the girls are back!

this just so happens to be the view out our back sliding glass door. these are my hydrangeas.
my dear friend becky left them in my care when she moved to arizona. with my extremely limited skills, I've tried my best to care for them. I was so sad and worried when I had to leave them over the summer for 3 months.
luckily, they were well cared for and they were even still in bloom when I returned.
since I honestly have zero plant sense (you know, like common sense, which I do have but have learned it doesn't apply to plants since they usually die in my care. I tend to over-care for things like plants and, well, fish. BUT I am getting better because see I realize that I tend to over-care so I'm curbing that now), I've been terrified for them since winter hit. I did some research but there are so many different varieties,
many requiring different types of care
so I decided doing nothing was my safest bet.
well, the other day, my sweet neighbor came over while I was outside. she handed me this little pouch of powder and suggested I mix it with water and use it the next time I watered (which I haven't even done for probably 4 mo.). it was miracle gro, which I proudly and excitedly announced, I happened to already have--purchased especially for them. so I took her advice.
then I gave them so more. and viola! they liked it.
thanks for looking out for us wendi!
now just wait til you see these girls in full-bloom!!

This Is the view...

from my kitchen window.

I really love having a window in my kitchen with a view

to look at while I'm working.
over the summer, the ocean was really nice
but I enjoy this one, too. especially right now with all
the cherry blossoms!
they really make me happy and the dishes get done before I know it. Totally coincidentally, I noticed yesterday, we're even using cherry blossom hand soap--thanks grandma.
kinda fun.
this is also an important view because just beyond the cherry trees is a huge playground where Jaden can run around free while I make dinner or clean-up.
I very SERIOUSLY don't know how we'll live without this!
I'm sad that we'll have to.
I know it's monterey but that will probably mean no yard or fenced outdoor area.
there are some things that are important to my sanity.
easy access to forms of energy release is one them.
over the summer we resorted to a mini-tramp and chin-up bar.

Have You Seen This?

Did you LOVE it?
we did!

I know we're a little behind.
actually a lot.

My Auntie

this is my auntie. she is my mom's identical twin sister. she is marlys and my mom is mayvis. these two are as genuine as their names! since my mom became a single parent of four when I was 2, auntie's role in our life was HUGE. we were her children. she lived with us a lot of the time and her authority was taken no less seriously than our mother's. in fact, you'd NEVER dare contend with her...if you knew what was good for you. there is no time in my life where her presence is not felt. she was always there. we always looked forward to her arrival. she LOVED, nurtured, adored, taught, guided, directed, supported and admired us as our own mother did and we could always count on that! you could always spot her face (or more accurately--her arms, flailing wildly to get your attention) in a crowd beaming with pride because she was really convinced that we were the smartest, prettiest, most creative and clever children alive. she would go on and on and on, and on and on, and on until you were nearly convinced yourself. like my sister said, "no need to spend too much time considering what to wear to the funeral because she won't be there to tell us how gorgeous we look." our auntie passed away Feb. 6, 2007 to a beautiful guitar serenade. she struggled with her health for the past three years, was diagnosed with multiple myeloma a year ago and underwent stem-cell replacement therapy in november with my mom as the donor. her body was tired and now she can rest in peace! her presence will be missed exponentially but she will be with me always. she is a part of me and I am forever grateful for the things she taught me and the hand she had in molding me into who I am today!!
thank you auntie, you will be cherished always! I LOVE You!

a candelight dinner

after tossing the kids in the tub and returning to the kitchen to finish up our leftovers, this is what I found.





a candlelit dinner-- with the yummiest leftovers served on the kids plastic plates--it was a surprise and such a sweet and spontaneous move by the coolest husband!

now the recipe for the yummiest leftovers
(so quick and easy and great to freeze)
chimichangas
1 can (29oz.) pinto beans, rinsed/drained
1 can (4oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 can (7oz.) diced green chilies
1 cup prepared coleslaw mix with carrots
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 3/4 cups salsa
6 whole wheat (or low fat or whatever kind YOU like) tortillas (10 in.)
lowfat sour cream
sliced green onions

*combine beans, olives, chilies, coleslaw mix, cheese and 1 cup of salsa in bowl
*wrap tortillas in cloth towel and microwave 1 1/2 min., until hot and pliable
*fill tortilla with mixture, fold in all four sides
* place seam down on a lightly oiled baking sheet
*bake at 425 until crisp and brown, about 15 min.
*top with remaining salsa, sour cream and green onions
(from Quick, Light and Healthy)
I can give you all the nutrition values if you're into that.
THANK YOU SANDY

oh, and speaking of chimichangas, please read
skippyjonjones
by judy schachner
there are three and they are hilarious!
THANK YOU SHELL