Foodbuzz 24×24: A …

I became a mom in 2005 and immediately joined a mother’s support group to cope and thrive in that first year of motherhood. I was nervous about going to a “support group” and wasn’t sure if it was going to be my thing.  I never dreamed it would be the very place where I would meet 5 amazing women and create lasting friendships that would carry me through the next five years.  I am so grateful for that support group.  I am so grateful for these incredible women in my life.  I can’t imagine the last five years of motherhood if I did not have each of them in my life.  We have raised our kids together, celebrated birthdays together, grieved the loss of pregnancies together, visited each other in the hospital as we welcomed siblings into the world, laughed together, cried together, and stood by each other though it all.

Now our kids are entering into kindergarten and our lives are changing.  Our weekly play dates have come to an end, our children are attending different schools, our schedules are being taken over by school and sporting events.  However despite all these changes, our friendships and our kids’ friendships remain strong and will continue on. 

I wanted to do something special with these women, their kindergartners and their families to celebrate our triumphs and tears over the last five years and all the years to come.  What better way to celebrate kindergarten, motherhood and friendship than with an ice cream social?!?  It was a true honor to have Foodbuzz sponsor this event as a part of their 24×24. 

  
 
 The menu was simple:  chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream
with 12 toppings sure to impress even the pickiest of eaters
and of course hot fudge, caramel sauce, whip cream
and cherries to top.
The rules were basic:  create your perfect sundae and enjoy it with your friends. 
The result:  a total success!
I love these women! 
We have had an incredible 5 years, 
raising our kids together from infancy to kindergarten.
Thank you Foodbuzz for sponsoring our ice cream celebration. 
In addition to sponsoring this event, Foodbuzz will be donating $250 in my name and each of the other blogger’s names who were chosen to participate in their 24×24 to Ovarian Cancer Research for a total of $6,000.  Ovarian Cancer is the most fatal of all cancers involving a woman’s reproductive tract. It is difficult to detect early and therefore often diagnosed too late.  Most Ovarian Cancers are found after the child bearing years but in some cases it is found in younger women.  If detected early, Ovarian Cancer is treatable and it is even possible for survivors to later achieve a healthy pregnancy.  As a mother, as a woman, I wish to thank Foodbuzz for donating to such a worthy cause as Ovarian Cancer Research.

Mandarin Orange Salad

I can’t believe it is Friday already.  Now that kindergarten has started, and preschool, and soccer, life is feeling very busy!  I thought I had better get a quick recipe up before the weekend officially arrives.  This salad is one of my favorites. 
Mandarin Orange Salad
1/2 cup slivered raw almonds
3 tablespoons sugar
mixed baby greens
1 cup celery
4-5 mandarin oranges, peeled and sectioned (or 2 (11oz.) cans, drained)
Dressing
1/4 cup canola oil
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 dash Tabasco
Place sugar and almonds in frying pan.
Cook over low heat to brown almonds, stirring constantly.  Set aside to cool.
Put mixed greens in salad bowl and add almonds, celery and oranges.  Set aside.
To make the dressing, combine all ingredients and whisk well. 
Pour over salad and toss to coat.
Enjoy!

source:  adapted from Christine

Butterscotch Oatmeal Cookies

IMG_3844b4

On Caleb’s first day of preschool, I wanted to make him feel special.  I wanted him to love school and even more I wanted him to love coming back home.  Caleb has a good nose.  He knows when his mama is baking.  He notices when the house smells good.  So when he walked in the door Continue Reading …

Dirt Cups

IMG_2783b5

Summer is coming to an end.  In just one week, Caleb will be starting kindergarten and the following week Bella will begin preschool.  Three mornings a week, it will just be Drew and me.  I am wondering what my life will look and feel like as we enter into this new chapter.  Will it be Continue Reading …

Red, White and Blue Grilled …

3560371219_84bf9068741

I am on vacation right now in beautiful Lake Chelan, Washington.  I knew I would be too busy building sand castles, enjoying boat rides, and reading trashy magazines while laying out on the beach to write a post this week so instead I have a special guest post for you from one of my favorite food Continue Reading …

Samoa M&M Blondies

IMG_2572b6

After the last few bouts of sickness in our house, we needed a little pick me up.  Something sweet, rich, buttery and full of color…. yes, these Samoa M&M Blondie bars did just the trick.  It seems that everyone is feeling better around here (or at least well on their way).  I think these Samoa Continue Reading …