I will make a difference.

That's what the shirt of the adorable little baby above says, and that's what we hope to do.

This sweet baby's name is Sam. He is 5 months old and on April 13, 2010 he was diagnosed with Stage 4 High Risk Neuroblastoma. He is now having his second chemotherapy treatment.

As you can imagine, the doctor bills will be a great expense to his family. We want to help out with that! Please check out the Benefit Auction for Baby Sam & Family! The auction will start May 20th and end May 28th, with new items being added throughout the week.

Don't miss this great opportunity to make a difference!
All proceeds will go directly to help Sam!

*I learned about Sam and his battle on the Eco Friendly Family board on The Bump. Some people watch soaps, others read trashy romance novels...my guilty pleasure? Parenting and pregnancy message boards! :) 

Reading Tea Leaves II

(Image via Home English)

"Goodness should become human nature, because it is real in nature."

Indivisble: A Book Review

Thanks to the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, I recently had the opportunity to read Indivisible by Karen Heitzmann. Here is a brief synopsis: 

"Battling his own personal demons, Police Chief Jonah Westfall knows the dark side of life and has committed himself to eradicating it. When a pair of raccoons are found mutilated in Redford, Colorado, Jonah investigates the gruesome act, knowing the strange event could escalate and destroy the tranquility of his small mountain town. With a rising drug threat and never-ending conflict with Tia Manning, a formidable childhood friend with whom he has more than a passing history, Jonah fights for answers—and his fragile sobriety.

But he can’t penetrate every wound or secret—especially one fueled by a love and guilt teetering on madness."

I have to say, I really enjoyed reading this book. I read it in 2 days, I just couldn't put it down! Heitzmann's writing style is somewhat dramatic and at times could be seen as over the top, but I thought it was well written and enjoyable. The characters are all very well developed and their individual stories work seamlessly into the story. And while there is a hint of evil throughout the plot line, the focus is on the characters and the relationships they develop.

Indivisible is quite suspenseful and just when you think you have it all figured out, an unforeseen twist takes you back to square one. It is truly a page turner. Perfect for the dog days of summer ahead of us! 

To really pique your interest, here is a free download of the first two chapters!  And here is an interview with the author, Kristen Heitzmann.

*This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

barley & mushrooms

Barley and mushrooms. Not  the typical combo you think of when thinking of baby food. But alas, it happens to be my little girl's all-time favorite meal. 


We first discovered it last spring, when Olive was getting a little more adventurous in her eating. And lo and behold, it was a hit! Not only with Olive, but with anyone who happens to try it! We enjoy it so much that I made it as a side dish this past Thanksgiving. And I am making it for dinner tonight so I thought I would share the  love!


So without further ado, I give you Barley & Mushrooms. 


Barley & Mushrooms
(adapted from Cooking for Baby)


1/2 c. Pearl Barley
1 Tbs Unsalted Butter (I use 2 Tbs)
1 clove Garlic
2 c. finely chopped Cremini mushrooms (I use baby bellas)
1 c. Low sodium broth
1/3 c. water
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 tsp dried or 1/2 tsp minced fresh Thyme


1. In a dry saucepan over medium heat, toast the barley, stirring often, until it starts to brown. (about 4 minutes) Transfer to small bowl.
2.  Melt butter over medium heat in same sauce pan. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid (about 3 minutes). Stir in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes until barley is tender. 
3. Enjoy! 

*sigh*

I think Mother Nature is getting batty in her old age.

It's MAY not MARCH.

Get your act together lady. 

Please and thank you. 

(image courtesy of moi)