Another way to share your "power"...

It is very apparent these days that we can use Facebook and other social media to not only reconnect with loved ones, but to make a difference in the world. It doesn't take much, just a few seconds and a click or two, and we can all work together for positive change!

I don't know how many people are still reading this blog, because I'm totally a lame blogger in the summer, but if you are reading this, please take a few minutes to vote for the following charities. It won't take much time but can truly help others.

RETT SYNDROME RESEARCH-Vote every day until July 31st! (3 days left!)



SAN MARCOS YSB - through APX ALARM -

Click here - http://apps.facebook.com/apxgivesback/ and the gray button, then click on Central (orange circle) and then vote for San Marcos YSB. You have to like APX alarm at the top of the page, but then after that it's easy!

Thanks so much guys!

Do Some Good...

I know it's been a million years since I posted, and I'm just taking a break from my summer hiatus to ask for your support... if you're even still reading! :)

Some of the schools I write grants for are entering a Kohl's sweepstakes, which is nationwide, but if they receive the top 12 number of votes on Facebook, they'll win $500,000. So, it only takes a minute, and if you help them by voting, you're helping ME keep my job! :)

So, just click on the link, "Like" Kohl's, and then vote for Hawthorn Academy in West Jordan UT. It gives you 20 votes, but you can only give 5 to each school. So, if you're feeling extra generous with your time, you can also vote for:
-Odyssey Charter School in American Fork, UT
-Early Light Academy in South Jordan, UT
-Excelsior Academy in Tooele, UT

Thanks!

Blah, blah, blog

So, I'm feeling really indifferent about this blog, and blogs in general. I used to get lost in cyberspace, reading all about my friends and catching up with long lost roomates and such. I still do that occasionally, but I've been too busy and otherwise occupied with darling Ella that I don't make much time for it anymore. And I think it's a good thing.

And while I've never been super inclined to blog on a regular basis, now it is really suffering. And I don't think I really care! I've been working out more, gardening, and working on fun projects - and I like this off-line version of myself. I would rather live my life than take the time to write about it. I don't know if this is a general feeling among folks, or if I'm the only one who is stricken with cyber overload, but I need a break. I will still facebook on a semi-regular basis, only because it is on my phone, but I'm even tempted to delete that app because I just need to be in the moment, in reality, and not constantly checking my wall or blog for comments. (As I write this, cute Ella is pawing at my leg, begging me to play with her... so off I go!)

So, this is a post to make you aware of my cyber sabbatical. Do not worry, I am still alive. And chances are that if you are a part of my regular life, you'll probably see more of me, so this will not be a big loss! I hope you all have a great summer!

Happy Birthday Little Bean!

Happy First Birthday, sweet Ella Grace! We love you more than words can express. You have learned so much and grown so quickly. Thanks for putting up with us as your parents! Here's to another fun, crazy, exciting year!
Love,

Mommy

Spring Rolls

A Vietnamese friend of ours taught us how to make spring rolls and they are SO easy and SOOO good! I thought I would share since they were such a fun time!

Here is what I used :
-Round rice paper wrappers
-Lettuce leaves with the tough middle part removed
-Shrimp sauteed in garlic and soy sauce (you can use chicken, tuna, whatever!)
-Shredded carrots and sliced celery (I prefer cucumbers, but we didn't have any)
-Vermicelli rice noodles (you buy them in a package, then soak them in warm water until they soften)
-Peanut dipping sauce (made from peanut butter and Hoisin sauce and water)
-Hot chili and garlic sauce

You need a few things from the Asian market, and if you live in Salt Lake, there's one on 90th south and just east of the freeway. I bought the rice paper wrappers and sauces there, as well as the noodles.

You just soak the rice paper for a few seconds in hot water and put it on your plate. It becomes stretchy like saran wrap. Then layer lettuce, noodles, shrimp, veggies, and sauces, and wrap it up like a burrito. Voila!Ella enjoyed the vermicelli noodles... yum!
(If anyone wants the actual recipe, I can definitely email it to you! Just let me know!)

Garden Update

Well, our garden box is in place and filled with what is supposedly the best soil for planting a garden... we'll see! Next we need to screw on the pickets and plant some veggies!

A Me Moment

Today is my first mother's day, so I decided to take a little moment for myself last night and get a pedicure. I was so excited to just sit for a minute with no one climbing on me or crying, but after all the day's adventures and laundry and dishes and yard work, I didn't showered and get out the door until 8 pm. Shoot.

The first place I tried was closed. The second, as well, so I gave up and decided to go grocery shopping at walmart instead. But to my surprise their nail salon was open! It's a mothers day miracle! I asked the girl if they had time to do my toes, and she ushered me back, saying "We never close, never close."

I couldn't tell if she was saying that to assure me it was okay to be there at 8:20 pm, or if she was saying it in a resentful way... So I didn't push the issue, since she was the one with the sharp tools!

I enjoyed a relaxing few moments reading fashion magazines and catching up on facebook, then as she was finishing, the boss lady told me I had to pay in cash, since she just closed the register. What? Who carries cash anymore?!? But I told her I could walk down to the ATM once my toes were dry... No biggie.

Turns out, as usual, that nothing is simple for me! I walked to the ATM and supposedly put in the wrong PIN, and the machine ate my card!! So I tried a different card, and it didn't even let me type anything... It just beeped and told me to contact the bank during normal operating hours. Grrrrrr!

So, I bought my few groceries ad paid with a credit card, hoping they would let me get cash back... But strike three, I'm out. So I headed back to the salon and told her I had no way of paying, fearing I would have to go in the back and sanitize foot tubs or nail implements, but the nice lady said I could bring my money on Monday. I thanked her profusely, thinking the whole time, "this could have all been avoided if you just let me pay with my dang debit card!!"

Oh well, my toes look fabulous and I did get a little me time, so I guess it was all worth it! Happy Mother's Day!