HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY

Hi there kids. How are you doing today? I’m not doing real well this morning. I think I have a bad kidney infection, so I am sitting here waiting for my doctor’s office to open so I can see if they can squeeze me in today. I’m in a lot of pain actually… ready to cry. My kidneys have always been a troublesome spot for me my whole life, only worsened by my chemotherapy years ago. So I deal with it the best I can. So please excuse me if I don’t seem like my normal silly self. But I tell you now… I refuse to let this ruin my son’s birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEX!! My baby is officially 14 today! I feel really old LOL!

Ya know, I got to thinking late last night how I tell you about all these great crafts and yet, I don’t give you outlets for supplies. I apologize. Here lately it has been a lot of talk about the fleece tied blankets. Well if you want to know where you can buy some cheap fleece online (or for a wider variety than what your local stores might carry) for the blankets I keep talking about or other projects, I have found a few sites that have a lot of cute prints. I’ve never ordered from them before, but I probably will at the end of the month and I’ll let you know about their services. The first one is the Fabric Queen and then there is Pico Textiles both located in Los Angeles, CA. Then there is Hancock Fabrics and JoAnn’s (you can also buy No-Sew kits which have both pieces of fleece you need to make a blanket) online and another site called BunyWorks but you have to buy it by the bolt. That one offers free shipping on the bolts as well. And the last one I have been looking at is SyFabrics. They have a flat rate shipping rate and free shipping on any orders $250 or over.

Ok, I have a question and if anyone out there can help me, let me know. I want to do a fundraiser if you will… like collect monetary donations. There is a family I know that suffered mass destruction from Hurricane Ike. FEMA refused to help them because the dad made like $600 too much a year to qualify. The insurance was only enough to cover about half of what the rebuild of their house cost. He’s over $65K in debt due to loans and borrowing from his retirement to build their house. And they are living in a little beat up RV in their driveway. They lost everything they had… over 50 years worth of stuff. Baby pictures from their kids, clothes, cars, tools, etc. EVERYTHING! They are almost done rebuilding but are out of money… they can’t finish the floors or buy furniture (certain things they have to have because they both are older folks with health issues). They live in a little town where they both served as the Assistant Fire Chief (man) and the Captain (woman) for over 20 years, Their community went from 1800 homes to 300 and everyone there is also trying to restart their lives. I talked to the man (I help them out with foods, washing clothes, etc. when I can) and he said it would take maybe $4500 more to finish the floor and then money to buy furniture. So my question is, how would I go about doing like an online fundraiser? I want to post pictures of how it looked after the storm, their story, etc so people really get to know them and want to help them, ya know? It would be awesome if I could surprise them with the cash to at least finish the floors so that they could concentrate on getting furniture and starting their lives again! Everyone around here is pretty strapped, but believe me, I’ve asked! So if you have any ideas, leave me a comment and let me know PLEASE!

OK so today I am gonna give you some more baby craft ideas… these are links to some cute baby things you can make. I found these patterns on one of my favorite sewing sites. I have personally used the patterns to make the items and they turn out absolutely adorable. Check out these cute items you can make for your baby or as a gift!
Newborn and Preemie Bibs (This is a PDF file for the patterns)
Baby Hats
Diaper Bag

Are you hungry? I’m really not but my mission in life with this blog is to share different recipes with you to broaden your horizons. Tonight’s dinner around here is my son’s favorite foods for his birthday dinner. Grilled Smoked Sausage, Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza, and Beefaroni LOL! Yea I know its crazy but hey… it’s his day! I always let my kids pick their meal on their birthday… anything they want. But to you, I share another Dinner for Two, which can be easily multiplied to feed a larger group! What’s really good is its minimal mess and easy cleanup!



Chicken Dinner Packets

Ingredients

1/2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 small red potatoes, thinly sliced
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 small sweet red pepper, julienned
1/2 small green pepper, julienned
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
1 green onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Sprinkling of your choice of favorite spices: (suggestions: rosemary, thyme, cayenne, Emeril’s or season salt)

Directions

1. Divide chicken strips between two pieces of heavy-duty foil (about 12 in. square). In a small bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; spoon over chicken. Fold foil around mixture and seal tightly.

2. Place packets on a baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and potatoes are tender. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape. Yield: 2 servings.

Well gang, that’s it for today… gotta get to the doctor and get a birthday cake made before someone gets home. Will be back tomorrow for more exciting NayNay’s Travels LMAO! Until tomorrow… HUGS!