Fighting Hunger Right Where You Live

It’s been such a privilege to have a part in the “Child Hunger Ends Here” campaign with ConAgra and Feeding America.  It’s encouraging to know that even my small role in this combined rally can change the hunger statics right where I live. That’s the thing I love about this effort – even a small contribution can make an impact! Did you know that $1 provides 7 Meals to your local community when you donate online? 

Yep, you read that correctly.  SEVEN.

Think about how even a $1 per neighbor/church member/classmate/PTA member donation could significantly impact your community.  Now think even bigger.. For instance if each person in my own town of around 20,000 made a $1 donation we could provide 140,000 meals! 

There’s no better time than the present.  With summer quickly approaching more kids in your very own community will struggle with hunger. The 19.5 million children receiving the free or reduced-price lunches significantly will drop to only 2.2 million receiving meals through the Summer Food Service Program. Remember, every dollar raised and donated online stays in your community to help those children in need.

(Keep reading how YOU can make an IMPACT today just by simply leaving a COMMENT.)

There have been many inspiring bloggers demonstrating examples of how you can get involved.  Hopefully their initiatives, ideas, creativity, and energy will inspire you to make a difference in your own community as well:

~ Judy from Dirt Road Musings held a “Taste of Italy” Pasta Dinner in her home town of Omaha, Nebraska,and a portion of the proceeds were donated to Feeding America.

~ Courtney from Detroit Mommies teamed up with a local restaurant that donated 5% of the invite’s tab from the food and drinks to the cause.

~ Laura from My DFW Mommy opened her own home and collected canned goods and donations from her neighbors.

~ Andrea from Savvy Sassy Moms hosted a neighborhood ice cream social in Los Angeles, California.

See? It doesn’t have to be elaborate or complicated to make a difference. You can find more ideas, resources and sign up for a FREE toolkit at the Child Hunger Ends Here site.

Now that you’re creative juices are bubbling and overflowing with ideas I want to hear them! 

And here’s the impact you can make with a simple comment:

For every comment, a donation of $1 will be made on behalf of our blog to Child Hunger Ends Here, up to $100. That means that 100 comments on this post could provide 700 MEALS for my local community! 

I’m not too proud to beg…

Will you leave me a comment telling me your ideas for how you could make an impact in your own community?

It’s that simple.

Pretty Please.

With Sugar On Top?

AND a Cherry?

 

For The Unspoken Mother’s Day…

How easy it is to overlook the details of a beautiful flowering tree.  I passed my own ornamental pear dozens of times, before stopping to take this photograph. We may admire the entire tree budding and blooming, but there’s so much more if you look closely. Within each branch are hundreds of blooms each so intricately designed and adorned with stunning beauty,

This Mother’s Day I didn’t want to overlook those who may blend in to the tree, so to speak. There are so many who are struggling with the unknowns of infertility, the loss of miscarriage, the pain of losing a child or your own mother.  The unspokens…

I hope that you find courage, strength, hope, and faith to face your journey today and in the days ahead. 

Psalm 62:1-2
Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.

Please use the comment section if you feel led to share your own story, journey, or struggle. Help us to honor you…

This Crazy Little Thing Called Blog…

When we decided to create a blog about our high-risk “triplet turned quadruplet” pregnancy, we had no idea that “strangers” would be reading.  We had no intentions of generating revenue through ads to help pay for groceries.  We had little to no knowledge of how to upload videos, how to track visitors, or how to design a blog header….we just wanted to better communicate and request prayer from our family and close friends.

Lo and Behold Here We Are…3 Years Into This Crazy Little Thing Called Blog.

And we have much to show for it: precious friendships, a written collection of memories, a way to give back through our NICU Survival Kits, and countless comments of encouragement along the way.

Blogging has certainly been a blessing to us, and I hope we can continue to be a blessing to others. 

The blogging gurus of #savvyblogging are encouraging bloggers to have a plan of action for the New Year. Here’s what I have for my blogging goals for 2010 so far…

(Hang tight, I want YOUR input too!)

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~ Striking a healthy balance between blogging and other responsibilities

~ Grow our giving through our NICU Survival Kits project to support families experiencing the uncertainties of the NICU

~ Growing our blog in readership in order to connect to others and to financially contribute to our family during this season of unemployment

~ Gaining boldness in communicating my faith and sharing God’s incredible mercy and grace in our lives

~ Continuing to build relationships and partnerships between products and companies that have genuinely made our lives better, and passing along the benefits to you 

~ Connecting to you the reader better through vlogging, responding to comments, visiting your blogs, conversations on twitter, and listening to your input

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Now it’s YOUR turn!  I’ve created a little questionnaire to help collect your valuable suggestions, ideas, and feedback. 

Need an incentive? 

How about your very own copy of The Pioneer Woman Cooks?  I received one for Christmas from my mother-in-law and it’s sooooooooooo incredible.  Every page is filled with scrumptious goodness.  It’s the most amazing collection of recipes I’ve ever laid my eyes on! (You can check it out over on my Amazon Affiliate, if you can’t wait until this giveaway is over!)

Just fill out this quick form and enter your name and email address for an opportunity to win a copy! 

Hope you are all having a great start to a New Year and thanks for continuing to be a blessing in our lives all year long!  

Q&A’s From The QuadParents: The Story of Us

It’s been quite some time since I’ve taken “questions from the audience”, so to ring in the New Year on 4tunate, we’ll be answering your inquiries and vlogging (video blogging) the answers. 

To Kick Off the Q&A Sessions, we’ll start with “The Story of Us”, since today marks our 7th Year Anniversary.  (Good Grief! Talk about having NO IDEA what you were in for walking down the aisle!) Pop some popcorn, recline your seat, and enjoy!

 So if you have questions that your DYING to have answered, leave us a comment here or on the 4tunate Facebook Fan Site (Are you a fan?) and we’ll do our best to conquer as many as possible in Twenty-Ten.  (Check out the FAQ posts on the link bar above to see if your question has been answered previously.)

3 Little Clues…

These 3 items are clues for our Halloween Family Costume: 

  

I can’t wait to hear your guesses and see if you can put the pieces together! 

I also look forward to hearing what YOUR family is going to be for Halloween.  Hopefully, we got your creative juices flowing from our previous Halloween Costumes Post.  Feel free to send us your pictures to quatro_mama AT yahoo DOT com and we’ll highlight our favorites, and let you vote for your personal favorite in a special giveaway. 

Thanks for being a daily “TREAT” to our family! 

And the Best Halloween Costume Goes To…

I recently purchased our Halloween Costumes online, and while I’m not ready to reveal our family costume just yet…I did run across some unique and creative ideas that might help you if you’re still searching for the perfect costume idea.

(You can find these costumes by following the link under the pictures.)

Unique Ideas:

     

           Car Air Freshner                         Gnome                                 Man-Eating Shark

Group Ideas:

                 Rock Band                                                                    BLT

Adorable Ideas:

 

          Sock Monkey                               Little Peanut

Of Course You’re Welcome to Steal Our Halloween Costumes from the Past 2 Years:

Our 1st Halloween 2007

 

Our 2nd Halloween 2008

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If you had a great costume you’d like to share with 4tunate, we’d love to feature our favorites.  Perhaps I’ll even whip up a contest!  Email me at quatro_mama AT yahoo DOT com with your cute, crafty, unique Halloween costume pictures. 

OR…Tell me what which costume that I highlighted was your favorite.

OR… Leave your own costume ideas in the comment section of this post.  I have a feeling your creativity is about to “Wow!” me. 

Dating My Husband

I’m a firm believer in dating your husband after marriage.  Especially after kids! I really encourage you all to do so…Make sacrifices if needed.  Buddy up with another family and trade off date nights and kid sitting once a month.  Find a reliable teenager to come over after your kids are asleep to go grab a warm beverage and catch up on life. It doesn’t have to be elaborate.  It doesn’t have to be costly. It doesn’t even have to be lengthy. It’s a valuable time set aside to keeping your marriage fresh.  And please don’t let guilt take away from your time to pour into your relationship with your husband, as I have during the past 2 years.  

Thankfully, the end of the summer has held several opportunities for Brad and I to sneak away, enjoy some peaceful conversation, and time to date.  Which has been a true break from the intensity of quad parenting! Thank you family and dear friends!  We cannot say it enough! 

One of our favorite times together involved a relaxing dinner at Petite Chou.  It’s such a charming cozy find! And their food is delightful!  It currently holds my #1 Spot for Favorite Restaurants in the City. Brad and I split the Chicken Crepe with Asparagus and Mushrooms, along with their famous Frites (French Fries).  I wish I were eating it right now! 

And we just had to save room for dessert once we saw this on the menu…

 

Cowabunga!  It was even better than it looks!  A dessert crepe filled with mixed berries and topped with warm ganache and cream.

       The Anticipation.                   The Bite.                              The Savor.

Check, Please!

(Side Note: Petite Chou did not solicit this promo of their delightful eats, pay for our meal, or even give me a free T-shirt.  My own stomach is doing all the talking.)

Other dates have involved chillaxin’ at Barnes and Noble, taking a walk around Monument Circle, and dressing up like Egyptian Pharaohs. 

You don’t believe me?

 How about now?

Yes, we are random….

And in love.

What’s your favorite date night ideas?  How do you make time for dates?  Where do you enjoy going sans kids?

 

Fair Warning!

No, this is not my best impersonation of The Pioneer Woman…Not even close. 

Rather, I wanted to give you “fair warning” that The Crew will be heading to the Indiana State Fair this weekend.  The weather is supposed to be lovely, so we’re planning on taking it all in: the sites, the sounds, the smells, and the tastes!  Perhaps it will be Quadyssey material…

So what do you suggest?  If you’re a fellow Hoosier, what are the “must sees” of the fair this year?  If you live outside the “Crossroads of America”, what are your favorite attractions/foods/events at your fair?

You're the Inspiration...

…."No one needs you more than I need you”.

And I need your humble opinion(s)...

Be My Inspiration! 

So if you've been reading 4tunate for a while, you know that we moved just a little over a year ago.  We LOVE it here.  Love our location. Love our neighbors. Love our fenced-in backyard. Love that if God allows this will be our home for many years.

However, it's taken us quite some time to make it our own.  You know, decorate, personalize, add your own touches, etc. We've "completed" 3 rooms total (completed meaning mostly just painted) and after a long hiatus we are starting the boys' new room.  It's not going to be an all out make-over by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm going for a fresh look. 

Brad's been working on sanding and priming the walls, so next comes MY important job of picking a paint color.

 

Goodness gracious! Have you been to a home improvement store lately?  What happened to Crayola discovering 64 colors and leaving it at that? 

So I'm currently leaning towards an aqua color.  Not too bold, but yet cheery and bright.  Suggestions? 

Since the boys are still in cribs (and will be until they reach age 14, *Snicker, Snicker*) I don't have any bedding to go along with the paint color. (We just use random crib sheets.) And once you cram 4 cribs into an already tight space, you don't have room for a lot of decorating. 

I did have a cute valance at one time, but it seems to be MIA since the move.  So my only other decoration for the room is the frames we put together before the boys were born.  They are matted prints of some of my all time favorite children's books: Curious George, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Hungry Caterpillar, Green Eggs and Ham, and the Kissing Hand to name a few. 

Here's 6 out of the dozen or so of them:

Here's a better look, so you can get the idea....

I haven't decided for certain whether to keep these in the boys' bedroom or to create a little reading corner on our landing and display them there, so again, HELP!

I enjoy a classic look, but I like FUN colors too.  If the boys would happen to graduate out of cribs before the age of 14, here are some room decor/bedding looks that I’m fond of…(Although in 12 years who knows what will be in style! *Giggle*)

Most of these selections would not meet the “quad budget”, but it’s fun to look and steal ideas.  And just in case your not on a quad budget, I’ll sight the source for the sake of your own pocketbook.  You’re welcome very much.

     

Pottery Barn Kids Twin Quilt $124.00                       Overstock.com Twin Quilt Set  82.99

             

Ebay (by Ikea) Sheet and Duvet Set 14.99                      Amazon (Eric Carle) (Currently Out of Stock)

So there’s a little taste of my taste. 

Now it’s your turn.  Where do you find your inspiration?  What are some of your favorite color combinations?  What’s your taste? Do you have any favorite kid decorating sites?  Please share. “Now Don’t Get Caught Watching the Paint (Primer) Dry!”  (Bonus Points for naming that movie.)

I’ll be anxiously awaiting your wealth of information!

I'm Taking My Quadruplets to BlogHer

 

I hesitated to blog about our upcoming trip to BlogHer '09 in Chicago, because when planning a trip with quads in tow, nothing is guaranteed.  However, it looks like we will be leaving later this week for a major Quadyssey!  Hopefully we can cram 4 pea pod tents into our downtown hotel, and won't be kicked out due to a noise violation! (But I have hope after seeing how the Goerlich's and Steece's managed over the weekend with 8 toddlers in one hotel room!)

This has all come together last minute, because I won a ticket to BlogHer through a Ford giveaway. I've never went before, and have no idea what to expect. (Apparently it's protocol to freak about before going, but I'm resisting.) I'm really looking forward to meeting many of you IRL (in real life) who will be in attendance. Please leave me a comment if you'll be one of the 1500 bloggers headed to the Windy City - I'd love to arrange a time to meet!

One event that I've been asked to be a part of while there, is the Ford Drive and Ride, where I will be touring the plant, testing out vehicles, and participating in a round table to tell Ford what women want in a vehicle.

Here's some things I look for a vehicle:

• Cargo Space
• Plenty of Cup Holders
• High Safety Ratings
• Reliability
• Accessory Holders
• Easy Access to Passengers
• Overall Value

So here's your chance to influence the future of transportation.  Tell me what you want in a vehicle and I'll be sure to pass it along in our discussion!

 Back to packing for the whole crew!

4th of July Fixin's

I started this post a few days ago and intended to post this before your glorious 4th festivities began, but I just plain ran out of time. However these recipes are great ALL SUMMER LONG!  I just love how the 4th of July brings out the heart of America.  The traditions, the cause that we celebrate, and the history of our nation make it one of my top three favorite holidays.  Like many of you, we are taking in a parade, gathering with family, and of course watching fireworks (the boys first) in celebration of our nation's independence.

Of course no American holiday is complete without traditional trimmings and fixin's!  I wanted to share a few of my favorite 4th of July menu items with you!

Burgers on the Grill

You simply can't go wrong with McCormick's Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning. Generously sprinkle both sides and work into the patties.  Not over spiced...just perfection! 

 

 

Grilled Corn on the Cob

The secret to grilling these "dandies" is leaving the husks ON!  The husks will protect your corn from being chewy and dry.  It also gives it a delicious smokey flavor. You can soak the husks for 30 minutes before applying them directly on the grill, but I've skipped this step and it's turned out just as tasty.   First remove several of the outer layers of husk, but keep a full layer or two. Then pull back the remaining husks and remove as much of the silk as possible, while leaving the husks in tact. Place on the hot grill. Cover. Turn the corn occasionally, until the husks are charred on all sides, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Mom's Baked Beans

Mix together in a baking dish: 1 Can of Beans (I use Van Camp Pork and Beans), 1/4 c Ketchup, 2 T Brown Sugar, A squirt of Mustard, and a good sprinkle of Minced Onion.  Microwave until Hot.  Simply Delicious!

 

Flag Cake

Another festive favorite is to take a pound cake (this was my sister's homemade recipe), top it with whipped cream and add cut up strawberries for the stripes and blueberries for the stars.  It's a always crowd pleaser!

 

 

Please leave YOUR favorite 4th of July menu items (with recipes) in the comment section.  I want to hear about your traditional spread!