Peyton Manning's Cousin

Today, at the store a woman and her daughters came in. And while taking her information for coupons and such I noticed that woman had on a necklace and it was a horseshoe. I asked if it was for Indianapolis and after being puzzled I rephrased and said Colts - she said no, but that was a good idea.

Her daughter (I presume) then piped up and said, "but we are related to him, Peyton, Eli and Cooper too. He's like our 3rd cousin."

Needless to say - the rest of my day was wonderful.. Not solely because of that, but it definitely added a great deal to my day's wonderfulness!

So, I wont cross it off my bucket list, but I've gotten a lot closer to meeting him! =)

love this picture!

I wonder if The Rock has a cousin that needs some shoes... ?

To Blog - or Not To Blog.. My Day

I've had a long day -

I'm getting ready for a yard sale that will go towards funding my trip to Haiti.
     driving everywhere to pick up very appreciated donations
     posting pictures to facebook!
Going out to lunch for Michelles birthday - coincidentally it's the same day as Schneider's =)
    which including seeing her AMAZING house (more on this soon!)

Oh and work.

So, I work at a shoe store, it's wonderful, and has a very detailed training program. Today I learned on the computer how to use the register, and then I was trained on the register. THEN I checked out a customer, and I was so nervous. I'm normally not nervous, but all the sudden she wasn't there with me to teach me how and I was juggling 8 different things I know I'm supposed to do in my head! And I forgot a product name (which is essentially Scotch Guard.. but it wasn't written boldly on the can.. anywhere!?)

All of that was fun - but now I'm going to be practicing doing it on my own... hopefully I don't have to dream about it and it will leave my mind until tomorrow!!



Needless to say, it has been a busy day. If you've had a busy day, enjoy these weird things I've found!

Banana's In Pajamas

This is how I learned to tie a tie

Do you think Hugo is worth seeing?

Here's a list for the Top Christmas Gifts for multiple ages in 2011
Its cute - though I don't know how realistic it is that a teenager would want a nerf gun and not an electronic, what do you think?

You Choose What's Next

Hey - I'd like some input. It's fast, simple, and easy to do. With time becoming short with now two jobs (more on that blessing later!) I need some help deciding what dish to try out next. On the left you'll see a place where you can vote. You don't have to have a Google Account to do so, so you have no excuses =) Lets get this done!

Pennies to Hawaii

I have family in Hawaii that I want to visit - yes I'd still want to visit them even if they were in Kansas!

My cousin Kristen gave me the idea, that I need to start saving my pennies to come visit them in Hawaii... well since I don't normally keep my pennies with my other jars of change, why not save them, and have them get me to Hawaii. I'm totally down with that. So here's what I'm starting with.....

Which adds up to $1.04

It may not seem like much, but I'm confident that in time I will make it to Hawaii =)

Something NEW

click here to donate (this button has been removed)
There's something new here. It's not that everything is backwards and switched around, but there's a NEW WAY TO DONATE. There's a button to the right that will enable you to help our team get back to Haiti and these beautiful wonderful children that we love so much. 

--------------->       -------------->        ------------>

But educate yourself. Know where your money is going. Also on the left are picture links, the one of me and some beautiful kids will take you to the online site for the orphanage we work with; The Hands and Feet Project. Go see what they're about, or read my previous blog HERE.

 This is JESSICA

This is CLAIRE

 This is JUNIOR

This is MACKENLY

 

These are only a few of the kids, but now you know their names. Now you know who we can't wait to sing to/with, to teach Hannah Montana dances to,to love. Pray for them by name. And please come along with us on this journey. If you have any questions please use the comment space available below.

Tanning - Love Me Some Vitamin D

A few years ago I was browsing online for local spas and came across one with a free trial package - and that's where it all started! For the free tanning session I was only in for 3 minutes so I didn't tan, and though I have fair skin, I do tan. It just takes more time rather than the 10 minutes outside it takes some people.... but for the first time in a long time I felt alive, alert, and enthusiastic!

Later we found out I was Vitamin D deficient and since a supplement didn't raise my levels - tanning in winter, and unprotected sun time in the summer was suggested. I'm down with that!

I now go to What'a Beach Tans & Boutique and it's wonderful! I absolutely love it! It's clean and welcoming and I can just walk in, or make an appointment (useful during the summer!). I use the 20 minute bed which has 32 lamps and it's beyond relaxing - they have 5 different units to choose from including a leg tanner and a stand up unit. I haven't tried their Versa Spa Sunless Tanning Spray yet, but I'm guessing I will eventually - when that time comes, I'll keep you updated! Also - ask about their student discount. Andddd if you like their facebook page they are always posting discounts and current promotions.

All of the girls are very friendly and answer any questions I may have.

They are located at:  12070 Industry Blvd #25, Martell, CA 95654 Between Safeway and Staples
You can call them at: (209) 257-1090
 

Click here to read about the new law passed on tanning - no one under 18 (regardless of parental consent)

Check out this link and

Be Educated

p.s they also have the hottest hand picked styles
(25% off Apparel until 12/15/11)

Picture: http://www.facebook.com/whatabeachtansandboutiques
All information subject to change without notice 
Not promoted by What'a Beach Tans & Boutique

Winter Must Haves

ONE: A Great Jacket
A winter must by H&M. Not only does it keep you warm but its a fashion staple. And it's perfect for those mornings when the alarm clock fails to go off on time. Throw on a long sleeve, a great jacket, dark jeans, and boots and you're ready to go. 

TWO: Jennifer Aniston scarves
And by that I mean those big beautiful ones that just look fantastic as well as serving their purpose!
Like this raspberry one for only $12 from Target Online.

THREE: Boots Boots Boots!
Try these great Payless over the knee boots. The flap allows you to unfold for an over the knee look or fold down and it will stay right below - can be dressed up or down, and goes great with skinny jeans. I just got a pair myself! I love wearing them with grey leggings!

FOUR: Hand warmers - those little necessities
I've gotten these for years and they are great! I get mine from Costco, but you can also find them on Amazon.

FIVE: Slippers
I am super picky about my slippers, I want the comfortable inside with the faux fur and I want to be able to wear them outside when it's wet. I want to be able to leave them on if I need to go to the store. Here's the ones I've found that are a must have every year! Again from Payless =)

SIX: Hat or earmuffs
I'm not really specific with these - but I wear them often. I have beanie's from Roxy and H&M and simple Walmart earmuffs. As long as they are doing their purpose - keeping my ears toasty, I'm not complaining!

SEVEN: Comfy sweats
Hollister. Hollister. Hollister. All the way. Or Abercrombie of course. I have yet to find a pair of sweats that are more comfortable than these. And for a steal! For my Hollister sweats I have a pair of Betty's and a pair of Dude's. Reasoning? The Betty's tend to be fitted and hug your rump, and are also easier to be "on the run" with. If I need to go pick up kids or go outside I know I can wear these. The Dudes are baggier, mine have a drawstring waste so I can fit them to me - but they are more of lounge around, not finishing a to-do list, kind of sweats. I love them both! Click HERE to see some 29.90 clearance boot cut bettys =)


EIGHT: Exaggerated Mug
I love a great big mug - or the ones you just look forward to using in the morning. Like this complementing mug set from World Market

NINE: A collection of rainy day movies
We all need something to watch when we're wearing our
Hollister comfy sweats - drinking our cup o' jo, wearing our favorite slippers while online shopping for the rest of our winter must haves.


Click HERE to see my raining day favorites.

TEN: BLANKETS!
I'm a sucker for a comfortable throw - the incredibly soft ones that double and keep your feet warm!
Look at all these from Pier1... I love them all!

You could say I'm speechless

The other night I was picking up kids that I babysit from their various activities - this happen to be testing for their hunting license. It was about 10:00pm, not too cold out, but pretty foggy. I had to go in and sign some papers and I came back with both kiddos. About 5 minutes into our 20 minute car ride home, my voice starts getting raspy and deep... I like to call it my sexy man voice...

It's now been like this for about 24 hours - only it's not so sexy any more. It's hoarse and cracking and I'm blaming allergies. I don't feel sick, I'm not more tired than normal, and I still have a normal appetite, I just can't hold a conversation without laughing a dry whisper laugh because of my voice....

Oh - and nothing seems to help; cough drops, Chloraseptic, Halls, honey, nothing :/

Do you have any suggestions? Could I be missing something?

Hair Cut Melt Down?

I'm not the biggest fan of change - sometimes even when I cause it. It's just never right and it overwhelms me quickly.

Last week I got a hair cut (Look to the right ---> ). Back in July I decided to get bangs, not straight across, but framed to my face... I liked them while sitting at the salon, but as soon as I walked outside, got in the car, and looked in the mirror... I hated it! And cried until I got home. I didn't like how short they were cut, you could totally see my eyebrows, but it was as dramatic as Audrey Hepburn's. A day went by and I loved them!

Well, they grew out, so a few months went by where I had side bangs...

I went to get them cut last week - a different stylist, mine was out of town - and she cut them a great length, but they're almost straight across -REALLY!? They just couldn't be right... until I went home and washed only my bangs with out conditioner and I love them..

I don't know why I can never be satisfied with a haircut on the first day - I guess it just takes time to "grow on me" ... hahaha... I know I know =)

How do you do with new haircuts, styles, colors? Do you love them right away, or does it take some time?

A Nashville Kind Of Funk

Ever since the weather in Northern California has gotten a little chillier, I've been in a Nashville kind of funk. I think it might be caused by the weather, or the music I've been listening to.. but it must be one of the two.
Earlier this year in March I took a "mini-vacation" to visit a friend of mine, Rebekah, in Nashville, TN. It wasn't that cold - but it looked like it should be. It was a gloomy, and long sleeve weather during the daytime, and a pea coat and boots type of weather come nightfall.

Now, when I step outside I might be remembering the last time I was in weather that looked this way..
.....OR.....

It could be the music I'm listening to. Before I hopped on that long flight to Denver I downloaded some new itunes to keep me company. Two songs in particular. Both from and amazing group with a cause the Know Hope Collective. The songs are "Build Us Back" and "Jealous God" - it seams I've been listening to theses songs again. Along with music by All Sons & Daughters; the worship band at Journey Franklin.

What do I do when in a funk?

I keep with it if it's a good one!

It's made me crave waffles with butter and Apple Jelly, not to be confused with Apple Butter. (which, oddly enough, I've only ever found in Nashville and Haiti!)

Whichever it is that's making me miss the trendy, welcoming, smiles-where-ever-you-go lifestyle that I met in Nashville - I'm going to soak up every ounce of California sun I can while hanging out with this Nashville Kind Of Funk!

20 Items a toddler loves

A few days ago while blogging I came across a blog post about things her toddler loves - then I spent time with my almost year old nephew... I couldn't believe how he reminded of her 20 everyday items. Here they are. - I can't wait to try these out on kids I babysit! (Some more than others!)

Mirrors

Water

Dogs

Dogs' food and water

Salt & Pepper

Vacuum

Keys

Hose

Doorbell

iphone

Balloons

Chapstick

Leaves

The Fridge

Piggy Bank

Music

Shapes

Candles

Books

Empty boxes

Out of the past 25 hours, I've babysat children 17 of them on 5 1/2 hours sleep. It's given me some time to notice them and think about this list. I babysat 13 children tonight at a benefit concert was interesting to say the least! (ages 2-7)

Things they enjoyed the most included

White boards and drawing

Playing Babies

Hangman

A"make the ball into the circle" game

Having snack!

Pretending to be animals (masks included!)

Simon Says

"going fishing" (magnetic fish)

Through this I'm noticing more and more of how each child is unique and has their "own" way of playing. That hangman is fun - when you're a teacher, but when a child is having you guess a word they can't spell - it gets a little harder! As an adult playing hangman, I have a typical strategy, guess all the vowels first.. right? That's always made sense to me. Well when I had the dashes arranged for C H R I S T M A S .. I was very surprised that the first letters they guessed were W, Q, Z, and Y ...

Children are interesting!

And another adventure of toddler babysitting shall commence tomorrow!

Any tips or tricks? What things does your child, niece/nephew, kiddo next door, love to play with?

A Gallon Of Milk

A funny story for the day -

I pick up my girls from high school and bring them to church for youth group - it gives us a chance to bond, hangout, and have some de-stressing time. Well today was definitely fun! Mariah was the only one that needed a ride today, and I had some errands to do so we did them together. I picked her up from school, we went to the bank, went to taco bell, then to safeway to get gas. When we got to Safeway there was a huge line so we decided to park, eat, and wait until the line when down.

With just a Volcano Taco left and a small line we decided to get gas while we could.

Knowing my mouth is always on fire with a Volcano Taco I gave Mariah a 5 and asked her to run in and get me some milk. Easy right? .... eh

I finish filling up and start pulling out assuming she'll walk out when go around the car in front of me, and she did... except the container I was expecting to see in her hand was absent, and in it's place was an entire gallon of milk - needless to say, I had enough for my taco and for my cereal tomorrow morning!

Not to mention a good laugh that should last the month!

Twilight 2

For all of you Team Jacob and Team Edward fans - I probably just gave you a heart attack by calling it Twilight 2 - when in fact, the second movie in the Twilight Saga is titled New Moon.


I must say I am quite uneducated about twilight...
I've not seen the first one - "Twilight"
So I still have a few questions -

1. Why does Edward look like a drug addict
          His eyes are red
          His skin isn't exactly "healthy looking"
          He has striking red lips

2. Why can't she make simple decisions
3. Why does that one lady have the scar on her face
4. Why does he sparkle - I thought people were kidding about this!!
5. Why can't the wolf boys have girlfriends but their leader is engaged
     -does his fiance have a choice?

6.Does she say yes!?
          This is the only thing compelling me to have a small desire to watch the next more... or look it up on wikipedia :/


Please comment below - you don't need to be a user or have an account =)
Help a girl understand!

Raining Day Movies

Raining Day Movies!

Note: This may not be a typical "rainy day" list, but these movies make me laugh, cry, and for a little while, it's not such a rainy day outside, or it's become beautiful - give them a try =)

1. The Proposal

2. Made of Honor

3. Two Weeks Notice

4. You've Got Mail

5. The Lake House

6. The Notebook

 

7. Field of Dreams

8. Hitch

9. 50 First Dates

10. The Devil Wears Prada

Movie I MUST watch before this winter is over

Return to Me

Can you tell who a favorite actress of mine is?!
What are your favorite rainy day movies?

A Successful Girls Night IN - "You SNEAKY Mom!"

Instead of a girls night out, we did a girls night IN! There were 7 of us; Myself, Kayla, Brie, Jamey, Stephanie, Emily, and Mariah. We had a blast!

Here's what we did!

We ate food:

Spaghetti - different sauces: Pesto, Alfredo, Marinara
Chips
Popcorn
Cherry Dr Pepper
Waffles (in the morning)

We baked:
GF Chocolate Cake - Made by Stephanie!

We danced to Just Dance 2
     It's really fun and easy. I don't have the wii system, but there's a lot of videos for the Just Dance songs on Youtube and you can just danced in front of your laptop - you don't get the competition, but it's a great workout and a ton of fun if you video it from the computer and then watch it!

We did facials:
One part plain yogurt & one part honey
My face felt GREAT after this! I left it on until it was almost dry - great!


We played QUESTIONS
It was great because half of the girls went to one high school and the others when to another. So we still had some getting-to-know-eachother to do.
What you do is give everyone a piece of paper and have the write one or two questions down. Then put them in a box, hat, or pile. Go around the circle and each person will draw one, read the question, then we all take turns giving our answer. It was perfect for this night!


We watched hilarious Youtube Videos - then made one... or four
We looked up videos, watched them, and laughed until we almost cried. We have continued to quote them all weekend - talk about bonding!

Funny Video Alert!

I just had to show you guys this video we did. I'm not really one to sing and post about it, more of a shower singer myself, but this was a girls night in MUST!
So for you enjoyment....

 Music: Cascada - Every time we touch

911 was not called during the production of this video ;)

Walmart Black Friday PREVIEW

Click HERE to check out Walmart's Black Friday preview!

I've already picked out some must haves for me, being will-eventually-need-my-own-waffle-maker age.. ,

Waffle Maker - $2.84
The Tooth Fairy (movie) - $5.00


*Remember to look at the sale time! Some items are going on sale at 10:00PM while some not until Midnight or 8:00AM - don't want to get there early if you don't have to!

Schneider is 1yr Old -The Journey

February of this year, my heart changed. It changed dramatically. Let me tell you how.

I didn't grow up with baby siblings. Until recently, I haven't had a niece/nephew (now I have both). I'd never really worked with babies. I grew up with the same notion my dad had when I was born, if I hold them, they might break...

Then, on my 3rd trip to The Hands and Feet Project in Haiti, that all changed.

The previous years in Haiti on Sunday we would go to church next door with the team and the missionaries, but this year, we were able to give the nannies in the nursery a break and let them go to church while we took care of the (then) 7 babies. When I was asked if I'd like to help, I was terrified. Of course I wanted to help, but I'd never done this before, and described myself as, "not a baby person".... little did I know...

Among the kiddos there was Schneider. He was three almost 4 months old, and only weighed about 6lbs. He wasn't being taken care of by his parents and this was his 5th (out of 7) visit to HaF to be given fluids and brought back to health. When I got there Saturday, he was much better than when he had came in. He was the first diaper I'd ever changed... We definitely bonded that Sunday.
(having a beautiful child sleep on you while you lay on a bench is the greatest)

Monday his parents came to pick him up. We prayed for him, and sent him with plenty of diapers, water, formula, and clothes.... I was slightly a wreck in the other room... I didn't plan on him leaving, I had no idea he wasn't one of our kids, and now he's gone, who knows where, and is in the hands of someone of people who, in my mind at the time, clearly didn't love him... I just couldn't believe it.

That was one of that longest 36 hours... But then, guess what, Tuesday afternoon after a run-in at the market with his mother, director Diane gave his mother tap tap (taxi) money and he was back with us, already very sick. Again! That was just one night!

So I made my place in the nursery. Diane and I both checked on him through the night - I couldn't sleep much had I even tried... Then the next morning, she brought him into where we ate breakfast, and "handed him to his mom" and she laid him in my arms. I love this child - this perfect little boy, this beautiful creation of God. His big beautiful eyes would just stare at me - love those eyes!

The rest of the time went by and he'd gotten significantly better.

After I left - 2 weeks went by and his parents were supposed to pick him up.. they didn't. Another week went by, and his mother came and got him... Time went by, he was extremely sick again, and that was enough, haitian social services stepped in(I forget the specific name for them) and he was given to another missionary family to be taken care of for two weeks while they decided where was best to place him. They gave him to that family, the Mangine family. Who are now in the process of adopting him.

He's healthy, thriving, and one year old today. I can't thank God enough, or describe how grateful I am.
I can't count the nights of tears and prayers, asking God why he would allow this, wondering where Schneider was when he was with his parents, wondering if he was sick again... and simply all the "what ifs" I could think of when no one had heard from them. -and now, he's 12 months old-
He.Is.Safe. He.Is.Healthy. He.Is.Loved.

Please pray for him, his old family, and his new family.

Cardio Kick Boxing Class!

CARDIO KICK BOXING 

At Ko Sutemi West Dojo in Pine Grove CA

What is Cardio Kick Boxing? 
I found this definition here and found that it described our class very well.

"Cardio Kickboxing is high intensity workout routine mimicking kicks and punches and moves from kickboxing and martial arts. A fast paced kickboxing workout is a great way to get in shape and stay fit. When you participate in faced paced kickboxing workout routines, you lose weight and burn fat at an incredible rate. Making Kickboxing Workouts one of the best workouts you can do!"

This class incorporates,

•      Kicks
•      Punches
•      Bag Work with Wavemaster Training Bags
•      Self Defense
•      Resistance Training
•      Dynamic Tension
•      Work with Stretch bands & Weights
•      Qi Gong cool down session 

Days and Times this class is offered

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday @ 9:30 - 10:30AM
Tuesday & Thursday @ 7:00 - 8:00PM

Payment Options

FIRST CLASS IS FREE

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday - $50/month
Tuesday & Thursday - $40/month
Unlimited - M,T,W,TH,F - $50/month (THIS MONTH ONLY)

Where is it?

Ko Sutemi West Dojo
20200 Hwy 88
Pine Grove, CA 95665

(by the 76 gas station and Las Minas restaurant)


Questions?

Phone: (209) 296-4200

Or comment below.

When you go in, tell them you heard about it here!

Starfield Concert

"Let me not be blind with privilege
Give me eyes to see the pain
Let the blessing You've poured out on me
Not be spent on me in vain
Let this life be used for change"

I will go - Starfield

Last weekend (10/22) we took a trip as a youth group to see the band Starfield. They are a christian band from Canada, and they play wonderful music, with lyrics that hit home. They took the stage at Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church in Fair Oaks, CA for a concert unlike one I've been to before.

About halfway through the concert the lead singer, Tim Neufeld, had the lights turned off and and played acoustic worship with us. It was amazing. He played songs that most of us were familiar with so we could sing along, and he shared his heart. It was different for them as well, they were able to switch up the set list and was a much needed break.

Later during the show they took advantage of the intermission and informed us about the opportunity we have to sponsor a child through Compassion. He and his family sponsor 3 children and encourage families, though they might not be able to sponsor 3, there's many ways to be a part of what Compassion is doing. (sponsor 1 child for $38 a month)

The finale was HOT! The second to last song we broke the mold, ran down and stood right in front of the stage. Jumping up and down, praising God with everything we had, yelling, "I will go, Lord send me!" ... it got hot fast! And before I knew it I turned around and there were five more people behind me. Then there were 30!!!


For their encore they came out and played The Saving One..

Website: click here
Facebook: click here
Youtube: click here
Twitter: @starfieldband

Jesus Calling

Do Not Resist or Run
from the difficulties in your life. These problems are not random mistakes; they are hand-tailored blessings designed for your benefit and growth. Embrace all the circumstances that I allow in your life, trusting Me to bring good out of them. View problems as opportunities to rely more fully on Me. 

When you start to feel stressed, let those feelings alert you to your need for Me. Thus, your needs become doorways to deep dependence on Me and increasing intimacy between us. 

Although self-sufficiency is acclaimed in the world, reliance on Me produces abundant living in My kingdom. Thank Me for the difficulties in your life, since they provide protection from the idolatry of self-reliance.
John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 1:8-9, Ephesians 5:20


Written by Sara Young
[from the book "Jesus Calling"]

Pumpkin Spice Bread Is Amazing

With it beginning to feel more and more like fall in Northern California, I decided I should start baking like so.

With it becoming closer and closer to Halloween, I can't help but think of pumpkins.

So what better thing to bake than pumpkin spice bread. It's not a recipe that I went searching high and low for. Simply the one on the back of my Pamela's Baking Mix bag, a gluten free version of Bisquick. However don't let that deceive you, because this pumpkin bread is delicious!
Check it out!

Ingredients 
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup of canned pumpkin
1-1/3 cups Pamela's Baking & Pancake Mix
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cloves

Topping (optional):
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup of nuts (sliced almonds, walnuts, pecans)


Directions
Preheat the oven to 350° 

Beat together butter, sugar, egg, and pumpkin

Even though I don't love the smell of pumpkin, this still looks good! 

Add remaining bread ingredients and mix together

Adding the dry ingredients - I added an extra 1/4 tsp cloves

Pour into a greased loaf pan (8x4). Mix nut topping ingredients and smooth evenly over batter to the edges.

Bake in the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or when toothpick inserted comes out almost clean.

Mmm - even though I skipped the nuts, I must say it's amazing! 

We're Calling Out For All Hot Chocolate Recipes

I've never "made" my own hot chocolate mix before. I mean, I used to when I was little, with powdered creamers, I'd mix all of my favorite pre-made hot chocolate mixes, like Ovaltine, Nestle, Swiss Miss.. .etc but I've never made my own before.

So I decided I should go to my favorite recipe site allrecipes.com and find one to try out, then eventually make tweaks, so it's suits my taste buds.

Of course it didn't stop there, I got side tracked and found what looks to be a great recipe for Hot Chocolate Jars, to give out for Christmas, or what will soon be our Holiday Season =]

My question to you is, what's you're favorite recipe, or brand, when you think of a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a hay ride, what does it taste like for you?

Please comment below so I can get some ideas. Thank you!

She Asked For A Blog - And She's Got One

Sarah is nothing close to an "average" high school girl. She's tall, blonde hair, has greenish blue eyes but that doesn't even begin to describe her. She's a killer volleyball player, driven, and loves Jesus.

I've grown to know and love this girl that I'm able to call my friend, and her humor fascinates me. She's always making people laugh, and isn't one to have self doubt or insecurities.

Some Sarah Fun Facts
Favorite Food: Potatoes
Favorite time of the year: Fall (because her birthday falls during this season)
Most inspirational person: My cat Kelly
Would most like to accomplish: Living life to the fullest
What are you most serious about: My Mom
Why do you want to go to Panama: To help Canadians (apparently they are lost)

Like I said, her humor is quite unique and hilarious.

Being a high school girl and having such a relaxed view point is so refreshing.

My professor once told my class,

Don't miss the forest for the tree and

Don't miss the symphony for the cord/soloist

I have no worries that this girl will be able to see the whole picture 

and enjoy every individual part of life at the same time.

I'm Going To Haiti And I Need Your Help

Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you know, this will be my 4th trip to Jacmel, Haiti. I will be there January 27-February 4, 2012, and I can’t wait! I work with an orphanage called, The Hands and Feet Project, we have about 70 children now, and 3 project sites, in Jacmel (where I will be), Grand Guave, and Port Au Prince. We take children in who’ve been abused, orphaned, or their families have no means of taking care of them. This way they get to go to school, have 3 meals a day, and a huge family that loves them dearly.

Some people would ask, how much of a difference I really make in the lives of these beautiful children in just one week, obviously construction gets done, painting gets done, but one week in a child’s life?

That one week, out of the 52 in a year, might not seem like much, but by going back each year, I am a part of this family. 

They remember my name. When I get out of the van after the 3 hour/40mile drive from the airport, they run to me, arms wide open, saying “Bwitney, Bwitney! Mwen sonje ki jon yo konte a dis nan Spanish!!!” (I remember how to count to ten in Spanish!) Which I taught them the previous year!!! Even I had forgotten about that! This year when I was there I lost my voice. Every. Single. Night. I sang the Hannah Montana song (that has a hip hop dance to go along with it) every single afternoon for hours. I taught them the dance, and they loved it, they’ve never seen anything like this except in American movies, and now they got to learn it!  

I’m now a green belt in Karate (white, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown, black) and the boys there are learning karate from the guy who’s been teaching me.  He’s interning there (which I would like to eventually do) and teaching karate, but the girls don’t really want to try, they feel it’s a boy sport…. Well guess what! I’m a girl, they know me, and I’ve been doing it for a year now! I just can’t wait to be there, and continue loving on them; being a part of their lives.

However, I cannot do this alone. I need an abundance of prayer. Walking down the streets and seeing a 2 year old who’s hair is turning orange because of malnutrition, touching the burn marks on a girls arms and legs knowing she’s been abused, holding a baby who’s been life threateningly sick 7 times because his parents won’t give him clean, boiled water, and not knowing if he will live when I leave… they weigh heavy on my heart and spirit, and are extremely frustrating at times…  Prayer is necessity. 

Financially I need support too. I have been blessed for God to lead me to this beautiful country and give me a heart for the people, but I need support financially. 

This year it will cost $1750/person to go (payments starting this month until we leave in January) that goes to plane tickets to Florida and Haiti, and back. It pays for our food while we’re there, the supplies we’ll need to buy, ex: in order to build more bunk beds for more kids, or paint so they can have a feeling of ownership in the room they share with 8 other kids, and other projects the orphanage has planned and needs us to do. (Last year we made the cabinets/ counters for their kitchen that now feeds 67 children!!)

If you are able to contribute financially, please email me via alittlebirdietoldmetoo@gmail.com, or comment below.

Please, above all else, keep me and my team in your prayers as we prepare our hearts to return to this place we love so dearly. 

There's A Cat In My Room

Today, I came home from filling out more applications around town, to a carrier on the floor in my living room. I didn't know what it was, or what it was for, so I just walked around it and to the couch to sort out the mail. My mother walks in and tells me she needs a cat. Our cat Chili has gotten old and isn't keeping up with her job as a mouser around the "ranch". Excitedly I asked if I could pick one out, she said no, she'd already gotten one. It was in the carrier.

She is 6 months old, fixed, litter box trained, and not very energetic, which I LOVE, as I'm not a fan of the kitten stage...

She will be staying upstairs with me until she's old enough to be an outside cat around spring time. She knows what "no" means, and we've trained our other cats with a squirt bottle combined with making the sound with in mouths so they responds equally to both. So keeping her off the furniture and clawing furniture (she does have a cat post) shouldn't be a problem. #grateful

So besides not finding a name for her yet (thinking possibly Madi, which means Tuesday in Creole), what else should I know about having a kitten/cat living with me? Like I said, we have others, but last time we had a kitten was about 16-18 years ago... so it's been a while.

Would love some input, feel free to comment below =]

It's Time For Tea

Tea: Any of various infusions prepared from the leaves, flowers,etc., of other plants, and used as beverages or medicines.


With the beautiful rain clouds rolling in, the idea came to me, it's finally time for tea! With the wide selection, from green tea, to homemade tea, I've had some that were, well, not my cup of tea! Hilarious I know =] One however has completely turned my head to my perspective on fall, on winter, on the hot drinks we love to drink when we can see our breath. That tea is, Good Earth Tea.

It was Sophomore year in high school I believe, a very cold day, and my friend Hannah came into class and sat next to me. In hopes that she had hot chocolate or coffee in that beautiful steaming thermos, I asked for some of what she was drinking, she said yes and passed it my way. Upon taking it, she told me it was tea, so I quickly gave it back to her. She wouldn't take it, she insisted I try some, that it would be the best tea I've ever tasted. Though I tried to decline, she wouldn't take no for an answer, I couldn't believe how good it was. I've never tasted a tea so wonderful.

It's been my go to tea ever since. It's a "Sweet and Spicy Herbal Tea" and all Organic
The following are the all organic ingredients

Red Rooibos, Spice Blend, Chircory Rood, Rosehips, Honeybush, Natural Flavor, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Chamomile, Orange Oil, Orange Peel

I strongly urge you to try this fall/winter favorite, and to make it even more enticing, click here to get a coupon. I have mine with milk and honey, but this tea needs no help in being delicious. 

There's A Castle With Dreams - A Disneyland Adventure

The other day I went to Disneyland. Upon arrival, the woman working at the Disney Store in Downtown Disney was surprised with my cheery hello, and a woman with me, Christine, explained that it was my first time, and I was just short of excited... It was here that I got my first Disney souvenir, a "1st visit" pin =] Which I happily wore on my shirt.

I couldn't believe how happy I was just looking at the castle. That really is all I needed to do to be happy. However the most spectacular thing we did that day was go and see World Of Color at California Adventure. It was spectacular. I knew I wanted to see it, and I knew I would love seeing a light/water show of my favorite movies, but I wasn't expecting it to take my breath away. Words can't describe how wonderful that show is!

It was a wonderful trip, meeting princesses, going on It's a Small World, having ice cream, meeting a family from New Zealand, seeing that same famliy the next day while walking from our hotel to Ihop, and spending time with friends. It's a pretty happy place!

It's a Coffee Cake Makin' Kind Of Tuesday

Tonight I decided to make coffee cake cupcakes. It was something new, I've always gotten mine from the store... however since becoming Gluten-Free it's been quite difficult on finding gluten-free bakery items. So why not make them! I found what sounded to be a tasty recipe for them on All Recipes and just substituted the All purpose flour for Gluten-Free Bisquick. They are absolutely fantastic, and I can't believe I haven't made these sooner.

Here's the Recipe - It makes about 12

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• TOPPING:
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions

In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg. combine flour, pudding mix, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture alternately with milk. Beat until blended. Stir in walnuts. Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack.

 

This is them uncooked right before I put them in the oven. At this point I wasn't sure how they were going to turn out because they didn't look too appealing... But look at the after!

I couldn't believe how good they were! Even switching out the all purpose flour for the Bisquick, it was so good! I can't wait to make them with a twist next time!