Grace's Style Tip Friday....Designs by Katy Ruth

*** Don't miss out on my current giveaway.... DVDs for your preschooler. Go HERE!***

Happy Friday. This special edition highlights the stylings and fashion genius of Grace's 5 year old cousin, Katy Ruth.

Last Sunday Katy Ruth decided to help Grace with her clothing choices. I am still not sure if she was going for Roman toga or mattress cover model. (She was dressing her with a crib sheet.) Also, not too sure what Katy Ruth's outfit was supposed to be. At this point, the it is a work in progress.






The toga was tossed aside. The sheet was not cooperating. Grace then donned a cape and became "Super Girl". Katy Ruth, however, became Lady Liberty herself. I love this picture of K.R. She created this outfit and struck this pose, without any prompting from her mother or Aunt, who were both extremely entertained.



Katy Ruth seems pretty proud of her fashion statement. Who knows, she may one day have a future in the high fashion world. Even Donna Karan had to start somewhere.

I am linking this post to my sweet blogging friend, Amy. She hosts Finer Things Friday. There is nothing finer to me, than time with my Gracie, being a mother, wife, and child of God. Also having a niece like Katy Ruth, who loves my daughter, is pretty fine as well.

Don't forget to come back on Tuesday for "Tempt My Tummy Tuesday" blog carnival.

Thankful for....

I like to reflect on thankfulness on Thursdays. This first started when I began participating in the Thankful Thursday blog meme, last year. I am not so faithful to always participate and link up. I thought I would,today. I need to make sure I am acknowledging God for his goodness and faithfulness to me and my husband.

• Thankful for Grace... she is so funny- a true delight, everyday.
  
• Thankful for Chris's current consulting job. The work is good and the project won't be completed for at least another month.
• Thankful for all the old friends I reconnected with over the past weekend, at my 20th high school reunion.
• Thankful for my Christian heritage and upbringing. I know that has kept me grounded and secure in my future.
  
• Thankful for my The One Year Bible. I started reading it at the beginning of March. I am still reading it. Having grown up in church and read or been told the stories of the Bible at one time or another, it is great to actually read them in order and in the complete context. This bible is the coolest! I am ashamed to say, that in my 38 years, this is the first time to read the bible, all the way through.
  
• Thankful for Lana, my twin sister. I just really appreciate her friendship, love, encouragement, and witness.
  
• Thankful that Grace still takes an afternoon nap. It gives me time to write my blog posts, decompress, watch some tv, crochet, or whatever I want for those couple of hours. (Which may include clean the house- but that is not fun!)
• Thankful for the opportunities that my blog has brought. I have received free products, such as toys and books, that have benefited my daughter.
• I Remain thankful that during this time, when my hubby is not completely secured in an permanent job, the Lord continues to provide for all our needs.
  

I am linking this post to Thankful Thursday.

Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Kai Lan's Great Trip to China...DVD Review and Giveaway!!

I was given the opportunity to review the just released DVD Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Kai-Lan's Great Trip to China. I am being honest with you when I say, I never watched Ni Hao, Kai-Lan before this DVD arrived at our house. We recently began letting Grace watch a few shows on Nick Jr and Noggin. We have become fans of Dora, Diego, Max and Ruby, and the Backyardigans.

Now we have discoved the fun and energetic Kai-Lan. She speaks English and Mandarin. Her preschool life is infused with American as well as Chinese culture. Each episode usually centers around Kai-Lan's relationships with her Grandfather and her animal friends. Yep, now I am really confusing my daughter. She is hearing English, Spanish(from Dora and Diego), AND Mandarin. LOL! Actually, I LOVE the show. I like the way Kai-Lan can come up with positive solutions to simple problems. I think her character is a good role model for my little Grace. So, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan is now a frequently DVR'd show on our playlist. Grace loves her Kai-Lan.

Now that you know our Nick, Jr. and Kia-Lan history.... here is my review of the just released Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Kai-Lan's Great Trip to China. It became available online and in stores on July 14th.

The DVD runs 96 minutes. The DVD contains one Ni Hao, Kai-Lan double length feature and two episodes.

• "The first is the double-length feature, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Kai-Lan's Great Trip to China. Kai-Lan gets the opportunity to travel to China, visiting her favorite great aunt, Gu Nai Nai. Kai-Lan and her friends are invited to a special party where a baby panda will be given his name. Kai-Lan and her friends explore a village searching for presents to give the baby panda. It is up to Kai-Lan and the viewers to help Rintoo, Tolee, Hoho and baby panda overcome their fears of trying new things so they don't miss the special naming ceremony." (Taken from the Nick, Jr. press release.)

Here is what I like about Kai-Lan's Great Trip to China.... She and the other characters are forced to try new things.... chinese noodles, tiger slippers, a boat ride... to name a few. Several of them are scared to try things that they have not eaten, worn, or done before. Kai-Lan sings a song, "When you are scared of something new....And you don't know what to do....Just try it! Try it! Try it! Because you might like it!"

What a great concept for our little preschoolers who are being exposed to new foods, environments, activities on a daily basis. I think Grace and I will be singing this little tune fairly often!

• The second feature is an episode Rain or Shine. Kai-Lan and her friends must deal with disappointment when the hoped for sunny day turns rainy. They must make the most of the situation. Instead of thinkiing about what they CAN'T do in the rain, Kai-Lan helps everyone focus on what fun things they CAN do in the rain.

I liked the concept of focusing on the postive and not the negative. Hum....maybe a little insight that we adults need to be taught, as well.

• Finally, the last feature is an episode The Ant Playground. This is another cute episode. It is about problem solving and how to think through a problem and Kai-Lan and her friends help a community of Ants who are trying to build a playground.

So, does your little one like Kai-Lan? Or where you like me and never saw it before? As a mother who is concerned about the content my child is exposed toon the television, I am particular about what Grace watches. I have discovered that I really like little Kai-Lan. She is welcome at our house!

If you are wanting to purchase this DVD, it is now available at various retail markets. I know yoy can go to Target where it is on sale for $10.99. Or you can go to Amazon.com for $10.99.

OR maybe you will be one of my lucky readers who wins it in a GIVEAWAY!!! I am giving away TWO -Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: Kai-Lan's Great Trip to China DVDs!! ALSO, one winner will also receive the recently released Yo GABBA GABBA!:New Friends dvd.

To Enter: Leave a comment on this post.

For EXTRA ENTRIES: For all extra entries YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT telling me you did them. Make sure you leave a way for me to contact you via email. I will take the winner from the comments. You do NOT have to have a blog to win. Just make sure your email contract info is in your comment. You can earn one extra entry for each of the following:

1. Tweet about this giveaway and then leave the URL link to the tweet in a comment.
2. Stumble this post and tell me about it in a comment.
3. Subscribe to my blog feed and leave a comment telling me you did so.
4. Put my button on your sidebar. Report the URL to your blog in a comment.

To pick the winners, I will use Random.Org. The first number picked will receive BOTH the Ni Hao, Kai-Lan DVD AND the Yo GABBA GABBA DVD. The second number picked will receive the Ni Hao, Kai-Lan DVD.

The giveaway will end on midnight, Wednesday July 22nd. So, everyone has one week to get all those entries in!! I will announce the winners on Thursday July 23rd.

Don't forget to come back ever Tuesday for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday blog recipe carnival.

20th High School Reunion After-glow....

I attended my 20th high school reunion this past weekend, in Austin, Texas. Here are some of my thoughts. This post is dedicated to my friends... The Class of '89!

Well, here we were......a bunch of 8th graders who were friends and happy to be laughing together, sharing good times and eager for our future. Some things change...like our weight and hair lines. BUT, one thing has not changed in 20 years. These are still some of the best friends I will ever have. The times with them will be considered some of the BEST of my life! 20 years later, it is as if we have never been apart!
Some of the people in the above picture did not eventually graduate with us, but most in that first picture are also present in this second picture. Not everyone from our graduating class could make the trip and attend the reunion. Also, we lost one to an unexpected death, last year. We missed them all!
(I want to acknowledge Cindy, in the center of the picture.. IN THE CHEERLEADING uniform. She was the only one who could still fit in a uniform. Way to go Cindy!)

I graduated from a private Christian school. There were 39 students in our graduating class. That would be the Class of '89. "We're so cool! We're so fine! We're the Class of '89!" Oh, those were the days!

Let me also put a SHOUT OUT to the Class of '88. For whatever reason, they never had a reunion, last year. So, we included them in our weekend. They had a smaller showing than our class and it was fun to catch up with them, as well.

Many of us met at The Broken Spoke, on Friday night. It was a great place to meet up and start talking about old times. It was also fun to see our classmates' spouses. I am sorry that Lana was not able to join us, that night.

The next day was a family event which included Rudy's BBQ, talking, more talking, children playing, children face painting,rock wall climbing (for the children), and Amy's Ice Cream.

The evening included an adults only evening at Z'Tejas on 6th street. Great food and a full night of talking and sharing more memories, talking about our jobs, lives, families and making plans for future get- togethers!

Here we are, outside of The Broken Spoke.
Here are a few of us at Z'Tejas.
This is me with Mona. She has been one of my best friends since about 6th grade!
Here we are....Me, Mona, and Lana. We have been the best of friends for over 25 years. How awesome is that!!
Most of our graduating class had been in school together since we were in 7th grade. Some had been together since 1st grade. For that reason, we were all VERY close. It was one big family.

We are a group of teachers, insurance salesmen, counselors, realtors, lawyers, IT geeks, nurses, finacial planners, church workers, stay at home mothers, a military wife, a country western singer, a polo player, and pharmacist to name a few.

We have experienced marital bliss, loss of parents, joys of parenthood, childlessness, marital problems, divorce, success in business, battles with sobriety, unspoken pains, and immeasurable moments of greatness. We are imperfect humans who can all claim each other as friends.

For some, it has been a couple of months, or yesterday at work, since we last saw each other. For others, it has been 20 years. But for all of us... even though we don't see each other often.... we are bonded. Bonded by the same memories... We may remember certain moments differently... But we share them... We remember them...We can laugh about them.... Or cry about them.... They are ours.....The Hyde Park Class of '89.

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday....Black Bean Salad

Hello everyone and welcome to Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. My sister, Lana, and I co-host this blog carnival. We share recipes, kitchen and cooking tips, restaurant reviews, and anything food related that you want to share. You know the rule of a blog carnival, please mention the blog or TMTT in your post and link back to us. Don't forget to use Mr. Linky, down below. PLEASE DO NOT HOST YOUR OWN Tempt My Tummy Tuesday with Mr. Linky. Thank You.

Thanks for making last week a great 1st Anniversary for TMTT. Congrats again, to Kristen from Frugal Antics of a Harried Housewife, who won the cookbook giveaway.

Now for today.... This recipe is served cold with no cooking prep. So, that is PERFECT for this hot summer heat! It is easy and a yummy recipe. Here is the litmus test... my 2 year old, Grace, loves it!

Black Bean Salad

• 2- 16oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 med. tomato, chopped
• 1-4 oz jar copped pimiento, drained (I forgot this ingredient and did not miss it.)
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 -15 1/4 oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 med bell pepper, chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• 2 pickled jalapenos, chopped
• 2 avocados, cut into bite-size chunks ( I love avocado and would have included this if I had some. But did not have any avocados when the salad was made.)
  

Dressing:
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp jalapeno juice (from jar or pickled jalapenos) (I omitted this ingredient since my 2yr old would be eating it. I did not want it to be too spicy.)
1/4 cup lime juice
2 pickled jalapenos, chopped (or as desired) (Again, I omitted this ingredient.)
1 tsp salt

In bowl, combine all salad ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together all dressing ingredients. Toss salad with dressing. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Grace's Style Tip Friday.... Grace's Thoughts

SHHhhhhhhhhhhh. Hi! It's me.... GRACIE!! Mommy does not know it, but I got her laptop. I am sitting in my crib (yes, mommy and daddy have NOT put me in a toddler bed yet) and writing this post. SHHHHhhhhhhhh!!! They all think I am asleep.

Mommy is always posting these silly pictures of me and writing about my style and fun fashion. Seriously folks. I don't know anything about style!! I wear what mommy puts on me, everyday. Sometimes good...sometimes not so good.

Since I don't know anything about fashion or style, I thought I would share some of my fun memories from this past week. There are many. I LOVE my life. You know, it is SO easy being a toddler!!!!

Here I am on July 4th. Lounging by our friend's pool, I am eating an Oreo. It was AWESOME!! Have you ever had one of these things?
This is the face I am now making whenever mommy tells me to "smile". I think it is funny. It makes me laugh. Ha ha ha!
Mommy took me to the mall because I was bored and she said it is hot outside. I don't know what that has to do with going shopping. I think it was an excuse for her to go and buy new clothes for her 20th High School Reunion, this weekend. Mommy let me ride the BIG COW!! It was VERY FUN!!! Oh, yes that is a silly ponytail on top of my head. Mommy keeps making me wear them!
Here I am playing dress up. Mommy said this was one of her gowns. How silly. I thought it was a perfect princess dress. Don't you love my crown?
Mommy took this picture before we left for Sunday School and Church. I sometimes wish she would just put that camera down. I wanted to go and get to church. I have lots of fun there!!! We get to play with toys and sing about Jesus! Do you go to church, too?
Thanks for letting me play with mommy's laptop. This sure was fun. Have a great weekend. I will be playing with my cousin Kathryn and MeMaw and PaPaw while mommy and daddy go to that thing...what is it called??? Oh yeah... high school reunion.

I am linking this post to my sweet blogging friend, Amy. She hosts Finer Things Friday. There is nothing finer to me, than time with my Gracie, being a mother, wife, and child of God.

TMTT 1st Anniversary Giveaway Winner

The winner of our Tempt My Tummy Tuesday Giveaway is Kristen from Frugal Antics of a Harried Homemaker. Kristen has been a faithful participant to TMTT for a very long time.
Thank you, Kristen, for all the yummy recipes and food tips you have shared with us.

Thanks to everyone else who participated in the giveaway!

Kristen was chosen as the 17th commenter on Lana's post. Remember, you had to link to TMTT AND leave a comment on both of our blogs. I have already emailed Kristen the good news.

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

17

Timestamp: 2009-07-08 05:06:29 UTC