Thursday, August 7, 2008

Updates


The Blogger Bash tonight was super fun!! Glad that so many of you gals were able to come out!!

We are at the final stages of preparation for foster parenting and are getting super excited!! We have a half day of training on Saturday, a home study on Tuesday and then we're ready to go! I have been working on getting the nursery ready to go. Thanks to some very wonderful people, we have had to purchase very little for the nursery! We were given a crib, rocker and money for a mattress by my wonderful in-laws!! Some friends provided us with a bathtub, swing, stroller, bouncy seat, car seat, tons of clothes, bottles, burp rags, blankets, and LOTS more!! We appreciate our supportive friends and family for their prayers, donations and general support! We are super excited to get everything going!!

The nursery was painted before we moved in
The 2nd row (covered with curtain) is completely full of children's books!

The view of the room from the door. I still have several things to do, including getting the crib up (on the left wall)
I made this salad on Wednesday and I loved it! It was super easy and "real simple":) Here is the recipe for this fresh, yummy, and light southwestern salad! Serve it with Mexican food for a great side dish!









Cool Southwestern Salad with Corn and Avocado

Recipe courtesy of Real Simple magazine

2 small heads romaine lettuce, cut into bite-size pieces (about 12 cups) (I used bagged hearts of romaine salad)

1 15-ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 ears corn, kernels cut off the cob (about 1 cup)

2 avocados, chopped

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro sprigs

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (I used about 1/2 c.)

1/4 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Kosher salt and pepper

I added probably 1 to 2 cups of halved grape tomatoes


In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, beans, corn, avocados, onion, and cilantro.In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss. Yield: Makes 4 (main dish sized) servings



**My variations are in italics**

9 comments:

suzspeaks said...

It is so wonderful that you are going to be a foster parent! We have a ton of baby stuff just sitting in storage, and no need for it for at least another year or two....So if a need comes up depending on the age of the child, please let me know. You can email me (from my profile) and I can tell you what all we have!

That salad looks yummy!
I was also going to tell you that Shauna that did your design is one of my friends in real life!!

Have a great day!

Aubrey said...

Thanks, Suzanne!! I may be getting in touch with you soon! I appreciate it!!!

Cindy said...

I still have seveal baby items if you still need anything. The nursery is precious. I am so excited for you both. Please keep us updated. Going to miss you this school year. But very happy for your new opportunity. On a side note I need some advice for the lamp shade in Madison's room.

Holly said...

Good to visit with you last night. I am so excited that our paths have crossed again!

I too have baby stuff stored...so just like everyone else let me know what you need.

Nicole said...

HI my name is nicole carpenter and we go to church with you and I actualy teach sonshine school in the 2 year old class. we are very excited to have you!!! I work at church recruiting 0-4 year old teachers so i probably have seen you around! I love how crafty you are! Do you have a website for your store?

onawa said...

What a great looking room! What fun!

Angie said...

It looks like you will beat Brenna and John in getting the foster kids!! They are still waiting for their home study!! They have been done with classes for several weeks--and after the home study they send out the referral letters, so that will take some time too. I can't wait to hear when you get someone!!! Your nursery is so cute!! Aren't friends wonderful!!! Bren and John were also given most everything they need.
I am going to try your salad, too!!! Thanks for the recipes!!!
Best wishes!

Kara Scharrer said...

Aubs, I'm so happy for you! Looks like the room is coming together. I know that the babies you get will be blessed forever, just by having you and Josh in their lives. I know from being a parent, the first six... seven... nine... twelve months are some of the most important times in a child's life and I'm excited that you and Josh will be able to provide a good life for a baby that maybe wouldn't have had it if it wasn't for your dedication and love to children. Keep us updated.

Brenna said...

Not FAIR!! You probably will get a kid before us!! I am seriously pulling my hair out cuz I am so frustrated on how long they are taking with this stupid Home Study thing. I understand they are busy but its been over 3 weeks since we finished our class!! Congrats on getting done!! and I need to post picks of our kid room! (we couldn't do just baby cuz we are doing 3 and under) We have a lot of stuff given to us too plus our church wants to give us a shower once we get a child!! Anyway let me know we you get a kiddo!!! Pray they they call us soon for our home study!!