Me And My Girls

Dear Diary,
How lucky am I?  With 3 beautiful daughters by my side... I'm the luckiest mom alive.  The smiles on their faces melt my heart.  They are innocent, sweet, smart and unique.  Each one with her own personality, likes and interests.   When we're on a little adventure, whether it's a day at Knott's, a trip to the mall or an afternoon at the lighthouse, we have fun and enjoy being together.  These pics were taken almost 2 years ago after our summer vacation in Kauai.  There are a few things I want my girls to know:  I love you from the bottom of my heart.  I believe in you.  I think you're beautiful.  You make me proud in so many ways.  Don't ever settle for second best.  You can always come to me, no matter what, and I will help you figure things out.  And finally, thank you for the love and joy you bring to our lives.  We're one big happy family and I'm so glad God chose to bring us together!

My Favorite Chinese Chicken Salad

Ingredients

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

1 teaspoon bottled ground fresh ginger

1 teaspoon honey

6 cups gourmet salad greens

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 cup grated carrots

2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted 
1 cup crispy wontons 

Preparation

Combine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and honey in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add salad greens, chicken, carrots and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with almonds and wontons.

Make Time For Fun

Dear Diary,
Sure, life is busy!  I run around with my kids... dropping off, picking up, helping with homework, making meals, housework and day to day stuff.  Jeff is constantly busy running his numerous jobs, keeping his guys busy and trying to stay on top of his business.  We're always there for our kids but definitely need a little time away as well.  We're good about scheduling date nights.  Every couple weeks we try to go to dinner or get tickets to a concert and pretend like we're dating again.  Getting dressed up, being together and having a good time is great for our relationship and helps us to reconnect.  Tonight we had sushi in Hollywood, then listened to Steely Dan at the Hollywood Bowl.  Times like these make me happy and more in love with Jeff everyday!

What I'm Reading...

In Memory Of...

All those who lost their lives on 9/11.  May their souls rest in peace.

Double Date Night

Dear Diary,
This summer we celebrated sweet Susie's birthday with a date night at the Hudson House.  We're so grateful to have The Brusseau's in our lives.  It's been nice these past 2 years getting to know them better and doing things together with our families.  Friendships nourish the soul and it's great to know wonderful people you trust and feel comfortable opening up with.  Susie and Jed are good like that!

Fabulous Grownup Cupcakes

Makes 36 cupcakes      Time 30 min.   

Ingredients
1 box white or yellow cake mix
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated white sugar
¾ tsp salt
1⅓ cups water
2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
4 large egg whites

Directions
Preheat oven to 325°F.  Place cupcake liners in cupcake pans (you'll need approx. 36). 

In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, flour, sugar and salt.  Add the remaining ingredients and beat with hand mixer or whisk for 2 minutes, or until well-blended.

Use ice cream scoop to fill prepared cupcake tins; fill no more than ¾ full.  Bake about 18 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.