Happy Birthday, Aunt Shanda!

Today, Shanda Morrison turns 30!!  We are thinking of her very much today.  We get to celebrate with her soon.  Until then, we came up with 30 (of course there are more) things we know and love about her.  

She . . .

is loyal.

slides me under her legs.  That is fun.  ~Kalen

is faithful.

is a great baker.  

loves the Lord.

plays games with us.  ~Julian

is a great teacher.

is a thoughtful gift giver.

is funny and I like to tickle her.  ~Maddie

likes the color yellow.

is an excellent hostess.

writes nice notes.

remembers all of our birthdays.

is a details person.

resists being tickled by her brother.

is a giving volunteer.

is organized.

makes great muffins and cookies.  ~Maddie

is helpful.

likes Christian music.

is a good friend to her mother.

works out faithfully.

has a great laugh.

has amazing hair.

always smells good. 

admires her Dad. 

enjoys the beach.  

is a caring and fun Aunt.  

loves the sun.

is a GIFT to all who know and love her.

Happy 30th Birthday, Shanda!!  We love you so much!

February Fun

Madelyn working on addition.  

Kalen making a book about Daddy.

Just for fun, I asked Brady the other day if he wanted to sit on the potty and he did.  He knew what to do and did some business.  We won't get our hopes up, not yet.  But, isn't this cute?  

Brayden at a new found park, Forrest Hills.

Brady, Maddie, & Me.  (photography by Julian:) )

The Morrison Family in Carrboro

Payton and Julian

Julian, Brayden and Kalen digging.

Kalen wearing Daddy's old boots from when he was little.

February has proved to be a month of sunshine and joy so far.  I believe most stay-at-home moms and/or homeschooling moms would tell you that January can be down right hard.  It has been so refreshing to open windows this month and take walks outside with the kids.  Going to new parks and to the museum have been enjoyable as well.  

Yesterday, my mother-in-law, Jan, came to visit us.  I have communicated before about my admiration for this woman, but I could never truly express the depth.  I (we) enjoy her so much.  She is pure delight.  

Today, we spent quite a bit of time outside.  Scott put some of his work aside to spend some time outdoors with us, working on our yard & such.  The kids were more than willing to be in on that.  I appreciate, so much, that I have married a man that enjoys being a father and devotes himself to our marriage.  Togetherness is bliss.

Highlight of Week

The highlight of my week has been getting my kids & I out of our house and interacting with other families.  This is not something that comes easy to a homebody like myself.  We've been to parks, the museum, the planetarium, but more importantly . . . we've made friends!

I have met several wonderful women & their families since we moved here.  I am incredibly thankful to be getting closer to some these women and getting to know their kids and husbands.  

Last Friday, we were able to have dinner at my friend Kim's house.  It was delightful.  Her family is so easy to be with.  They also homeschool and have such a sweet story.

This week, I have been meeting up with another friend, Andrea, frequently here and there. They are coming over for dinner tomorrow night.  The husbands have not met.  Andrea is genuine.  I enjoy her company and look forward to getting together with her and her family more and more.    

Julian had a friend over today.  His name is Payton.  They had a lot of fun, just palling around.  They are the same age.  I met his mom through our homeschooling group.  Lisa and I chat every week or so.  She is a neat person and has four kids as well.  

I am so grateful to have these new found friends.  It is so hard to move away from those familiar faces that I was so accustomed to seeing and sharing life with.  I am hopeful about coming alongside these friends as we share the journey through motherhood & such.  

Southwestern Tofu Scramble

I found this recipe awhile back in Vegetarian Times Magazine. I made it last week and really liked it. We make tofu scramble frequently. This recipe is different because it has that southwestern taste.

Scott likes his on two slices of toasted bread. I like mine as a side with grits and toast. If you aren't scared of tofu, give it a try.

Southwestern Tofu Scramble
(Ground turmeric gives this egg-free scramble a golden hue. 

Leftovers (if any) make a great sandwich filling)

1 medium red bell pepper, diced ( about 1 cup)
1 small carrot, diced (about 1/2 cup)
4 green onions, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 clove of garlic, minced (about 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 14 oz pkg firm tofu, drained and crumbled
1/2 tsp hot sauce
2 Tbs. chopped cilantro
salsa, for garnish

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat and coat with some canola or olive oil. Add bell pepper and carrot, and cook 7 minutes, or until just tender. Stir in green onions, garlic, cumin and turmeric, and cook 1 minute more. Add tofu and hot sauce, and cook 5 minutes, or until heated through and all liquid has cooked off. Stir in cilantro. Serve with salsa, optional.

Serves 6

Takes 30 minutes or fewer

Vegan

Proof of Life

The children and I walked outside on one of these beautiful 60 degree days, and I asked them to walk with me to find some evidence of living things in nature.

Madelyn was our photographer. Julian was our leader. Kalen was our talker. Brayden was our little scout, following faithfully with stick in hand.

As you could guess, one of first things we find was some sort of poop. Julian decided that it has to be from a deer or rabbit. Kalen quickly reminded him that it could have been from our pet opossum.

The kids found many things like feathers, cat hair, holes, and a bird's nest. They also took some time to draw some things that they had seen on our walk.


This is the only time you will see poop on my blog. Promise.

Plastic Bag Solutions

I love canvas bags. I enjoy using them when we shop at Whole Foods or Target for whatever groceries or other items we need. It bothers me though when I go to the store and use countless amounts of those smaller plastic bags for fruits and vegetables. Do you know the ones I am referring to? Yes, it is great that I spend so much money on these healthy foods, but the amount of bags used for purchasing those items, weekly, is disturbing.

My husband, Scott, posted an article on his blog about plastic bags. It is interesting. Check it out. At the bottom there was a link to a website called reusablebags.com. On this site, I found some string bags. I think I am going to order some. This would solve my problem concerning the plastic bags I use for the fruits and veggies. In Boone, I remember seeing several people using these, but never knew where to get them. Just thought I would pass this along.

One step at a time, right? Every step counts.

Yes We Can

To Grandmother's House We Go

Last night I got an itch.  I wanted to see my Mom and Grandma.  It just so happened that Scott had several seminars planned today.  I decided to travel to King and Rural Hall for the day.  

Our trip was so enjoyable.  We were able to visit for a good bit of the day at my Mom's house with her and Annette.  We had a yummy lunch, played and rested.  Mom also showed me many of the things that she has been crocheting.  This is just one of her hobbies, that I too enjoy.  She inspires me.

We went to my grandma's house this afternoon.  It was so good to see her sitting in her chair when I walked through the door.  She is doing alright.  Everyday is different for her.  She continues to roll with the punches.  It meant so much just sit with her.  I miss her so much when I am not with her.  We share a special bond, always have.  

We are back in Durham now and the kids are all tucked away in their beds.  Now, I get some time with my man.  Such a sweet Saturday.

Brayden's Interests

Brayden Kenneth is a curious little 21 month old.  We are starting to see more and more of his personality everyday.  He can be quite fiery.  He is a little man that knows what he wants.  

It is evident that Brayden loves being with his siblings all day long.  He has become one of them.  He runs, plays, talks, laughs, and cries with the rest of them.  He loves to be outside.  He is up for any outdoor fun.  He also just likes to be pushed in a stroller, just taking it all in.  

Brayden has just started to enjoy building towers with our blocks.  He has gotten quite good.  

His best friend is still Ellie.  That is his special elephant that is quite worn, but so loved.  

He likes dinosaurs, Baby Einstein, Curious George, Winnie the Pooh, trains, trucks, balls, cats, dogs and MUFFINS!  He loves books.  He always wants more when we are done reading.   

He still can, at times, be quite clingy to his Mommy.  Mommy doesn't mind that much. :)

Kalen's Interests

Kalen Alexander Morrison is a colorful boy. He is unique and refreshing. He is funny and compassionate. He can make all us smile at the drop of a hat. He loves creatures, especially small ones he can put in his hand. He loves to be outside and is always up for exploring.  His favorite color is green.

Kalen, or Kale, as his daddy sometimes calls him, loves to be a helper. He loves helping Scott outside with some type of work or play. His dad is his hero.  Kalen speaks of Scott all throughout the day.  As you know, he is excellent in the kitchen and always wants to be involved with baking and meal preparation. He thinks about what others need and anticipates. Just this morning, he made Julian's bed for him. That is the third time this week he has chosen to do that good deed.

Kalen loves Where's Waldo books. He likes to be read to. He likes to learn and be a part of our homeschool. He is crazy about the computer. He also likes puzzles. Kalenroo, as I sometimes call him, enjoys Art and music. He will also sit and watch animal and other nature documentaries along with Julian.

I asked him what he is most interested in and he told me this, "Mommy, I like alligators, sharks and I really like bugs. I like cooking with you and I like zebras. I like music and drums, too." That about sums it all up. :)