Mama Love and the Mother's Day Tea Dilemna

There's been a lot of talk around our home about Mother's Day this week. Both of my kids are having Mother's Day Teas at their schools. They attend two different schools - one is in elementary and the other is in preschool. They both brought home beautiful invitations, and coyly invited me to their special day for mommies. They both told me that there were lots of secrets they could not tell me about the day and would I please come.

Here's the problem - both of their teas are at THE EXACT SAME TIME ON THE EXACT SAME DAY.

I felt like I was on the spot.

Who do I choose?

Which kid will be MOST devastated by mom not coming?

Which kid is more reasonable? (That is a tough one when you have a preschooler who is just developmentally not reasonable at all because, well, he is in that stage where his brain computes everything according to how it effects him and only him. And then you have a very sensitive, sweet girl who is kind of broken hearted if you are not the first parent waiting in line at pick up every day.)

I settled on trying to reason with the older one. My logic was that she has already had 4 special performances at her school that I have been able to attend, and I am in her class every Tuesday. But, her brother has never had anything at his school that we have been invited to. Her eyes widened with shadows of tears as I talked to her. She put on a brave face and said she understood that was "fair."

But then, this is what she said: "But, who will be at My Mother's Day Tea to celebrate with ME?"

We talked through other special people that she could invite, like one of her grandmothers or her Great Grandmother. Immediately, she was fine. It was not really about me being there, and I say that knowing absolutely how much my daughter loves me. It was mostly about her not wanting to be the only one without a guest. All of this is normal and of course I know that I would be feeling exactly the same if I were in her shoes.

BUT, it got me thinking ... Isn't this ironicly appropriate? Here is a day set aside to honor moms, and hopefully pamper moms, and I end up navigating a tide of mommy guilt in how to best love my children in how to celebrate this day. Because I am a mom, and in that role, I am constantly thinking about how to care for, love, and shape these two kids.

The truth is that none of us could have ever known how much our lives would change from the moment that our hearts knew that we would soon be mothers. People say, "It changes everything" and you think to yourself, "Yes, of course it does. I am going to be a parent. -You are stating the obvious, random fellow grocery shopper awkwardly rubbing my belly and telling me about my future."

But, man, does it ever change everything. We will forever be making decisions through a lens that filters how those decisions impact our children. It is what it is, and we are blessed to walk this road. That is absolutely the truth. But, there are times when I just wish that I could turn off my mom radar and walk through a day without that weight of responsibility. That is why we get so excited about Girls Night Out, or a weekend getaway with our husbands. It just takes a while to shed those layers of radar and really settle into time away.

So, here we sit a week away from Mother's Day. I think that for most of us, if we could choose our own gift it would be for our husbands to understand this little piece of us and give us something that gives us that time away. We would choose a day free from meal prepping, driving kids to and fro, having to manage decisions on what the family should do and whose nap needs to get bumped or moved, or, or, or. A spa day would be nice, but wouldn't a day just to go and sit at a Book store or coffee shop or even a park bench UNINTERRUPTED be nearly as sweet? Just to breathe slowly and only think about what we need in that moment. Oh, the sweet, sweet joy that rests in those moments.

(Perhaps this post needs to be left on your husbands computer screen!)

There are all sorts of other sweet little somethings (and some big somethings) that would be fun to unwrap on Mother's Day (in no particular order):

An ipad would be fun.

The "gift" would be husband taking the kids to do the craft while we have our day away.

A donation to charity: water to help the mothers and children in Haiti is one of the best gifts I can think of.

Any of these pampering gifts are welcome:

Bare Escentuals amazing makeup line

A new fabulous perfume scent - Leslie Blodgett's new "Santa Barbara" and "Nanette" by fashion designer Nanette Lepor, both smell like vacation in a bottle. (At least with these we can cover up the evidence of not having time to take that shower.)

I'd say just about anything from Anthropologie would be lovely. Better yet, a gift card and that "DAY AWAY" to go and stroll the store slowly would be heavenly.

And, for those of us looking for crafty ideas to make some gifts for those fellow mamas we love ever so much, here are some links:

Step by Step instructions on how to make your own bath salts

Junk Market's gallery of fabulous junky finds and projects is sure to inspire you

We will be taking our moms on their own separate picnics (with good food, not pb & j's cut out in heart shapes) with their grandkids. We are going to lay down a gorgeous blanket in a pretty place and enjoy a nice picnic lunch. Then, we are going to take a ton of photos of the grandmas with their grandkids and take the best ones and frame them.

I am hoping that my expectations on this holiday won't be so high that I feel disappointed, as sometimes that happens. For me, this day is a great reminder of how blessed I am to get to wear the title "mother", that I have 2 beautiful mothers who have shaped my life and poured so much love into me and my precious children, and that I am surrounded by some pretty amazing women who are on this journey as well. The responsibility as "mama" is just part of the journey that hopefully I will handle with grace as I move along.

the happiest place in haiti

Over the last few months, I've been devastated by the pain of the Haitian people.  But I've also been amazed by the joy that remains in the survivors.  One of my greatest pleasures since the earthquake has been looking at the photos of the work going on at Heartline's Hospital.  A part of this is personal - their field hospital is the place where our son Kembe spent the first three years of his life.  In every shot, I am reminded of Kembe and his friends filling those rooms with squeals of laughter.  Since the kids came home after the earthquake to be with their families, Heartline quickly went to work converting this boy's home into a field hospital for the injured.  And one would think that the laughing and dancing that once inhabited this place would be replaced with pain and mourning.  That is partly true.  But in every photo I see, I am amazed by the joy in their faces.  I was blown away a few weeks ago by a video of the patients - who lay on cots in the driveway because they are too fearful to go inside - spontaneously breaking into worship.  I'm hearing this happens most nights.

People are receiving much-needed medical care at Heartline.  There is rehabilitation for amputees, respite for general illness, and continuing midwifery care for women giving birth.  But there is also the love poured out on these people from some of the most compassionate people I've ever known.   I've stolen these photos from Beth McHoul, fearless Heartline leader.  She's lived in Haiti for 20 years.  She trains for marathons there.  She's who I want to be when I grow up.  I hope she doesn't mind me stealing her photos.  (Lucky for me she is really, really nice).

Yesterday, I read this story, and couldn't stop smiling all day.  It's from a woman named Barbie (from her blog) who is working with Heartline:

"Go online and search out Destiny's Child "I'm a Survivor". Hook up your speakers, turn the volume on high, with a whole lot of base, and with apologies to your next door neighbors, rock the house. Then close your eyes and listen to the chorus. And imagine what we saw today...

We were discouraged. We'd lost our physical therapist to a family emergency, and our patients appeared amotivated without his constant encouraging presence. Moods were low. Apathy was setting in. Oppressive heat overwhelmed our tarp covered courtyard hospital. Little six year old Dina, now in a walking cast from her open tib-fib fracture, refused to put down her crutches and bear weight on it. Afraid. Lillian, 10 year old with an externally fixated femur fracture...crying with each episode of physical therapy, more and more fearful of the pain. 59 year old Leeann, lying stoically in bed 23 hours a day, not exercising her healing leg -- going backwards in progress. Our 76 year old below-the-knee amputee Genine, needing to learn how to walk again, having a difficult time even standing up. 20 year old Amanda, with her paralyzed left arm and shattered left leg, lying sadly and disinterested in her cot, staring blankly off into the distance.

We'd hit a wall.

"We just need to get them MOVING..." one nurse said.

"Maybe we could get them to do physical therapy together..." someone else said.

"It needs to be fun," someone else said.

And so the idea spiraled. It was born from the knowledge of a perhaps little-known fact, outside of our hospital, that our Haitian patients have innate and amazing rhythm. And soul. Every night, they sing and clap and stomp together in song in impromptu mass that goes on sometimes for hours. Rocking the house. Rocking the neighborhood, over the cinderblock walls, beyond the plastic tarp that is our roof.

It was evidenced when we watched the film "Madagascar," projected one night on a white cotton sheet tied up to the cinderblock wall. In this Disney film, dubbed in French, shipwrecked zoo animals land in the wilds of Madagascar with a bunch of lemmings who break out into fabulous song, singing a hip deep base beat, "You got to move it, move it. You got to move it, move it. You got to move it, move it...MOVE IT!!" There was nothing cooler than to watch heads start to bob and hands start to sway to the rhythm as all of the patients started to sing along to the beat.

It became obvious that our patients have rhythm.

"Let's make them exercise to "Move it!"" recommended someone else. We all laughed.

Then someone said, "No, really!"

No.

Really.

So, somehow it happened that we pulled out the electric sound system used to project movies on the wall at night. And plugged it into Dr. Jen's computer. A quick search of her ITunes files revealed a great assortment of deep beat, hip, rhythmic dance tunes. Including the song, "You all ready for this???!!" -- normally danced to at NFL halftime shows by cheerleaders in skimpy tops and pompoms.

We walked around to each patient and said, "In a minute, we're going to turn on the music, and you will do your PT."

Some patients were assigned a helper. Amputees were given the task -- stand and balance on your strong leg, and try to squat up and down. Bilateral casted patients -- stand up with your walker and balance, then sit back down. Young Dina, who refuses to walk without her crutches...when the music starts, you will walk on your cast...with one crutch, not two. Young Lilian, who starts to cry at the idea of physical therapy -- you will stand with your crutches and just walk around. Each patient assigned a task. They all looked at us curiously, a little dubiously. A little apathetically. A generalized look that shouted...ok, perhaps whispered, disinterestedly, "Ok, whatever..."

But then, the magic happened. . .


 . . . "YOU ALL READY FOR THIS????" the song called, followed by the deep rhythmic beat of sound. Sound which suddenly dragged patients' eyes open, pulled giant smiles from their lips. Heads began to bob. Feet began to tap. Eyes came afire with life as the sound system blared its rhythm across the courtyard. I helped our 76 year old amputee onto her one leg. Her shoulders started to sway in rhythm. A smile crinkled her aged, wrinkled cheeks. Ten-year-old Lillian, afraid to stand, threw down her crutches and danced with her hips swaying and arms undulating rhythmically, balancing crutchless for the first time. Dina marched to the beat on her casted foot, then began to spin and dance. Amanda lay in her cot, brilliant smile, rhythmically rolling her shoulder to the beat. Song after song, shining smile after smile. Little Emmanuel, three year old boy with the crushed face, stood in the center of the courtyard and danced the freespirited dance of a child. Smiles and rhythm of joy. Old and young. Nurses and patients and translators and visitors. Rocked the house."

(video shot by Troy Livesay)

Haiti is still in great need, but amidst the stories of help not getting to people (YOU  NEED TO READ THIS), it's nice to see a place where it's happening.

______________________
Mark and I have made the decision to give to Heartline every month.  Haiti is going to need help rebuilding.  These are some of the people we trust will do that.  The mainstays of their ministry - a sewing school and a birthing center - will continue to help make a brighter future for the next generation in Haiti.  If you are looking for a place to give, I highly recommend Heartline.  They have been in Haiti for a long time, and your money will go to helping people directly on the ground. It will not be going to fancy escalades, or expensive clothes or haircuts for the staff (exhibit A: see the amazing John McHoul above.  Love that Boston hippie).  If you are a Heartline fan, or just like what they are doing, consider sharing this on facebook or twitter, too.  Haiti is not at the forefront of our news anymore, but the people still need our help.  Let's keeping talking.

For more check out:
Beth's Flickr
John & Beth's Blog
Barbie's Blog
The Livesay's Blog

Sun-Proof Snacks for Kids

The beach is the perfect home for sandcastles, water fun, and E.Coli. As sunbathers do what they do best, bacteria does the same. With millions of food borne illnesses every year, beach goers can easily avoid snacks that tempt spoilage.

Dietitian and nutritionist Elisa Ziedis , author of Nutrition at Your Fingertips offers five easily portable, sun-proof, diet-friendly foods to throw in the beach bag this coming beach season:

1. Nuts- Crunchy and delicious, nuts provide omega-3 fatty acids that are heart healthy and are also rich in healthy monounsaturated an polyunsaturated fats. Bring a baggie with a two tablespoon portion of almonds, cashews or walnuts.

2. Fresh Fruit – Washed thoroughly and packed so as not to get smashed, fresh fruits provide valuable nutrients such as vitamin C and potassium. Zied suggests the most portable fruits include: oranges, apples, and bananas or liven it up with grapefruit slices, clementines, seedless grapes or strawberries.

3. Dried fruit- Look for “no sugar added” when picking out dried fruits and limit portion to two tablespoons. Although not as fiber-rich as fruit, dried fruit is nonperishable and great to mix with crunchy high fiber cereal like low fat granola or nuts (choose the kind you like, but stick to two tablespoons).

4. Veggies – Options like edamame, celery, carrot, pepper strips are durable in packed beach bags. They also provide much needed nutrients while in the heat such as vitamin C, potassium, and Iron.

5. Grains - Whole grain crackers are great treats with lots of crunch and flavor. Pack natural peanut butter or almond butter and no-sugar jelly to put on crackers or whole grain bread. The protein and whole grains are nonperishable and will keep beach goers sated.

TALK BACK: Abbie Dorn

A mother who is unable to move or speak — and possibly to understand — is the focus of an unusual, emotional court case to decide if she has visitation rights with her 3-year-old triplets.  Abbie Dorn gave birth to three children in 2006, and was gravely injured during the birth.  She has since been declared to be in a vegetative state and lives with her parents, who believe she can communicate through blinking.  Her ex-husband raises their triplets, and does not believe the children are mature enough to visit with their disabled mother.  A custody battle has now ensued, with Abbie's parents fighting for her right to see her children, despite some doctors asserting that she has no brain activity.

Cases like this, and like Terri Schaivo's some years ago, often force us to ponder what we would want if we were in the same position.  If you were in a vegetative state, what would you wish for your children or your spouse?  What do you think the court should decide for Abbie Dorn's three children?  Should the father take his children to visit her?  Or is he correct in trying to protect them from seeing their mother in that state?

Honey Sesame Finger Lickin' Chicken Drumsticks

Sometimes you luck out and trip upon a recipe that turns out so well that you know you are going to end up making it over and over and over again. Everyone loves it, there are no leftovers and the family actually thanks you for dinner. Yes. You heard me. Thanks you for dinner. Amazing. It sure the heck beats out the nights you hear, "Yuck. What's that? I don't like it!" before anyone even tucks in.

The beauty of this recipe is that you just throw together a few different sauces used in Asian cuisine along with some honey for sweetness then toss it with some chicken drumsticks. 20 minutes later, the house smells delicious and everyone is looking forward to dinner. You could make these with those cute little drumsticks  and wings too if you wanted to as well. And bite sized chicken pieces would work too. Just adjust the cooking time.

When you do try out this recipe, make some steamed rice to pour a little of the extra sauce over and some steamed snap or snow peas to go on the side. Oh, and these drumsticks are finger lickin' good so make sure you have wet clothes or a lemon hot water bowl to clean your fingers off! Enjoy!

Honey Sesame Finger Lickin' Chicken Drumsticks
(Prep Time: 10 minutes/Cook Time: 30 minutes. Serves 4)

Ingredients:
10 chicken drumsticks
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper
8 tablespoons honey
5 teaspoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons sesame oil
3 tablespoons fish sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced

Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Toss drumsticks with oil then place in a casserole dish. Season with salt and pepper.

Place in the oven and cook for 20 minutes. Remove, pour sauce over drumsticks, turn to coat and place back in the stove. Continue to cook for about 20 or so minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

Serve over top steamed rice (spoon over some extra sauce!) and fresh steamed peas.

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: KettleWorx

This, dear mama readers, is a public service announcement...

Bathing suit season is rapidly approaching.

AUUUUUGHHH!

Lets all breathe deeply and think about how the sun-filled excursions are absolutely more about the fun had, rather than the way we look.

That being said, wouldn't it be nice to be slightly more toned than we are today?

Actually, wouldn't it be nice to be able to find a work out regimen that you can fit into the nooks and crannies of YOUR free time. How about a personal trainer to guide you on your fitness journey?

Well, this week we have a giveaway that will do both.

KettleWorx is going to give a lucky mama their own "Essentials Package", which will take you on a 6 week journey of training and transformation. Here is one of the best features of the program - it works, and it honors the busy mama schedule. Each workout is about 20 minutes long. Quicker than a Spongebob episode. Each work out also addresses the core, cardio and resistance. KettleWorx will also include a 5 pound or 10 pound kettle ball (you decide which you would like).

The Essentials Package with a 5 pound kettleball, including the Six-Week Body Transformation Series—(Personal Trainer at Home Program):

INTRODUCTION DVD
CARDIO
CORE
RESISTANCE
FAST FAT BURN
FAST ABS
CD (E-BOOK) Fat Free in 42 Companion Guide

To be entered in this giveaway, please leave a comment answering the following question:

"What is your FAVORITE part of your body?"

How to earn additional entries:

1.) Become a follower on our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2.) Subscribe to the Mama Memo by clicking here and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3.) Blog about this giveaway- with a link back to here. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment.

4.) Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5.) Follow us on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway. TWEET- "Giveaway- win a KettleWorx workout set from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6.) Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left!


[this giveaway will be closed on Saturday at 11 PM; the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
(((Jennifer Parke Photography)))

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 5/2 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we will hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

Earth Day Resolutions

Today is earth day. I love this day because I think there is always room for greater consideration of our planet. My husband and I got away this past weekend to a quiet resort is beautiful north county San Diego. Just the space away from the "noise" of life opened my eyes a little wider to the incredible beauty that surrounds us. (Being at a "tranquility pool" sipping mai tai's may have helped too.) I am not just talking about the background noise that makes up the soundtracks of our lives as mamas - you know, the bickering, the laughter, the singing, the clanging, the stomping, the sounds of trains tooting and cars vrooming, little pastel colored ponies giggling and frolicking in the prairies... There is also "noise" that we are so used to that we often don't even recognize it is there. I am talking about all the little things that occupy our brainy bandwidth in a day. Facebook, ipods, music, TV, blogs, racing from place to place with our "To Do List" ticking away in our heads. This is the noise that I think most often keeps us from looking up. Slowing down. Taking that deep breath and admiring the blue of the sky or the many shades of green on the trees.

So, earth day for me is not just about doing something for the earth to help its carbon count or making it a little greener. This is all so important, I really believe it is. But, earth day takes on a deeper reminder for me just to pause and consider this earth. The beauty that surrounds us every day. And for me, remembering that the same powerful hands that made the earth and colored the sky, are shaping my life. How can I feel overwhelmed about anything in my life when I truly consider that right in front of my eyes is a clear reminder that there is a big God with huge power and creativity at work in my life?

I want to have the posture, like the psalmist, who says, "I lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my help come from? My help comes from you - Maker of heaven. Creator of the earth."

I just have to pause long enough to lift my eyes to the mountains.

Lets make today a day that we breathe a little more slowly and maybe just sit for an extra moment to drink it in.

And then, in the spirit of wanting to take care of this big ball of beauty - maybe we could start a tradition of making an "Earth Day Resolution". It could be big or small - most importantly, make it something you are going to follow through on.

What is one thing you want to do this year in your home that will make it a little greener?

We have to leave you with this video of a friend of ours. She was paddling from the coast of California to Catalina Island (9 hours of rigorous exercise, y'all), and for 2 hours she had a whale traveling with her. There are beautiful layers to this story: Jodie took on this endeavor to raise money for breast cancer and to encourage her best friend to continue to fight her battle with breast cancer. And, the morning of the paddle, Jodie and her sister and friend prayed that God would reveal Himself in creation. Quite a revelation to have "Larry the Whale" swimming right at your feet. Check out Jodie's story.

she's a little runaway

This afternoon I experienced the worst fifteen minutes of my life. 

I knew India was mad at me.  She often is.  Today's rage was over the fact that I refused to buy her a dollhouse at a nearby garage sale (since she already has one), and the fact that I added a few kernels of rice to her black beans, when she specifically ordered "beans only".  She was giving me the stinkeye after lunch, and threatened to run away several times.  She threatens to run away quite frequently.  When pressed about her plan, she usually doesn't seem to have a clear method or means.  It's usually something she just says in anger.

I was giving Karis a bottle, and India went outside to go play in the playroom (our garage, the side door of which is set off from the street and behind a latched gate).  After a couple minutes, I went to lay Karis down for a nap.  Just then, Mark and the boys came home from the barbershop.   Mark had a new baseball glove for her, and asked where she was.  Didn't you see her in the playroom on your way in?

No.  He hadn't.

We both got a little serious, and started searching the house for her.  She wasn't in any of the bedrooms.  She wasn't in the playroom.  She wasn't in the backyard.  At first, I thought maybe she was hiding - something she does when she's mad.  We started calling her name.  And then yelling her name.  We tore through the house several times.

We realized: she was not home.

This is when I completely panicked.  Mark sent Jafta to check at a neighbor's house.  She wasn't there.  I picked up the phone to call the police, trying to think of any suspicious activity if they asked.  Our neighborhood had a community garage sale today.  Our street normally gets little through-traffic, but today our loop had countless cards driving by slowly and staring out the windows.  By noon, there were many trucks and vans coming through, looking to scavenge the stuff that didn't sell.  I couldn't even remember all the cars that passed by today.

Mark started running up the block.  I felt completely paralyzed.  All I could think of were the news stories I've seen of mothers pleading with the camera for their children to be returned.  I thought of my beautiful 3-year-old daughter, being driven in the car of a stranger, headed God-knows-where for God-knows-what.  I thought of the novel The Shack.  I pleaded with God to not let the loss of a child be a part of our life story.

At that point, I started making a gutteral cry that I've only heard come out of my throat on one other occasion - the day I found Mark after he'd been hit by a car.  I was screaming from some kind of primal place.  I was scared to death.  It had been about fifteen minutes now.  We had asked several neighbors.  No one had seen her.  My body was starting to go into shock.  My teeth were chattering - another physical experience I've only had under a few other circumstances.

I had to run.  I started running up the block where I'd seen Mark.  Several neighbors were now out and looking.  They seemed panicked, too.

Suddenly we saw India being carried down the street by a friend.

Apparently, India had walked out of our house, crossed the street, and walked to a friend's house, where she quietly entered their house and snuck into their backyard.  The father discovered her jumping on their trampoline alone.  When she saw us, she started crying.

We took her back to our house and she knew she was in trouble.  We calmly sat her down and told her how scared we were.  And then we did something I've never done (and never thought I would do).   We spanked her.  I think it was warranted.

Then I squeezed her tight and told her how much I loved her.

When I asked her later why she had done it, she answered simply.  I was mad.  I wanted to run away from home.

I supposed some day we may look back on this episode and laugh - the day that she ran away from home because I added some rice to her meal.  Maybe someday this will be an anecdote of her strong will and fierce independence.  But today . . . I'm not laughing.

Talk Back: Monday morning blues

We have dealt with our fair share of separation anxiety in our home. I had a ton of apprehension going into the kindergarten season because I expected it to be a bit of a rough transition for my daughter. It was pretty painless. I attribute that mostly to answered prayer. And a little to preparing with book reading and a lot of dialogue and processing.

However, it feels like every time we have taken a break from school, we have a day or so of tears and anxiety as we get ready to head back. We are on a year round schedule, so we just wrapped up 3 weeks of vacation(three blissful, amazing, lazy, I-can-stay-in-jammies-until-10-AM weeks). Logan is having some serious objections to going back to school. Tears, crying and begging not to go.

Do any of you deal with this after having a break from the routine? How do you handle the post-vacation blues?

Pork Tortillas with Mango Pineapple Salsa

I had a bunch of limes leftover from making a key lime pie and there were also some tortillas in the fridge that needed to be used up. Looking in our fruit bowl, I spied 2 mangos and a pinapple. I also had some ground pork in the fridge that I had purchased on sale. Hmmmm....

It was dinner swap night. My night to prepare dinner for my family and my friend`s family and I wanted to make something delicious that the kids would really enjoy as well as something that was easy to prepare and transport.

The result of all these criteria? Pork Tortillas with a Mango Pineapple Salsa!

I reserved some of the mango and pineapple mix minus the cilantro and onion to the side as I knew my oldest wouldn't be a fan of the stronger flavors. Other than that, no adjustments! Everyone enjoyed the citrus flavours and the fun of making their own tortillas. Success!

Pork Tortillas with Mango Pineapple Salsa
(Prep Time: 15 minutes/Total Time: 30 minutes. Serves 8.)

Ingredients:
2 large mangos, seeded, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into small chunks
1 red onion, minced fine and divided
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped and divided
juice from 3 limes, divided
vegetable oil for the pan
3 pounds ground pork
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
16 medium sized flour tortillas

Directions:
Make salsa by combining mango, pineapple, 1/2 cup of the cilantro, 1/2 of the onion and 1/2 of the lime juice. Set aside.

Heat enough oil in a large skillet over medium high heat so that it swirls and coats the pan. Add the remaining onions and cook until soft. Add in pork and continue to cook until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper.

Remove from the heat. Add in remaining cilantro and lime juice. Stir in cheese. Check mixture and add more salt and pepper if needed.

Heat tortillas in the microwave for 45 seconds. Serve with pork mixture and salsa.

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Innobaby Smart Feeding Products

Innobaby is a company that was founded by two moms on a mission to bring smart solutions to parents in every day life. Sounds familiar! We love their product line. Not just because they are BPA, phthalate, PVC and lead free, but also because they are made so intuitively. We love that these allow the busy mom to pack snacks without using all those pesky ziplocks.
This week we are giving away a bundle of goodies from Innobaby.


A set of Keepin' Fresh containers (stage 1, stage 2, glass) - 100% airtight and 100% leak-proof baby food storage solution. Lock in the freshness, prepare and store perfect potions, and keep baby foods securely contained at home and on-the-go.

Stack N Seal 4 Tier Travels -All-in-One Storage Solution for Moms On-the-Go, designed to store both liquid & dry!
A must have diaper bag essential to store, dispense and organize formula, cereal, snacks, water, extra juice, pacifiers and more in one convenient unit. Put an end to a diaper bag mess or endless search for the items you need. Twist-to-Seal design allows you to stack and interlock multiple containers while quality construction allows each use as simple as it can be.Din Din Smart platter - This tray has five separate compartments – perfect for introducing the five food groups. The divided compartments prevents food from sliding and mixing, and is perfect for picky eaters.

Enter to win the Innobaby bundle by checking out their site, then answering the following question:

"Which is your favorite Innobaby product and how would you use it?"

How to earn additional entries:

1.) Become a follower on our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2.) Subscribe to the Mama Memo by clicking here and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3.) Blog about this giveaway- with a link back to here. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment.

4.) Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5.) Follow us on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway. TWEET- "Giveaway- win a bundle of great Innobaby Smart Feeding Products from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6.) Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left!

[this giveaway will be closed on Saturday at 11 PM; the winner will be announced next Sunday!]

And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:

(((socmama)))

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 4/25 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we will hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

Magic Muck

Need about an hour to yourself?

I heard about this little concoction at MOPS, and couldn't wait to try it with my kids.
It looks a lot scarier than it is!

In a small bowl mix:

1/3 cup water + a few drops of food coloring

Slowly stir in:

3/4 cup cornstarch

The water & cornstarch have the strangest reaction. The mix feels really hard, and you can pick it up in clumps. But when you let it run back through your fingers, it turns right back into a gooey liquid. My three- and five-year-olds LOVED it!

This honestly killed over an hour, for three days in a row this week. Just add a few drops of water if it starts to get dry.

My table is covered with oilcloth, but you could just throw down place mats, too.

Clean-up is a breeze! It scrapes right off smooth surfaces, and anything that makes its way to the carpet easily comes up with the vacuum.

Only one warning: If you go with blue, Your kid's hands will pretty much be blue the rest of the day. Keep that in mind. Other than that, this activity is truly magic! Cheap fun.

What could you get done in a hour?!

we almost puked. but we didn't.

I went to the mall with the kids yesterday.  ALL FOUR KIDS.  I'm sure that this is an indication of a very small and sheltered life, but achieving this?  The feelings it inspired were similar to the feelings I had after running my first half-marathon.  If I can do this, I can do anything!

I didn't intend to take them to the mall.  I had a small window with a babysitter.  But let me explain small windows with babysitters.  There is a LOST-style time-warp issue when I have a sitter.  Suddenly, time moves very quickly, and in the three hours of freedom, I typically manage to acheive what could be completed in about 10 minutes of normal time.  It's a similar phenomenon to what happens when I take small, crying babies on a plane.  Only with that situation, it's the converse, and time moves very, very slowly.

Anyways, my plan for my morning of freedom was to get fitted for some new running shoes, take a quick run, and then swing by the mall for a quick errand.  I got fitted for the running shoes and then my time-warp clock let me know that it was suddenly, inexplicably, time to pick up the kids from preschool.

But I really need to run to the mall.  I've been needing to get some new underwear for weeks.  I left most of mine in Haiti, and I've been getting by on a small rotation of the pairs I left behind.  And yes, I should probably be boycotting Victoria's Secret for some reason or another.  They are an awful company that promotes the sexualization of women in consistently submissive poses.  But darn it if their cotton collection hasn't cornered the market on wedgie-free, non-hideous undies.  I've tried others.  Really, I tried.

VS, I can't quit you.

Now I know some of you may be reading this and thinking, "Non-wedgie underwear?  You  should just wear a g-string!  They are soooo comfy! I love g-strings!"  And to you people, I feel compelled to say this:  I look at you like I look at the women on that show I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant. There are only two plausible options:

• You are lying 
• You are missing some nerve endings in your lady parts. 

 Seriously, with the wad of fabric in your butt all day. Who can tolerate that?

And how can someone not know they are pregnant?  And why do I still keep watching this show?  Why?


Okay, this started as a post about the mall, and quickly deteriorated.  Back to Victoria's Secret.  I did feel a little bad about taking my young, impressionable kids in there, what with the godzilla-sized posters of half-nekkid, airbrushed women.  But they seemed more interested in dousing themselves with sample perfume than looking at the giant sexy ladies, so hopefully their gender expectations have not been too marred.   I was able to grab a few pairs of sensible cotton bikinis and get out of the store with my sanity intact, and with only a few annoyed glares from the clerk as my kids knocked over a display of glittery body lotion.  


I have a little routine when we go to the mall, on the rare occasion that I really need to go there with the kids.  Basically, I bribe them.  A mommy store, then a cupcake.  A mommy store, then the carousel.   All the while, I warn them that their ability to partake in the cupcake/carousel is dependent on their behavior in the "mommy store".  It's pretty effective leverage.

Kembe has finally gotten over his fear of carousels and really enjoys them. Only, he calls them playgrounds.  As soon as he spots it he starts yelling, "A playground!  A playground!"  A fact that India likes to correct in her "There is no Dana, only Zuul" demon-voiced teacher impersonation.  "It's NOT a playground.  It's a CARA-SELL!!"  (If you would like a better visual on what her face looks like and how her tone sounds when she screams at Kembe, take a look at this video.)

Ayways, the kids were good enough to ride the carousel AND get a cupcake.  For some reason, the carousel attendants were giddy on power and made me ride the carousel with them.  Unlike my children, I do not enjoy carousels.  I get carsick from the slightest motion.  I almost puked.  But I didn't.

Then we wen to the cupcake store.   They sell mini-cupcakes for a dollar, so it's a very easy reward for the kids.  Jafta and I have done this routine numerous times, and I can't tell you how many times he has inhaled a mini-cupcake and then upchucked it right in front of Bloomingdales.  He just eats it soooo fast, and then it comes right back up - always on a certain spot of tile just in front of the makeup counter.  I think that the Clarins lady shudders a little every time she sees us come through, since she knows he'll be puking on the way back out.  This time, Jafta tried to eat his cupcake in his typical caveman fashion, but I slowed him down.  He almost puked.  But he didn't.

And that, folks, is how we define success around here.

throwing a baby gender reveal party

Or 'sex party', whichever sounds more fun to you.

A few weeks ago, my husband and I went in for our 'big' ultrasound, where the technician did, indeed, determine the baby's gender "without a doubt." We like announcing the news to everyone at one time, so this time we threw a little movie & popcorn reveal to celebrate.

Not only were the refreshments & decor kept really simple, but totally budget-friendly as well. I think I spent less than $25 total, and we had a houseful! (Of course, it helped to do this after dinner.)

PINK & BLUE everything!

That heart banner is made with about 50 cents worth of felt.

We displayed our name contenders, and guests added to the list throughout the night. It got pretty funny. (Yes, we are obviously going with a 4th 'C'!)

I tied pink and blue ribbons onto clothespins, so everybody could wear their predictions before the big announcement.

We had already told the two big kids the news, but not our youngest, Camden. I used my mom's cool idea of drawing a pink or blue heart in a sealed envelope and letting her open it. So, in front of the whole family, she got to peek and announce:

BLUE!!!!

Oh BOY! And here he is:

***
Do you have any creative or fun ideas for announcing the sex of your baby?

Talk Back: pest control

There is a terrorist in my home. Well, not technically in my home, but in my garage. But, it is still very much a part of my home. We have a small house, and that space is precious space for us. It is my kids' play room, and it is obviously where we store all the stuff that doesn't need to be inside the house.

About 2 weeks ago we were about to go for a family hike. I went into the garage to grab a few granola bars as the rest of the fam was loading up in the car. As I reached into the box of granola bars (the big, giant green box from Costco that I could not fit in my cupboards if my life depended on it), a grey mouse went running down my arm and disappeared into the storage shelves.

Let me just pause while I scream and shimmy across the room all over again.

Seriously, if I could have pealed my skin off, I probably would have. A mouse ran down my arm. I felt its scratchy nails cruise all the way down my flesh. I went screaming out of the garage and down our walkway to my driveway where my husband was standing very peacefully staring at me, probably expecting blood based on the sound track action. Picture me jumping up and down and screaming for about 30 seconds in front of my hubby and 2 kids while they just stare at me. Then, picture me trying to talk but I cannot quite get the words out fluidly while I am doing this weird, uncontrollable shivering-chicken-dance-walk. And, then shivering residually for a few minutes after.

He went into the garage and in a very manly way hit some boxes with a broom. Nothing happened. So, he put the broom down and walked out.

He can live a normal life with the mouse there.

I, however, cannot.

I am tormented everytime I walk in the garage. And, I am finding mouse droppings everywhere. I went through the shelves and removed any food items that he could get into. He had eaten his way through graham crackers (our beach campfire s'mores stash), an entire costco box of granola bars, pirates booty, and some other cardboard boxes that did not have food in them at all. It was so disturbing to see poop from a creature in odd places, where there is no trace of food at all.

"Oh, here kids, here are the sand toys." Throw the box of sand toys across the room because there are a few mouse droppings on the top of the box.

"Hmmm... I knew there was another box of tissues here somewhere." Scream and throw the tissues into the trash because there are mouse droppings on top of the box. And possibly a little nibble of the box for good measure.

We recently went camping and when we returned home I packed all our extra supplies away. I had a large bag of paper plates that I twisted the plastic around very tightly and placed on my clean, poop free shelf. I went out there tonight to grab some plates to use for a craft, and the plastic bag was eaten through and there was poop INSIDE the bag on the top of the plates.

I have named the mouse. We call him "Ralph". I am hoping that if I talk to him while I sort laundry, or speak to him in a calm manner as I approach the shelves that he will not jump on me or maybe even take pity and leave. But, I think he is messing with me. I can just see him pooping with a big smile on his face and then hiding out in a safe spot and waiting to see me walk out, notice the poop, get my shivers and start to twitch. He probably heads back to the local hang spot with his buddies and tells them about the weird lady he's messing with. Yesterday, I went to grab a package of napkins off the shelf and he darted over them, ran the long way around the shelving unit, to the space behind the water heater. Believe me, I approached the shelves slowly. I scanned the area thoroughly looking for Ralph. He was nowhere to be found. But, then he appeared and nearly ran over my hand, once again.

Ralph needs to leave. What do I do? I just cannot bring myself to put poison in my garage where my kids hang out. I need some help, ladies.

How do you handle pests like mice in your home/garage? And, while we are on the subject of "pests", what are your tips to handle pests in the garden without using pesticides and nasty chemicals?

This just might be me soon ...

Around the Campfire Breakfast Burritos

We just went camping. It was such a great time for our family. The kids were in heaven. We all were. We went to this sweet spot just north of Santa Barbara called Jalama Beach. It is one of the most beautiful places I have been in a long time. As you leave the highway and surrounding "civilization" and begin making your way down the road the winds through a canyon to get to Jalama Beach, you see the most gorgeous hills covered with grass and wild poppies and these beautiful purple flowers that look like lavendar. There are also large oak trees that make you want to pull over and bust out your picnic blanket right there! Periodically you will see cows grazing along the hillside. Happy, roaming, grass fed cows.

Winding through these hills you cannot help but feel yourself breathing a little more slowly. After you get to the coast what you see before you is open coastal views. There are no buildings, there are no rooftops or houses stacked on top of each other. And, as you look east, you see the rolling hills that you traveled through.

Oh, and surprise, your cell phones won't work there. We were not planning on that, and to be honest, for about 30 minutes I had some panic. I had calls I needed to make and some work I needed to do on my computer. But, once we hiked to the pay phone and made the necessary "really important" phone calls we needed to make to have peace for our stay, it was pure unplugged bliss.

The drive down through the "prairie land" into Jalama Beach inspired my inner farm girl big time. I was so ready to get my apron on and cook around the camp stove. I often times feel as though I was born in the wrong era, and quite possibly the wrong region. I have a huge desire for land to till and an old farm house to spruce up.

We had some seriously great camping grub while we were there, but one of my very favorite meals were our breakfast burritos that we enjoyed in the mornings. These were cooked on a propane camp stove, not an actual campfire. But, getting to chop and cook outside with the fresh air and sun shining down was too dreamy for words. We will definitely be enjoying these at home as well. And, I may just set up my own outdoor kitchen and cook over the grill for a change.

Around the Campfire Breakfast Burritos

(for 6)

Ingredients:

Whole Wheat tortillas

olive oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 onion, chopped

3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

[any other veggies you love]

6 eggs (about 1 per person), whipped with a fork or whisk with the milk

a splash of milk per egg

salt & pepper

garnish options:

chopped cilantro

salsa

shredded cheese

diced avocado

1. In a smaller skillet, heat up your olive oil and saute your garlic and onions until tender. Add the red bell peppers. Place to the side and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.

2. In a larger skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil. Add whisked egg mixture to the skillet and scramble over the heat until done.

3. Warm the tortillas over the heat and then assemble the burritos with a bit of the egg mixture, a bit of the veggie mixture and garnish of your choice.

Enjoy!!!!

Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Since my youngest son has been diagnosed with dairy, egg and peanut butter food sensitivities, the way I bake around here has changed quite a bit. Throw in the fact that I am trying to reduce the amount of refined sugar we eat and well, let's just say, I've had to rely on a few resources to help me along the way.

One of my favorite online bakers is Michelle of Brown Eyed Baker. She posted a very yummy looking peanut butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe that I knew I would have to try out. I then turned to one of my favourite cookbooks, Allergy Free Cookbook to read up on substitutions. No refined sugar? I used crushed brown cane sugar instead of white refined sugar and the results were delicious.A few tweaks here and there and what we end up with is a fabulous dairy free, egg free, and peanut free cookie!

Here's the orginal recipe with tweaks in brackets. Whatever you choose to do, the results will be delicious!

Almond Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Original recipe from Michelle of Brown Eyed Baker
(Makes 16 large cookies or 24 if you make them smaller)

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour (I used half whole wheat and half white)
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used dairy free margarine)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (I used almond butter)
½ cup granulated sugar (I used crushed raw cane sugar)
1/3 cup light brown sugar (Again, raw cane sugar)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg (I used 2 tablespoons applesauce)
½ cup rolled oats (I used old fashioned large flake oats...you could use quick too)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips (dairy free)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

On medium speed, cream together the butter, peanut (almond butter), granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract, about 3 minutes. Add the egg (applesauce) and beat to combine. On low speed, gradually add the flour until just combined. Stir in the oats, and then the chocolate chips.

Use a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons) and drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet and then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Cari Snell is a mom, wife and the editor and recipe wrangler of Can I get the Recipe? An online source providing weekly printable recipes, shopping lists, great giveaways and more.

Check out an abundance of family friendly recipes at http://www.canigettherecipe.com/

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Dr. Hess Products

I am a total lip balm snob. Cannot do cherry chap stick. It is too artificial tasting. Love Burt's Bees. My husband and I have a constant battle over the Burt's Bees. He's always stealing mine. He says he is just using it and mistakingly "accidentally" puts it into his pocket. He accidentally has about 8 tubes of it at all times in his car.

So, yeah, I am picky about my lip balm. I don't like it to be so strong that it numbs my lips, but I do like to know that it is there.

I recently discovered the line of hand creams and lip balms by Dr. Hess. The company has been around for a long time. Their flagship product is called "udder ointment". It is a cream that is recommended for dry skin, chapped skin, eczema, cracked heals, dry lips, diaper rash, burns, etc. Originally developed to help soothe cow udders, farmers discovered that the cream did wonders on their own hands, and it became a household staple. While at first I thought, "ewwww", I had to try it. I was just too curious. For real, the cream is amazing. My hands get incredibly dry in the winter. And, after using the cream for a couple of days, they were softer than ever.

But, the lip balm is at the top of my list. It is lovely. You will love it.
We have a great giveaway lined up for you! Enter to win a container of the amazing cream and several lovely flavors of lip balm. Just answer the following question:

"What is the one skin product you can't live without?"

How to earn additional entries:

1.) Become a follower on our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2.) Subscribe to the Mama Memo by clicking here and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3.) Blog about this giveaway- with a link back to here. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment.

4.) Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5.) Follow us on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway. TWEET- "Giveaway- win some amazing Dr. Hess skin products from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6.) Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left!


[this giveaway will be closed on Saturday at 11 PM; the winner will be announced next Sunday!]


And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
(((Kristie)))

Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 4/18 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we will hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!

this is how we do it

Yesterday was not my best day.

It started when Mark dropped Jafta off at school. He’s been complaining about one of his classmates being mean to him. He comes home talking about it quite a bit – saying that he’s getting hit and kicked and made fun of. Jafta can be dramatic and overly sensitive, and he can also be antagonistic, so we weren’t sure how much of this to believe. We talked to the teacher about it, and she basically indicated that this boy acts this way towards everyone, has discipline issues, etc. But when Mark dropped him off he stood and observed. He watched Jafta walk out to the playground, and then watched this little boy run up and slug Jafta in the stomach. And then he watched Jafta walk away dejected and play by himself. We have parent-teacher conferences coming up, and I know I need to address how they are handling this. We also need to have some big talks with Jafta about being more assertive without being aggressive. Not sure how to do that.

As we were discussing this at lunch, India chimed in with some news of her own. Some girls in her class have been saying that India isn’t really Kembe’s sister. So, in addition to the bullying, I get to bring up this issue in the parent teacher conference. I don’t want to be the problematic mom. But I also need to communicate that the kids in her class might need some sensitivity training. Not sure how to do that.

And Kembe. My dear 3-year-old who is still adjusting to life with our family. It really is two steps forward, one step back with him. Only some days, more like five steps back. His personality the polar opposite of Jafta – assertive and aggressive and parental, even with me. I am struggling with patience, especially with his attitude. Sometimes he is cute and darling, other times he just plain yells at me. He scolds me, rolls his eyes at me, bosses me around, and otherwise acts as if I am a child and he is the parent. It is a difficult dynamic. I need to figure out how to teach him to respect me, without having him be in trouble all the livelong day. Because today, based on his behavior, he could have been in one long time-out pretty much the entire day. Not sure how to do that.

It was a depressing day. But after dinner, we turned on some old hip-hop and had a little dance party in the kitchen. We know how to do that.

pretending to be an adult

Mark and I had some friends over this evening.  This is something we haven't done in a long time.  We've had people over, but usually it involves other friends with kids, so there is a lot of chaos as we yell over the noise of the kids, and try to remember where the conversation left off before one of us was interrupted by rescuing a child off the side of the trampoline, or cutting someone's chicken, or telling the boys that they must allow the girls to play with them, etc etc.  So yeah.  The whole intentional "just adults" socializing/hosting thing . . . it's been a while.

We used to really like entertaining.  Today I felt like I was trying to re-awaken some dormant part of myself.  But simultaneously, I felt like an impostor - like I was trying to pretend to be a normal, functioning person again . . . . a person who lights candles in the evening, who puts music on the stereo, who sits and chats for two hours without falling asleep, who talks about interesting subjects beyond choosing a preschool or potty-training techniques.  And the sense of pretending, or the sense of trying to be someone I used to be . . .  the thing is, it wasn't for the benefit of the guests (although the feelings of wanting to impress where there, certainly).  But more so, there was this overwhelming feeling of wanting to be a "normal", functioning, socially-connected adult again.  And then a sad sense that I wasn't, and that something as simple as having another couple over for coffee was outside of my capabilities right now.

The friends that came over are single.  The guy is one of my husband's friends from high school. He's dating a cute girl in her twenties that I've only met a few times.  Something about that combination - a guy in the corporate world, who doesn't spend a lot of time with kids, and a girl still in college, coming over to my house . . . something made me start looking disapprovingly at my dirty floors, my fingernails, my formula-stained sofa, my three-inch roots, and my living room full of plastic toys.  Suddenly I was looking at myself from the gaze of my former self, and wondering when I had gotten so tired, so messy, so scattered.  So old.

I did manage to get the house decently clean, and the kids in pajamas before they came.  I didn't, however, manage to wash or brush my own hair today (or to pick up the prescription at Target that  has been waiting for three days, or return the overdue library books or return one single email.  But I digress).

And as they arrived, it was as I expected.  They seemed refreshed and energetic, bearing a cute jug of high-end beer.  She was adorable.  She did brush her hair this morning.  Her toenails were painted, her clothes were not caked in baby food.  Her purse was not overflowing with diapers and sippy cups.   She was funny and charming.  So was he.

When they arrived, my kids were doing their usual routine of running through the house full-speed, trying to avoid bedtime.  Not five minutes in, I could see them grimace at the noise level.  It was loud.  I was self-conscious.  And then, the question.  The question that was sort of a joke, but also an observation.  An observation tinged with a little pity, and maybe just a hint of concern.

"Is it always this loud?"

Yes.  It is.

The kids went down.  The guests both went to the bathroom.  I winced at the thought of how that room smells (a result of two boys with very bad aim and a neglected diaper genie).   I made excuses.  Haha - the bathroom stinks.  Haha - don't mind the laundry in the hallway.  Haha - that drywall hasn't been patched yet.  Haha - sorry the hand towels are so dirty.  Haha - Kristen SHUT UP.

We chatted.  It was nice.  They were lovely.  We laughed at the chasm between us as we discussed carpooling to a mutual friends wedding, and debated whether we should drive in their Porsche or our minivan.  Haha - I have a minivan.

But still . . . I felt like I was pretending.  Pretending to be more than a tired, frazzled, overwhelmed mom.  Pretending to be a grown-up.  But a younger grown-up?

I don't know.

It was a simple evening with friends, but it brought up a lot of stuff for me. I need to be more content.  I need to be more grateful for my kids, and less whiny about the inevitable obstacles in this lifestage. I need to stop assuming that the fatigue I feel this week is the way I will feel forever.  I need to get more sleep.   At the same time, I need to take some breaks from the preschool set.  I need to figure out how to be a social being and not just a mom.

I need to find more balance.  And I need a pedicure.  Stat.

TALK BACK: what to do with all those eggs?

Is anyone else wondering what to do with a plethora of dyed hard-boiled eggs?  I was on the hunt for a great recipe and found this variation on the egg salad sandwich from Roman Meal Bread.  I'm also thinking that a spinach salad might be a good use for some of them.  How about you?  What are you gonna do with those eggs?

Ingredients

• 8 hard-boiled eggs
• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons low-fat mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 slices Roman Meal Bread

Directions

1. Remove eggshells, separating egg whites from yolks; dice egg whites. Combine diced egg whites with mayonnaise, onion, parsley, vinegar and curry powder in small bowl.
2. Spread egg salad between slices of bread creating 4 sandwiches

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach, Shrimp and Goat's Cheese

The boys and I got home last night at 6pm and dinner was on the table at 6:20pm. That's what I love most about pasta. It's quick, it's easy and it's delicious.

I used goat's cheese simply because our youngest can't eat cow's milk cheese as it flares up his excema. So if you want to change it up with parmesan or asiago, feel free. My kids love shrimp and it was conveniently in the freezer as I had picked some up on sale. The cherry tomatoes were perfectly ripe and just ready to be eatern and the spinach? Well, it's green, it's highly nutritious and when you cook it, it wilts and reduces substantially in size and that makes it harder for oldest to pick out of the dish! Not a fan of spinach? Add some zucchini to your tomatoes when roasting or cut it out completely. It's up to you!

Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta with Spinach, Shrimp and Goat's Cheese
(Prep Time: 10 minutes/Total Time: 20 minutes. Serves )

Ingredients:
3 cups small shaped pasta of your choice
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
24 - 30 frozen large shrimp
4 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach (or regular spinach torn)
1/4 cup goat's cheese, crumbled

Directions:
Set oven to "Broil". Have oven rack placed in the middle.

Place a large pot of water on to boil. Once boiling, salt well then add pasta. Cook to al dente then drain, put back in the pot and set aside.

While pasta is cooking, toss tomatoes and garlic in the olive oil. Season with sea salt. Spread out on a sheet and place on middle rack in oven. Keep checking on it every couple of minutes and mix so it doesn't burn. Take out when tomatoes have collapsed and are soft. Garlic will be golden.

While tomatoes are roasting, place a small pot of water on to boil. Once boiling, add in shrimp and cook until pink, about 2 - 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large frying pan over medium heat, add roasted tomato mixture and spinach. Cook until spinach is wilted. Add prawns and heat through.

Place your large pot of pasta back on a hot element and add the tomato/spinach/prawn mixture to it. Warm through then add in crumbled goat's cheese. Mix a minute or two then serve.

Cari Snell is a mom, wife and the editor and recipe wrangler of Can I get the Recipe? An online source providing weekly printable recipes, shopping lists, great giveaways and more.

Check out an abundance of family friendly recipes at http://www.canigettherecipe.com/

SUNDAY GIVEAWAY: Musicolor Toy

Musicolor is one of the most creative toys we've seen. It looks like a classic old school record player, but the technology is ever so new school.

Here is how it works:

Your children have markers that each have a corresponding distinct musical note that they use to color special discs with. They can color the pre-printed discs in a color by number sort of way, and classic songs (3 Blond Mice, Jingle Bells, Old MacDonald) will play on the record player after they have been fully colored. Or, kids can color the blank song discs however they like and create their own musical masterpieces.


My daughter was blown away by how markers on paper could create music.

Your children will love it, and we get to give one Musicolor away to a lucky winner!



To be entered, please answer the following question:

"Do you have a favorite song to sing to your kids as a lullaby, or when they are sick and need snuggling?"

How to earn additional entries:

1.) Become a follower on our blog (publicly) and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

2.) Subscribe to the Mama Memo by clicking here and leave another comment (or let us know if you already are).

3.) Blog about this giveaway- with a link back to here. Post YOUR blog entry first and then the comment.

4.) Add the Mama Manifesto button to your sidebar.

5.) Follow us on Twitter AND Tweet about this giveaway. TWEET- "Giveaway- win a MUSICOLOR toy from @MamaManifesto. Enter at mamamanifesto.com"

6.) Become a fan of Mama Manifesto on Facebook by clicking the button on the left!


[this giveaway will be closed on Saturday at 11 PM, 4/10; the winner will be announced next Sunday!]



And now for the winner of last week's giveaway:
(((Cee)))


Congratulations! Shoot us an email by 4/11 to mamagiveaways(at)gmail(dot)com with your prize in the subject line, and we will hook you up! Keep checking back for more great giveaways!