tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91411856459866179222024-02-02T10:12:33.866-08:00G5 FamilyThree kids, the hubs and me, growin' our family tree.Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-69022159690588239272009-10-29T20:21:00.000-07:002009-10-29T20:31:14.525-07:00Brick or Treat Party at LegolandWe took the little ones to Legoland for their Brick or Treat party. The kids loved it! Kay had never been there before, so it was cute to see her react to all the different things there. Unfortunately, she was a little too small to ride most of the rides there. She has about an inch to go until she can ride most of the rides, but it was still a fun day.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sZbr3stqGeCSyfpi6JZw5bMdrCs1gb3lgwUs4MG76tXATTLWO7Hxg7uQiOxKMhfMUlBR4rIErUt9ZR7YcF9ewXFufTQ6KbU6IqLftUL5NjrBn23JVpLiLUC9yw-lqwMs-GuUJx24GE/s1600-h/IMG_2482.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75sZbr3stqGeCSyfpi6JZw5bMdrCs1gb3lgwUs4MG76tXATTLWO7Hxg7uQiOxKMhfMUlBR4rIErUt9ZR7YcF9ewXFufTQ6KbU6IqLftUL5NjrBn23JVpLiLUC9yw-lqwMs-GuUJx24GE/s320/IMG_2482.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398229257058127010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmakvR9zkhg9LEnwoHjBEjx4rNPhqbi8mdFZQxGga7_kSLpHpxFKGYzhC-AJ4xv_uozDYlwl5cNezMH4XnMp9hQZGdGr7Rrk0QW4enIb6jqmTShdBwJeS4WvlzPKGYBxLHirZpmsHKUU0/s1600-h/IMG_2480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmakvR9zkhg9LEnwoHjBEjx4rNPhqbi8mdFZQxGga7_kSLpHpxFKGYzhC-AJ4xv_uozDYlwl5cNezMH4XnMp9hQZGdGr7Rrk0QW4enIb6jqmTShdBwJeS4WvlzPKGYBxLHirZpmsHKUU0/s320/IMG_2480.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398229248001187218" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJiDiO5bPAX15BjLlkPtVt_U6C8V2Xu0hkVMO1DhGnY_syK-D99pIaG9gxI3vjwzNuxoCysw4uTX5EvP9BqCJloBZd77bkEwo9e73QX1gRQfr7yF4CMbCIGI9eUXvYzsYTdaN324CTog/s1600-h/IMG_2474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJiDiO5bPAX15BjLlkPtVt_U6C8V2Xu0hkVMO1DhGnY_syK-D99pIaG9gxI3vjwzNuxoCysw4uTX5EvP9BqCJloBZd77bkEwo9e73QX1gRQfr7yF4CMbCIGI9eUXvYzsYTdaN324CTog/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398228773632058050" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenAvOvR7IDQsqu1P1SPXZIcF7LeQm-1NT9LXb2GWBWAIbpdcqBPd-BME2hepQqhhKT0J252N32jSWgHbwLumc7vkXby8rbXMBtQgMQk6kiCNo_pnHdEqLKZG6_agheu4Zf6x8XXajd2g/s1600-h/IMG_2461.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphenAvOvR7IDQsqu1P1SPXZIcF7LeQm-1NT9LXb2GWBWAIbpdcqBPd-BME2hepQqhhKT0J252N32jSWgHbwLumc7vkXby8rbXMBtQgMQk6kiCNo_pnHdEqLKZG6_agheu4Zf6x8XXajd2g/s320/IMG_2461.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398228761197481970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPxZOky6pVyv1w2Vghycn51PwSUhF4J_m9o0mFRVa5992rI-hLv-vDTxnamv4E2qDofKT90hVhbV21h7CCZr7erjw-W7-OUja7O4kk86A2DjLDh7GjYr_S4pNVjE5PrBmm98ZOFQuD1Y/s1600-h/IMG_2460.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUPxZOky6pVyv1w2Vghycn51PwSUhF4J_m9o0mFRVa5992rI-hLv-vDTxnamv4E2qDofKT90hVhbV21h7CCZr7erjw-W7-OUja7O4kk86A2DjLDh7GjYr_S4pNVjE5PrBmm98ZOFQuD1Y/s320/IMG_2460.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398228759846840338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiQWibNtY8bjYnShx0PimDn6rBDpI8dDD6gAkd8_TxDG4OaHjR9JMExEGozOQXRhomFIiLF4Vx4t9v7UruWqa8pLVFQIXrw1iJutSz0Kcv2NuNTfL51voGQNN3SKKU2LhoMMwD8t8e7Q/s1600-h/IMG_2457.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiQWibNtY8bjYnShx0PimDn6rBDpI8dDD6gAkd8_TxDG4OaHjR9JMExEGozOQXRhomFIiLF4Vx4t9v7UruWqa8pLVFQIXrw1iJutSz0Kcv2NuNTfL51voGQNN3SKKU2LhoMMwD8t8e7Q/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398228748117343554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIHFqyKaf-0n0zOSTd_2DvbbStY6P-bNiyIA_vCjNxNQ-FL_VI3gj7C5Pm_QpI9R4ivlac8J78BEA68i5e0YW2PkDAqWXOAmTaQeXM3gBKqTlk4EBCf0voWWkgD2WbqHVh81lpVo_8p8/s1600-h/IMG_2454.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitIHFqyKaf-0n0zOSTd_2DvbbStY6P-bNiyIA_vCjNxNQ-FL_VI3gj7C5Pm_QpI9R4ivlac8J78BEA68i5e0YW2PkDAqWXOAmTaQeXM3gBKqTlk4EBCf0voWWkgD2WbqHVh81lpVo_8p8/s320/IMG_2454.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398228741763402258" /></a>Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-2093620732481051742009-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:002009-10-22T15:30:21.235-07:00Daddy's Birthday & 3 Day Cupcakes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQHz6Fp4Yj7DTNHwmzJ8v6tVHvQlAnUKYgccQq5NM6gW7Wat233Eu1EiaI4UyZy7sFKkq8AC_O6QuaOSWy78KFLa3D32zBhDrv8nJG7cMgt52B09FiM6pmYXUjnmCZYeBpbe_EGhf60U/s1600-h/IMG_2420.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQHz6Fp4Yj7DTNHwmzJ8v6tVHvQlAnUKYgccQq5NM6gW7Wat233Eu1EiaI4UyZy7sFKkq8AC_O6QuaOSWy78KFLa3D32zBhDrv8nJG7cMgt52B09FiM6pmYXUjnmCZYeBpbe_EGhf60U/s320/IMG_2420.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395551071284073042"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBMZ94xC-UwFfOvX-1ao22oq3FGOque3Pdr1XJ_8M8DqBxCHFpoXeQm0pTPY0_MUuxsVZjKXVSBT3naBetnT1xcJOfFJsXMKOtENd_9bV0Kq7LbohJAFvOvybmWRAZcfNQc6EsFEo_ak/s1600-h/IMG_2430.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBMZ94xC-UwFfOvX-1ao22oq3FGOque3Pdr1XJ_8M8DqBxCHFpoXeQm0pTPY0_MUuxsVZjKXVSBT3naBetnT1xcJOfFJsXMKOtENd_9bV0Kq7LbohJAFvOvybmWRAZcfNQc6EsFEo_ak/s320/IMG_2430.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395551077795151570"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17fjA5il6BApKIG49lzbe1dcl5pplV2x_isXsZPT744GZ8hdX3FDW7SPwJXzO3Fm1z1K0TofSqwDv04RBw7Mr26Zd1QtwPsDAlO1DE9zjziFpn2OP-_hxTS5JgTIDpiZUre5roqxK6Vc/s1600-h/IMG_2425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17fjA5il6BApKIG49lzbe1dcl5pplV2x_isXsZPT744GZ8hdX3FDW7SPwJXzO3Fm1z1K0TofSqwDv04RBw7Mr26Zd1QtwPsDAlO1DE9zjziFpn2OP-_hxTS5JgTIDpiZUre5roqxK6Vc/s320/IMG_2425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395551087831360674"></a><br /><br /><br />We all enjoyed Daddy's 36th bday! Wooo the big 3-6. Getting up there my love!! The kids and I tried to make Daddy's bday special by making little handmade or hand written items from the kids. We made the card and I made the decorations. the decorations.<br /><br />Kay even managed to learn how to sing "Happy Birthday to You"<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDGFcqJxbgMPe14C74QUOIfEVLK8OPpRDoFcjEGSwMl0OuF8ter4Ce7sbdzTtkJhFJHz708rueBuYbaeht2A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>.<br /><br />This week I did an event for my friend Amber's 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk Fundraiser. I made about seven dozen cupcakes for her fundraiser bake sale. It was fun to make kinds all at once. It got me thinking, I could do this every day ;) Mark was my inspiration for one of the flavors I titled Chocolate Banana Malt Shop, since we used to share chocolate banana malts at Ruby's on Oceanside Pier.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Bi7WaajGNg3poKYVSRLjpqsZQ-4I9Rzcqp7vqLyZqtWnGQFNRxP7PHGgd9zPO558RUBlZiE1qCVHOW0GghdNQcFV6b48JvNVPFQqM2gke_jgLuO2amH1otvcG1_eyxRdEHGrnW26z00/s1600-h/IMG_2448.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Bi7WaajGNg3poKYVSRLjpqsZQ-4I9Rzcqp7vqLyZqtWnGQFNRxP7PHGgd9zPO558RUBlZiE1qCVHOW0GghdNQcFV6b48JvNVPFQqM2gke_jgLuO2amH1otvcG1_eyxRdEHGrnW26z00/s320/IMG_2448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395553746294034338" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKm8cgkDdEcvHGExR1TR-rMOoxv1hpS2RVUsPSxNwVN5U5cjtvihkijSEv9qyXgU1whYP0M-e45OB2TnZ_2ceVnk7Erq0mziqYIE6dPAXLOD6RLTjnkUSW5yepXMxvL67xZsFQkaEJtk/s1600-h/IMG_2445.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKm8cgkDdEcvHGExR1TR-rMOoxv1hpS2RVUsPSxNwVN5U5cjtvihkijSEv9qyXgU1whYP0M-e45OB2TnZ_2ceVnk7Erq0mziqYIE6dPAXLOD6RLTjnkUSW5yepXMxvL67xZsFQkaEJtk/s320/IMG_2445.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395553735789234914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DGrO4VUIKEJqZ0lOcLDRQJMRIsqG9p84piHfzdIWlOPURWh0bLuyOw9jrhJaRnX2inQNKw7HacjY2MXAAKUKDF1B0QTE344luXFN3ABpb78aT8V4LgRZ7DX6H2ECw1dlmDXSCyjYYiA/s1600-h/IMG_2439.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7DGrO4VUIKEJqZ0lOcLDRQJMRIsqG9p84piHfzdIWlOPURWh0bLuyOw9jrhJaRnX2inQNKw7HacjY2MXAAKUKDF1B0QTE344luXFN3ABpb78aT8V4LgRZ7DX6H2ECw1dlmDXSCyjYYiA/s320/IMG_2439.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395553732853923314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qu_hZa0KvmRD_sSqJ8mNJaU6AiMOF9Iaikx1Qfkl5wUw7LAEekFaU41IaUr7db25FZWxnVF0KeIewtp690-0x_ddCPqotkNWawbaHXjm1m6RNBHLhn4GbscIsi4J3y8CCQScl8p5umM/s1600-h/IMG_2437.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Qu_hZa0KvmRD_sSqJ8mNJaU6AiMOF9Iaikx1Qfkl5wUw7LAEekFaU41IaUr7db25FZWxnVF0KeIewtp690-0x_ddCPqotkNWawbaHXjm1m6RNBHLhn4GbscIsi4J3y8CCQScl8p5umM/s320/IMG_2437.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395553724696175042" /></a>Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-4051324335861837562009-09-22T21:14:00.001-07:002009-09-22T21:14:50.901-07:00Long Beach AquariumHad a great time at the Long Beach Aquarium this weekend!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/674.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_674.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Saw many interesting plants and sea creatures.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/675.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_675.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ethan made friends with a seal. He kept swimming up for air and coming back to play with him.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/676.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_676.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/677.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_677.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/678.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_678.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The boys got to see that even seals play and wrestle just like they do!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/679.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_679.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/680.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_680.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Javi touched a ray. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/681.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_681.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Ethan touched a shark. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/682.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_682.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kay was more interested in coloring the fish than touching them. Although she did want to play in the water :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/683.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/22/s_683.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />It was a fun day with Grandma and the kids! <br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-75431740539922588012009-09-20T11:05:00.001-07:002009-09-20T11:05:32.421-07:00Southern Buttermilk Biscuits in California<br />I have been on a quest for some time to find the perfect biscuit recipe using local, not southern flour. I have read many, many recipies for buttermilk biscuits and tried making nearly all if them. The result, chewy, cracker-like or dry biscuits that were nearly inedible. Having read about the different amounts of protein in flour in my pastry arts book the blog article I found here: http://pinchmysalt.com/2007/09/18/how-to-make-the-best-buttermilk-biscuits-from-scratch/ made perfect sense. For a more in depth description of different types of flour's protein content, please refer to article.<br /><br /><br />After watching a program on Food Network: Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, there was a restaurant in Portland, OR with three southern men as the proprietors, I believe the restaurant was called Pine State Biscuits. Knowing that this restaurant probably did not have southern flour flown in to Portland, I thought we may have stumbled on to something :)<br /><br />Using the tips found in my America's Test Kitchen, Kitchen Tips book & also used at Pine State Biscuits, I began to work on my recipe for the perfect southern buttermilk biscuit.<br /><br />Southern Buttermilk Biscuits in CA<br /><br />1 1/2 c cake flour<br />3/4 c all purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />6 tbsp frozen butter<br />1 egg, room temp <br />1/4 c plain yogurt<br />1/2 c well shaken buttermilk<br /><br />Preheat oven to 500 degrees.<br /><br />Add first five ingredients to a bowl and mix with a fork or pastry blender. Grate frozen butter on a cheese grater directly in the flour and mix with a fork or partry blender until it resembles coarse meal. <br /><br />In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, yogurt & buttermilk until combined. <br /><br />Add wet ingredients to dry and mix dough with a pastry blender or fork just until all the flour appears to have been incorporated with the wet ingredients. Do not over work dough. You must work quickly so the butter will not melt into the flour. <br /><br />Turn dough on to a well floured surface and push dough together into a ball with your hands. Roll out dough into 1/2 in thick rectangle, fold in half, repeat 2 more times, the last time, roll out to 3/4 in thick (this builds flakey layers). Cut with a floured pastry blade or floured biscuit cutter and place on an ungreased cookie sheet tightly grouped. <br /><br />Brush melted butter on tops of biscuits & bake for 8-10 minutes in the oven.<br /><br />Enjoy with butter, jelly, or gravy :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/20/422.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/20/s_422.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-18394948146664933052009-09-15T12:29:00.001-07:002009-09-15T12:41:11.184-07:00Imagine the posibilities<br />Today I was in the waiting room at Kay's therapy place talking to a mom that also has a son on the spectrum and second child with speech delays. We had spoken a couple times before about different things. Today's subject happened to be alternative therapies for kids with Autism.<br /><br />I could tell from the start that we shared similar opinions on many things and had read and researched similar things, but we were very different on our lines of treatment. We were also at very different stages of development with our kids, her son, 3 and my son, 9. I began telling her the therapies we had tried and she told me some therapies that they had tried, some we hadn't even heard about. When the subject of whether or not we had had our son tested for this allergy or that allergy or metal level or oxidative stress levels, I said no. I told her we didn't have a DAN doctor either. She looked at me in horror. I told her we couldn't afford one. I said we could certainly afford the consultation, but when it comes to paying for all the alternative therapies, tests and what have you, we had to be realistic. I also tried to impart that we have three children that all have special needs. We could maybe afford to pay for therapy for one, but we certainly could not afford to do experimental treatments and tests for all of them. She shook her head in agreement and even teared up a bit as she listened to my story. I told her that I would love to send my kids to the best therapy money could buy (who wouldn't?), but that just isn't reality. I told her I just do the best I can with what I have to work with and that I try not to blame myself or worry about what I could have done, should have done, or couldn't afford. I told her I haven't given up on the hope that my son will, at some point lead an independent life, but I have to also have the hope mixed in with the reality. There is a good possibility that my son will never live completely independent, but that's ok, none of us truly live independent from one another (just trying to spin the positives, hehe). She said she admired my positive attitude as I admired her tenacity for trying to do everything possible for her son.<br /><br />The more I talked to this woman I could see the walls and her judgement of what she perceived of me when I first began to talk to her were beginning to break down. Just as my initial opinion of her as being a little bit of an extremist (just being honest) began to breakdown. She began to understand and appreciate our situation as different from her situation. We even exchanged a recipe and I gave her the name of a cookbook to check out (typical me). All in all, it ended up on the positive. I learned from her about oxidative stress levels and some enzyme therapy to check out.<br /><br />I guess my point of this story is have empathy and appreciate others and their unique situation, even amongst people who are in a similar situation. We are all different and lead different, busy lives. We all have our own ideas on things. If we would stop to really listen to each other every once in a while, we would stand to learn so much more. We are all guilty (me included of course) of wanting to tell our story and judge other people when they tell theirs. It's just human nature, but if we could commit ourselves to being more open even half the time, imagine the possibilities...<br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br /><br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-36627863300082467582009-09-14T00:08:00.000-07:002009-09-14T00:29:58.760-07:00Sunny California Weekend<br />On Friday, we headed down to La Jolla Shores with our friends and neighbors, the Campbell's. Had a great time! We boogie boarded, had a Bon fire, had a Wieny roast & made s'mores. The kids loved it. I hadn't done that since HS. One of those fun simple things you can enjoy together and spend a beautiful afternoon and evening on the beach.<br /><br />Javi is really getting in to boogie boarding. Perhaps one day a pro surf champ???? ;)<br /><br />Here are some pics.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/8.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_8.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/9.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_9.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/10.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_10.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/11.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_11.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/12.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_12.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/13.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_13.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Daddy & I had a date on Saturday night. We went to Cafe Luna, a northern Itallian restaurant not to far from our house. D'lish! My sweetie pie was looking pretty fine, which made the experince that much better. Thanks for watching the kids, Grandma!!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/14.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/09/14/s_14.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Great weekend! Hope yours was too!!<br /><br /><br /> <br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-13715845484275321352009-09-01T14:09:00.000-07:002009-09-01T14:29:44.089-07:00Chicken & DumplingsWith fall on the way, it's nice to have a bowl of steaming love to comfort you on a cold day. I happened to make this recipe today, not because it was cold, lord, it's definitely not cold here!! But, because my little guy Ethan is home sick today.<br /><br />I made some chicken stock last night since we had bone in chicken parmesan breasts. Since we didn't finish the breast meat, I shredded it and put it in the fridge. Chicken & Dumplings taste heavenly with homemade stock, as well as anything else made with homemade stock! It's much easier to prepare than you think!<br /><br />The day before you make your chicken & dumplings....<br /><br />Using your left over chicken & chicken carcass from roasted chicken, fried chicken, or any old bone in chicken you have prepared that yields at least 2 cups of leftover shredded chicken. Shred chicken and refrigerate. I say use left over chicken because I think it tastes better leftover and it really stretches your food $$$ ;)<br /><br />STOCK<br />Chicken Carcass<br />1-2 carrots, roughly chopped<br />1-2 celery stalks, roughly chopped<br />1/2 to 1 onion (depending on the size), peeled and quartered<br />2-3 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed<br />1 sprig of rosemary, (optional to use dried, on average it's usually 1/4 tsp to one sprig)<br />2 dried bay leaves,<br />2 sprigs of thyme, (optional to use dried, on average it's usually 1/4 tsp to one sprig)<br />1 Tbsp Whole Pepper Corns<br />Salt & Pepper to Taste<br /><br />Put in your chicken carcass after you have taken all the spare meat off the bones in to a large stock pot. Fill a stock pot with 2.5-5 quarts of cold water. It should cover the carcass, but not over flow the pot when you add your veg. Add each of the ingredients to the pot as they are chopped & measured. Bring water to a boil for approx 15 min, then simmer on low for about 30-60 min. The stock should have a golden to light brown color when finished. Strain stock with a fine wire mesh strainer in to a large bowl and cool. When liquid cools, store in an air tight container and refrigerate for up to 10 days or freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 4 months.<br /><br />**Rinse & Reserve your veggies and store in the fridge (gets all the woody bits off the veg).<br /><br />There is no exact science to stock making and don't be afraid to experiment. Don't be afraid to use other spices or veggies. Each will add it's own unique flavor. Of course, aromatics work best, leeks, scallions, pearl onions, shallots, etc. AND savory, oregano, marjoram, sage etc. spices are nice too. Use whatever is on hand.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGsE_-Js1kLgd9ch-8zWOy2szm5hCnyLcBUMFzczSowOeUb6cXqBq54DwE1GMJDi_y-cn0GMiFUNFT0-lnuEhBpHKjPSd5xsJkROGx1tm4UJ-f8DEyfGSZ-3QY5uveUbSOgpv5gGlLCk/s1600-h/photo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGsE_-Js1kLgd9ch-8zWOy2szm5hCnyLcBUMFzczSowOeUb6cXqBq54DwE1GMJDi_y-cn0GMiFUNFT0-lnuEhBpHKjPSd5xsJkROGx1tm4UJ-f8DEyfGSZ-3QY5uveUbSOgpv5gGlLCk/s320/photo1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376613538871415986" /></a><br /><br />CHICKEN & DUMPLINGS<br />Chicken<br />2 cups shredded chicken<br />4 cups of stock (you can optionally use store bought broth or stock, but the veggies will have to be sautéed to soften them up before adding them to the stock)<br />Reserved Veggies<br /><br />Dumplings<br />1 1/2 cups flour<br />2 teaspoons baking powder<br />1/2 cup coarsely ground cornmeal<br />1 tablespoon sugar<br />1 teaspoon kosher salt<br />1 3/4 cups heavy cream<br /><br />In a stock pot, heat stock & shredded chicken and reserved veggies on medium while you prepare your dumplings.<br /><br />In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine first five ingredients, mix with a fork. Slowly add heavy cream and just mix until well combined (using you hand it best). Dough will look a little rough. Using a sm cookie scoop, scoop the dough into the pot, making sure not to overcrowd the dumplings, as they will spread a bit as they cook. Just enough to sparsely fill the pot. Turn heat to simmer (med-low). Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, then cover for 10 minutes. I like to sprinkle some dried thyme on top of each before covering.<br /><br />Serve piping hot with love to anyone you want to comfort on a cold day :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMfYxB2HQC5A9Lex6Lpv_qIbOCbG4TJqAPN8cE0WMsRzxt001wp7gcPvz12SdiLADNr68Ln92lCR2YH6wvmARG4Yp83voZOHG7hymHIgUMFPTuxo6WbOXXDeByKTkqcnfMrUbE0q73w8/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMfYxB2HQC5A9Lex6Lpv_qIbOCbG4TJqAPN8cE0WMsRzxt001wp7gcPvz12SdiLADNr68Ln92lCR2YH6wvmARG4Yp83voZOHG7hymHIgUMFPTuxo6WbOXXDeByKTkqcnfMrUbE0q73w8/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376613543293382402" /></a>Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-73882569356805669152009-08-16T14:41:00.001-07:002009-08-16T14:41:11.008-07:00Lake Poway PicnicSo, it's been a Looooooooonnnnnggg while since I have posted a blog, but things have been crazy and I have found it easier and less time consuming to do facebook and Twitter. It's more of an instant gratification way to stay on touch :) Thought I'd share try posting a blog again, maybe see if I can make a commitment to updating it only when we really have something fun to share.<br /><br />We took the kids to picnic at Lake Poway today. It's a park/fishing and paddleboat lake about 15 min from our house. The kids had only been there once before and daddy had never been there. We packed a little lunch, played on the swings and fed the duckies in the lake. It was a beautiful day out, not too hot, so the weather was perfect.<br /><br />Here are a few pics:<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/583.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_583.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/584.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_584.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/585.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_585.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/586.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_586.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/587.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_587.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/588.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_588.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/589.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_589.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/590.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/08/16/s_590.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />All in all, a nice day with the fam doing one of our fav activities, picnicing :)<br /><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-22911812324068738412009-06-25T19:14:00.001-07:002009-06-25T19:14:44.169-07:00A Day at the BeachWe spent the day at the beach with our helper, Ms Jamie. It would be hard to manage all of them solo, since they all run in different directions now. Everyone went in the water today. Though it was gloomy, it did warm up enough to get some time in the waves. I love to see how much the kids enjoy the waves crashing over them, finding seashells and building sandcastles ;)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/373.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_373.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Gloomy, but warm enough for some fun at the beach<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/374.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_374.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The boys ready for some fun in the sand.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/375.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_375.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Little feet, notice my perma-sandal tan lines? Mark of a true southern Californian ;)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/376.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_376.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Look at those waves!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/377.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_377.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ms. Jamie & Kay building a sandcastle<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/378.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_378.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Me & Ethan, the plaid hat twins<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/379.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_379.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Wrote an "E" for Ethan in the sand!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/380.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_380.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Javi loves going out in the waves<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/381.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/25/s_381.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />What a fun day!! <br /><br />Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-36300578524504412452009-06-21T23:24:00.000-07:002009-06-21T23:48:09.218-07:00Happy Father's Day!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/547.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_547.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Yay for dads!! <br /><br />Ok, so I know it's been a while and I'm getting some complaints ;) It's been pretty busy lately and since I don't get a lot of time on my laptop anymore ( thanks to Ms. Kaylee), phone is my only option for blogging. It's been super busy around here too! <br /><br />We had a nice Father's day weekend. We hit the mall this weekend to get Mark's daddy's day gift, a new iPhone 3gs iPhone! Which means, I get his old one! Yay!!<br /><br />While we were there, we also swung by Macy's sale to check out an ice cream maker for my bday present. As luck would have it, it was on sale, so I picked up one and a few other cool kitchen things.<br /><br />Today we made breakfast for daddy, which was more like lunch. Buttermilk Biscuits, Rosemary potatoes and bacon.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/548.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_548.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />After that, spent most of the day cleaning, playing with the kiddos and then baking cupcakes & making homemade ice cream for daddy.<br /><br />I grilled up some burgers on the planchar and oven fries. Nothing too complicated, since we wanted to save room for dessert/daddy's gift. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/549.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_549.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br />They are chocolate cupcakes with milk chocolate ganache. The iPhone icons are fondant and edible. We had also had banana carmel chocolate ice cream, homespun in the new ice cream maker.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/550.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_550.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Kaylee certainly enjoyed it!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/551.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_551.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After the celebration, the kiddos "camped out" in the den.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/552.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/21/s_552.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Great weekend!!<br /><br />Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-85395343829532485702009-06-01T00:57:00.000-07:002009-06-01T01:05:55.327-07:00Cakes & Cupcakes this Weekend<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/28.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_28.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/29.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_29.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/31.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_31.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/32.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_32.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/33.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_33.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/35.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_35.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/36.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_36.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/37.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_37.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/38.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_38.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/39.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/06/01/s_39.jpg' border='0' width='258' height='258' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-47971825294080642362009-05-29T19:17:00.001-07:002009-05-29T19:17:52.884-07:00Country FairWe had a good time at the Country Fair at Javi's school. We even ran in to Javi's teacher from a different school there! It was really a cute little fundraiser. They had games, slides, a rock wall, prizes and all the usual carnival fare.<br /><br />We also donated a cake and some cupcakes for the "cake walk". I will post those pics in a different post.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/345.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_345.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/346.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_346.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/347.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_347.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/348.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_348.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/349.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_349.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/350.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_350.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/351.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/29/s_351.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-23629696782533233162009-05-14T18:00:00.000-07:002009-05-14T18:47:34.914-07:00Potty Princess<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/405.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_405.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/406.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_406.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Need some TP<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/407.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_407.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Anything come out yet?<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/408.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_408.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Let me check again...<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/409.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_409.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Ta-da! Patience paid off (it was only a tiny bit, but still counts!!)<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/410.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_410.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Time to flush. I can do this all by myself!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/411.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_411.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Bye bye pee pee!<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/412.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_412.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Let's wash up. I put the soap on with just a little help from Mommy. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/413.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/14/s_413.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />All dry! <br /><br />She even remembered to turn off the light on the way out!<br /><br />Can't believe she is so grown up! I normally would not potty train this early, but she is really interested. We have been going through the motions of sitting on the potty seat before bath time. She does it automatically. She undresses herself and sits down. She has been taking off her diaper constantly lately and we figured she was tired of it. She always comes in the bathroom with me and wants to do everything I do, so I thought, why not?? I got her first pairs of big girl cloth training pants today at Target (I swear by them). She has stayed dry for nearly two hours in her training undies. Yay for Kaylee!! You are on your way!!! Maybe we'll have her trained by her birthday?? I'm not expecting it, but it would be pretty cool!<br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-87587688256604202312009-05-12T21:04:00.000-07:002009-05-12T21:05:08.039-07:00My little tortilla makersI had some assistance in the kitchen today while I prepared flour tortillas. My two little assistants learned the basics of preparing and cooking them. Ethan got to roll out his first tortilla and then Javi cooked it (with assistance of course, I didn't just turn him loose).<br /><br />The grill is called a comal, however, I am just using my griddle pan. My grandma has a real comal.<br /><br />Here is the recipe if you want to try it for yourself.<br /><br />Flour Tortilla Recipe <br /><br />4 c all purpose flour<br />1 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 1/2 tsp salt <br />3 heaping tbsp of vegetable shortening<br />1 tbsp veg oil<br />1 1/4-1 1/2 c of warm water<br /><br />1 c of all purpose flour in reserve for dusting <br /><br />Sift first three ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add oil & shortening and mix with your hand or kneading attatchment on a stand up mixer. Slowly add warm water. Dough should not be dry, but not sticky. Knead for 5-7 minutes. Wrap dough in plastic wrap and allow to rest for 30 min. Then start squeezing off 2 in diameter balls. Cover dough balls with plastic wrap so they don't dry out. Spread some flour on the rolling surface and the pin. Then pat rolled balls into a biscuit shape and roll them out in to 9" rounds. Cook on medium high for about 30 secs on each side. You should flip it when the dough gets bubbly. It should make about 2 dozen tortillas. Keep for up to two weeks in a ziploc in the fridge & up to 4 mo in the freezer. <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/381.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/s_381.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/382.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/s_382.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/383.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/05/12/s_383.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-54147857832593585502009-05-11T23:24:00.000-07:002009-05-11T23:31:09.135-07:00Back from my blogcation :)<br />Ok, so I know I haven't been a good blogger lately, but it's been tough to find the time to do it. With my little princess around, I am no longer permitted to use my laptop during the hours she is awake, which is most of the time I am awake! If I do try to look up a recipe or check email she is on my back, LITERALLY...climbing all over me, trying to climb on the desk, pressing buttons, trying to call China or removing everything from my desk drawers. <br /><br />I have began 4 different posts, and not been able to finish a single one! She is a cute Lil' booger, but man does she drive me nuts. She is more mobile now than any 20 month old should be. I left her gated in to the den/breakfast nook area to use the restroom and when I returned 2 minutes later she had managed to climb the table and made her way on top of our bar height countertop. Scary!<br /><br />I have spent a good majority of my free time baking, studying, practicing and I have opened up my test kitchen for new recipes. I am still planning to attend pastry school, I hope, so I am trying to get a jump start.<br /><br />All the kids are doing fantastic! Summer is almost here and we are hoping to find a house this summer of our very own!!<br /><br />We will have a visit from grandma tomorrow, so I'm hoping to get some nice pics!<br /><br />Hope you all are doing well! Rest assured I am still reading blogs, but for reasons I have explained to most of you, I'm not able to comment often. I catch up with most of you on Twitter and Facebook, that are much easier to do from my phone. Take care! see you again soon, I promise! <br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-21852337115257037002009-04-27T18:30:00.001-07:002009-04-27T18:30:17.961-07:00Field Trips with the BoysJavi's field trip to the Recycling Center. This was an interesting trip. We learned all about what to recycle and how it's processed. We also learned that California's #1 export is recycled material. Mostly goes overseas to make packaging for the products we buy, so it ends up coming back to us. I have definitely instilled in my kids the importance of recycling and living as green as possible.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481102459" title="View 'Recycling Center' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3549/3481102459_00cff1f78b_s.jpg" alt="Recycling Center" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481102375" title="View 'Recycling Center' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3624/3481102375_1dd4c04239_s.jpg" alt="Recycling Center" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481102321" title="View 'Recycling Center' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3415/3481102321_c3b148a789_s.jpg" alt="Recycling Center" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><br /><br />Today, Ethan had a trip to Sea World. It was so much fun. We walked around with our friends Grayson and Allison and their mommies of course. We got to see the seal and sea otter show, the sharks, manatee, penguins and spent quite a while at Seasame Street's Bay of Play.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481102989" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3649/3481102989_3ecea115a6_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481102903" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3541/3481102903_a37d28da03_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481914280" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3567/3481914280_11ef1e206f_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481914194" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3594/3481914194_2459862855_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481914104" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3323/3481914104_e48b5ce496_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481913962" title="View 'Sea World Field Trip' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://static.flickr.com/3587/3481913962_09d819d005_s.jpg" alt="Sea World Field Trip" border="0" width="" height="" /></a>Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-74284282901945133802009-04-27T17:32:00.001-07:002009-04-27T18:32:23.425-07:00G5 Weekend ReportIt was a busy weekend, but fun. Friday was a cake night. I was up until the wee hours finishing up the cake for Cora's birthday.<br /><br />Saturday, we went to her party. It was so much fun. They had carnival games, a castle jump and of course yummy food.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481913642" title="View 'Cora's Birthday Party' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3481913642_cedcd2a31a_s.jpg" alt="Cora's Birthday Party" border="0" width="75" height="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481913512" title="View 'Cora's Birthday Party' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3481913512_7babec648f_s.jpg" alt="Cora's Birthday Party" border="0" width="75" height="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481913334" title="View 'Cora's Birthday Party' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3481913334_7b162a340f_s.jpg" alt="Cora's Birthday Party" border="0" width="75" height="75" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/22943770@N02/3481101695" title="View 'Cora's Birthday Party' on Flickr.com"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3481101695_f5b0cc47d4_s.jpg" alt="Cora's Birthday Party" border="0" width="75" height="75" /></a><br /><br />Sunday was kind of a lazy day. I cleaned a bit, we took the kids to lunch at Island's Hamburger and then I went veggie shopping at Henry's and I cooked up a storm. It's nice to get some of those week night meals out of the way and in the fridge or freezer.<br /><br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-61930222255923093912009-04-25T09:12:00.000-07:002009-04-25T09:23:56.406-07:00Cora's Kite CakeThis was made for my friend, Steve's daughter for her 9th bday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/137.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_137.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/138.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_138.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/139.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_139.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />Kite shaped cookies on a stick<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/140.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_140.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kid approved flavor. Except Javi who doesn't care for frosting. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/141.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_141.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Could knock it outta the park with my giant fondant roller. Anyone up for a game of dough ball?<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/142.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/25/s_142.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />Can't wait for the party!<br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-47769703712532062962009-04-21T21:38:00.000-07:002009-04-21T22:00:24.833-07:00G5 weekend report & weather reportIt has been unseasonably warm over the last few days. It feels more like the end of August. Yesterday, it was 100! We took the opportunity to visit the fam, hit the beach and go to the pool a couple times.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/459.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_459.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />These were all taken at an Earth Day fest at the Cabrillo Beach Marine Museum. I love that place! I used to go there as a kid too. We had a good time. The kids love the beach. Ethan & Javi have asked me everyday if we can go to the beach. I think we have budding surfers. Which BTW...I signed Javi up for Surfers Who Heal, it's a day camp for kids with disabilities. They take them out to tandem surf & hopefully we'll confirm our date for this summer.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/460.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_460.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/461.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_461.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/462.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_462.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/463.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_463.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/464.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_464.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/465.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_465.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/466.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_466.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Kaylee the life guard. This was our evening swim. It was still in the upper 80's around 7pm. <br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/467.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/21/s_467.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />That's all for now. Hope you all had a great weekend!<br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-89534075565934100342009-04-17T21:00:00.001-07:002009-04-17T21:00:29.901-07:00Emmie & Papa's Magical BackyardWe are visiting my family in LA this weekend. It's been a while since we have been for a visit.<br /><br />As a little girl, I used to play in my grandparent's backyard. Today my children, the third generation play there. They pretend it's a jungle, forrest, farm and all kinds of magical places, just as I did as a kid. <br /><br />It's a neat thing to witness when you can see life go full circle.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/17/334.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/17/s_334.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/17/335.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/17/s_335.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-13716004499126329192009-04-16T20:05:00.000-07:002009-04-16T20:07:38.723-07:00Viola! Crepes for my Cherie<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/390.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/s_390.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Today I made crepes for the first time. I was flipping through my anniversary present from Mark, my Professional Chef textbook and I decided, why not try to make crepes? I wanted to practice so I could make a special dessert for Mark.<br /><br />Kaylee was my test subject. OMG, I have never seen her hog down something so quickly!! I sprinkled a little brown sugar on them and served her a side of whip cream for dip (my fav way to eat them).<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/391.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/s_391.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />After she was done with the first one. She was begging me for another. She was signing "more" and pointing to the kitchen.<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/392.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/s_392.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I made her another one and again she quicky inhaled that one too. I think we found Kaylee's new favorite breakfast. Wait until she tried a stuffed crepe!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/393.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/s_393.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Ethan and Javi, my little mop tops, finally got their hair cut today. Unfortunately, I forgot my phone at home, so I couldn't snap any shots after. Javi kept telling me that he was in an old fashioned hair cut place, since it was a real barber shop and not a hair cut place. It was too cute. We grabbed doughnuts for them after, since Winnchel's was right next door to the barber. Both boys look devilishly handsome, of course!<br /><br />Daddy got Ethan a new game for the iPhone to play. It's a motor cycle supercross game, which is right up his alley! Here Ethan is playing the game in his FOX supercross jammies. He is really getting good at spelling his name all by himself when he gets a high score ;) He's so proud! What a big boy! Someone please stop my children from growing up so fast!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/394.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/16/s_394.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-87859093424631028772009-04-15T21:57:00.000-07:002009-04-15T22:02:33.265-07:00Bad Blogger/Good BloggerOk, besides the fact that the entire house has been sick at one time or another for the last month, I have been a bad blogger lately. There hasn't been a whole lot of exciting stuff going on, since we have barely left the house. <br /><br />The other reason I have been bad is my newly discovered iPhone application, Kindle for iPhone!<br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/372.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_372.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I kind of vowed during lent that I would make more of an effort to read in my downtime, instead of watch TV. I now have cheap access to 1000's of books that can be delivered to my phone wirelessly in seconds. Muahahaha! The power! <br /><br />I have pretty much stopped watching TV all together. In the last month, I have read about 12 books, including my ever faithful audiobooks I love so much while I do my chores.<br /><br />Some people have been curious about the size of the screen. How can I read on such a small screen? It's actually easier than a book and I have it with me where ever I go, so I don't have to cart a book around.<br /><br />What a typical page looks like. Text size is adjustable. I can make it larger or smaller, but the default is perfect. Yes, this is one of my kooky new age books. I've been facinated by that subject lately.<br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/373.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_373.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />The controls appear with one tap of the screen and you turn the page by sliding your finger across the screen. <br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/374.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_374.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Now, reasons for me to be a good blogger...<br /><br />Found this great application in the iPhone Application Store called BlogPress. Now I can manage and post easily from my phone. I can include multiple pics, tag and edit previous posts and save a new post as an offline draft. Best $2.99 I ever spent! Cheaper than a Starbucks and works much better and faster then using Blogger's slow web application I love so much! NOT!! I flat out have refused to post pics that are not embedded objects or processed thru email. It takes too long and stuff fails half the time. <br /><br />Here's a screen shot <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/375.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_375.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/376.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_376.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />Seriously, is there anything these phones can't do? My laptop is starting to get dusty. If I can't do it from my phone these days, I basically can't do it. Kaylee is not big on me having laptop time.<br /><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-90168739674139167842009-04-15T21:24:00.000-07:002009-04-15T21:27:21.349-07:00Ethan's First GirlfriendMy little boy is growing up so fast! It appears he already has his first girlfriend! LOL, so funny! His little friend Leah and he are completely smitten with each other! Ethan told me on the way home from school that he 'no longer loved me, that he loved Leah now'. She happened to be waiting for us at out house while I went to go pick Ethan up from school. She is the daughter of our helper and friend, Jamie. I guess I knew the day would come, when my young men would hold the affections of another woman in higher regard, but I guess I wasn't quite expecting it at the ripe old age of 4!!<br /><br />They were holding hands, hugging and Leah even kissed him on the cheek. Ethan was quite embarassed by all the attention, plus the fact that Jamie and I were cracking up didn't help, I'm sure!<br /><br />The Ladies Man, himself!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/367.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_367.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br />The pair dying eggs last week.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/368.jpg'><img src='http://blogpress.w18.net/photos/09/04/15/s_368.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />-- Post From My iPhone<br /><br />Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-23859536445005979292009-04-13T15:21:00.000-07:002009-04-13T15:44:35.596-07:00Easter 2009 & g5 Weekend UpdateWe had a nice Easter weekend. We did the usual. Hid Easter eggs, colored Easter eggs, had a huge caloric meal and went to church.<br /><br />Friday, since our helper Jamie was here with her kiddos, we decided to dye eggs and do a preliminary egg hunt. We gave Jamie's kids some goodies. It was a fun day, but we all missed Javi. Javi was visiting with his dad who was in town from the CHP academy.<br /><br />My mom came in to town on Saturday and since we were sharing Javi this holiday weekend, we decided to do our Easter on Saturday. We did the big meal, ham au gratin potatoes and stuffing! Then I made a dutch apple pie for dessert, yum! We did the egg hunt and the Easter bunny came with the baskets. Loads of sugar for my little bunnies ;0)<br /><br />Sunday, we met our friends the Pomiak family at church. Kaylee didn't quite make it through the mass, but did surprisingly well considering that we were there about 30 minutes before mass started and then made it through 45 minutes of the service. T hen we came home and had leftovers and watched a movie together. I had a mountain of dishes from the day before to catch up on and I tried to clean up a bit, since I have been down for the count with pneumonia most of the week. I crashed out around 7pm. I was feeling pretty run down from the busy weekend. I don't think my body was quite ready to get back to a regular routine, because I woke up this morning feeling sick all over again. <br /><br />So, back to the doc for me, I think. I am guessing that it's viral pneumonia and that's why the antibiotics didn't work too well.<br /><br />Here's all the pics from the weekend....<br /><br /><object width="400" height="300"> <param name="flashvars" value="&offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Falphastatedotnet%2Fsets%2F72157616725949194%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Falphastatedotnet%2Fsets%2F72157616725949194%2F&set_id=72157616725949194&jump_to="></param> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=70717"></param> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=70717" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="&offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Falphastatedotnet%2Fsets%2F72157616725949194%2Fshow%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Falphastatedotnet%2Fsets%2F72157616725949194%2F&set_id=72157616725949194&jump_to=" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><br />Hope you had a fab Easter weekend!!Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141185645986617922.post-40582850435960331142009-04-13T09:00:00.000-07:002009-04-13T09:36:47.670-07:00Gone Purple for MaddieAs you may have heard through the grapevine of the internet about a very sad story about a little girl, <a href="http://remembermaddie.com/">Madeline Alice Spohr</a>, just 17 months old passed away on April 7th. Maddie was born premature and had many complications with her health as many babies born premature do. This story really hit home for me. Also having a daughter about Maddie's age with many health complications, therapies, hospital stays. Like me and so many of us, Maddie's mom, Heather, is an avid blogger and twitterer. <br /><br />I did not personally know Heather, but I cannot even begin to imagine the emptiness they must feel loosing their beautiful daughter. No one should have to suffer the loss of a child.<div><br /></div><div>In honor of Madeline and a fellow mom blogger/twitterer, I ask you to donate what you can to the March of Dimes. Please use the following link.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.marchforbabies.org/personal_page.asp?w=131032674&u=marchformaddie&bt=7"><img src="http://www.marchforbabies.org/fgetsig/131032674m.jpg" border=0 /></a>Shanna Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01863808423565134938noreply@blogger.com1