Thankful Thursday

This morning our City Bible Church Kids Camp comes to an end. I am so thankful to have had the privilege to spend some time out at the camp each day. I am reminded again of what an amazing team of Children's Pastors and leaders we are blessed with. This is a group of people that does what they do because they truly and deeply care for the children and families they serve. If your child was one of the ones out there I can assure you, they have been well loved and cared for.

Thank you Children's Ministry team!!! Once again, you have done an amazing job!!

Another Summertime Activity...

Hi there "mom2mom"ers!

Rather than doing a "food" related post today. I want to shamelessly plug another great summer activity our church is doing for kids!

2009 Summer Music Day Camp

Monday, July 13th - Friday, July 17th

For ages 3-17

My kids went to this last year and it was a great week! The team did such a wonderful job teaching the kids at their level. And the concert at the end of the week was so enjoyable. I was one proud mama!

For more information, or to register online click here.

I hope you have a great weekend!

SUMMERTIME!!

Well, it's official...

As of last week I no longer have any school-age children. It's kind of hard to believe that for almost 29 years I have been parenting. No wonder I am so tired ;). My youngest son's graduation from High School last week marked the end of an era in our household. Since he has special needs he will be continuing his education by attending an adult transition program in the fall. But until then, it's SUMMERTIME!!

If I'm being honest, I have to admit that the start of summer is always one that comes with mixed emotions for me. As always, I am ready for there to be the 'lazy' days of summer, with no agendas. But, with that comes the reality of trying to keep kids from becoming lazy and bored. To try and help with that we will be posting activities that are available here at City Bible Church and as well as the Portland Metro area that you and your family may enjoy.

To start with, our church kids and youth camps are wonderful opportunities for your kids to participate in something that is both spiritual and filled with fun activities. Here are the dates:

Kids Overnight Camp (grades 4-6) June 21 - 25

Kids Day Camp (grades 1-3) June 22 - 24

Generation Unleashed Camp August 24 -28

For more information, contact one of the Children's or Youth Pastors or call the church office (see contact info in sidebar) and they will put you in contact with the leaders.

If you are interested in something educational for your children, the local libraries offer Summer Reading Programs. Just contact your local branch for times and ages, etc.

We'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite summertime activities?

Fruitful Fridays - Quick and Easy Marinade

I am headed to the Ladies Cookout this evening and demonstrating some various BBQ dishes. I wanted to share a quick and very easy marinade recipe. This one works great with Pork and Chicken, and my favorite use ... Kabob Skewers!

Here you go:

1 Cup Dark Brown Sugar

3/4 Cup Soy Sauce

2 TBSP Lemon Juice

1 TBSP Garlic Salt

2-3 shakes of your favorite Hot Sauce (optional)

You can marinate the meat and veggies in this for a couple hours or even overnight. The sugar is so great in here when you grill it, because it carmelizes so nicely! Happy Grilling!

P.S. If any of you are free tonight, and want to join us...give me a call and I'll give you directions!

Fruitful Fridays - Grilled Turkey & Basil Patties

Okay ladies, I don't know about you, but once the nice weather hits my grill becomes my BFF. Seriously. I can't even imagine not having a grill in the summertime. There is just something about the sunshine and warm air that makes me actually 'desire' eating lean, healthy meals. And my grill helps me make that happen.

A week or so ago there was a great sale at Safeway on ground turkey breast was so my husband bought several packages to put in the freezer. I wasn't sure what exactly I was going to do with them, but it didn't take me long to figure something out. A few days ago I threw together some ground turkey patties that were so easy and yummy I just had to share the recipe with you all. The only thing is, I didn't measure anything, so I use the term 'recipe' loosely. I apologize ahead of time to those of you who like an exact measurement.

Grilled Turkey & Basil Patties

1.25 lb. pkg ground turkey breast
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
fresh basil leaves, cut in small pieces (I picked about 3 stems out of my herb garden)
2 - 3 Tbsp. olive oil (helps hold mixture together)
fresh ground pepper
fresh ground sea salt

Mix together all ingredients in bowl. Form into 4 equal sized patties. Grill for approximately 10 minutes on each side. Meat will be white the whole way through when done.

I served these with a green salad and a slice of watermelon, but I'm thinking they would also be great on a whole wheat bun with lettuce and tomato.

Okay, now that I have made my mouth water just thinking about the yumminess, I guess I had better start thinking about tonight's dinner since it's now 4:30 pm and I have no idea what I'll be making. :)

Have a great weekend!!

Mad Deal Monday - Flip Flops Anyone!?!?

Saturday, May 23rd

Old Navy will have their famous

flip flops on sale for $1

in their stores ... Don't miss out!

Fruitful Fridays - Mother's Bistro

So, I would like to wish a "belated" mother's day to all of you wonderful moms out there. And in honor of you, I want to share my favorite Mom Restaurant...Can you guess the name?

Mother's Bistro

Catchy, huh? Actually this place is TOPS! I could go on and on about the decor and the great wait staff, etc., but it's the food that is what makes this place one of my favs! Located Downtown right off the Morrison Bridge on the corner of 2nd and Stark, you will not be disappointed.

First of all, you'll start with STUMPTOWN COFFEE. (for you coffee geeks out there, I don't need to go any further do I?) But wait, there's more...

They have a diverse menu, serving old classics with a refined style. The best part of the menu actually changes from month to month. They have what is called a "M.O.M. - Mother Of the Month". Patrons can write in to the Head Chef Lisa Schroeder and nominate their mom's recipes to be featured at the restaurant that month. I love reading the bios in the menu, as well as, seeing the different dishes they selected.

For a "nice" restaurant, they are kid friendly. My 6 year old specifically requests to go there for  breakfast. They serve a huge pancake and use bananas and chocolate chips to make a smiley face. They also have a small, discrete busy station with some books and toys.

I will say, I choose to go on weekends for breakfast. Only on Saturday and Sunday, they serve Eggs Benedict. Truthfully, this meal served with Crab is at THE top of my all time favorite restaurant dishes. Go early and be prepared to wait. The line to get in at 9:00, tends to start at 8:30 on weekends. If you are going with a large party, you better call ahead to make reservations. Prices are on the higher than Denny's, but is not a "through the roof" place, and the quality of food makes it worth it in my book.

There you go...my unsolicited restaurant review. Do you have any other great "Mom" restaurants you would like to share?