Kitchen surprise

I'm not speaking about the yummy type, but more like the scary critter type. As I was about to wash some pots and pans that I left in the sink overnight something was hiding beneath everything and thankfully didn't sting me. Imagine finding this in your sink:

 Yep, I'm so glad I was paying attention and saw it as soon as I did. I'm wondering how it found its way to the sink and if there are others??? I'm hoping it is the only one in the house. Even though it had it's stinger ready to attack I removed it from the sink and threw it outside. Now I'm just hoping it stays outside :)

Sweet Shot Tuesdays

 This is a picture I took of my babe Gabriel while we were preparing a meal together one evening. It was his first time shucking corn and I really enjoyed this one on one time with him. He is such a sweet kitchen helper and little boy. I can't believe he's turning five in July...they grow up too fast!
Please check out other Sweet Shots over at Darcy's blog.

A new beginning

  Notice anything different? I have a brand spanking new blog design thanks to Lindsay...whoo hoo and a new blog title. I changed it from Savoring the Moment to Hoot Mommy because of my love for owls. I have experienced and done so much since my last entry, but I kept quiet and neglected this blog for a very silly reason. It's appearance!! Can you believe that. My blog wasn't visually appealing to me so like an old worn book I neglected it. Everytime something exciting happened I'd think "This would be a great blog entry", but I never made the effort. Months passed and after settling into our new home in February I decided I wanted to get a new design and start writing once again. I especially wanted to do so for Trent who is away training for his deployment to Afghanistan. So here I am once again I hope you'll stick around and read about our everyday life adventures.

Wordless Wednesday........More from Spain

Out of the mouth of Gabe....

Here's a short conversation I had with Gabriel earlier today.

me : "Honey you need to eat more fiber"

Gabe: "Mommy I don't want to eat fire."

me: " Not fire...fiber"

Gabe: " fire"

me: (slowly) "fiber.....fiber"

Gabe : "FIBER"

Hello from Spain...

This will be brief, just wanted to say we are having a fabuloso time in Spain. We got here on Monday evening and have immersed ourselves in the culture. Last night we went to the Feria in Jerez and it was one experience I will never forget. I am loving the food, culture, and people here. I'll write more later.


Flamenco dancers in Jerez

Seafood and chicken/pork paella

Sangria

Trent & I at the beach

Have you seen these guys?

The Numberjacks are Gabriel's current obsession. He watches this show everyday and even though it's in Italian he sings along and seems to figure out what they're saying. This show is made in the UK...thus I can't seem to find their DVD's in the American market. I don't know if this show is shown in the states, but the only place I can seem to find it in English is on You tube. Even then it isn't an entire show just different clips. I'm hoping that we can easily find these DVD's on our planned visit to London this summer because he absolutely loves them.

Childhood obesity....

After reading an article this morning on childhood obesity it got me thinking about the things my children put into their bodies. The health and physical fitness of our children is very important to me. I may serve healthy fare in our home, but my kids don't always eat it nor do they always make healthy choices when it comes to snacking or eating out. As their mother, I need to help them improve different aspects of their diet. For example,while Lesley is not afraid to try new foods and eats a variety of fruits/veggies she often skips breakfast because she isn't hungry. {which I hate 'cause it's the most important meal of the day} The boys on the other hand are picky eaters and really need to expand on the variety of fruits and veggies they eat. All I want is for them to have a balanced healthy diet, eat junk food sparingly in moderation, and to always be active.

Kids can be so cruel....

The story below is so heartbreaking. As a mother of an almost 11 yr. old my heart goes out to this beautiful little boy's parents and family. I am thankful Noah is able to learn in an environment free of peer pressure and bulling. Some might say I'm being over protective, I'm sheltering my kids, or bulling/harrassment are just a part of life,but I completely disagree. That type of behavior is not just a part of life, nor should any individual have to put up with it anywhere. {school,work, etc...} The author Barbara Coloroso has a book out on this subject and recently spoke to Anderson Cooper who was talking about 11 yr. old Jaheem Herrera. She was here just last month speaking to the all the military kids on this subject. ===================>

Note to self...

How are you going to set a short term weight loss goal in the morning and then head to the commissary to buy 3 half gallons of ice cream at noon???? Duhh...ya ice cream freak. Straight from the lips to the hips!!!! Yes I'll be at the gym tomorrow doing damage control :D