]

2010-10-25T00:00:00-07:00

Giant Ginger Cookies
Grom will love these - and they'll be a change from the chocolate chip ones we've been enjoying lately.