Black flags and feathers

Thank you Henry.
On a happier note.....
In Aug. I am going to go to my very first reptile expo The Reptile Super Show in LA I am so excited about this! It is going to be awesome to see all the different animals and crazy morphs. And all the nommy nom buggies for my animals. Whoooo!! What I am most excited about is we are getting a Leopard Gecko!!! I already choose the breeder I am going to buy from. I looked through the vendor list and emailed all the vendors who sold Leos, 2 emailed me back and Ecco Geckos was the breeder who answered all my questions + more. They seem so nice and incredibly helpful makes me feel good about buying from them. I told them, I am looking for a Leo that was less than $50, I am not a big spender, but they have been answering all my silly questions all day. They told me to keep in touch and I feel all that means, they care for the animal and not so much the $$. ^_^ I can't wait! I am looking for a tank on sale or cheap ass on CL. I have tons of time to get everything together and perfect. I am not only going to the show to get a new family member I am also going to help promote the Reptile Rescuers of the United States (http://reptile-rescue.us) This is going to be a good day!

Another good in the shit.....
 Ellis is finally starting Hockey/ice skating lessons. At Toyota Sports Center (yes where the Kings play) they have an opportunity for first time skaters for 3 free sessions. I have been waiting for this to open again. I really would hate to spend a ton of money for him to not even want to do it half way in. If he loves it and wants to do more we will sign him up. If not we don't lose anything, and at least he got to try something he has been dying to try. Ellis's problem is he has to wait till the last Saturday of July for it to start. He has been asking everyday if we are going to hockey "today" :)

 Sometimes I feel like a feather floating just above the ground; every time it is going to touch the ground and stick, the wind blows it up in to the unknown. Am I excited about going to the Reptile show getting a new 'friend', Ellis starting hockey? Of coarse I am. Do I really think these things are going to happen? Nope not at all. They probably will, but it is hard to believe when there is no optimism left. I need it to rain again, then the feather will stick to the ground for a while.

Questions....

Do you think because I am working so hard just to make it to nursing school, this will make me a better nurse?

Can some one win the lottery and send me some cash? I promise I will use it for a good cause.

Did you know Shel Silverstein died May 10th; my son birthday.

Will I EVER get rid of this cold? I have been wanting to sleep all day for about 5 days now.

Will the school room ever get finished?

Will I fall asleep quick tonight, or will it take an eternity?

Will I really get to go home for a few days? I won't believe this is happening till I get there.

Will I ever consider LA home?



Probably not.

Super veganlicious birthday brownie!!!

I think we started a tradition of birthday brownies. Which is a lovely thing! 1. I hate making cake 2. Brownies kick cakes ass any day off the week; especially brownies with chocolate chunks and walnuts!!!! Found a super tasty vegan brownie recipe for Avery's 3rd birthday.
And guess what it's time to share!

Ingredients:

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

I think I used 1/4cup less sugar maybe up too 1/2 cup less, Ghirardelli baking chocolate, and REAL vanilla extract. I added vegan chocolate chunks & walnuts. I prefer thicker brownies so a 8x11 pan is a must; I almost had to double baking time, but it was worth it.
The kids had a blast putting the ingredients in the mixer And the look on the birthday boys face when they were finished cooking was price less!

Homeschool Shananagins

Wow, I am very surprised that I remember to write this Friday!!! Not that I have anything interesting or enlightening to say but at least I am doing what I said!
One thing I am starting to buy Ellis's home school things the list has boiled down to this:
Mammoth Math
Growing with Grammar and Soaring with Spelling  by JacKris publishing 
Handwriting Without Tears
Reading Eggs
Elemental Science 
US History -  I also would like to utilize this page from PBS: Freedom: A History of US
I am also going to buy a book called The US history Cookbook delicious recipes and Exciting Events from the past, & Children's encyclopedia of American History and various other books. Ellis wants more BOB books so we might get the 1st grade level for that too.

I  have a lot of exciting field trips planned, and I have been reading chapter books out loud. I have been picking ones that have movies "attached" to them Like James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate factory, Matilda, Harry Potter. When we are done with the book we have a "movie night sleep over" get in our jammies, cuddle up with some popcorn on the couch and watch our special movie. I lvoe doing this and I think the kids are really enjoying it to!   

I know, I know this is pretty damn boring post for most people. But I need to stay organized some how....so there. I am excited about a drawing I entered I have a chance to win the Books from JacKris Publishing!! It's through SecularHomeschool.com  the link to the drawing: is Here! Cross your fingers and toes guys, I would love to win this!!!

When there is "one thing" your excited about there has to be a second thing right? Or you will leave your audience on the edge of their seats wait for the second and that's not nice.
The SECOND thing I am excited about is........Has anyone watched  Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations?!!!!! I know this show is old but this girl does not have cable, so when it was new I only watched a few episodes here and there. Well, netflix has made it possible for me to be obsessed with Mr. Bourdain! How can I not be?! He love the Ramones, goes to crazy exotic places and eats really neat food!!! I swear I would eat fish for him!! :-D  If you haven't watched it check it out! Seriously, I bet, you will love him like I do. But I called dibs first so back off.

Well, this has been a lovely addition of my Friday ramblings. Peace.