What's Your Favorite...

childhood toy??? This is our new challenge for TAAFOMFT. I love this challenge... because I knew right away what toy, even what photo I was going to scrap... Rainee with her doggie. We've had doggie since she was a year and a half. We found him right before Christmas... when I was doing some last minute shopping at Kmart... and to keep her happy we went in the toy section to find a toy to keep her occupied while I got what I needed. She played with a few things, but little did I know, the moment she saw doggie it was all over ... we weren't leaving without him.

He was a cute little guy... and he was keeping her happy. But the moment it came time to put him back.. she wasn't having it... she wasn't letting him go. I tried telling her it was his bedtime and he needed to go to sleep... even a store employee joined in to help me get doggie to bed... but she wasn't having it, if she had anything to say about it. She wasn't letting him go... he was coming home to live with us! So like any good mother would do, who has a crying child... I caved. What??? With the tears flowing... her sad little face starring at me... I had to buy him. Once home, the only thing she was interested in was doggie... Christmas came and went, with lots of other toys, but doggie was it. She was only interested in one toy... doggie... she wouldn't let him out of her sight... he went everywhere with her... he was her constant companion... at breakfast... nap time... lunchtime... bath time... reading books... bedtime... it didn't matter what she was doing or where she was going... doggie was right by her side. He's been a good friend to her.

Since doggie came into our home... Rainee's had quite a few other favorite toys... but when she's really tied or has had a bad day... she always turns to doggie for an extra bit of love... he'll always be her favorite... no matter what.

Now it's your turn to show us your favorite toy. We'd love for you to play along and check out what our very creative TAAFOMFT DT have chosen as their favorites. Whatever yours is, share it with us... on a scrapbook page, a card, a mini book or project. We can't wait to see what you create!

Memorial Day...

 Freedom. I am blessed to live in a country who fights for our right to be free. Every day, I am blessed by the men and women who serve for my freedom. I am blessed by their choice to serve, they did not have to... but they chose to fight & even die for our freedom.

So, on this day of remembrance... I want to say, thank you... thank you, to all who have died for my freedom. I am truly grateful.

What's Cooking To{day}...

I love barbecuing throughout the summer... I love that it's so easy... but after a while I can only take so much bbq chicken... so here's a favorite recipe that gets me through the summer and barbecued chicken.... I love the fresh flavor of this lemon marinade, it's so refreshing... I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do...

Tuscan Lemon Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts (works great with or without skinned chicken)
• Sea salt
• 1/3 cup good olive oil
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
• 1 tablespoon minced rosemary leaves

Sprinkle each side of chicken breasts sea salt. Combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary in a bowl. Once mixed, place chicken in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 4 hours or overnight. Turn the chicken in the marinade a couple of times.

Prepare a hot grill, spread olive oil on grill grates for less sticking. Place chicken the grill. Cook both sides until golden brown and center of the chicken is not pink, then cover with aluminum foil, and allow to rest for 5 minutes. I like to also grill some lemon halves with this...

Enjoy!

Friday's 10 Happy Things...

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!!!  I hope your week was filled with some unforgettable HAPPY THINGS... and you'll join in with your 10 everyday happy list... plus the creative happy thing you made this week... it can be anything...  a scrapbook layout... a card... something you've baked... sewed... or painted... anything you've created that made you happy...

Here's how to play... you have all week to link up your creation & list... do both or just one... Be sure to do a direct link... Link back to my blog... and add the 10 Happy Things button (in the sidebar) >>>>>> , so others can play along too!!!

It's a wonderful way to share HAPPY with others!!

This week's 10 things...

1. Rainee's 'fake birthday party' at Chuck E. Cheeses... so much fun!
2. Rainee's excitement as she opened every birthday present.
3. Practicing the Ticket Blaster at home with scraps of paper... so she would know what to expect... too fun!!
4. Taking birthday cupcakes to Rainee's class...
5. Playing with Rainee and her new birthday toys...
6. Watching the sun set from my front porch...
7. Receiving flowers & gifts from kids I work with at school.... so sweet!
8. First grade picnic... playing games... eating...
9. Last day of school... ready to enjoy the summer!
10. Kung Fu Panda 2 in 3D... Rainee's 'real birthday' treat... a fun way to start the summer...

And my favorite creation... this photo of Rainee...  on her seventh birthday... 

That's it for me on this very... Happy Friday! Remember you can join in ANY TIME before next Friday... it's all about sharing the things in your life that make you happy... which are sure to make us happy too!! Enjoy your weekend, see you Monday!!

Happy Birthday Rainee... & One Year...

Happy Happy Birthday to my wonderful little Rainee... I hope today is extra special... enjoy it my little love... enjoy it!

And before I go.... I wanted to say it's hard to believe it's been a year since my dad passed away. It's been a difficult year without him. It seems like just yesterday I could reach for the phone to tell him about something that was going on here... or to let Rainee have her cute little chats with him... which they both loved. He taught me so much and he continues to do so even now.... I was blessed with a loving, kind and generous dad and will be forever grateful. At the time is seemed a bit sad that his passing was on Rainee's Birthday... but we've come to see it as papa giving her one last birthday present... leaving behind with her a little piece of his beautiful heart. One very special gift. Love you dad... and we still miss you.

One More Tooth...

Well last night, right before bed, Rainee came running in all excited showing me another tooth had fallen out!!! That makes 4 now!!! And of course I had to as a good mommy, document the event!!! As I laid in bed with her, after reading books... this was our new tooth conversation...  

• Rainee: Mommy, will another tooth grow back? 
• Me: Yes, why? 
• Rainee: I was just wondering, because the last tooth... number 3 still hasn't grown in... and I don't want to walk around with this hole in my smile.
• Me: Hmmmm let me see... well, sometimes teeth take longer to grow in... but don't worry it will come in... I think this one is waiting for more space, it looks a little squished in there.
• Rainee: You mean space like this?
• Me: Yup, like this cute space.
• Rainee: Thanks mommy, I was just wondering because it's just taking so long and I've been wanting to see that new tooth for awhile.
• Me: Soon, Rainee, I'm sure it will be soon....

That's it for today... I have so much too do... with only today and tomorrow left for school, the first grade class picnic and Rainee's 'real birthday' tomorrow... I'll be happy when this week is over... to take a breath... have a great Wednesday! See you tomorrow!

Rainee's Party... Party... Party...

Rainee's 'real birthday' is on Thursday... but yesterday, as Rainee would say... we celebrated her 'fake birthday'... at Chuck E. Cheeses... something she's been wanting to do forrrrrrrever. But I've been putting off doing because well... for too many reasons... but we did it!!! And she loved it!

Our party time was 1:30pm... but her day started at 6am... wanting to know when would be leaving. ... by 8am she had eaten breakfast.. brushed her teeth... and was completely dressed and ready to go! So for the next 4 hours she tried to to amuse herself... which was difficult with the excitement building up inside... she just couldn't wait... so by the time noon rolled around we had to leave, because I don't think she could have maintained herself much longer.. cute... too cute!

Anyway... the day was filled with... lots of very special friends... lots of food... lots of fun... and a very happy happy birthday girl! It was a very happy happy 'fake birthday'!

What's Cooking To{day}...

When I worked at the Los Angeles Times, one of my favorite Thursday things to do was... scour through the Food Section. I couldn't wait for it. I'd read every part of it... add new restaurants to my growing list of places I needed to try... and I'd cut out recipes to make. Over the years... I've cut out so many recipes my little recipe box is overflowing with newspaper recipe clippings. Each one has been used at some time or another... they're never a disappointment... totally worth keeping and making over and over and over! But out of all the culinary delights I'd read, I'd have to say, the 'Culinary SOS' articles are my fav's... 'Culinary SOS' is their most popular feature... it's an article where readers ask them for a recipe... and they do their best to get it. They've published recipes from everywhere... I get so excited to see what the next one will be...

And this recipe is one of those 'Culinary SOS' recipes... the reader was asking for The Getty Center Mexican Black Bean Burgers.... and boy are they delightful! 

Getty Center Mexican Black Bean Burgers

• 2 - 15oz cans of black beans drained
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1/12 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons cilantro

Process bean, onion, bell pepper, cayenne, egg, and cilantro in a food processor (or like me in the blender)... once blended together.... place in large bowl and fold in bread crumbs. Shape into 6 patties. Patties may be made 1 day ahead & refrigerated to allow them to set well. ( I cook them the same day).

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 patties and fry about 2-3 minutes per side, turning once. Add another tablespoon of olive oil and fry the remaining 3 patties.

Place each patty in hamburger roll and serve with salsa and guacamole, if desired.

This time I added some chipotle sour cream and pepper jack cheese to it... it really is a fabulous burger. The first time my husband ate it, he thought it was a real burger... he had no idea it was just a black bean mixture... I think you're going to love this recipe...
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I thought I'd add a little side note about The Getty Center... if you're ever in the L.A. area. I can't choose which I like more... but if you have a chance going to one (or both) of The Getty Centers will make for a lovely day! The Getty Center in Malibu it's a wonderful educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria and the The Getty Center in Los Angeles has Getty's collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present... both locations have tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. They are two of my favorite places to go....

Have a lovely day... and let me know if you try this recipe...

Friday's 10 Happy Things...

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!!!  I hope your week was filled with some unforgettable HAPPY THINGS... and you'll join in with your 10 everyday happy list... plus the creative happy thing you made this week... it can be anything...  a scrapbook layout... a card... something you've baked... sewed... or painted... anything you've created that made you happy...

Here's how to play... you have all week to link up your creation & list... do both or just one... Be sure to do a direct link... Link back to my blog... and add the 10 Happy Things button (in the sidebar) >>>>>> , so others can play along too!!!

It's a wonderful way to share HAPPY with others!!

This week we happily had rainy days... so my 10 things are all about rainy days...

1. A warm glowing fire... on a rainy day.
2. Roasting marshmallows by the fire... on a rainy day.
3. Grill cheese sandwiches and tomato soup... mmmm... mmmm... good...on a rainy day.
4. Chicken & dumpling... on a rainy day.
5. Apple pie baking in the oven... on a rainy day.
6. Pulling out extra blankets... for a chilly rainy night.
7. Hot tea with honey... on a rainy day.
8. Walking home from school hand in hand... on a rainy day.
9. Splashing in puddles... on a rainy day.
10. Rainee's excitement as we filled her treat bags for her birthday party... on a rainy day.

And my favorite creation this week was... "It's not easy being green" layout... I love the memories the photo brings back...

That's it for me on this very... Happy Friday! Remember you can join in ANY TIME before next Friday... it's all about sharing the things in your life that make you happy... which are sure to make us happy too!! Enjoy your weekend, see you Monday!!

It's Not Easy Being Green...

I'm going to be sprinkling in older photos I still have to scrap... there are so many I don't know if I'll ever... catch up... sooooo here's the story about this one...

From the time Rainee was 4 months old until she was 5, I had been working full-time... Steve took care of Rainee during the day, then we'd switch... he'd go to work, and I'd take care of her. This worked well us... although my heart yearned to be home with her... it was the way things had to be at the time....

And on days when Steve didn't work... I would come home to all sorts of things... but on this particular day... I walked in the door to a cute little rag-a-muffin decked out in a t-shirt and panties... with green marker all over her face. Steve had let Rainee play with her markers while he made dinner... and during her 'coloring' she decided she wanted to make her face pretty too! She was sooooooo happy and excited to show me her pretty green face... it was adorable. I love seeing her excitement and creativity over everything she colors... and well, even when her face is green. Because after all... "It's not easy being green"... not everyone can pull of this look... lol!

That's it for today... and I hope there's a bit of green wherever you are today... happy Thursday!!

Ladybug Thank You...

Here's a sweet little cards.... with all this sunshine and flowers everywhere... I couldn't help but do something with a bit of sunshine!

I made this card with a few different challenges... First is Clean&Simple's #140 Sketch.... the Second is ColorQ... and Third is CardMakinMamas Recipe.... my card may not be exactly what their challenges want... but I had fun trying.... in the end, I like the result! I hope you'll try a challenge or two... have a great Tuesday!!!

What's Your Favorite...

Photo? Do you have one??? Well, I couldn't decide on one... how is that possible... I love so many!!! Photos of my parents... my siblings... my growing up years.... singleness... marriage... I couldn't choose... so instead I chose some of my favorite photo moments over the past 8 years...
I haven't filled in the journaling... because I'm still mulling over what exactly I want to put in there... the photos aren't in any particular order on the page.... because they are all fav's...
1. My engagement party photo... so happy.
2. Every kissing photo of Rainee & Steve... this is the latest.

3. Rainee & I at a Christmas Tea... in her cute little Christmas dress and hat... so adorable!
4. Rainee with her brother Austin... they love each other soooo much.
5. First day of First Grade... getting to be so grown up... & did i mention she picked out this ensemble?? Too cute.
6. May 26, 2004... The day Rainee was born. Our first family photo.

7. Photos with papa... too many to choose from, but this is just one of my favorites... my nephew, Staush, Rainee & papa...
8. Family photos... I have to twist their arms every year... but it does happen... and every one is special.

Now it's your turn... show us your favorite photo... on a card, scrapbook page or project... and you could win a... Magnet EverydayFrame... that's right... EverydayScrapbook is the sponsor for this Favorite Challenge... so come on... show us your favorite photo!!!

Fabulous Friend... Re-do...

With the whole blogger shutdown and losing my Thursday post I thought I would re-post this layout of Rainee with her best friend. This is one of my favorite pictures of them together... and like I said before (which is now lost in blogger's trash never to be recovered).... I have been sitting on this layout for weeks because I was afraid to journal on the page... and in the end decided to leave off the journaling, because I love it just the way it is.

Hope you didn't lose much with the blogger shutdown... let's hope it doesn't happen again... it was icky!!! Have a great Sunday... and here's to a fab new week.... see you tomorrow!

Friday's 10 Happy Things...

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!!!  I hope your week was filled with some unforgettable HAPPY THINGS... and you'll join in with your 10 everyday happy list... plus the creative happy thing you made this week... it can be anything...  a scrapbook layout... a card... something you've baked... sewed... or painted... anything you've created that made you happy...

You have all week to share the link to your happy list & creation... by using the Linky below... that goes directly to your post... it’s super easy & fun to boot!

Here's my 10 happy things for this week...

1. Mother's Day... Time with family.
2. ColdStone Cupcakes... Delicious.
3. New Color Pencils. Pretty. Pretty colors.
4. Family dinner... with Baja salmon tacos.
5. Making homemade tortillas for the first time... love the smell... the taste... yum.
6. Watching Rainee's excitement as she tells me all about her newest craze... Ben 10.
7. Favorite iTune music blaring when no one is home...
8. Rainee in her camo outfit... trying to hide... very cute.
9. Being a stay-at-home-mom... blessed.
10. Wiffleball... such a fun family time.

And my favorite creation this week was... making homemade tortillia's... I loved it... the smell... the taste... well, there really is nothing like made from scratch tortillas... yum!

That's it for me on this very... Happy Friday! You can join in ANY TIME with your list of 10 happy things... it's all about sharing the things in your life that make you happy... which are sure to make us happy too!! Enjoy your weekend, see you Monday!!