What's in Your Roll?

I love Vietnamese Food!  When I think of Vietnamese Food I think of Fresh,Simple Food.
One of my Favorite recipes  that my Husband's Family enjoys is a perfect choice for the Summer time.  Yummy Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce.

 You need to have Rice Paper and Rice Vermicelli noodles.  Both can be found in Asian Markets and most Local Grocery Stores.

Now, for all the Fresh ingredients....you need Dark Green lettuce, we use Romain.  You will need lots of Fresh sprigs of Mint and Cilantro.  Cilantro is my FAVORITE!!!!!  Also, you will need to slice some Cucumbers thinly and carrots.  On this particular day I did not have carrots to use. :(  This Recipe does require a lot of Prep work, but in the end it will be worth all the chopping.

Now, as far as which protein to use, the sky is really the limit.  We almost always have Halved Shrimp.  But, we pair it up with Roasted Chicken or Seared Beef.  This particular time we used Shrimp and Pork.  The main thing to REMEMBER is to slice it as thin as possible.  That way when you layer your ingredients on top of your Rice Paper it will stack nicely. :D




Okay, so here is what YOU do......First, take your round Rice Paper and dip it into a WARM bowl of water.  Carefully rotate it to make sure it is evenly wet.  Probably about 1 full minute in the water or bit less.  This is what takes it from a Hard Shrinky Dink Type Paper to a soft, wrapable Circle.  :D  Lay it down on your plate, it may still be a tad hard, especially around the edges.  Then you place some Lettuce, Mint, Cilantro and Cucumbers in a straight line....kind of like your making a Burrito!  Then take a Pinch of noodles.  My Kiddos like a lot of Noodles!  I like more of the Veggies. 
Next, grab your Protein of choice.  I normally put 2 or 3 pieces of shrimp....which would equal 1-1 & 1/2 Shrimp and 2-3 slices of the other Protein.  Then I'm  all set to WRAP it Up!!  Fold the Short sides up and Tightly Roll, just like a Burrito.  Remember the Wrap is stretchy, so pull gently, but tight enough so that your Roll is not Sloppy!!

I Love to Dip mine in Peanut Sauce.  Which is made from Hoisen sauce, Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce and CoCo Ricco.  If you want the Full recipe you will need to look it up or email me.  I am bad about Measurements.  HAHAHAHA 
Enjoy Your Spring Rolls!!!!

Graduation Party Complete!!!

The Graduation Party was a Blast.  It went better then I could have imagined.  Did it start off like that?  That's a whole other story!!  The night before I stayed up till 2 am making photos for Skylar's photo wall.  I did collages of photos, because the room has floor to ceiling windows and glass doors on 3 of the 4 walls.  They turned out pretty good!  I did one Baby pic, 4 Senior pics and the rest were random.  I did try to cover Big moments like getting his license, prom, trips with Dad and a few Holiday ones that were extra Special.

The morning of the party started out great, but then all of a sudden a major "time warp" happened over our house and we lost 3 hours of party prep time!  HAHAHAHAHA

Mahala was amazing, she helped with the crazy fruit ball platter, cake pops and the tiny salads.  If it wasn't for her I would still 5 days later be scooping out a melon!

We had candy EVERYWHERE!!!!  Even the popcorn was fruit loops and tutti fruity flavored!!!  I found that having assorted candy made it festive and pretty to look at and caused a nice sugar rush so the Karaoke machine was in full swing all night!!!! :D  We also had a Photo Booth.....A Major Plus!  If you can get one, do it.  I was shocked how much everyone used it.  And there are many different packages to fit just about everyone's budget!

We decided to Have a Make Your Own Italian Sodas table.  I would Highly suggest this idea!!!  Everyone commented how cool this was, I think it was pretty high on the party goer's "Happy Place" list.

Since we offered a treasure trove of candy at each of the tables I made sure to offer plenty of healthy goodies too!  Fruit on a stick and in a cup.  I loved the skewers with grapes with a heart shaped strawberry.  We had those beside the Italian sodas.  I refilled that container 4 times....it was super hot that day!
 I made little salads and put them in plastic champagne flutes.  Almost too cute to eat.  I had little plastic shot glasses that I put a little ranch dressing in the bottom and filled with thinly sliced veggies.

 I kept the center pieces very simple.....Mason jars filled with Malibu sand, colored water and simple white flowers.  The sand was collected last year, we go to Malibu every year.....It's our Favorite place!!!!  And by the time the party took place the edges of all the flowers had soaked up the color from the water!!!  I taped a wallet Senior photo and wrote with a glitter pin on the sides of the ribbon Skylar and 2013.  Since Mother's day was the next day all the Moms invited took one home!  

It was Fun to watch some of his Friends toss him out into the pool!

 Of course he had to see how many people he could get wet afterwards!


Overall, the party was a success!  I'm so proud of Skylar and all the hard work he has done.  He has had many struggles and obstacles to overcome over the years.  But, to see him stay positive and focused on Faith and Family reassures me that he is ready for College and Beyond.  Congratulations Son, I Love You!

How Wet Can Your Bible get?

We Love to read the Bible together as a Family!!  And one of our Favorite places to do it is around the campfire while we are camping.  But, nobody ever wants to offer up their Bible to take along with us.  So, we take turns and Pray for a safe return.  My Oldest double bags his in a Ziploc bag.  :D
This Summer the only thing that will be in our Ziploc bags are snacks and toiletries!!!!  Why you ask?  Well, because I had the privilege to give a Review on the Waterproof Bible!!  Yes, you read correctly....Waterproof- Inside & Out!   As if it couldn't get any better it's even Stain Resistant.  :D














So, of course we had to try it out and to be honest I was skeptical.  The 1st thing I did was run some water over it.  I was a little scared, so I kept it simple.  But, when I heard what some of the other reviewers were doing I wanted to get in on all the FUN!!!!  So, we dunked it in the Sand, poured water all over it and made a mud puddle.






                                                                            
We dropped a few cap fulls of food coloring inside.  Mahala's fingers were stained, but the bible just wash clean as day!!!  My counter still has a green tinge!!!!  :)

I Love Using this Bible at the Park, when we go camping and I don't have to stress when the little ones get their hands on it because of the Durable pages.  :D
Did I mention you can still use a dry highlighter and that the font is so clear and bright so it's pretty easy to read.  I have a problem when I read my regular Bible without my glasses, but the Waterproof Bible's pages are so Bright and Clear I can read it better.
Check them out and let me know what you think. I would love to hear where you will take Your Waterproof Bible with Ease this Summer!!!!  :)  I plan to order one for each member of Our Family, I'll post some follow up pics soon!!!!

Click HERE to see Products Available      

Bibles are Available in NIV, KJV, ESV, NKJV, NLT

Pricing Options, as of this review:

New Testament, Psalms and Proverbs – $24.95, Complete Bible – $44.95, Store returns/slightly bumped & bruised – from $10.00

Other products available: waterproof journal, waterproof sketch pad, dry highlighters, waterproof Bible covers, etc.

Find a Store Near You.......Here! 
 

Mom...the ooka Elves are Reading!!

 

I have to say that Ooka Island is the coolest little Island ever!  I was so excited to get to review this kind of a Reading Program.  Kaden loves Computer games and Reading is one of his favorite things in the world to do.  Perfect fit....Content Child = Happy Mom!

Ooka Island is an adventurous computer game that teaches early literacy to kids from Pre-K to 2nd grade.   And even though Kaden reads at a higher level he enjoyed the games and saving the Ooka Elves.  He literally would wake up some mornings and ask if he could go save an elf today!!! :)

Ooka Island is an educational company committed to using science-based reading methods and technology to increase literacy skills for children. Their goal is to teach children to read fluently and well through reading instruction that is fun and compelling. 

 

 Children are guided through the Eye-Ear Reading Method by a learning algorithm called ReaDirect.  This algorithm learns from your child, adapting to his or her strengths and weaknesses which keeps children working at a challenging pace without being overwhelmed.  The algorithm allows the game to guarantee mastery of prerequisite skills before presenting the child with a new skill to learn.  

How cool is that!!!

  

I love how the Program is laid out and all the extras they have available for not only the Kiddos, but for us too.  Take a look here at the Lighthouse!  It was Awesome to be able to send Kaden little online notes of Praise and Encouragement, I had never seen that much Positive reinforcement from a Computer Program before.  It was a great experience and I would recommend it if you have a New Reader or a Struggling Reader!!!! 

Pricing for the Ooka Island Adventure....take a look!

There are several pricing options to fit your needs.

• Individual (1 child)
• Monthly $12.95/month
• Annually $124.95/year (a 20% savings)
• Family (up to 4 children)
• Monthly $19.95/month
• Annually $149.95/year (a 37% savings)

 Here is a link for 30 % off any subscription rate ...this offer is good through June 1st, 2013.

Have An OOKAMAZING Day!

 

Save Your Memories Today for the Future

I Lost my Dad to a heart attack when I was just 11 years old.  And my Mom died barely a year later.  All I had as I was passed from foster home to foster home was a bag of pictures.  They are very important to me, but I don't know the story behind the smiling faces.  Scrapbooking wasn't a thing 25 years ago like it is today.  Even though we were an extremely close Family those Special Memories they had were never passed down to me.  Who would have thought they would have left me at such a young age????  

You can bet I document everything and have made a ton of scrapbooks for each one of my children.  Honestly, I think about my Parents a lot and wonder what life was like for them.  Especially on Holidays or when something monumental happens.  Like my oldest is Graduating our Homeschool this year.  I wonder what it was like for my parents when they graduated.  I bet they had some crazy after party and what about all the anticipation of the future?????  I have nothing at all to pass done to my kiddos about their Grandparents.  Makes me sad, but when I heard about this Innovative Program I have to admit I squealed with delight!!!  

So, the past month or so I was given the opportunity to use Saving memories Forever.  It's an App/Internets site program that allows you and loved ones to record your stories and treasured memories from the past.

 Here’s how to get started.  Visit the Saving Memories Forever website or your app market and download the app.  You can get an account for free or pay $3.99 per month or $40.00 per year.  Honestly, You Can't put a Price on Your Memories!!!  Once you are signed up you are ready to go, it's pretty easy and user friendly. Here are some extra Helpful tips.

Don't forget to go check out how Saving Memories Forever came about, thanks to Harvey and Jane Baker.  You can stop by and say hello to them on Facebook or Twitter.

Sign up right now, You have Nothing to Loose only Cherished Memories to Pass on to your Kiddos and Grandkiddos!!!  You wont regret it....

Graduation Party or Bust!

I am thrilled at some of the ideas I have come up with for Skylar's Graduation party!!!!!  As far as the food we are going to have burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings; backed beans, coleslaw, potato salad, and all things yummy! :)  We will also have fruit and veggie Kabobs, push pop cake with pudding pops, assorted candies, dips, chips, watermelon.....you get the picture.  ;)

We are going to have a Photo Booth, a Yummy S'mores Station at the fire pit, Popcorn Bar and a Make your own Italian Soda Bar.  Of course I will have a Photo wall and a place for everyone to record there Best Wishes for Skylar and leave their Key to Success.  We have a lot going on, but we have a huge room and outside courtyard.  I'm pretty sure we will be fine on space....maybe!?!

We will have music playing, but I am desperately asking all my friends about a Karaoke machine.  Nobody seems to have one....I think there cool, but I will hate it if I have to go out and buy one.  But, if it comes down to it, I will definitely snatch one up and pray for a good deal.

The color scheme we are choosing is pops of bright colors.  Skylar just wants it fun and bright.  I will post pics for sure as we get all the supplies.  We have ordered a lot online and yesterday we made a trip to the local party store.  I'm late in the game....let the fun begin!!!

Fill My Coffee Cup with Prayer... Please!

Crazzzzzy time here in the Manic House....we have Grandpa visiting from Vietnam.  We are trying to get to a certain spot in our school work that will make me feel accomplished before we head into Summer schooling.
We always school through the Summer, because we tend to take a lot of time off for the Holidays and Birthdays!  :)
And this School Year was a BIG Year, Skylar Graduates!!! YAY!!!!  So, he is all registered and set with his classes.  But, the important part is yet to come!  GRAD PARTY!!!!!!  We were supposed to have it at the New House Club House, but the House construction was pushed out once again.  So, I was told very last minute that the party could not be held there!  :-O

Total Panic Mode!!!  

We found a New venue, but had to change our plans and have the party 4 weeks early.  So, I am in Overdrive!!!!  Decorations, food, table settings, gifts, activities!!!  It's a mess over here!  Not to mention the normal stuff; therapy, Doctor's appointments, softball and life in general.  All I can do is Smile, drink lots of coffee and PRAY!

Autism Grows Up Too

 

Kaden is soooooooo cute!  I just had to post this picture of him.  He has gone through so much the past 2 years.  He's growing up and coming into his own, Quirks and all!!! 

Come follow Our Journey with Autism over here: Kaden's World

Manic Mom's Kids Speak Spanish

 

I have to start my review of Spanish for You! with a back story.  It is a story that my Family has yet to let me forget about and when they found out I was asked to Review this Spanish Curriculum they expressed their condolences for Debbie Annett and her Spanish Curriculum.  Okay, now for the back story....  In college, I needed a foreign language and there was a Spanish class open at the perfect time between my other classes.  The teacher was amazing....I loved him.  We had themed lunches, outings as a class and the lectures were never boring.  The only problem was that I could never seem to pass the class.  I took it not once or twice, but threeeeeeeeee times.  Close to the end of the 3rd semester my Spanish Teacher took me out to lunch and said that maybe I should give Spanish a rest.  He loved me in his class and could see I was trying, but knowing two languages is not for everyone.  I mean who has that said to them!  Only me, HAHAHAHAHA

My Sweet Family has never let me forget that.  And when I brought up the review they kind of laughed about it and I was a little intimidated.  I know it sounds silly, but I was.  I wasn't sure how this was all going to go down.  To my SURPRISE though after getting everything organized, cut, printed and put into folders it seemed doable.

Kaden who is 6 and 13 year old Mahala Boo did it with me.  Yes, I took the challenge on myself because I figured even though it's geared for 3rd-8th grade I probably fall into that category. :)  After the 1st lesson we were all excited with our handful of new words we had learned.  By the 2nd week I had recalled things I remembered back in college.  I was planing on just doing it 2 days a week, but the kids were so into it that we ended up doing a lesson just about every single day, even on the weekend.  The kids LOVED the artwork and hearing the audio clips in both non and native tongue.  I loved the playful and simple approach.  I was not intimidated teaching it even with my bad experience in college.  The kids also enjoyed doing the extra Activities and Games that you can find Here.

My kids are sad that we have went through the whole book almost and are dying to get their hands on the next one.  So, you don''t have to wonder at all if we will continue this program.  Because the answer is Yes!!
                                

Spanish for You! is for kids in 3rd-8th grade, but my Kaden is 6 and Loving it.  This Program is designed to effectively build speaking, reading, and writing skills as well as grammar knowledge. And your Kiddos will have fun while doing it!!  Here are some Highlights:

• Self-study, family, or class use
• Affordable - an effective, quality program to last an entire school year at a price you cannot beat!
• Flexible - Go at your own pace.
• Easy to use - Just follow the lesson guide & go!
• Time Saving (and More Money Saving) - Use one package with students of multiple grades at the same time.
• Fun - Uses simple games and activities to engage students

To purchase your very own Spanish for You! Curriculum click right Here!   You will not be disappointed, you will only become Bilingual....and that's the point!  :)  Debbie Annett is so Amazing and thoughtful that she even offers Free Mini lessons and Worksheets on her website.  Thank You Debbie!!

 

Bento for Everyone!

On the Go Lunch for Kaden Tier 1of 2

It's Saturday and I am cleaning for family to come and visit.  Actually I am procrastinating the whole cleaning thing at the moment.  Which brings me here with several pics of Bento Boxes this week.  YAY!!!  So here we go!

Tier 2 of 2

 Today for lunch, Kaden had a turkey sandwich with crinkle cut cheese and PB , graham crackers, grapes and purple oranges!  Yummmmy!

Since Mahala had 2 games today I made both her and Dad a Bento.  Usually they grab from the snack bar.  And they will munch on nachos, hot dogs and greasy pizza.  Today they ate:

Dad's Bento

Tier 1

Mahala's Bento included some of last night's leftovers, bunny cheese sandwiches, turkey & spinach, nuts, seeds, granola, fruit and veggies.

When they get home dinner will be ready, so this is more then enough to get them through the day!!

Tier 2

Even Skylar wanted a Bento Yesterday.  It's just too much fun!  

Our Food!

 So, last night we had a Chilli Mac with a Spinach Salad.  Kaden of course looked at me like I was crazy.  He didn't have to say a word.  I just picked up his plate and put it in a box with a little flair and he gobbled it all up.  Even ate the onions. ;D

Kaden's Food!