Checking in from Japan

Well, it's Saturday morning and I am headed to the airport in about two hours. Here's a few things I have learned while here:

1. Japanese food is very good. Even the octopus!

2. Japanese factory cafeterias are about the same quality as ours!

3. It feels very strange to be in a train car packed to the brim and be the tallest person on it by about 4 inches...

4. There are drink machines EVERYWHERE! You can even get beer.

I took a prayer run this morning. It was good just to get out and get moving, but also to lift up this country where less than 1% of the population is Christian.

Well time to pack! See ya'll soon!

The boy who could...

poo in the pot! Yay! After talking about it and talking about, Grant decided today was the day. Here's the funny thing. My Mom and I went garage saling this morning (and got some awesome deals by the way) but when we came back I noticed Grant was in the bathroom. When I opened the door he excitedly told me he had pooped in the potty. My Dad who was watching him said he didn't know a thing about it. Apparently, Grant had quiely gotten out our traveller potty, unfolded it and put it on the potty, climbed up and gone all by himself! He was so proud and so were the rest of us. I just thought it was funny that he decided to do it when no one was pushing him (just like they tell you it will!)

From earlier incentives, Mommy is a little poorer (I promised him a new toy for pooping in the potty) but very proud of her little one growing up sooo quickly. I also let him watch a "Pooh" movie in honor of the event.

Cincymoms, thats where its at, so remember that...

Have you visited cincymoms.com? If not, here's why I think its worth a browse.

Deals I've spotted: This week I got a coupon for a free Thomas wooden train and free Auntie Anne's pretzel. They also have grocery deals listing to help you use coupons to obtain free or nearly free food (who couldn't save some $$ at the grocery store these days?)

Recipe, Meals, Snacks: I got my FAVORITE meal to take to families from this site. Its everyday Moms posting on meals that work for their family

Parks and Attractions: People post about parks in the entire tri-state area and about free events going on. As a stay at home mom I'm always on the prowl for free family events.

Occasionally I run into a unique parenting issue the site has helped me with. For instance, Grant's eczema really flares with the sunblocks I had bought him (including Arbonne and Aveeno). I posted under allergies and another mom whose child had eczema recommended a brand I had never heard of and thankfully it works for Grant!

Anyway, its worth a browse if you haven't checked it out before.

P Diddy's Tantalizing Dish

P Diddy Logansta' (the artist formerly know as Paulina Logozzo) served a great Strawberry Chicken salad last year that I dug out the recipe for today and made it with my parent's homegrown lettuce - delicioso!!! This is a great recipe for a summer meal. The great part is the salad dressing can be made earlier and refrigerated if you are in a hurry for dinner. We added some bread as an accent and everyone agreed it was a very appetizing meal. Thanks P'!

Strawberry Chicken Salad Dressing:
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar ...boil these 3 for 1 min to dissolve sugar, let cool
Add:1/2 cup veg oil
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tbsp grated onion
1 tbsp poppy seeds
salt & paprika to taste
Dressing may be kept in fridge for several weeks, but bring to room temp before using. Marinate boneless skinless chicken breasts in teriyaki - grill - cool - slice thin.Combine w/ romaine lettuce, sliced strawberries & almonds. Add thinly sliced green onions if desired. Toss with dressing.May also use with sliced apples, grapes & walnuts.

Tuesday: Help has arrived!

Today Nana and Papaw (my parents) came to visit and spend several days. Grant said, "Nana and Papaw, I am soo happy that you are here" during dinner tonight. Privately, I thought I couldn't have said it better myself! My darling son also went on to tell me while buckling him into his car seat that I could stay home while he went with Nana and Papaw to get ice cream. Thanks buddy, love you too;-) Here's a fun pict with the grandparents. We are in the midst of pottytraining with Grant, hence the no pant looks. He stayed dry ALL day!! Too bad I can't say the same for #2. Anyone have any hits to help with that one?? I'm all ears!!

Monday: Triple Trouble and more fun

Today we headed to Otterville in the morning to keep busy. Grant is at the perfect age for Otterville and can spend hours there! It was extra fun today while some good friends joined us.
Thankfully, Colin is a content, happy little bro' and stays entertained in the stroller while big brother romps around.
Bathtime. Yay! Colin is old enough to join his brother in the bathtub! I think both brothers enjoyed their time.

Come home soon Daddy...

On Sunday morning, the family loaded up and headed to the airport. Kurt was travelling to Japan for a week! While we are excited for him to experience a new culture, we all miss him SO much. God has been good though and has given the boys and I extra things to do to keep our mind off of missing Daddy. Yesterday, my neighbor who rents out inflatables blew one up in the backyard and let the neighborhood kids jump for hours. It was great for many reasons, it wore Grant out but it also was just fun. I grew up more in the country than in town and missed having those spontaneous adventures you get living in a cul de sac. I know so many people want their privacy but I'm in the minority and like (most of the time) having neighbors so close for my kids to play with. Here's a last minute pics before Kurt left. Notice how Grant is VERY close to Kurt in the pict. Kurt is definitely his best friend and I hate seeing him miss his Dad so much. But I am enjoying getting all his loving directed my way now that Daddy is at work:-) As you can imagine, Kurt is quite popular in our house and its just not the same without him this week!

All three of my fellas!!