Lip-a-rific!

Last night, I got to stop by Victoria's Secret for a few short minutes!  I had a coupon for free panties (I HATE that word) and $10 off a purchase of $10 or more.  So, basically...I was able to get free undies (that's a better word, don't you think?) and a couple of their "famous" lip glosses...and pay next to nothing for them!  I also found some other cute undies for $3.99.  If you like to shop at VS, now is the time to go!  All throughout the store, SALE signs were up.  Bras, panties, PJs, and sweatshirts (oh my!)....were discounted.  I probably could've done a lot more damage had I had more time to spend in there!  If you know me at all, you know that I am a lover of "all things lips."  Lip gloss, lipstick, chap stick...you name it, I love it.  Well, I am a huge fan of Victoria's "Beauty Rush" lip glosses!  I have about ten of them.  They come in all different colors and flavors!  They are usually 2/$12 or 4/$20, and they are now on sale for 3/$15 or 6/$20!!  Last night, I got Candy, Baby...and it's a lover-ly, neutral pink!!  My motto is: You can never have too many lip glosses!  I have a lip product in EVERY room of my house, in every purse, and even several in my car (I am not lying...just ask my sister!).  I have some OCD issues, but I'll save that for another post (I am not kidding about that either)!  

P.S.   If you happen to purchase these glosses and don't like them...you know who to give them to!!  

P.P.S.  If you are ever in need of "glossy lips," you know whose got your back!

Trying To Raise Gentlemen

I got the chance to take Bryson on a "date" over the weekend.  We went to the movies, to see Earth.  When I first mentioned taking him on a date, he said, "Mom...you know I am not old enough to date!"  I told him that until he's older- he's only allowed to date me!  As we were leaving for the theater, I told Bryson that I wanted to teach him to be a gentleman.  (I think we are hard pressed to find many true gentlemen these days!)  I desire to raise my boys to be respectful of women and I want them to be chivalrous, too!!  My mom gave me the idea of telling Bryson to open my car door.  He was happy to oblige and he opened all of the doors for me that day (car, theater, etc.).  I told him that when he gets older, he will be expected to pay for the date, as well!!  We got some popcorn and a soda, enjoyed the movie, and even held hands.  We had a great time together, and on our way back to the car, Bryson told me..."This is the best date I've ever been on!"  He sure knows how to melt my heart.  Anyway....I have decided to "date my boys" until they are of age.  It's a great way for us to get that one-on-one time together, and it will allow me to teach my boys how to treat a woman.  I want my boys to treat their ladies like princesses!  Their daddy treats me like one, and I am blessed and honored to be able to raise these boys with him.  I am praying those things for them even now.  I even pray for their future mates!  I know that it seems like a long time off, but I also know that I will blink and they will be heading off to college!  This post is meant to encourage you to spend that "separate" time with each of your children.  I am at home with Hudson all the time now, but rarely do Bryson and I get the chance to hang out together.  Our date was special and I think it's a time that we will both treasure for many years to come!

**Last week, Bryson came into our front office and peeked out the window.  There were some teenagers outside, and I was sitting at the desk....

Bryson said:  Those girls are hot!  

Me:  Bryson!  That doesn't sound very nice.  

Bryson:  What?  I just meant that they're beautiful!  Dad says it all the time.

Me:  Then say that, instead of saying "hot."

**Yes, the hubby got in trouble for that one, and yes....I clarified (with both of them) that he's only referring to his wife when he says that!  Josh does treat me like a princess, but I don't want my boys talking like that!  Of course, Josh thought it was hilarious!  Does this kind of stuff really begin at age six??  Yikes!  I have lots of work and lots of praying to do!!**

Five "Good" Things

You know those days that just don't wind up going as planned?  Today has been one of them for me.  Care to know why?  If so, keep reading....

My morning started out with a cranky boy (Bryson), who complained of a head ache and "leg" ache (from the moment I went in to wake him up). It went on from there and he spewed out one complaint after another. It got old real quick! I finally told him that I had heard enough complaining and that his "punishment" would be to, in turn, tell me five "good" things about his life.  That spawned some more whining and complaining.  He finally told me five things (one of which was his "love" for his brother) and the morning seemed to be looking up.  As usual, I helped out in the classroom today and by that time, Bryson was happy and all was well....or so I thought.  My mom watches Hudson for me, while I help out in class...and we had planned for her to meet me at school (when I was done).  We'd then drive together....to my sister's and hang out at her pool for the day. So, my mom met me, she drove us to my sister's house, we got changed, and went down to the pool.  I enjoyed fifteen minutes of the nice, warm sun....and watched Hudson splash around....before I got "the call."  The call was to tell me that Bryson was running a fever and needed to be picked up from school.  Great.  Just great.  My mom immediately told me to take her car, and that she'd watch Hudson while I went to get Bryson.  I left to get Bryson- wearing my suit and a short, strapless cover-up (since my clothes were back at my sis' house)....knowing that I'd have to walk into the school office looking like a nut job. Oh well.  No time to change, right?  A sick kid needed his mommy.  I made it to the school without any problems and picked up my kiddo...then turned back around- to head back to Kelly's pool. I didn't have any Tylenol with me and my sis only had the infant stuff at her place, so we stopped at a CVS and ran inside.  Bryson, who had been happily playing his Nintendo DS in the car, decided that his legs hurt too much to walk.  So, I carried him.  Through CVS.  We got the Tylenol and by then it was lunch time for everyone.  Via phone calls (with mom and sis), we decided on one of our favorite places (Flame Broiler), and since it was in the same parking lot as CVS...Bryson and I ran in to get the food.  We finally made it back to the pool, got everyone situated, ate, and swam for a bit.  Bryson had no swim trunks, so he went swimming in his uniform shorts.  Yes...I let him go swimming.  Call me what you will, but for everyone's sanity...I let him go in.  (And...my mommy told me it might help bring his fever down.)  The kids had fun, but it was one of those days where none of us were able to sit for more than two minutes at a time.  Before long, it was time to pack up and get back on the road.  My mom had to drive us back to the school (my third trip there for the day) to pick up my car.  The traffic was already horrendous on the 91, so we backtracked to get onto FasTrak (yes...it's spelled that way.  I just checked.).  The boys argued the WHOLE way back.  ("His foot is in my space."  "He's touching my seat."And on and on...) It was tiring.  Exhausting. Irritating.  After a seemingly endless ride back to the school, we loaded up our stuff and headed home.  The arguing lessened. We finally made it home, and I put both children down for naps.  They are both sleeping now! (Thank you, Jesus.)  Okay....so why the long description?  Because I have realized that I am full of double standards.  All I feel like doing is complaining to anyone willing to listen.  So, I will now tell you five "good" things about my life!  But first...I have to share with you the Bible verse that I kept quoting to Bryson this morning:

"DO ALL THINGS WITHOUT COMPLAINING OR ARGUING..." - Phil. 2:14

(I have now eaten my words and when my child wakes up, I will apologize to him.)

My five things:

1. I have two amazing boys- that I love to death.  I am so thankful for them (even when they make me want to pull my hair out)!

2. I have a hard-working husband who desires nothing more than to provide for his family, and who constantly tells me how much he loves me.

3. My roses are in full bloom and smell wonderful(ly?).  Thank you, Lord, for Your beauty.

4. I have some Golden Spoon in the freezer, and two boys SLEEPING at the same time!

5. I get to have my hair cut tomorrow, and that means 2.5 hours in a chair...with a magazine...alone.

(For good measure....6. This blog has proven to be cathartic (and fun)!)

**I hope and pray that you can list at least five "good" things in your life!  Please feel free to share them with me!  I'd love to hear....

**Normally, I'd check back over my post...looking for any errors.  Today....my "fro yo" is calling my name, and I am tired from the day.  Just looking at how long I made this post is enough to wear anyone out!...so please forgive me for anee ererz oar mispelingze.  

All About Oatmeal

It seems that I just can't get enough oatmeal these days.  I eat it for breakfast everyday (and sometimes for dinner) and it's filling and healthy!  I am especially fond of Trader Joe's Steel Cut Oats.  They sell it in two "forms:" One is sold in the freezer aisle, and it comes in a box with two, individual servings! You can heat it up (in the microwave) and in two minutes you have a yummy, oat-y meal!  Laugh with me....come on.  I like to add a touch of nonfat milk and some brown sugar to mine!  I have been buying Splenda's "Brown Sugar Blend"....and I love it....but please don't tell my health-nut friends. (Disclaimer: I never give that stuff to my kids!) Anyhow, TJ's also sells their steel cut oats in a canister, and you can cook them up "stove top style."  You get more bang for your buck when you purchase the dry oats, but both choices are very inexpensive!  I fix my oatmeal (on the stove) most mornings and it takes less than ten minutes! The frozen oats are nice for those mornings that you have to rush out the door! Though the Trader's oats are my absolute fave....I enjoy many kinds of oatmeal.  I am not picky and I am no oatmeal snob.  (I just don't do the instant packets anymore!)  What is your favorite??  The first person to respond and tell me their favorite type of oatmeal gets a FREE canister of my favorite to try!!  

**I thought I would share a recipe from the Deceptively Delicious cook book.  I have made these cookies several times, and not only do my kids love them.....they have no idea they are eating vegetables (how deceptive).  Bryson likes a variety of vegetables, but Hudson doesn't.  Here are some "guilt free" cookies for you and your kiddos to enjoy!  They taste more like banana bread to me, but they are delicious just the same! 

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Ingredients:

Nonstick Cooking Spray

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 cup old-fashioned oats

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

6 tablespoons trans-fat-free soft tub margarine spread, chilled

1/2 cup banana puree

1/2 cup zucchini puree

1 large egg white

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Coat two baking sheets with cooking spray, or line with cooking parchment.

2. In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.  Stir to mix.

3. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and margarine with a wooden spoon until just combined; do not over-mix.  Add the banana and zucchini purees, and the egg white, and stir just to blend. Add the flour mixture, raisins, and walnuts, if using, and stir to combine.

4. Drop the dough (heaping tablespoons) onto the baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch in between.  Bake until golden brown, 12-15 minutes.  Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 4-5 minutes, just until they are firm enough to handle....and then transfer to a rack to cool completely.

ENJOY!

Playful, Pleasant, Perky, Peppy PIZZA!

Not every evening in the Menashe home is "fun."  However, this evening was!  The boys and I made a pizza and Bryson even thought to put a happy face on it.  I think it turned out pretty cute! The boys LOVED helping me in the kitchen, and to be honest....they did most of the work. Somehow, the photos wound up in "reverse order"....so I apologize.  Note:  The whole wheat pizza dough came from Fresh & Easy. Another note: The title of this post is silly....but I looked up the word "happy" in the thesaurus, and the words are all synonyms. 

Okay....the little stinker has a lens cap in his mouth and the bigger stinker insists on doing the "peace sign" in EVERY photo we take of him!  Please don't look at the broom handle in the back, or the dying roses on the table. Or....the mismatched, plastic dishes and place mats. It was a "casual" night, okay??  

The peppy pizza....complete with turkey meatballs (that Bryson cut up himself)!!

The proud chefs!

Bryson was serious about this and even asked if I had an apron for him to wear!

Our "happy" pizza, before he got baked!

Words of Affirmation

I get to help in Bryson's class every Friday morning.  It's a joy for me, and it's fun to be the parent...not the teacher (for once)!  Well, every day there is a "special helper" and this past Friday (was that really only yesterday?), the special helper just happened to be Bryson!  I love God's timing!!  It was so fun for me to be in the classroom for Bryson's special day!  Each day, the students honor the helper by giving them words of affirmation (while the honored student sits in a chair up front). Bryson's teacher (the amazing Mrs. Martin) writes down- on the white board- what the children are saying about the helper.  Then, each child writes three sentences and draws a picture for the helper.  It was so fun to listen to the incredible things the kids were saying about my boy!  On Friday afternoon (was that really only yesterday?), Bryson came home with a whole book of affirmations and pictures...from all of his classmates!  The children said things like:  "Bryson is silly.  Bryson has a kind heart.  Bryson is good at soccer.  Bryson is a strong Christian.  Bryson is nice.  Bryson is loving."  His book is something that we will treasure forever.  Since then (yesterday?), I have been thinking about how wonderful it would be if we, as adults, did the same thing for one another.  I think that the act of affirming others has gone by the wayside.  We are quick to judge, criticize, and put down others around us.  I am sad to say that I probably do it with/to my loved ones the most!  Looking at Bryson's book, I was reminded of how uplifting an encouraging word can be.  So, I challenge you to send a card, write a note, text that friend, or send an email...telling someone else why you think they're great!  Give a compliment, quote Scripture, or just check in with someone...to let that person know that you are thinking of them!  I often use the computer to communicate with others, so I am challenging myself to write a hand-written note (or two)!  Happy affirming......

"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones." -Prov. 16:24

Popcorn Combo, Please!

Anyone who knows me, knows that Target is my "home away from home!"  Sometimes, I don't have the pleasure of going alone...and walking around (leisurely and/or aimlessly) for an hour! When I have to take a kid (or two) with me, I love to get the popcorn combo!  It costs a mere $1.62 for a soda and a large bag of popcorn.  Let's face it....even when I don't have the boys with me, I enjoy the combo!  Today, I "upsized" to a large drink, and my total was $1.96.  The lady behind the counter even asked if I'd like her to split the popcorn into two bags.  Was it my lucky day, or what??  Of course I did!  She nearly filled each bag to the top, and each kiddo had his own bag to munch on while I shopped.  I got my Diet Coke...and it was a pleasant experience for all involved!  Who wouldn't spend a buck or two for sanity's sake??

Roses, Prayers, American Idol, And More....

SO.....today is going to be REALLY random....because lots of thoughts are going through my head!   

**My roses are in full bloom!  They are so pretty and I love having fresh flowers in my home. Some vibrant, red ones are sitting on my desk now, and they smell wonderful!  Looking at my pretty roses reminds me of the passage from John 15, where Christ says: "I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Gardener.  He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."  He goes on to say, "I am the Vine, you are the branches.  If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing." Verse 8 says, "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." (John 15:1-2, 5, 8)  How humbling it is to realize that without Christ (and apart from Him), we are nothing!  He is the Gardener, and we are simply His branches.  May we bear fruit and testify to His glory!

**I recently started a prayer jar.  I bought a cute jar, some index cards, and pencils...and this is where I write down all of the prayer requests that I receive from others. Then, when I am able to sit down....I can just pull out the index cards and cover others in prayer.  If you have a request, I would love for you to allow me to lift you up and cover you in prayer!!

**Can you believe that it's down to the final TWO on American Idol???  I can't!!  What will I do with my extra time on Tuesday and Wednesday nights?  Yesterday, I found out that Kris Allen is a Christian, and I wasn't surprised.  Air 1 (a radio station in the Inland Empire- 90.1) interviewed Kris' cousin....who testified to Kris' faith and how he has been quiet/humble about it on the show.  Tim (Kris' cousin) talked about how Danny (Gokey) and Kris didn't need to go out on stage and "preach the gospel"....because they are living it out.  Apparently, Kris has been to Africa and on several missions trips.  His parents bought him a very expensive guitar, as a gift....and Kris took it to Africa, only to return home without it.  When his parents asked what happened to the guitar, Kris said, "They needed it more than I did."  Wow!!  If only we all possessed such giving spirits.  I am praying he wins the competition!!  (Side note: did anyone else get chills when he sang Apologize??  I might have a slight crush.  Josh knows, so you don't need to call him and tell him.)

**My sister recently purchased two tops from Target and they are super cute!  I will try to include a picture.  They are $17.99 and in my opinion, worth every penny!!  Kelly looks like a million bucks in them and I just might have to copy her!  Good thing there are more than two prints to choose from....

(For some reason I can't get the picture of the other print she bought!  It's the teal one, though and super cute!!)  

A Fresh Place To Shop (for hummus)!

This morning, I decided that hummus sounded good.  I don't know why, and I will agree that it's a strange craving (especially since I have only recently discovered that I actually like it).  Anyway, I could have sworn I'd bought some the other night, but I searched high and low for it today....and couldn't find it anywhere!  

After picking Bryson up from school, the boys and I stopped by the new Fresh & Easy.  I knew they'd have my hummus!  It was probably a bad idea to go in when I was hungry, because I wound up with a lot more than hummus! Anyway, if you have not visited a local Fresh & Easy, I suggest you do so.  Now, I may not be hard to please, and the store is by no means fancy...BUT...it is neat and clean, the employees are friendly, and they have some very "fresh" choices (that are "easy" to grab and go)!  

The boys were given "free samples" of juice, crackers, and cookies...and boy...did they enjoy those!  The lady handing out the samples also pointed out that several items were steeply discounted, because their expiration dates are/were drawing near.  She gave me some suggestions for freezing those foods, and was very helpful!  

When checking out, you will find that you are responsible for scanning your own items, and every lane is a "self check out."  While this intimidated me (and made my heart race), the boys had an absolute blast helping me!!  One of the employees, who was monitoring the registers, gave the boys some stickers and Fresh & Easy is now one of their favorite stores!  Obviously, they aren't hard to please either!  

Fresh & Easy's motto is: "Budget prices.  Quality you can trust.  Why compromise?"  I couldn't agree more...

**By the way, I found some red pepper hummus, and was not disappointed!  Josh might be when he gets a whiff of my kickin' breath, though!  

**I also got a 4-pack of Activia yogurt for only 62 cents!!  You can't beat that, can you??

Heaven on Earth...at Jagerhaus!

Part of my very special Mother's Day included a long-awaited trip to Jagerhaus (pronounced "yay-gur-house").  Jagerhaus is located in Anaheim and it's a wonderful German restaurant. They serve up the best German pancakes you will ever consume!!  The pancakes taste like a thick funnel cake....and you must load them up with butter and syrup!!  They are served with powdered sugar and a slice of lemon (to squeeze over the top)!  You can choose a plain German pancake, or one filled with fruit.  My personal favorite is the Apple Pancake!!  Josh loves the Cherry Pancake!  I promise you this: the pancakes are worth your drive and you will not be disappointed.  If you are, I will personally eat your pancake.  A perfectly good pancake shouldn't go to waste, right?  Don't forget to get a side of bacon.  Their bacon is crisp (but not too crisp), thick, and oh so yummy!! My whole family agrees that Jagerhaus has the best bacon we've ever eaten!  My family has been enjoying Jagerhaus for over ten years.  When we lived closer, we were regular Sunday patrons! Now, it's a special treat...on those special days!!  I almost forgot to mention that if you go on a special holiday or birthday...the calories don't count!!  Now, who wouldn't want some of this heaven on earth??  

Psalm 63:5 says, "My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise You."

Praise you, Lord!!

Tea for Two

On Friday, I was blessed to be able to go to a Mother's Day Tea with Bryson.  His class had spent weeks preparing for a beautiful tea for us. Bryson's teachers did a fabulous job of making us feel incredibly special!  The kids sang to us, and made cute gifts for us!  The children helped to serve us our "fancy foods" as well.  I am always proud of my boy, but I was especially proud of him that day.  When I got to the Tea, he told me...."Mom, I am just so happy.  I didn't know I was going to be this happy!  I am so happy that I just might cry!"  Well, Bryson made it through the hour without crying, but none of us honored moms did!!  It was when the children sang us a song called "Fingerprints" that we all lost our composure (and reached for the Kleenex boxes in the middle of every table)!  The song is so sweet, that I decided to include the words below.  I pray that all of you special mommies had a wonderful, blessed Mother's Day!  

When you find my little fingerprints

All over your bedroom walls

And when you want to yell a bit

'Cause they're even in the halls

Chorus:

I know it's hard to believe

But once you were a kid like me

One day I'm gonna grow up

So remember me while I am small

I get in the way a lot of the time

Though I'm only three feet tall

I make you forget what's on your mind

You trip over my toys and fall

Chorus:

I know it's hard to believe

But once you were a  kid like me

One day I'm gonna grow up

So remember me while I am small

I wanna make great fingerprints

But I promise not on your walls

I wanna touch those around me

Though I'm only three feet tall

Chorus:

I know it's hard to believe

But once you were a kid like me

One day I'm gonna grow up

So remember me while I am small

Josh and Kristi: Circa 1994

Today's the Day!

Today is a special day...for several reasons:

It's the National Day of Prayer!!

"Be joyful always; PRAY continually; give thanks in all circumstances, 

for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

-1 Thess. 5:16-18

It's also a very special day for me because Josh and I went on our first date 15 years ago- today!  

It was May 7, 1994....Josh picked me up in his beat-up, rusty, grass-green Mustang.  He was looking good in his plaid, button down and jeans.  I'm pretty sure he didn't open my door, and I am positive that he didn't bring me flowers.  I know my parents were shaking their heads, as we drove away.  He drove me to the beach and "used" me as a model, for a photography assignment he had to complete.  I sat next to some vintage buoys, on someone's private property, while he clicked away.  After that, we sat on a private stairway (gosh, we trespassed a lot that night!) and he kissed me a couple of times.   No sparks flew right then, and if someone had told me right then that fifteen years later, I'd be married to that boy...and be the mother of his children...I would have laughed my head off!  Only as time went on would I learn that Josh was: the prince in my fairy tale, the cream in my coffee (cheesy...but true!), and the love of my life.  Well, fifteen years later....as I try to sum up our years together, I realize that there's no way I can do them justice with lots of sappy words (so I'll just write a few!).  I can just say that our years together have been more than I could have hoped for, dreamed of, or imagined.  We've grown up and matured together.  We have had  countless moments of laughter, tears, joys, sadness, silliness, romance, and the list goes on.  The Lord always knows what He's doing and His ways are better than ours (Jer. 29:11 and Is. 55:8-9).  I love my man.  I love my boys (that are so much like Josh).  I love this life.  I am blessed beyond measure!  Thank you, Jesus...and may You bless Josh and I with 15+15+15 more years of love.

A Mama's Day Delight....

Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding:

2 bags Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies

6-8 bananas, sliced

2 cups of milk

1- 5 oz. box of instant French vanilla pudding

1- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1- 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk

1- 12 oz. container of frozen whipped topping, thawed

*Line the bottom of a 9x13 dish with one bag of cookies and layer bananas on top.

In a bowl, combine milk and pudding mix and blend well (using an electric mixer).  Using another bowl, combine cream cheese and condensed milk together and mix until smooth.  Fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.  Add the cream cheese mixture to the pudding mixture and stir until well blended.  Pour the mixture over the cookies and bananas and cover with remaining cookies.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Enjoy!

**This dessert is SO yummy and not at all fattening!  I got this recipe from my cousin (Kari), who is a Martha Stewart of sorts....especially in the kitchen!  We enjoy it at all of our family gatherings.  Nothin' says "love" like a sweet dessert!!  Happy Mama's Day....

Mother's Day

Mother's Day is only a few days away, and I am reminded of Proverbs 31:28..."Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her."  May I walk worthy of my calling, as a wife and mom...not just this Sunday- but always!!  May I take my role seriously, and may I rejoice in it.  Happy Mom's Day to you!

Tryin' it Out

So, I thought I'd give this blogging thing a try!!  I am still not sure that I have anything of importance to say...so my blog will include funny things my kids say, random happenings, verses that touch me, daily thoughts/struggles/highlights, and maybe even some family recipes.  I might also include good "finds" and good "eats!"  If you know me, you know that I love food!  Happy reading to you and thank you for checking out my blog!