Spring Fitness Challenge

Join me and sign up for Abby's Spring Fitness Challenge. I need some motivation - money plus competition is a great motivator. Here are some of the details:

*You and a hot pair of sweat pants
*Anybody can join - boys and girls alike
*$10.00 per person to play
*8 weeks
*Weight loss challenge-lose as much as you can in 8 weeks (see rules)
*Jackpot cash prize - winner takes all

The official rules are over at A Feathered Nest. Sign-ups end/competition begins March 30th.

Menu Plan Monday 3/23/09

Spring Break Time! I'll pop up some ideas, and we'll work around our yet-to-be-made plans!!

Monday 3/23 - Hoisin Chicken
Tuesday 3/24 - Rose City Steaks**
Wednesday 3/25 - Turkey Burgers
Thursday 3/26 - Supper Swap Night - Baked Potato Chowder**
Friday 3/27 - Taco Bar
Saturday 3/28 - Chicken and Dumplings (extra for a Soul Food delivery)
Sunday 3/29 - Apple Cranberry Pork** Roast in the crockpot

** Chill MAMAs meals

MORE menu planning ideas here:

Daybook Entry 3/23/09

Outside my window...
Clean and cold spring day. I actually heard an emergency vehicle siren which I NEVER hear on our country road, so that was a bit jarring.

I am thinking...
about what joyful things we can do this Spring Break week. I have the entire week off and I don't want to waste a minute.

I am thankful for...
my sweet family. I think both college-age girls will be up today to spend time with the family.

From the kitchen...
I'm off to make Banana Crumb Muffins as a warm and yummy treat. I'll also fill the crockpot so we can play today and have dinner when we get home.

I am wearing...
cozy sweats. I supposed I should get dressed in a minute. (tee-hee)

I am creating...
more aprons. I'm behind with THREE aprons and have three more due within the week. One is for a special little girl and my DD has a design in mind - she will be assisting in sewing, too.

I am going...
to find adventure today!

I am reading...
NOTHING! Not exactly true, I have several books on my nightstand but none of are capturing my mind. I do have two books from a friend at work that I know I'll be sucked into once I begin.

I am hoping...
that my hubby's leg wound finishes healing, and the my brother and family make some sound decisions that are firmly in God's plan.

I am hearing...
the soft breathing of my middle daughter as she sleeps on the couch behind me. I miss that girl!

Around the house...
there are signs of projects in progress, laundry needing done and lots of opportunities for freshening. I wish I'd win a lottery or something! A fairy godmother would be nice, too.

One of my favorite things...
is having a slow family day.

A few plans for the rest of the week:
Monday is family fun day, Tuesday a little work and a visit to the Humane Society (working on a Girl Scout badge), Thursday supper swap in the evening, Sunday nursery community builder (5th week).

Here is picture thought I am sharing...
I love how the trees on the coast adapt to their windy environment, but stay strong and beautiful.

For more inspiration, visit: http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Summer Camp Links

I'm sure that I'm not alone, in that I work full time and my daughter is in child care during the summer. I set aside funds pre-tax for child care reimbursement and Day Camps are a reimbursable expense. FINDING good day camps are always a challenge for me. WHEN will the IRS allow a partial reimbursement for the day camp portion of residential camp?!?!?

I've spent some time locating camps in the Southwest Metro area and thought others might benefit from my research. If we go to the same camps, I'd be willing to try and car pool, too, so please leave comments.

Girl Scouts
We've been a scout for several years and their Day Camps are an affordable (under $100) and enjoyable option. Wil-Lo-Linn is June 22-26 in Wilsonville, and is an amazing camp that is SO well put together. The also bus from the LO and WL areas, and by using that option this 9-3 camps ALMOST works in my work schedule. Registration opened 3/15 and fills fast. Website link HERE. Trillium Valley is a day camp in Tigard's Cook Park the week of July 20-24. Also fills FAST - info HERE.

Camp Tilikum
This Christian day camp is just outside of Newberg, and a real favorite. Our church, Rolling Hills Community, always goes the first full week of July, this year the 6th-10th. Registration open April 20 HERE. I like it because the bus leaves Tualatin at 8am and comes back at 4:30 pm so I don't have to adjust my work schedule TOO much. Tilikum also offer individual registrations for Day Camp but I'd have to drop/pick-up every day which does NOT fit into a working mom's schedule.

Canby Grove
Apparently everyone but me sends their kiddos to this camp in the summer. They have a jam-packed schedule HERE. I'd definitely have to carpool to make this one work since it's so far out of my normal travel pattern.

Saturday Academy
Registrations just opened for grades 2-12 in these camps that span topics like science, engineering and technology to humanities & the arts. We have YET to fit a camp into our schedule. Website HERE. I'm really interested in the Dragonfly Science Camp grades 4-6 (T is VERY interested in forensics right now) but it's at PSU from 9 - 4 the week of August 3-7. If anyone else is signing up and wants to carpool, we might able to make this one work.

Fir Hollow Stables (Sherwood)
My darling LOVES horses and I just found a day camp not too far from home where she can learn more about horsemanship. Fir Hollow Stables has three weeks of camp (7/6-10, 7/13-17 and 8/10-14). Small groups sessions will alternate between riding and other arts/crafts/sporting activities from 9 - 3.

YMCA Camp Collins, Gresham
A Gresham camp wouldn't normally work but there is a bus from North Clackamas Aquatic Center. The session we're looking at is the only one that include horseback riding, the week of 8/31-9/4.

Oregon Zoo, Portland
A regular camp for us, this is one that is perfect for carpooling because who wants to face the traffic twice EVERY DAY? Anyone going the week of 6/29-7/3, 7/27-31, 8/17-21 or 8/24-28? Camp is from 9 - 4 with an extended care option.

Club Sport, Tigard
We went there one year and T had fun even though it was much more physical than expected. Actual camp went 8 - 5 which was nice.

Columbia Academy, West Linn
Again, went there a few weeks one summer. Fun activities, small groups, but the times were tough ending at 3:30 with no extended care option.

Willowbrook Arts Camp, Tualatin
A definite throw-back to the 70s, the kids really enjoy this camp. Only in session June 29 through August 7, they do offer an extended care option that can allow the 8:30-3:15 camp to fit into a working parent's schedule.

Music Man Studios, Wilsonville
The Givens offer music instruction at the public schools in addition to their studio. We would love to take advantage of one of these summer camps: Strings, Guitar, Musical Theatre, Music Theory or Rhythm.

Fine Art Starts, Oregon City
Never been but looks interesting.

Once Upon a Horse, Wilsonville
T REALLY enjoyed this a few summers ago. However, I had to beg and barter for help to make this 9 - 2, Monday through Thursday camp work for us.

OMSI, Portland
The brochure looks amazing.

Oregon Episcopal School, Beaverton
Never been. Their multi-activity camp is on a two-week schedule.

CREST, Wilsonville
Environmental camp that offers outreach and on-site program for West Linn-Wilsonville schools. Their full day grades 1-6 camp is from 9 - 4 in either Wilsonville (8/3-7) or West Linn (8/10-14).

Menu Plan Monday 3/16/09

Last week was smoother with a plan in place. Here we go again!

Monday 3/16 - Pastrami Sandwiches
Tuesday 3/17 - St. Patrick's Day/Girl Scouts - Shepherd's Pie
Wednesday 3/18 - 3 packet pot roast
Thursday 3/19 - Girl Scouts singing at senior center - Baked Ziti**
Friday 3/20 - Cinco Layer Bake**
Saturday 3/21 - Ginger Beef**
Sunday 3/22 - Baked Potato Chowder**

** Chill MAMAs meals

MORE menu planning ideas here:

I feel like a Rock Star!

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for me!!

I was so surprised to find out that my interview with Lucy was published on SwapDex. Lucy and I both regularly host apron swaps and we teamed up earlier this year and hosted a swap together. Thank you JENNA, for posting a sweet interview. And it was her birthday too -- please stop by her blog and wish Jenna a Happy Birthday!!!

Plus, my supper swapping group, the Chill MAMAs, was highlighted on the local ABC-affiliate news, KATU, during a Problem Solvers special report. I am sad to say I couldn't watch the interview myself because DISH Network and KATU are in a dispute (GRRRRRR) but I will post a link to the video as soon as it is posted.

AND, one more -- Bakerella visited the Pioneer Woman last week and demo'd cupcake pops & bites. Well, I have several posts linked on that topic so my traffic is up. Check out the ones I made for family and friends HERE and HERE.

Apron Site - Sassy Apron Swap Giveaway

I'm in the Tea for Two Sassy Apron Swap and get extra entries for blogging about a wonderful apron seller site. Please leave me a comment if you read this post and/or purchase from Jan ... she's a great seamstress and I need the entries!!

I have a new giveaway to offer you today. My friend Jan from J Carrell Originals has offered us a custom made apron just for this swap. If you haven't checked out her site yet you should! She sells beautiful aprons (I have a lovely chicken apron on black that she made for me!! thank you!). She also sells tea pot (we will have a giveaway for one of those soon) and tea cozies. If you are strapped for time (who isn't) and would like to get a fabulous apron ready-made for your partner, check out Jan's aprons. They are lovely and very affordable.
Here is the lovely Tea Cup apron that Jan so graciously made for us.

Tea Apron

Fabulous isn't it!!!??! I just love it and am so excited that she took the time to make it special for us.

Menu Plan Monday 3/9/2009

Wow, no plan last week really messed me up! So, here's a plan that we will work around.

Monday 3/9 - Choir Concert at the library - Rose City Steaks**, Baked Potato and Salad
Tuesday 3/10 - An's Pork Chops**, risotto, asparagus
Wednesday 3/11 - Strings Concert at the high school - Ritzy Chicken Bake**
Thursday 3/12 - 3rd/4th grade music performance - mini meatloaves** w/mac & cheese
Friday 3/13 - school district science fair at WLHS - CP taco soup (Chill Mamas on the 11pm KATU news)
Saturday 3/14 - Sweet and Sour Pork with rice and veggies
Sunday 3/15 - G'ma Karen's Bday - Sunday Roast

** Chill MAMAs meals

MORE menu planning ideas here:

Fun Four-Day Weekend

My goodness, this past weekend has been a blur. I also received several amazing swap packages, mailed off quite a few and still have a couple to finish. Thank you Suzee, Jennifer, Terri, Angie, and Joey. Pictures and details to follow!!

Here's a quick overview of the weekend:

Thursday started off with T's student-led parent/teacher conference. She's doing quite well and was so proud of her recent math test where she had the highest score in the class (a first). So fun! We also made and delivered a meal of baked enchiladas to a Sherwood family from our church who is experiencing some medical problems.

Friday, three of us girls plus Molly puppy went to the coast. It was a GORGEOUS day! Absolutely amazing and we had a spectacular time on the beach and doing a little shopping - I love my kiddos.

Saturday, I attended a terrific discipleship training at church by Muriel Cook (Kitchen Table Counselor) while T's big sis played with her AND sat at the Girl Scout cookie booth, too. BONUS points for Tess! Then, Mike had a surprise evening off and we watched a RedBox movie after T went to bed.


Sunday, we DID set our clocks ahead but I was still running slow getting the nursery worker treats made and we arrived at church by the skin of our teeth. On a happy note, the recipe I had to heavily modify was well received (see below) AND I got a nap, which I desperately needed. Unfortunately, it had me in slow-mo for the rest of the day and I still have a really long to-do list. And, next week is chock full of evening activities .... [sigh]

Black-Bottom Banana Bars
A bit like chocolate-banana bread...

½ cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract (I used almond extract)
1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (I used applesauce)
1 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 9x13" pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine butter and sugar and cream together. Add egg and vanilla and beat until thoroughly combined. Blend in bananas. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide the batter in half. Add the cocoa to ½ the batter. Spread the cocoa batter into the prepared pan. Spoon remaining batter on top and swirl it with a knife. Bake 25 minutes, or until bars test done (toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean).

Yield: 3 dozen

Meal Sign-Up Management Site

I found a website that is SO useful for coordinating meal donations for families in need. It's called "Food Tidings" (http://www.foodtidings.com) and I LOVE it! It takes care of the problems of sign-up sheets that are emailed being immediately out-of-date and out-of-synch because people don't Reply All or two families sign up for the same day at the same time. You input information about the family being cared for including allergies and food preferences, email invitations, and then cooks sign up for the date of their choice. And the program sends preparers a reminder email. In fact, I have some Baked Enchiladas to deliver today! Oh, and, BEST OF ALL, it's FREE!!!

This is from their About Us page:


Food Tidings exists to simplify the process of organizing meals for friends or family members in a transitional time of life. For someone who has just had a baby, recovering from surgery or injury, grieving the passing of a loved one, confined to bed rest, and almost anything else, receiving dinners from loved ones can be very comforting and helpful.

WHY

For the person who is organizing the schedule and communicating with everyone involved, the process can be a little tedious.

* You have already sent the invite, but then you think of someone else who’d like to participate. You can send an invitation to that person, but no one on the original email sees that you invited them. Now that new person doesn’t know what the most updated schedule is, and everyone else is out of the loop on the day that person signs up for.
* Someone doesn’t hit “Reply All” when they sign up and you have to race to get everyone in the loop with the available dates.
* If someone hasn’t checked their emails for a couple of days and there have been a lot of sign ups, they may not check all their emails before they sign up for a day that has already been taken. Then you have to do “clean up” on the schedule.
* Someone who you invited thinks of someone to invite and doesn’t let you know. Next you are getting an email from someone you didn’t realize was helping and they are signed up on a date that has been filled already.
* You are continually sending the updated schedule to the person you are bringing meals to.
* Someone wants to help organize a meal schedule but doesn’t feel they have the time to manage it. Facing a difficult task, they put it off and it quickly becomes to late and the moment to help in time of need is passed. Now the person who would benefit greatly from receiving the meals will miss out.

It is a worth while cause, but this site is designed to help eliminate some of the time and confusion in coordinating a meal schedule.

Let me know if you try it!

Flirty Apron Swap - Oooooh, it will be FUN!

I'm so excited!! We have 65 swappers so far and it's not quite two weeks until sign-ups close on St. Patrick's Day. I know they are all looking far and wide for the perfect vintage linens. I personally LOVE the hunt ... following the obscure "Estate Sale" signs through new neighborhoods, popping over to my local Desert Industries and Goodwill stores during my lunch hour and trying to not be late getting back to work, and planning a side trip to antique shops during a trip out of town.

If you're a participant, PLEASE post one of the swap badge images from the sidebar onto your personal blog, so your readers will know you're a Flirty Swapper and maybe they will join us, too. We are made up primarily of previous swappers but there's always room for a new friend. There's still time if you'd like to join us. Click HERE to go to the FAS blog.

Lastly, my inspiration for this swap, EllynAnne Geisel's new Kitchen Linens Book, has been released for publication earlier than planned which is GREAT for us. I received a preview copy and it is so INSPIRING. This comprehensive book not only has information about linens, but is chock full of beautiful pictures, recipes, apron info and MORE! I highly recommend that you purchase one during our swap - for yourself and/or your partner. If you purchase by clicking the image below, about 50 cents will go toward the Flirty Apron Swap - thank you for your support!