Tea Party

We had two girl scout meetings covering a tea party.  At the first meeting we made party hats, out of old paper grocer bags.  The idea behind this was “use resources Wisely.” 

Take a paper grocery bag, turn it in-side Out, carefully not to rip it.  Then you roll up the bottom (roll out, not under) about half way up.  Make the rolled part look like a brim.  We spray painted the bags pink, and then sprayed with hair glitter.  We did all the hats the same, to avoid arguments.  We even made some for ourselves.  My co-leader (Jessica)’s mom (Linda) made some bows for the hats out of ribbon.  Sorry, but I don’t know how to make the bows.  We got some fake flowers at Good Will, Feathers from the craft store, and some decorative sequence.  The girls got to tie a ribbon around the brim, and choose the bow, flowers, and feathers.  They glued on their choices with tacky glue.  We only had 2 bottles of glue, and in retrospect I would get more bottles of glue, and some kind of glue that bonded more quickly.  The girls got frustrated trying to hold their bows and flowers onto the hats.

At the next meeting was the tea party.  The girls, and me and Jessica, came dressed in fancy clothes.  We wore the hats.  We covered the table with cloth table clothes.  I had bought a few different tea sets at Goodwill, on half price day, for 25 cents a piece.  They were really nice.  Some of the mothers thought that I had brought in my own china!  I Don’t Own China!!!  We had little plastic side plates (like paper plates, only clear plastic).  All the cups had saucers. 

We made sweet tea, peanut butter and Jelly finger sandwiches.   (crust removed, cut in to quarter triangles).  Jessica had made heart shaped, decorated sugar cookies for the girls. They were so cute.  We also got cream puffs from Sam’s Club.  In addition to the sweet tea we served fruit punch, and Sunny D.

All the girls seemed to have a great time!  We taught them about etiquette, and the reasons we want to have good manners, and etiquette.  I don’t think anything sunk in.

The book I referenced was from An American Girl Library.  Oops!  A girl’s guide to manners. 

http://www.amazon.com/Manners-Guide-Girls-American-Library/dp/0439455189/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1291062167&sr=8-2

The book was really neat, and had a lot of useful information in it.  Including what to do if you aren’t invited to a party, or what to do when meeting someone for the first time. 

The girls enjoyed the party, and I think they also enjoyed being waited on.  It was a huge success, and who knows, maybe someday they will all act like ladies!!

Stir-Fry Baby!!

What?!  Meatloaf Again??  I know how you feel!  But since my husband is from Mexico, it’s more like, What? Black beans and salsa again?  Meatloaf I miss, fried chicken I miss, Chili I miss.  It is difficult to have so many things that I remember loving as a child, that I don’t cook very often.  But I digress.

I don’t make the “American food” very often, JJ doesn’t care for it.  He’ll eat it, but he would prefer almost anything else.  I do make it sometimes, because that is my comfort food.  But we are both starting to feel burned out on what we have been eating.

I’ve heard of people having a “dinner Schedule.”  Wednesday is Taco Night!! Ole!!  I could never live like that.  I can see the appeal, never asking what’s for dinner?  Making a grocery list, (same one every week).  But I would be bored to tears!!  I love to eat (and it shows).  I love to try new foods, now more than ever.  I’ve even developed a love of Indian Food.  For the longest time, I couldn’t over come the fact that it looks like baby vomit.  Now, I don’t care!  It is delicious, and a nice change of pace.

So as you may know, I have 4 kids, and a full time job.  I have neither time, nor money to spare.  But I refuse to eat the blue box.  Yesterday, I made a wonderful discovery.  JJ had agreed, reluctantly to tuna fish sandwiches.  We both like tuna, but it is a common fail safe at our house. 

I have been thinking a lot lately about the vegetable intake of my children.  Does salsa count, not if they don’t eat it.  I remember growing up, sitting down at the table for dinner every night.  To a real meal, home cooked by my dad.  (Was it every night?  I doubt it, but often enough that I remember it as every night). How did my dad do it?  Were we eating at 6:30?  7? I don’t think so, but that’s the situation now.  (SITUATION!!) 

So I am at Kroger, and I think, lets try a stir fry!  Some chicken, veggies, noodles and sauce Yum!  And I was right!  I picked up some green onion, cilantro, and I was trying to think about what is in a stir-fry.  As I was putting the mushrooms into my cart, I saw it!  The reason I love Kroger. KROGER!!  They had pre-cut, fresh vegetables, stir fry mix.  It had bell pepper, red onion, broccoli, mushrooms, carrots, sugar peas.  Plenty enough for 2-3 people.  $3.40.  I grabbed two.  I kept the onion and cilantro.  Grabbed a package of fresh chicken, (on sale, what!? )  Headed over to the Asian isle, grabbed rice noodles ($4 for the box ARGH!), and some stir-fry sauce.  They had spicy Szechuan stir-fry sauce, but I was feeding the kiddos.  $4  OMG, Argh!!

Total bill, $23.40 (I also got a gallon of milk).

Got home, loved on the babies for a few minutes.  Put on a skillet with about 2 inches of water.  Put on a pot of water to boil, and a large skillet for the stir-fry.  Yeah, I have a wok.  It’s in the BASEMENT!!  Sliced up the chicken really thin, like you see at the restaurants.  Salt, and pepper, and in the hot oil.  Sizzle Sizzle, stir stir.  I dumped the veggies in the water skillet, just to cook them up a bit (I hate raw broccoli).  I boiled the rice noodles in the water for about 5 minutes.  I dumped the veggie in with the chicken, added the stir-fry sauce, let that go for a minute or two, then stirred in the noodles.  After I dished out the kids dinner, I added red pepper flakes.

It was GREAT!  So easy, so quick.  It was plenty for 4 adults to eat for dinner.   Next time, I will just buy linguini noodles, I didn’t see much of a difference in the rice noodles.  Needed ginger, and garlic. And I may throw a Thai chili in there to spice it up even more for my husband, and myself. 

I would also try to find a way to make it saucy, that was much lower in sodium.  Yikes, 24% per tablespoon in the stir-fry sauce.  Was it liquid salt?  (it didn’t taste salty though).  Happy stir-frying.

Halloween Party!!

Well I have the recipe for a perfect Halloween party, for children.  Believe me, this party was tested and approved!  I had a party for my 1^st Grade Daisy Girl Scout Troop.  I would love to post pictures, but I am uncomfortable posting pictures of other people’s children.

I had this party on Friday night, from 6-9.  Believe it or not, Weekdays are the best nights for a child’s party, it is less likely to interfere with parents plans.  I have 20 girls in my troop, and 17 came to the party!  It was a great turnout!!  Please keep in mind that I had a lot of help during the party, and setting up for the party.

First of all, tell the kids to come in costume.  They all love to dress up, and it gets some more use out of the costume.  You have to dress up!!  Ask all parents that are helping with the party to dress up.  That just makes it so much more fun for the kids!!

As the kids arrive, you will probably have little control over them, as you greet their parents.  You could try having a movie on, or something to grab their attention, or crayons set out.  I just let them, run around, it was only about a 10 minute period.

First thing we did was eat, and the food was awesome!  We served mummy hot dogs,

Breadsticks wrapped around hotdogs, and backed for 20 minutes at 350.

We had Cheese stick fingers, (string cheese).  When I tried the original recipe out on my kids, I used the “green bell pepper as the finger nail, “glued’ with Cream Cheese.  My kids didn’t like it, I think the bell pepper just turned them off of it.  For the party I used fruit by the foot pieces, and they were self-adhesive.  Believe me, it sounds gross, and it was weird, but they ate it!!  We had bloody popcorn, (melted butter, red food coloring, medicine dropper- on popped pop corn).  I also served fresh strawberries, and labeled them troll hearts.  I had also made some home made chicken wings for the adults. 

The drink was Sprite (colored yellow with food coloring) mixed with generic blue fruit punch, about half and half.  Dipped in some rainbow sherbet, and it was a nasty green color, with foam over the top of it.  We called it witches brew, and it was delicious!!  I have a large plastic cauldron, and I set the punch bowl inside it.  It was perfect.  We had a buffet table set up, and an eating table set up.  I am lucky and I have a corner bench at my table, so all the girls could squeeze around it.

We also had a ‘box of horrors.”  It was a large cardboard box that I got from work, It had paper towels or something in it.  We spray painted it black.  Cut 5 little circle holes in it, for hands to fit through, and covered the wholes with pieces of Halloween fabric from the fabric store.  In side the box we put in bowls, spaghetti (guts), peeled grapes (eyeballs)  peeled tomato – you have to boil a tomato to peel it, (heart), small piece of thick cut ham, (tongue), and a water filled plastic glove-frozen (hand).

We told the girls that Shrek had come by, and forgot his dinner.  We didn’t want to scare them, because they are 6, but you could creep it up for older kids,  (also cauliflower could be used as brain).  We took them outside to “the box” in groups of 4 as they got done eating.  Each time a new group went out, I would be extra dramatic, like “OH MY GOD!! You are going out the box??”

They loved it.  Later in the party, we brought the box inside, and all the girls gathered around to see what was really in there.

We made candy necklaces with Skulls and Bones, a Wilton kit that I had bought.  Well worth it, the pieces to each necklace came individually wrapped, so they could be used in goody bags as well.

I read the girls a story, my family’s favorite “Oh NO!!!  Not Ghosts!!”  by Richard Michelson. Perfect for kids under 10, as young as you want, it rhymes, and gives you a changes to make some funny noises. They all sat and listened to the entire book.

http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Not-Ghosts-Richard-Michelson/dp/0152051864/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1288121209&sr=1-1

We played “poisoned Pumpkin” –Just like Hot potato, with music, and less dangerous then musical chairs.  We started with 2 pumpkins since there were so many.

Immediately following pass the pumpkin pass, we had a spontaneous dance party to “Dead man’s party”, by Oingo Boingo.  Best Halloween party song ever!  I mean ever!  I only recently heard of it, but it is a MUST have on your Halloween play list.  Get the adults to dance, the girls love to see adults acting silly.

Then we did dessert, cupcakes and cookies, nothing out of the ordinary, just Halloween decorated.

Then I put on a movie, The nightmare before Christmas, I would not recommend this, it is too long, if you can find a great short Halloween show, that would be better 20-30 minutes. (Shrek is coming out with a Halloween show, and the Christmas Shrek was GREAT!!)

Once the girls were losing interest, we had a Halloween costume contest.  The  prizes were goody bags, and small pumpkins.  Since our girls were so small, we gave each one a prize.  We just made them up, “pinkest, best hair, cutest witch, scariest witch, scariest, etc. best over (do this one last).   They were all so excited to be picked, even though it was usually obvious-  Cattiest?!?!.

Once the awards were handed out, the parents had already started to come and pick the girls up, so we turned the music back on and danced the night away.

Super awesome time, NO FAIL Party!!  This took up the entire 3 hours, and all the girls had a great time, at that age, you have to keep them engaged, and tell them where to go, and what is going on, or it will just be chaos!

Happy Halloween-ing!!!

Tano, In Historic Loveland

Loveland is the best place to live as far as I am concerned.  My husband and I have lived here for 7 years, we have 4 children.  There is no better place to raise a family, and you don't need to travel far to find some great events.  Well Loveland can add 1 more to the list of great places: Tano!

My husband and I went the Tano to celebrate our wedding anniversary, we were joined by 2 friends.  I was excited to see a new restaurant go up in Loveland, and couldn’t wait to try it out.

We arrived, and the restaurant is small, and intimate.  It was beautiful.  To the right is a little bar area, for a more laid back setting.  We were seated in the dining area to the left.  I took a seat facing the large picture window out front.  I love to watch the cars and people go by.

We ordered a bottle of wine to start our evening out right.  The server had some wonderful suggestions, and we followed her advice, it was a good choice.

First we ordered our appetizers, we ordered Oysters, Chili Rubbed Shrimp and Croquette de Pollo.  We wanted to be able to try a variety.  Well our good friend Lalo, tells us that the Oysters were delicious.  The rest of us wouldn’t know because he had eaten everyone of them, before I even realized he was doing so.  The Rubbed Shrimp were pretty good, as expected, but nothing spectacular about them.  The Croquette de Pollo, however, was amazing!!  It was 2 little chicken cakes (like crab cakes), sitting in a salsa verde (green sauce, though I would have described it as yellow).  These were so delicious!  Everytime I pass Tano I think, I could pop in for some Croquette de Pollo, and Crème Brulee, no one would miss me.  I don’t, they would miss me.

Let me tell you, I was tempted to lick that bowl.  Oh mamma that sauce was crazy good!!

The menu has a nice variety, including several types of fish.  They also offer daily specials.  Our waitress told us that the specials are always good.  I believe it. 

We ordered two salads.  The Heirloom Tomato Salad, because I love Fresh Mozzarella, tomato, and balsamic, and this salad was great!  I especially liked the balsamic reduction.

My friend Jessica ordered the Spinach Salad.  She wasn’t crazy about it at first.  The vinagerrette was warm, and it had warmed the spinach, but the salad grew on her.  I enjoyed the salad, but I could see how someone might think that the maple vinaigrette was slightly over sweet, I though it was just right to cover the bitter of raw spinach.

Ah, now we come to our  main dishes.  I wish I could tell you about the filet, but my friend had ordered it well done.  Yes, she is still my friend, but it was touch and go there for a while.

My husband and I both ordered the scallops.  We try not to order the same thing, but this time it had to be done.  They were cooked, and seasoned to perfection.  The kicker for me was the chorizo risotto.  If you don’t know what risotto is, neither did I.  But I watched Hell's Kitchen so much, and they are always making risotto, and I had no idea what it was, but I wanted to know.  And now I know, and I know that it is super delicious!!  Moist, flavorful, wonderful!!  

I was so full, I couldn't finish my dinner.  But I ordered dessert.  We  ordered a Crème Brulee, a Crème Brulee sampler, and chocolate cake.  I ordered the Crème Brulee.  It was perfection, light, sweet, and not too heavy on top of my appetizer, salad, dinner, and entire bottle of wine.  I sampled the Crème Brulee Sampler, it was fine.  I would not recommend it.  The regular creme brulee was too perfect, and the extra flavors that were added to the sampler did not improve upon it.  Crème Brulee Crème Brulee Crème Brulee!!

The chocolate cake was rich and chocolaty, my friend Jessica loved it, but I was so full, and it sat too heavy.

I was so sad, when my Crème Brulee bowl was empty

Great food, great friends, Great night!

I had already eaten half of my Crème Brulee, and I realized how much I loved it, and wanted to remember it forever, so I took a picture.  Chocolate cake also pictured.

Happy Anniversary Babe!

Did I mention that we drank 3 bottles of wine? (1 at home)

I can't wait to go there for brunch and try the huevos rancheros.

you can find additional information about tano at http://www.foodbytano.com/

Grand Sands Volleyball- In loveland

For those of you who don't know. there is a kick ass place in Loveland to play sand volleyball.  Most of us, who live in Loveland, know about it because we have to drive by it almost everyday.  It started off as a place with a few indoor courts, only.  I would drive by, and wonder, what is in there?  Is it private?  Seems popular.  Then they built the outside courts.  Holy moly, I was so down!  It looked amazing!!  There were people playing volleyball, people lounging in beach chairs, chill-axing, enjoying some beer.  There were kids playing in two sand play areas.  We had to do it!!  We got a team together, and signed up.  Not too expensive, at all.  around $50 per player, for an 8 week session. 

Ok, I've gotta tell you, we suck.  Last place 2 seasons in a row!!  But we are getting better!! And it was so fun, so fun!!

The best part for me was that I could bring the kids.  Hang out before, and after the game, drink during the game.  They have a wide variety of music playing through the speakers.  It is like being at a party.  A super fun party, with sand volleyball, corn hole, a lot of great people, and kids are welcome. 

It is loud, and outside, and a lot of people bring their kids.  The kids have a great time in the sand, playing the crane game, and buying fake tattoos. 

This is just another great thing about Loveland.  IF you live in, or near the Loveland area, you should come and check it out!!

Just stop buy, grab a seat, and watch some people play volley ball.  There are always plenty of people hanging out after, and before their games.  Games start at 6:20, and go until 11pm,  I'm not sure when Grand Sands actually closes at night.

We are coming up to the indoor season, which we haven't played yet, but I'll let you know how it goes.

You can check out their website at:
http://www.grandsandsvolleyball.com/

It's fun for all ages, and skill levels!

I still Love my Husband

That's right folks.  I really, still love my husband.  Everything.  I am so happy everyday, and lucky that we found each other.  I do believe in soul mates, because I have found mine!  We have been together for 9 years, and we have 4 kids together.  But not only do we love each other, we like each other.  He still winks at me every once in a while, and it makes me S M I L E!!.   We were fairly young when we met, 21, 22.  We spent all of our 20's together, and sure we have had our ups and downs, but I believe that we are still so happy.  We are both committed to each other, our marriage and our sweet babies!  I could never have asked for anything more.  I am living my dream life in Loveland.  Granted, I would love some extra money, we are in danger like at least once a year that the electric/ Water/ Phone/ dish are going to get shut off, (sometimes they do).  But we make it work, and don't let the shit get in the way.  We have a volley ball tournament tonight.  Yea!  Go TEAM!!

I know that many many marriages do not work out.  For one reason or another.  You can't force people to be happy with you, or even stay with you. I am just so grateful everyday that my children are happy,  we have a safe, secure place to live, and that my husband and I still like each other.  When I see him playing leggos with the kids, or tickling the baby, my cup of happiness overflows.  I just wanted to tell everybody (read: no body, hi dad) that I am grateful for every aspect of my life!!

Be Happy, and there is someone out there who will Play volleyball with you, Play leggos with your kids, cut the grass, drive kids to soccer/cheerleading/school/girlscouts, laugh at your jokes, laugh at your sillyness, take pictures of you when you drink too much and fall down, (then help you up), hang out at Dave and Busters, hand out at home,  dress up for Halloween, ride the Diamond back 3 times in a row, even though you are both getting too old, watch Avatar (the last Airbender) with everyone, watch the Hangover with you, Dance salsa with you, and your daughters, tell you, "i love you" - out of the blue, and wink at you.

I love you JJ.

2004

2005

2008

The current controlled chaos of 2010

Quinceañera

Went with my dear husband, JJ, and the 4 little monsters to a Quinceañera over the weekend.  What a great time!   If you have never been to one, you are missing out. No one knows how to throw a party like Mexicans!  Great food, Lots of people, Great Music, Everyone is dancing, and the beer flows like water!  My monsters had a great time running around like Monsters, with all the other Monsters!  And I was so hungry, I practically ate 2 full plates.  Roberto was dancing with Lalo, Nice!  A beautiful little girl in a purple dress walked right up to my 3 year old, Sam.  Stood there for a minute, looking at him.  He didn't say anything, she walked away. I am having serious issue with my camera, or I would post some pictures.  I don't want to blog about it!!  I'm very upset!!

I have 2 daughters, and 2 Quinceañeras to look forward to, but i have about 7 more years before the first one.  My girls are already excited. I was explaining the Quinceañera,  Its a birthday party for girls, because they are becoming ladies.  This is something that Mexicans do."  "Are we Mexican?!?!" (even thought they already know that they are,  Big eyes waiting for an answer)  "yes your Mexican"  They excitedly look at each other, like the most wonderful thing just happened to them.  "Will we get a limo?!?! "  "We'll See"

We'll see.  I am not great friends with the family having the party last night.  But I felt emotional, that my darling babies, would also, one day be little ladies, and then grown ladies.  I would freeze time if I could.  I would pick any day, and re live it over and over until the end of time.  My sweet little monsters.

This is the night my camera flash died, so I only have a few pictures.

No posts!

Boo no posts, but my home page looks weird!  You can read all about me though!!