tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43765682720380859372024-03-13T09:38:36.440-07:00Pinkie WinkiePinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-85320560746182445752011-05-04T18:38:00.000-07:002011-05-04T18:40:38.167-07:00Q & A<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'High Tower Text', serif; font-size: 16pt;">Moms, do your kids ask you 743 questions a day? Mine do! Sometimes it's hilarious; sometimes it's overwhelming, sometimes I don't know the answers. I love getting little glimpses into their heart and mind. So many times their questions are great opportunities for me to share the Gospel with them, to teach them more about the Jesus I love, to share Scripture to guide and shape their thoughts. And daily, when I feel completely inadequate for the task of molding these little precious souls, I pray!!! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'High Tower Text', serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2;"><b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">James 1:5 </span></i></b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 16pt;">And if you don't have kids of your own or they can't talk yet, here are some questions I got TODAY to help get you prepared:</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><b>“Can you buy me a boat? Or should I tell Spiderman to buy me one?”<o:p></o:p></b></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br />
</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">“</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Does “gay” mean a boy likes another boy?<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Is Lady Gaga Drunk?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Are people allowed to be mean to orphans in America?’<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Do you like hearing me sing?’<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Do you know how tall the shortest NBA players are?’<o:p></o:p></span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Why do I have more freckles?”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></b></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Can plants grow on Mars? Why not?"</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 16pt;">And if you have great answers, please tell me!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</span></div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-10249181937346364702011-04-28T11:37:00.000-07:002011-04-28T11:38:09.527-07:00Trader Joe's Thursday<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Oops, has it really been almost a YEAR since I've blogged? If you've ever had 4 kids and tried to keep your house clean and 6 people's laundry done and make new friends in a new town and help your hubby plant a church and have 3 kids who play different sports and need help with homework and try to throw a party every month or so...well, then you know it's busy! ;) And I think I've had a lot going on this year that I didn't feel like sharing. Facebook is quicker and easier and no one has to know my heart there. Or see any unflattering pictures unless people tag you in them. Why, people, why?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But I love reading Blogs and liked writing mine too. So, I thought I could ease back into with a TJ's post. Ha!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ok, do you have friend's coming over to watch the game or the fight or The Voice (who else LOVES that show?) then please make this. SO delicious. Serve it with a margarita and let the good times roll! P.S. There is really nothing easier than this delicious appetizer and if I could, I'd eat some right now. </b></span><br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>TJ's Mango Salsa/Cream Cheese Dip</b></span></u><br />
<u><b><br />
</b></u><br />
<b>Jar of Mango Salsa</b><br />
<b>1 block of cream cheese</b><br />
<b>1 bag of tortilla chips.</b><br />
<b>~ Get out a cute baking dish. Slice the cream cheese in half lengthwise and place in the dish. Pour entire salsa jar on top. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until cheese is hot and soft. Serve immediately with the chips. And Margaritas. Happy Summer! :)</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ok, I'll be back soon. And maybe even some pictures. 'Cuz who doesn't like a blog with pictures?!?!? </b></span>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-31187660913059508322010-08-03T09:15:00.000-07:002010-08-03T09:15:32.357-07:00Lucas' 3rd BirthdayWow-it's been a crazy summer and I haven't blogged since Caleb's birthday BUT it's time for another! Another Winkler birthday, that is. My precious 3rd son is celebrating his 3rd birthday today! <br />
<br />
Lucas is a ball of sunshine! Knox told me that he feels so sorry for everyone else because they don't have a Lucas! He's easy going and smiles at everyone and everything. He is always cracking us up, sometimes on purpose but mostly because he's so cute and funny without even trying. And he gets SO excited about anything. <br />
And at least once a day he comes up to me, hugs me and says, "I love you so much!" or "I'm so glad you're here!". He's stolen my heart and will steal yours too!<br />
<br />
Today we'll celebrate with brownies, presents, and Toy Story 3! Saturday is his big boy Power Ranger Party that he's been waiting months for. (He's had to patiently go to all three of his siblings birthday parties and he's so excited for HIS party!). I'm excited too. His first two parties were mellow and thrown together since it seemed to come during a hectic time. So this year, I'm going all out and bought out the Power Rangers section of Party City! The fact that it was all on clearance helped iimmensely! Ha! <br />
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Last year, when he turned two, we had just moved to California so we had a little Elmo pool party at my parent's house. He loved Elmo and was ecstatic to see all his Sesame Street friends on the cake!<br />
<br />
At his first birthday, I had just found out I was pregnant with Ava and was the sickest I've ever been during a pregnancy! Plus, that week was a record heat wave and was about 100 degrees! So we had his party at a splash park in Bellevue, invited all his little friends and played in the water and ate Costco cake. No theme or decorations but lots of love for the birthday boy. <br />
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And on his actual birthday, I fell in love. I was so happy to see him and kiss his cheeks! Jesse and I always say that his baby stage was our favorite since we got to share in the joy with his two brothers who were IN LOVE with their new baby brother and had been waiting for him for months! (literally!!)<br />
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When he was dedicated, we prayed this scripture over him and still pray it today: <br />
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be a man of courage; be strong. Do everything in love."<br />
~1 Corinthians 16:13-14<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vmptq_XtM6e66AgxV2n9ej5VpRHk3t-FxXJYfNbOxWkPPyXejmybrzh4Pw4Uuu0lrXJsXmh7kCL6TdKoVtin_uiwTAUw0kqap0dH0rrlElnYCnu8joxkQZv4p43YptJn2ALj-WrL57rg/s1600/DSC_1094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vmptq_XtM6e66AgxV2n9ej5VpRHk3t-FxXJYfNbOxWkPPyXejmybrzh4Pw4Uuu0lrXJsXmh7kCL6TdKoVtin_uiwTAUw0kqap0dH0rrlElnYCnu8joxkQZv4p43YptJn2ALj-WrL57rg/s320/DSC_1094.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy birthday Lucas Arthur! Our little L.A.W.!!</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-19727398509442436872010-06-21T21:29:00.000-07:002010-06-21T21:29:44.356-07:00Caleb's 7th Birthday!Yesterday was Caleb's birthday. He's seven now. Today was his seven year check-up and the doctor asked about his siblings. After hearing their ages, she remarked, "Ah! A middle child! Good and bad, huh?"<br />
I think it's hard to be the middle brother. Not the oldest, not the baby. (I always tell him that he is so blessed since he is the ONLY one in the family that has a big brother and a little brother! But sometimes I think he wishes he was either of those!) <br />
But truly there are SO many special things about my Caleb and I hope he knows how precious and loved and cherished he is in this family! <br />
Caleb is a joy. Always has been. He was a handsome baby and people used to stop me to tell me how cute he was! He had a sparkling little personality, even as a baby. Knox was more of a daddy's boy and Caleb became more of a mommy's boy in some ways. It was really sweet. While he was all boy and loved to roughhouse, he would ALWAYS pick me for prayers (at night, when we all pray with the kids before bed, someone starts and then whoever prays picks the next person to pray) and if I didn't pick him, he acted like his heart would break. He would always hold my hand and still does. He loved to cuddle and be hugged and tickled and rubbed. He was a charmer and manipulative but rarely got into trouble because he liked to please. Still does. He's smart and pretty much learned to read without much effort. Everything comes pretty easy to him but he's very sensitive about any failures. And he loves being the center of attention! <br />
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He had to share his birthday with Father's Day this year and he was NOT happy about it. We tried to make it special for him too but he will have another celebration anyway. This Saturday we will celebrate with a Pirate Party. I bought tons of pirate stuff including swords, eye patches, pirate head bandanna thingies, skull candies, treasure maps and a treasure chest pinata filled with toy gold coins, candy, skull bouncing balls and little trinkets. Plus a customized vinyl door banner that reads: "Ahoy! Beware of Pirate Caleb!" and a skull and crossbones on it! Caleb and his brothers and friends will each receive a treasure map and Jesse will take them on a treasure hunt with some stops on the way. One stop will lead to a chest full of Pirate Booty and drinks, another will lead them to their swords, another will lead them to a chest full of water balloons for a cannon ball fight and the last spot will be the buried treasure (a.k.a. the pinata!). The menu is simple since it's an afternoon party-root beer floats and cupcakes and candy! Then a sleep over with his cousins and pizza a<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">nd</span> a showing of Pirates of the Caribbean! <br />
I love to celebrate all my precious kids on their birthday. It's their day and they look forward to it every year! Especially Caleb who loves to have a day to shine and not be in his big brother's shadow!! H<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">e's</span> looking forward to a "cool and awesome" party so I hope we deliver. H<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ey</span>, h<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">e's</span> only seven once!!! These seven years have flown by and I'm guessing in seven more, he'll have NO interest in me throwing him a little party with skull gummy candy and pirate cups so I'm going to make the most out of these birthdays while I can and pray that the memories of these parties will fill Caleb's heart with the knowledge that he is loved and special and important to us! Even though he's a "dreaded" middle child! ;)Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-44491954706716599152010-05-30T12:50:00.000-07:002010-05-30T12:50:29.533-07:00The Oil SpillSo. I woke up at 5:30am to snoring and crying and I'm not sure which was loudest. That's not that big of a deal except that I didn't go to bed until after midnight. AND when I ran downstairs to make crying baby a bottle I stepped in something slimy. Shocked, I realized it was a puddle of olive oil. Then it all came back to me. The night before, right as we were rushing out the door to see the <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Lakers</span> game and BBQ at a friend's house, I grabbed a box of crackers and accidentally knocked the olive oil off the shelf. The bottle broke and oil gushed out under the pantry. B<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">ut</span> we were in a rush and I was wearing a white skirt so Jesse easily convinced me to leave it for the evening when we got back. But the evening became night and we didn't get back until after 11pm. I'm sure you can see where this is heading but, yes. I forgot about the oil spill. <br />
So, I'm standing in a puddle of oil at 5:30ish am and finally notice that the oil is now EVERYWHERE. The once semi-contained puddle under the pantry had traveled via the tile grout and was ALL over my kitchen. And the little river of olive oil had also carried little flecks of glass with it. <br />
Ava screamed bloody murder when I plopped her into her highchair so I screamed bloody murder for Jesse to come help me! Who, by the way, was asked late yesterday evening to cover the pulpit of a friend who had gotten ill so he stayed up well past midnight preparing a sermon! <br />
20 minutes, 1 roll of paper towels, 2 kitchen towels, 2 thorough sweepings and a good mopping and the oil/glass mess was done.<br />
That should have clued me into what kind of morning I would have...Let me just sum it up: fussy baby, cranky toddler, staying home from church to care for the before mentioned, accidental poop <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">smearings</span>, fat lip, bloody finger catastrophe, fighting neighbor kids under the window of FINALLY asleep fussy baby and realizing I have to go shopping at Costco before a major BBQ day. <br />
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Moral of the story=oil spills are always bad.Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-44157301497905616652010-05-14T11:20:00.000-07:002010-05-14T11:20:46.590-07:00Trader Joe's Thursdays. Ummm...Friday...<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">Ok</span>, life is crazy busy and I have so many other things going on that I haven't blogged in awhile-even missing my <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">TJ's</span> blogs. But I wanted to share this super easy, yummy thing I made this week while my carnivorous hubby was away:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Veggie Stir-Fry w/ Veggie Egg Rolls</span><br />
(everything is from <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">TJ's</span>)<br />
pack of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">pre</span>-cut Stir Fry veggies*<br />
bag of frozen veggie fried rice, thawed<br />
pack of veggie egg rolls<br />
Sweet Chili Sauce<br />
soy sauce<br />
olive oil<br />
One Omega-3 egg, beaten<br />
~Bake egg rolls according to package. Heat some olive oil, saute the veggies in it. Pour in a dash or two of soy sauce. Cook until done. Put to the side. Put a little olive oil in a pan, saute the rice. When almost done, push all the rice to the outer edges and pour in the egg to scramble. Once scrambled, mix the rice in. Pour in a dash of soy sauce. Egg rolls should be done. Cut in half because they are <span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">sooooo</span> hot and will burn little mouths if they don't cool down first. <br />
Put some rice and veggies and an egg roll on a plate with some sweet chili sauce. Or mix the rice and veggies with a dash of sweet chili sauce in it. It's up to you. <br />
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My big boys had seconds and thirds of this! It was so easy, healthy and tasty. <br />
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*Or m<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">ake</span> your own with onions, bell peppers, cabbage, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-28470076230824463872010-05-04T18:44:00.000-07:002010-05-04T18:49:25.802-07:0010 birthdaysKnox is 10 today. A decade old-so amazing. He's such a gift to us. He truly makes this family happier, fuller...just better! He is a fabulous son, big brother and is daily becoming a fabulous man. Seeing his heart for God is one of the greatest joys in my life. Thinking about how to honor him on his birthday made me think of all his past birthdays. And I thought it would be fun to remember them...<br />
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1st= I made a huge 4-tiered star cake and frosted each layer a different color. everything was bright and cheerful and the party was held at a friend's lake house since we lived in an apartment and too many people wanted to come celebrate Knox's birthday! Knox ate the top star and LOVED the cake! He also got a cool rocking airplane from Kristi and her mom that he was obsessed with.<br />
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2nd= A football party! Knox loved football and was so excited to see the football cake I made. My mom flew up to help and bought every kid at the party a little football shaped cup with matching straw-big hit! Jesse borrowed an Elmo suit from a customer and my cousin wore it to surprise Knox and the kids. Scared Knox to death!! He hated it! <br />
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3rd= Knox saw a Kawasaki kid motorcycle at the store and asked for it for his birthday. We told him yes and he patiently told us that he would be getting it on his birthday. For 6 months he waited! We were so amazed and proud of him! We had a fireman party with a pinata and lots of friends. We rented Dizzy's Tumblebus to come to the party. After cake, Jesse brought out his new motorcycle. His face lit up and he zoomed around the yard on his new motorcycle. Everyday. For a year!<br />
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4th= We had a race car party complete with a race car cake and a race car jump house. The cake took me 4 hours to make but was worth it when Knox proudly showed his friends. He was concerned that the crushed oreos were real dirt though. <br />
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5th= Super Hero party. All of Knox's friends came dressed as Super heroes and Knox dressed up like Spiderman. Everyone looked so cute in their costumes running around the yard and playing hilarious games. Our yard was covered in silly string for a few weeks afterwards!<br />
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6th=Star Wars. I think this is the first year I bought a cake. Knox helped design it and insisted on flames all around the sides. It came out perfectly. Our house was jam packed since it rained that day (1st rainy birthday in WA. Miracle!) and Knox got tons of cool Star Wars presents.<br />
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7th=Ninja party. My brother-in-law made amazing invitations for Knox's Ninja party. Everyone came dressed as a Ninja or in all black. I made black Ninja headbands and wrote every one's name on it in silver fabric paint. Jesse made an amazing Ninja training center in our yard-obstacle course, bow and arrow shooting range and Ninja skill tests. Knox designed the cake again this year too. Same flames all around and I found Ninjas and dragons for him to put on the top.<br />
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8th=Seahawks sleepover. Knox invited eight friends over for a BBQ, bonfire and sleepover. The dining room was decorated so cute-all Seahawks. But the boys thought it would be more fun to have a food fight than admire the decor! And during the Smores time, they had a serious flaming marshmallow fight.<br />
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9th=Pirates of the Caribbean party. Since Knox's 9th birthday was just a week after I came home from the hospital after having Ava, I was hoping it would be something easy. Knox chose to have a party at our apartment clubhouse (where we were living after the house sold/before moving to Cali). We rented out the theatre to watch Pirates of the Caribbean 3. Jesse took the boys swimming, ordered tons of pizza, and then they ate cake, candy, popcorn and soda in the private theatre. Probably one of the easiest, cheapest parties we've ever thrown but Knox said it was his favorite so far! Go figure...<br />
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10th= Some friends from church have awesome laser tag guns that work off each other’s and that was all Knox wanted for his birthday. Well…a ball, shoes, clothes, itunes gift cards and a cool hat. But mostly those guns! So we bought them and arranged a laser tag party with his friends who have the guns and two school friends (his friends have 2 extra) . Jesse is taking the boys to a park to play laser tag for a couple hours. then back home for pizza and an ice cream sundae bar (Knox decided he doesn't like cake) and a movie. <br />
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~Birthdays are a big deal in our house because I hope my kids remember their birthdays as being special and a time that they were celebrated. My kids are all growing up so fast and I know I only have a short window to impress upon them how special they are to us, how much we love them and what a blessing we think they are! So, I can’t wait to celebrate another birthday with my precious son Knox and am praying for many more decades of birthdays to celebrate with him!Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-47361408564188403872010-04-28T09:28:00.000-07:002010-04-28T09:28:55.464-07:00Ava's Birthday Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ava's party was so special. It turned out exactly how I hoped! I had been thinking about and planning it for months so it came together pretty easily. Some friends have asked me about how I did it all. Especially on a budget. Well...the number one tip I have for that is to plan the theme early and get stuff as you go. I knew I wanted a pink cupcake party last year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are a few other ways I kept the quality high but the prices low...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I saw this tutu at Home Goods while shopping with my friend Melissa. She bought it for Ava for Christmas. I found the cupcake rhinestone at Michael's and ironed it on. Perfect cupcake party tutu!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yAs45Tkjo1Bk6MNiTRvGe-jPwsIwUtaRpWnYoOQRgv8fCoMOWHdUTGeXQSyE7bmbNK71CYxNLGWyz0FoFAqsBMPye2SnogXCz6eYwBRWCFYTPAMy9MFGHc_723iNHGcBKAbYUhHvVaGf/s1600/DSC_0907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4yAs45Tkjo1Bk6MNiTRvGe-jPwsIwUtaRpWnYoOQRgv8fCoMOWHdUTGeXQSyE7bmbNK71CYxNLGWyz0FoFAqsBMPye2SnogXCz6eYwBRWCFYTPAMy9MFGHc_723iNHGcBKAbYUhHvVaGf/s320/DSC_0907.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">ALL of the paper goods: banner, cupcake toppers, mini boxes, bows for the "Ava game" I made with the help of my friend and Stampin' Up consultant <a href="http://mypaperscissorsrock.blogspot.com/">Christina</a>. After spending 6 hours making everything, Christina told me that EVERYTHING was her gift to Ava. How sweet was that?!?!? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXEAOrKZErgtfchxTuZdGIIr0UWvGFoxXG77QYsgA6PqkTXcSYp6XwoGyfsPcq-UY0deuoh3q0ubSrfxrDMLfk8M3jE2K-2iY3afOmt_Zs26q6994CwFFX8Z-0Pn1Pyd5hLwa6xDWbwxD/s1600/DSC_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXEAOrKZErgtfchxTuZdGIIr0UWvGFoxXG77QYsgA6PqkTXcSYp6XwoGyfsPcq-UY0deuoh3q0ubSrfxrDMLfk8M3jE2K-2iY3afOmt_Zs26q6994CwFFX8Z-0Pn1Pyd5hLwa6xDWbwxD/s320/DSC_0914.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> I used hot pink tulle, candy and cupcake serving dishes/candles I picked up at Kohl's for 50% off from Valentine's Day to make the dessert table. I already collect white serving dishes and linens. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishyphenhyphenuV2zQ_mkS2PzQKLbLhDqRaIPIIRG-PI3CorqviHrJlk6wLa_8ONTO-AK_95pcL1FLTJV9VaDAGORA0zY2ctiAoicSBQXYFe8oMGz5tJRNoJ43rcLJ-hLSVWT9RI_sHORT8MfYEJ8Fm/s1600/DSC_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEishyphenhyphenuV2zQ_mkS2PzQKLbLhDqRaIPIIRG-PI3CorqviHrJlk6wLa_8ONTO-AK_95pcL1FLTJV9VaDAGORA0zY2ctiAoicSBQXYFe8oMGz5tJRNoJ43rcLJ-hLSVWT9RI_sHORT8MfYEJ8Fm/s320/DSC_0919.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made all the cupcakes, frosting and cupcake pops myself and that is WAY cheaper (and tastes WAAAAAY better) than buying them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And one of my favorite decorations were the pom poms. I bought 10 packs of tissue because I wanted a ton of them but it was worth it! They are soooo cute and easy to make once you get the hang of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfy1mO_geQi96Daph9H30Ti1K33FVz_ZqIcD13mZ0lzQ-ctqsVH7geO5SJDyIEfpZRu3mKtIwm1ZeZ6h_7Y59lNvw7NNc_Byf-ffX5Tc90AwwqWx6LvOdxEZ3AvbVTAMwtDssWKdILld2/s1600/DSC_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpfy1mO_geQi96Daph9H30Ti1K33FVz_ZqIcD13mZ0lzQ-ctqsVH7geO5SJDyIEfpZRu3mKtIwm1ZeZ6h_7Y59lNvw7NNc_Byf-ffX5Tc90AwwqWx6LvOdxEZ3AvbVTAMwtDssWKdILld2/s320/DSC_0923.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, I better get planning on the next birthday party. Only 4 months until Lucas' SpongeBob party! :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(My older boys' parties are much easier but not as cute. Knox is having a laser tag party next weekend with a few friends and Caleb is having a boys-only party at a local arcade in June. Don't worry-I didn't forget about their birthdays! hahaha!) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-45247346626361120812010-04-27T08:37:00.000-07:002010-04-27T17:51:27.651-07:00My grandpaToday is my Grandpa's 90th birthday. Arthur Cassius Knox. We celebrated with a family party on Sunday. As a gift from the family, my aunt thought it would be nice for us to all write our favorite memories and send her a copy so she could collect them and present them all together in a "memory box". That way family in other states could participate too. I'm SO thankful to be near my grandpa in the twilight of his life and that my kids will get to know a man who is amazing! My cousin Aaron jokes that he's like Forest Gump because of all the things he's done in his life: driven in a Model T Ford when it was new, played in the largest college football game in history (Army vs. Navy), landed a fighter jet on a ship, crashed said jet (which he jokes about), fought in WW 2, played a huge role at NASA helping get the first man on the moon, and has loved our grandma for 65 years!!...just to name a few of his many accomplishments! <br />
But to us grandkids, he is just our grandpa! The best, most awesome, totally loving, special, amazing Grandpa. <br />
<br />
Here is what I wrote:<br />
<br />
<strong>My Favorite Memories with you, Grandpa!</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>Most of my favorite childhood memories are wrapped up in you and my family. I loved to play in your backyard, eat apricots and watch the pumpkins grow. I loved snuggling up to you as you read me story books. And I still love hearing you tell me how I knew all the words and would never let you skip a page! I remember being so excited when you’d let me play beauty spa and I’d give you a foot soak and foot rub. Grandma used to laugh at how you made us pull your boots and socks off even though they were as big as we were. I thought you were the coolest grandpa ever because you called yourself Grandpa Dog and barked and pretended to eat Alpo. Please tell me you pretended! I thought you were the biggest and strongest man ever and was always amazed at how much food you could eat! You ate your own and then all the grandkids’ leftovers! You didn't get mad at us grandkids often so when you did we knew we were in trouble. Like the time we sold Grandmas decorations for quarters to buy candy or when we would throw underwear out on the roof or say rhymes with your name and a bodily function. You used to give us money to walk up to Thrifty and get ice cream cones and you’d take us swimming in the neighbor’s pool when they weren’t home. Playing “Kick-the-Can" was the best part of every holiday and my boys still ask to hear stories about how Great Grandpa Knox would come out of nowhere to save the day and kick the can. You told fabulous stories with too much modesty and we all loved hearing about your days at college, in the Navy and working for NASA. You were the only one who could teach me anything about Geometry and I loved your big hugs and hearty greetings of “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” whenever I came over to visit. When I was a crazy teenager you always told me how pretty and smart I was. When I tried on my wedding dress for you and grandma a few weeks before my wedding, you told me that Jesse will always think of how I beautiful I look on my wedding day since “every man does” and grandma whispered to me to try on her wedding dress to make you cry. I loved watching you dance with grandma at your 50th wedding anniversary and couldn’t wait for my own wedding the following week since I knew I was marrying a man just about as wonderful as you! You laughed with joy when I told you I was naming my first born son Knox after your family and you always tell me how great and strong and handsome my boys are. You have left an amazing legacy for all of us to follow and I’m privileged to be your first (and favorite! Kidding!) grandchild. I love you and Happy 90th Birthday!</strong><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Me, my 3 boys and my grandpa at his 90th birthday:</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OkvB3yXj8wUENxZ1IRTVOzqAPQGPttjvElbd7iNZn37rUy9eEstrVum7XAFIxlrL-2qUICB65suVlPIbVwEKGXja6WddZroKXGl_jMqbUpaVmmzrItGOz-E5Doqf4PES2GRZbfx3oeNK/s1600/DSC_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6OkvB3yXj8wUENxZ1IRTVOzqAPQGPttjvElbd7iNZn37rUy9eEstrVum7XAFIxlrL-2qUICB65suVlPIbVwEKGXja6WddZroKXGl_jMqbUpaVmmzrItGOz-E5Doqf4PES2GRZbfx3oeNK/s320/DSC_0974.JPG" tt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-63261762045869125732010-04-26T12:32:00.000-07:002010-04-26T12:32:50.690-07:00It's Just Another Manic Monday.......Well, week actually! <br />
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<br />
This weekend was beautiful. Celebrating my one and only daughter's 1st birthday and my one and only living Grandpa's 90th birthday! (His bday tribute is tomorrow on his actual birthday)<br />
<br />
Left my house at 6am yesterday to go to the OC and got home at 9pm last night! After being woken up at 5:30am by a crying Ava, I was up at 6:30am and got my big boys off to school by 7:20am this morning and then got completely overwhelmed by my house, my toddlers, my week ahead and my weekend so Jesse sent me to the gym and de-decorated the yard. Best hubby award!!! After an hour of cardio (lap swimming is H-A-R-D and awesome. I'm in love) I came home to hungry babies, a messy house, a houseful of people coming over at 6pm BUT renewed energy to do it all. Isn't it crazy how exercise GIVES you energy? What a blessing. <br />
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I tackled emails/facebook (it's necessary. really)/Lucas' birthday party planning (and maybe a little bit of Ava's 2nd party. Don't judge me!)/lunches/laundry/blog/shower/babies down for naps-and it's only noon! <br />
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Now I just need to clean/shop/cook/help kids with homework/be a hostess to our Monday night group of FIVE families/watch 24/cuddle with my man/sleep.<br />
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And that's just today!<br />
<br />
Tuesday= 2 families over for dinner to discuss church plant stuff!<br />
Wednesday=Torrey Pines hike with my new BFF! And Happy Hour margaritas after!<br />
Thursday=MC with the 35ish people I really love and don't even mind that they make my floors really dirty! hahaha! ;) (I don't know if any of them read this, actually, but they know my humor!)<br />
Friday-Monday=Pismo Beach vaca for my parent's anniversary! House on the beach, Jacuzzi on the deck, laughs and memories! Can't wait!!!!<br />
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So, yeah...it's just another Manic Monday but I'm soooo blessed to be busy with the people I love.Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-61364459516556070812010-04-23T07:53:00.000-07:002010-04-23T07:53:57.606-07:00Happy Birthday, Sweet Ava Girl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One year ago, I kissed these cheeks for the 1st time............</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7evcuY8zlpCo8NjKfyv2zR2sT_KJs1wZreQba7NpHKBiASBAhIs3j46VMeaw5mMc5l1tlIymch60MbwkugPX6PUDnxQaczQ3IW1bu6-iMZb8NgQ5xKMCuV4vXwwdOmfqL2aj8Mk6oKTtK/s1600/2917_74601963757_692168757_1589764_5491221_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7evcuY8zlpCo8NjKfyv2zR2sT_KJs1wZreQba7NpHKBiASBAhIs3j46VMeaw5mMc5l1tlIymch60MbwkugPX6PUDnxQaczQ3IW1bu6-iMZb8NgQ5xKMCuV4vXwwdOmfqL2aj8Mk6oKTtK/s320/2917_74601963757_692168757_1589764_5491221_n.jpg" tt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love my daughter and celebrate her life today. She is the sweetest, happiest baby girl ever! Such a mommy's girl, one of the joys of my life is watching her face light up when she sees me. When we get her in the morning, she jumps and flips around on her crib, cooing and screaming with delight. It's such a sweet, funny thing that everyone in the family runs to get her up to be the first one there and see her freak out with excitement! Her precious girliness has completed our family and dressing her is one of the highlights of my day! I love her squishy cheeks, the way she crinkles her nose when she is happy, her crazy, curly, poufy mohawk, her big, happy eyes and the way she kisses with her forehead. I love when she snuggles her head on my shoulder when she’s tired and claps her hands when she’s excited or widens her big eyes and grips my neck when she’s startled. I love listening to her sing and watch as she bops her head to the music. I love watching her zoom around when she crawls fast or tentatively walk along the couch. I love how surprised she is when I yell, “peek-a-boo” every time and how she giggles with happiness when you put food on her tray. We all love her so much and it’s only matched by how much she loves us. She is a blessing. I am so thankful for the privilege of being her mommy for the past year and look forward to many, many more!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.” ~1 Samuel 1:27 </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-66665760316659330102010-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:002010-04-22T09:19:31.734-07:00Trader Joe's ThursdaysA quick word about butter. <br />
I add a tablespoon of butter to my pan chicken and some veggies I sauté because it tastes better and browns nicer. I don't think it's that big of a deal when split between 6 people. BUT if you are dairy free or anti-butter, leave it out. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My New Favorite Rice!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This takes about 15 minutes to make. Add any other veggies you want. This is what I had on hand. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">TJ's frozen organic brown rice (comes in a box of 3 pouches) </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 zucchini, halved lengthwise and cut into chunks</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3 leeks, sliced (just the whites)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">1 pack of sliced mushrooms</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">3 TJ's frozen garlic cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">soy sauce (leave out to make this gluten free. Tastes just as good!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">~Cook the rice according to directions, set aside. In a large pan, sauté the leeks in zucchini in olive oil until brown and tender-about 6 minutes. Set aside. Sautee the mushrooms in butter and garlic in a separate pan until tender-about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and rice to leeks and zucchini. Add a couple dashes of soy sauce and shake on the ginger. Stir together. Serve.</span> <br />
<br />
I made this rice last night with: <br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Simple Pan Chicken-Asian style</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2-4 chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise to make thinner</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">orange juice</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">soy sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">~Sautee the chicken in olive oil until almost done. Add a little orange juice and a dash of soy sauce, cover and cook about 2-4 minutes. (I do this to ensure it's cooked because I'm freaked out about raw poultry) Remove lid so liquid can evaporate. Add a tablespoon of butter to pan and flip chicken to coat. Let chicken brown (about 1 minute in the butter) and remove and serve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-50583712664849182010-04-21T11:39:00.000-07:002010-04-21T11:39:14.942-07:00Pin-the Bow-on AvaMy squirmy, busy baby wouldn't sit still for me to take pictures of her for her party game. Think I got a cute one though:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpQ6GBuee0E06TRjcV4gjTG5geQ4h_Syh6AqRjsqF3yM1XDkhB912DRNJJsx3Xjw5FpQqKRWkao6BEtNnYplA1hkK721hDPShd9RCh0FTjLMFHo7DTpO3ASpiJS7j7NLl2aJuXqiZ6q5w/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpQ6GBuee0E06TRjcV4gjTG5geQ4h_Syh6AqRjsqF3yM1XDkhB912DRNJJsx3Xjw5FpQqKRWkao6BEtNnYplA1hkK721hDPShd9RCh0FTjLMFHo7DTpO3ASpiJS7j7NLl2aJuXqiZ6q5w/s320/DSC_0882.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now I'm off to crop/edit it, enlarge it poster size, mount it and get the game all ready.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Oh, I got the cutest prizes-HUGE cupcake lolipops! :) </div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-42571269352846455462010-04-20T20:22:00.000-07:002010-04-20T20:22:49.337-07:00Community=love and sacrificeOn Friday afternoon, the son of a dear family in our M.C. ran away from his boarding school a few hours north of Sacramento, CA. When he wasn't found by Saturday, his dad flew up on the 1st flight Sunday morning. After getting the run-around from police and a group of sketchy people who were hiding him, he asked for help on Monday afternoon. Jesse and two other men in our MC (and 2 other men from his last church and one co-worker too) dropped EVERYTHING, boarded a flight within hours and hit the ground running. <br />
<br />
<br />
His son was found safe and sound this afternoon. And he was embraced not only by his dad's loving arms, but by 6 other men who he knew loved him and were doing anything to find him. <br />
Community is a blessing. When Jesse got the call, it meant putting off some work things that really "couldn't" be moved. It was a one-way ticket and we didn't know how long he'd be gone. We didn't know what to expect trying to extract this boy from the riff raff he'd hooked up with. But Jesse and I knew that if it was OUR son, we'd do anything, go anywhere, nothing else would be as important as finding our son. And we are endeavoring to love and live with our community as if they were our family. So we did what we'd do if it was our son. <br />
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Do you live in community? Does anyone love you and your family like that? Do YOU love anyone like that?<br />
<br />
John 15:12-13 “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”<br />
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John 13:35 “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-83752467563596640082010-04-19T09:24:00.000-07:002010-04-19T09:24:07.432-07:00Ease OutSo I didn't eat for seven days and today I can. Sort of. I get OJ and broth. But I'm going to sneak in a corn tortilla or two probably if I feel good by dinner time. I felt really good yesterday-great energy. I have slept really well all week and woke up not tired at all. AND I lost 10 lbs! :) My cravings have really changed. I seriously only want healthy food. Sugar isn't even appealing to me and the OJ is kind of gross. What a blessing!<br />
<br />
But it was sooo hard. Most people who start don't finish and I'm proud that I was able to finish my 7th day strong and not have cheated even one time!! Not even ONE tiny little bite of food! <br />
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And I'm so thankful for my hot hubby who handled almost every dinner while I cleansed. I couldn't have done it without his support! <br />
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Ok, time for that delicious broth.... ;)<br />
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But I really wish it was this:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://bunnieslovecarrots.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/13_gourmet_veggie_club.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://bunnieslovecarrots.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/13_gourmet_veggie_club.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am craving a veggie sandwich!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomorrow for sure! </div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-6662516425326365222010-04-18T08:37:00.000-07:002010-04-18T08:37:00.129-07:00Day 7Well, I haven't eaten food since LAST Sunday night. Some of the things on this cleanse are kind of gross so I won't talk about it but I can definitely tell it is working! :) You are supposed to go for 10 days but I don't have time to go for 10 days AND do the ease out time before Ava's birthday party so I'm going 7 days and then taking a couple days to "ease out". I was planning on just going straight for 10 days until I heard horror stories about not easiing out. I have heard to cleanse until your tongue is pink again and mine is already changing back. (Toxins come out on your tongue. It's gross. Google it) So, tomorrow I can have orange juice and veggie broth. After that, I can have whole fruits and veggies, followed by starches. I can't wait to have a sandwich!!!<br />
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I am also going to give up dairy for 3 weeks to see if that helps my stomach problems. After reading about the cleanse, I learned how hard it is on your body to digest meat and dairy. I mainly eat lean meat like turkey, chicken, or tuna and those things really don't bother me but full-fat dairy usually does. <br />
And I'm not going to eat anything fried either. Although I might make an exception for chips and guacomole at Ava's party! ;)<br />
<br />
Looking forward to a healthier me! And SO proud of the will power and strength God gave me these past seven days! Amazing grace!<br />
<br />
Try the cleanse. You'll hate it. But totally love it too!Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-48135390177840919212010-04-17T08:36:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:36:52.689-07:00Happy Saturday<div style="text-align: center;">This is what my Saturday looks like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Well, this was for my boys. I get laxative tea and lemonade. :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://simplyscrumptiousfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/oatwaffles13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://simplyscrumptiousfoodie.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/oatwaffles13.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mommy-Son Movie Time:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://markgbyrne.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/c1588star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-posters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://markgbyrne.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/c1588star-wars-return-of-the-jedi-posters.jpg" width="221" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Family Time at Del Mar Beach:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/954828-Del_Mar_Beach-Del_Mar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="http://cache.virtualtourist.com/954828-Del_Mar_Beach-Del_Mar.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sauna time to detox:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.archiexpo.com/images_ae/photo-g/finnish-sauna-124203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img.archiexpo.com/images_ae/photo-g/finnish-sauna-124203.jpg" width="213" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy Saturday!</span></div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-60285213614742572932010-04-16T11:37:00.000-07:002010-04-16T11:37:46.634-07:00Day 5So I have been cleansing since Sunday night. I've been drinking my "lemonade' and nothing else. And while I've had some great times with God and have learned some greast spiritual truths...I'm too hungry to articulate them! :)<br />
<br />
So, how about another sneak peek of Ava's birthday party. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Here is the pinata I got:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.eventfulcharacters.com/images/extras/Pinatas/Cupcake_Pinata.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.eventfulcharacters.com/images/extras/Pinatas/Cupcake_Pinata.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pink Rice Krispie Treats for favors (not sure if I'm going to do "pops" or cupcakes or simple squares but now I think these ice cream cones are adorable too...):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jeannettesiciliani.typepad.com/.a/6a010534d00f5f970b0120a59d4b1f970c-320pi" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://jeannettesiciliani.typepad.com/.a/6a010534d00f5f970b0120a59d4b1f970c-320pi" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">And I'm having a picture of Ava with a big cupcake bow made into a poster so we can play "Pin-the-Bow-On-Ava"! :)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-69902437890399762032010-04-15T16:51:00.000-07:002010-04-15T16:51:32.343-07:00Trader Joe's ThursdaysOkay, this is from TJ's AND Costo. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Thai Salad</span><br />
1 bag of broccoli slaw from TJ's<br />
1 pack of shredded carrots from TJ's<br />
1 package of Just Chicken from TJ's<br />
1 English cucumber from Tj's, chopped<br />
1 bag of bean sprouts<br />
1 bunch of green onions, chopped<br />
1 bunch of cilantro, chopped<br />
some lime wedges<br />
*1 bottle of Thai Peanut marinade from Costco<br />
<br />
~Toss the chicken in some marinade, set aside. Combine all veggies and toss with the cilantro and squeeze the limes on to taste. Then add in the chicken and toss together. Yum. <br />
Oh, you can heat the chicken if you like a warm salad. These veggies are hearty and won't wilt.Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-63222606765438006162010-04-14T20:18:00.001-07:002010-04-14T20:28:05.392-07:00Be thankfulI'm hungry. I've been hungry for days. The people who say they don't feel hungry on the cleanse are liars. Kidding. (sort of) Maybe it is because I haven't been drinking enough of the lemonade though. But it's gross!<br />
So...why do it? Because, I needed some time to reflect on my relationship with food. I'm overweight and have struggled to lose weight after my 1st pregnancy-nearly 10 years ago. I know my Thyroid disease doesn't help and there are tons of excuses but one thing I'm aware of is my relationship with food has become something other than what God intended it to be. SOO many times after eating I would feel guilty. Not thankful. Doing this cleanse is teaching me things and that fact has really struck me. That I'm not thankful for my food. Millions of people in the world are feeling hunger pangs right now too. Because they don't have any food to eat. I have a kitchen FULL of food and I'm not eating it by choice. Crazy. Those people would be disgusted. Tonight, Knox said, "Mom, if you're hungry, please EAT! There is such good food here!" But<br />
I'm praying for a new outlook and wisdom on how best to feed myself and my family. And one thing I need to start with is to be truly thankful! And if I'm not thankful for what I'm eating, maybe I shouldn't be eating it! <br />
And in a few more days, I will be very thankful to eat this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://laist.com/attachments/la_jessicap/turkey%20sandwich.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mmmm...turkey sandwich and salad. I'll be at Sprouts on Tuesday ordering that! And I will be thankful!</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-45349255096936219802010-04-14T08:24:00.000-07:002010-04-14T08:24:00.240-07:00Ava's birthday plansWant a sneak peek of my daughter's 1st birthday treats? It's a cupcake party so besides real cupcakes, I'm making these darling cupcake pops: How precious are those? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/uploaded_images/marshmallow_treatpops_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://www.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/uploaded_images/marshmallow_treatpops_2.jpg" width="320" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Learn how to make them <a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.hostessblog.com/wp-content/uploads/uploaded_images/marshmallow_treatpops_1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.hostessblog.com/2009/09/diy-marshmallow-treat-pops/&usg=__cmKLmAR8DqVkczi8FFnZEy_odpQ=&h=562&w=475&sz=117&hl=en&start=2&sig2=ziXJTEtJ9OwN5HkUoWjcnA&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=z6UaIyOm3PUr1M:&tbnh=133&tbnw=112&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmarshmallow%2Btreat%2Bpops%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox%26rlz%3D1I7GGLL_en%26tbs%3Disch:1&ei=x5LES4K6LpmJ_Abk_biZDg">here</a></div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-14863558646906867802010-04-13T08:18:00.000-07:002010-04-12T20:18:34.225-07:00Easter DressesEvery year, I would look at all the cute Easter dresses and hope that one day I could buy a pretty, little Easter dress for my own pretty little daughter. I know they have cute little Easter suits and ties for boys but...that's not really how Jesse rolls. Well, last year Ava was about one week old so she didn't wear a pretty, little dress. But I bought her one anyway-for this year. I loved it when I saw it and especially fell in love with the pink bloomers that matched. And then a couple weeks ago, I fell in love with another sweet dress at Macy's. I bought it for her to wear on Easter Saturday to the big Easter Egg Hunt! This year was such an amazing blessing, getting to dress her in not one, but TWO fabulous little dresses. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">Easter Egg Hunt Dress</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipBvK_IDfr6-Y-noxJJ9wJ0Jk-AbqNCa2KEl2uRLA_wVzShsoJtr0tqj26OFRSP0TcvGJjY_VAm5D3qfZ7nXwBNdtoOD-cDUxQI9f4M23DsrC5v8Chhzs8QOeizrB3YJuSmCtVFpmcMX_/s1600/DSC_0894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhipBvK_IDfr6-Y-noxJJ9wJ0Jk-AbqNCa2KEl2uRLA_wVzShsoJtr0tqj26OFRSP0TcvGJjY_VAm5D3qfZ7nXwBNdtoOD-cDUxQI9f4M23DsrC5v8Chhzs8QOeizrB3YJuSmCtVFpmcMX_/s320/DSC_0894.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Easter Sunday Dress</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI099Xsu7V6reRyqbhk1Gpa9ayt94_K_-NCmi6Cdzs0fxmCOLnXFNKLUfG39ag9dY-Q6-MWopzbi5p0FHMPlKRR64NPlQYsKPEyMpgMcUoKKnoUzt4sLhubMC1WH2G3jHppJlsHoggYvq/s1600/DSC_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgI099Xsu7V6reRyqbhk1Gpa9ayt94_K_-NCmi6Cdzs0fxmCOLnXFNKLUfG39ag9dY-Q6-MWopzbi5p0FHMPlKRR64NPlQYsKPEyMpgMcUoKKnoUzt4sLhubMC1WH2G3jHppJlsHoggYvq/s320/DSC_0906.JPG" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can't wait for next year's dress(es)! </div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-36365291032961055842010-04-12T08:35:00.000-07:002010-04-12T14:26:21.109-07:00Spring Break= Blog BreakOk, I didn't blog at all this past week. The boys were off of school for Spring Break and we were going 110% of the time. Spring Break for them really meant a mini vaca for our whole family. Good Friday service, Community Easter Egg hunt on Saturday followed by a park afternoon with friends, Easter Sunday and an overnight at my parent's house (late night Karaoke w/ my sis got a little crazy. hahaha! Good times), All day beach day with the Leib's in Corona Del Mar, hosting the neighbors over for the NCAA game and dinner, family beach day, SeaWorld with friends where we spent a good hour shooting people with water cannons and yelling "You're Welcome!" and "Sorry Gramma!", Del Mar beach day play date (my 1st time taking all 4 kids to the beach by myself. Thankful for good friends who made it so easy), Date night with Jesse at an Acts29 Luau with fabulous friends and "Tropical Angie's", celebrating my mom's birthday at Seaport Village for a day of street performers (hilarious) and a great dinner overlooking the bay, Church and Felicita Park for dinner with friends. <br />
So, yeah. I didn't have time to blog but it was one of the best weeks ever! Except for the part where I gained four pounds so... time to cleanse!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://detoxdietrecipe.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/cleansekit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://detoxdietrecipe.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/cleansekit.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's Master Cleanse Time. I only made it four days last time. Hoping to complete the 10 day cleanse this time around and grow in my self-control and willpower! Wanna cleanse too? It's simple!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">laxative tea or salt water flush in the morning</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">then <a href="http://themastercleanse.org/the-lemonade-diet/">LEMONADE</a> all day (6-12 servings)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and laxative tea at night</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">for 7 days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simple but not easy...Who's in?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-73429400831804031262010-04-02T12:49:00.000-07:002010-04-02T12:49:43.047-07:00Good FridayJohn 19<br />
<br />
1Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe 3and went up to him again and again, saying, "Hail, king of the Jews!" And they struck him in the face. <br />
4Once more Pilate came out and said to the Jews, "Look, I am bringing him out to you to let you know that I find no basis for a charge against him." 5When Jesus came out wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe, Pilate said to them, "Here is the man!" <br />
6As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, "Crucify! Crucify!" <br />
But Pilate answered, "You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him." <br />
7The Jews insisted, "We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God." <br />
8When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9and he went back inside the palace. "Where do you come from?" he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10"Do you refuse to speak to me?" Pilate said. "Don't you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?" <br />
11Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." <br />
12From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jews kept shouting, "If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar." <br />
13When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge's seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14It was the day of Preparation of Passover Week, about the sixth hour. "Here is your king," Pilate said to the Jews. <br />
15But they shouted, "Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!" <br />
"Shall I crucify your king?" Pilate asked. "We have no king but Caesar," the chief priests answered. <br />
<br />
16Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified<br />
So the soldiers took charge of Jesus. 17Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18Here they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle. <br />
19Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. 20Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, "Do not write 'The King of the Jews,' but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews."22Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." <br />
<br />
23When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. <br />
24"Let's not tear it," they said to one another. "Let's decide by lot who will get it." <br />
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled which said, "They divided my garments among them <br />
and cast lots for my clothing."So this is what the soldiers did. <br />
<br />
25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son," 27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.<br />
<br />
28Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty." 29A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. 30When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished." With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. <br />
<br />
31Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken," 37and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."<br />
<br />
38Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. 39He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds.[d] 40Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. 41At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4376568272038085937.post-7086343740004600252010-04-01T13:21:00.000-07:002010-04-01T13:22:39.774-07:00Trader Joe's ThursdaysFirst, I want to wish my favorite sister-in-law, Sierra Pocza, a happy, happy birthday!!! Love and miss you!<br />
<br />
So, today is a little different...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">It's Trader Joe's Thursday, the Ava edition! </span></div>A couple weeks I was drawing blanks as to fun, finger food for my little cupcake. She will barely let me feed her right now. She is in love with feeding herself! So, here are some things I've found that work out great...from Trader Joe's! Maybe you can get a new idea or two. And share yours with me!<br />
<br />
Breakfast:<br />
frozen wild blueberries (thaw a little first. Warning: very messy)<br />
bananas<br />
Organic cereal bars, cut into tiny squares<br />
TJ's Cherrios<br />
scrambled eggs<br />
yogurt. Ok, have you had their "cream" yogurts? SO good! (I add jarred baby fruit w/ tuna oil for added nutrition)<br />
<br />
Lunch:<br />
Peanut butter sandwich, cut into tiny squares<br />
Organic peanut butter cracker sandwiches, broken in half<br />
avocado, chopped up tiny<br />
Apple sauce (I dump in a jar of veggies with tuna oil baby food to this) <br />
grapes, quartered<br />
pears or apples or strawberries or cuties, chopped small. She's a fruit addict like her brothers!<br />
And her favorite thing: Pirate Booty!!! But I break each piece in half<br />
<br />
Dinner: Usually her smallest meal of the day. She eats a huge breakfast but drinks 10-12 oz. of formula at night.<br />
pasta (topped with veggie baby food with tuna oil)<br />
cheddar cheese, cut tiny<br />
frozen peas, thawed a little<br />
corn kernels<br />
steamed broccoli or carrots, cut small<br />
<br />
*I haven't started her on meat yet*Pinkie Winkiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03403228281384287691noreply@blogger.com1