Mele Kalikimaka Everyone!

Boy has this Christmas season been the craziest experience ever. We are light-less, decoration-less and present-less. BUT.....

"Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f****** Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse.". Christmas Vacation, the ultimate Christmas experience!

just couldn't help myself! Our seemingly absent Christmas spirit this season is within reason. And besides, it's not the outwardly show of spirit that truly matters, although beautifully meaningful in its own right, it's what you carry in your heart and share with those around you that truly envelopes the meaning of Christmas.

On January 1st, 2012, we begin an experience of a lifetime.
Our family is moving to Hawaii, Oahu to be specific. We will leave behind our home in the desert and enter a new home residing less than one mile from the beach.

Why? Well first of all why not? However, the most notable reason is due to my health. The Mr applied to several places all over that had more temperate climates and oh my gosh by golly, Oahu picked us! This move was so meant to be that we are simply showing up---God has arranged everything for us.

I miss writing/blogging, it's what I love to do, it's what I hope to do more of from our seaside dwelling. Also on my list? Reconnecting with my camera, what better place to do so than paradise?

Merry Christmas to you all. May the new year bring to life new dreams, health and happiness.

XOXO
Rie

Drumroll Please....(ddddddddddddd)

"In the spirit of the Clark family Christmas...." I'm only kidding but gosh do I love that movie. "That" being the good old family classic Christmas Vacation.

In all seriousness I would like to attach a letter I sent out via email to close friends and family. We are incredibly excited to help the children that are still in Leila's orphanage, many of whom we took food to while there to take Leila home. I think of the past few years and all we have accomplished in Leila's life: The therapies she's received that have helped place her in the "typically" developing category, the bonds formed between grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, multiple facial reconstruction surgeries and the list goes on. Then I think of the children we met there, that are still there, surviving on the small amounts of love the orphanage staff are able to give with so many children and so little time. This is why this year we are choosing to help the children in Kyrgyzstan orphanages not only celebrate Christmas but to provide the essential vitamins they need to survive throughout the entire year.

Would you like to help us accomplish our goal and honor Leila this holiday season? Please read the letter we sent out below. You will find the link to donate should you feel called to do so.


It's here!  "Pie Challenge Time" is here!  I feel totally out of my comfort zone asking for money.  However, I  will make an exception and swallow my pathetic pride to benefit some very precious children in Kyrgyzstan.  Every year our family does something for others at Christmas whether it be for a military family or families who have a loved one dying on hospice and are unable to provide food and gifts at Christmas for their children. This year we have chosen to help the innocent orphans in Kyrgyzstan that have been unable to leave the country due to political upheaval and the same red tape we had to cut through to get our precious Leila home. 
     Our little girl is in a family where she is loved, safe, provided for, protected, well fed and receives excellent medical care.  Many children of Leila's birth country are not so fortunate.  Most of the children in the orphanages of Kyrgyzstan are merely surviving and many will have life long medical issues due to institutionalization and lack of proper nutrition.  This year's Pie Challenge has a new twist.  The donations will provide not only a small Christmas gift and a meal out but, a year's worth of vitamins for each of the 2000 children that will be sponsored this year.  Here in the United States vitamins are often just an extra added boost to our nutrition.  In Kyrgyzstan vitamins can truly be the difference between life and death.  
     I understand that the holidays are fast approaching and money will be tight.  Five dollars is a huge gift to these orphans.  Many charities and organizations send you information and a place to check off a box with $20-$100+ leaving most of us to feel like cheapskates if we can't contribute that much.  The Pie Challenge is not like that.  Honestly, the change you dig out from under your couch cushions can be used to greatly bless someone.  
     Between now and Thanksgiving would you please join me in praying for these special children?  PRAYERS AND PENNIES ARE POWERFUL!  If you would like to donate you can follow this link:  http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/p/pie-in-face-for-orphans.html  There is a "DONATIONS" button on the right side of the screen beneath the list of Pie Challenge participants.  Please be sure to put my name in the memo if you decide to donate so that it can be applied towards my total so that my children can take turns hitting me with the pies ;)  Jalyn has agreed that he will take a pie in the face with mom if we can reach our family goal of $500.  We will post the pictures on my blog: www.riesdialogues.blogspot.com  Together we can bring hope and health to the orphans of Kyrgyzstan.  Thank you so much for your prayers.

Best,
Kelli Al-Mutawa and Family

Easter Blessings

Just in time for Easter, we received some good news.
Jafar is not in kidney failure, the initial test at the vet was wrong! No protein in his urine says a lab with "much better equipment". Uh, yeah I'd say so. To go from extreme amounts of protein to none, well, maybe the vet should just chuck their equipment out that fancy window I just paid for!

Nasser is healthy as a mule except he has high cholesterol. Go figure, only my dogs!

This weekend we had a friend of J's over for a slumber party. During the chaos, I managed to whip up a delicious three-layer coconut cream cake. Yummm. I also tried a recipe for mashed pataters, only with a twist. Definitely going to post that recipe here very soon. I promise it is easy (for my open-a-box-stir-add-water=done!-readers....you know who you are).

Tomorrow the Easter bunny will bring a little white basket and a little brown basket for a good little boy and girl, over flowing with scrumptious treats.

What will the Easter bunny bring mommy? Hopefully some extra time added to the day for a guilt-free nap...........it's been a busy weekend and this mama's tired.

Happy Easter!!!
~Rie

De-li-cious

Jalyn peeps out the window of my van on the way to school. Hoping to not be seen yet hoping to be seen. There she is, holding the STOP sign for all the children to pass. "Hel-llll-oooo De-li-cious" he says. "Jalyn!" I say, "you are too young to be caught up in a girl." (Especially a girl thirty-times your age). She is his delicious. Long blond hair, long legs, and high heels. But most importantly, he loves her knowledge of books, she is after all the librarian. On Valentine's Day, he swept her off her feet with a box of chocolates and a hug and she swept him off his by letting him pick out a spooky-mystery book. "I can handle it", he tells her, "I'm very brave ya know".

My Valentine's Day was spent with family as we celebrated two birthdays. Why not make a family dinner romantic? Candles were lit, rose petals were scattered and kids were screaming. I wouldn't have it any other way as I was with after all, my delicious.

See You Next Year

In my days leading up to Christmas, I was a baking fool.

Cookies, fudge, pies, marshmallows and hot cocoa. Phew! I get tired just thinking about it.

I will be taking a weeks break from blogging to fully enjoy the company of my family. I will return after the New Year with pictures of our celebrations and thoughts for the future.

I hope you all had a very merry Christmas.

I will leave you with some snapshots from our "just the girls baking day".

God bless you and yours.

Rie

Yell or Grab the Camera???

This time of year daddy brings home lots of great stuff! Chocolates from co-workers and cookies from patients fill our home every Christmas. I turned for one second and found Leila sitting on top of the table going nuts with a chocolate bar! She had chocolate all over. I paused......yell and explain how dangerous being on top of a table is or grab my camera as soon as possible. I guess you can see what I chose.........

There Is Good In This World

I loaded Leila and presents in the car.

We were off to deliver gifts to a family in need.

A young mother of three fighting for her life, fighting for her house.

As I drove I thought of many things; how blessed I am to have a car to deliver these gifts, how blessed I am to have the resources to help another family and would someone be so kind to help my family if situations were reversed? To that question I can absolutely answer yes. I have seen far more good in this world than bad.

I pulled into the front of the house and met the social worker that suggested this family in particular. At the door I was greeting by a smiling young woman and three bouncing boys. We brought in present after present to each child's delight.

We sat on the couch and talked. In her eyes I saw fear, strength, sadness, fatigue and hope. I could have been looking in the mirror. She is my age, she had the same fear I had in my eyes not to long ago. This could be me easily, but it's not. I tell her that I care about her struggles and her fears. I pray for her daily, I pray she wins her fight as I won mine. I pray God gives her strength and energy to be the mom she needs and wants to be to her boys.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall watching her children's eyes light up on Christmas morning.

There is so much tragedy all around us. People that have lost or are loosing their loved ones, children without parents or that have lost a parent, those that have lost a child, those that have lost their health and those that are not able to provide a holiday meal.

I will close with just one thought: If you have your health and each other, you have everything. All the rest is circumstantial. Love on your babies and thank the Lord for them. On Christmas morning remember those that are suffering with grief and say a prayer that today, if only just today, God bring them peace removing the heavy weights they are carrying.

Tis the season for good old fashioned gift giving. Giving, the best part. There's no better feeling than making someone else happy.

In need of some ideas? Here are a few of my favorite things. Maybe this will help you shop for that special woman in your lives!

My favorite perfume, Heavenly by Victoria Secret.

Stationary. A friend gave this to me as a gift once and I loved it. Things like this you typically wouldn't buy for yourself.

Jewelry is always a nice option, but this gals jewelry is amazing and unique! The Vintage Pearl. I would love one with my two darlings names (hint, hint Santa!)

For the woman that loves to cook/bake. This is one of my favorite cook books.

The most adorable hair pieces I've ever seen. Sophisticated yet fun! I have one and always receive comments! Bebecha.

An apron is one of the best gifts you could give this gal! Here is my favorite.

If your a grandparent, a loving auntie or a really awesome friend, the gift of babysitting so she can have a night with her hubby would be so thoughtful! Believe me, the best of gifts is giving your time.

My fav lip gloss in "You're Golden"! It's a neutral tone and looks great on everyone, even has gold flecks in it!

Well now, there you have it. If your sitting on the fence of indecision than hopefully your off it after reading this!

Happy shopping!

Cheers To That!

I came across an article the other day.

A mom talking about stress and the holidays and she offered up ideas to help. Now there were many wonderful ideas but this one in particular spoke to my very soul.

She schedules all routine medical appointments, household maintenance tune-ups, play dates and activities before the month of November.

Come November 1st, every day is for family, friends and relaxation until January 1st.

Inevitably some things cannot be helped but she's does her darnedest.

If you can't tell already by me posting this idea, let me just tell you.... I'm swiping it!

To heck with well checks, pest control, birthday parties (no offense), organizing the house, plumbers/electricians and play dates.

Next year come November 1st my calendar will be cleared.

I will use this time and get to the heart of the matter; friends, family, movie nights, date nights,

quiet moments with each child, local festivities and remembering what Christmas is all about.

Cheers to that idea mama!

Oh So Thankful

The past year has been a difficult one for many. Lots of families are struggling financially, lost loved ones, are in ill health and many families are in the fight of their life simply to bring their children home from overseas.

On Thanksgiving, it is important to count our blessings and recognize the positives as there are always positives if you truly search.

I am thankful for the following:

My son and the good choices he makes on a daily basis. It has been a struggle in teaching him that following others actions are not always the best choice. He has worked really hard and I'm so proud.

My daughter. It was not long ago that I wondered if she would ever come home and my heart and prayers truly go out to those families waiting. She has endured more than and child should ever have to and she's thriving. So proud of your accomplishments sissy.My husband. You are the one constant in my life and I look forward to many more years together.


Good health. Lord, thank you, thank you, thank you! You healed my heart again and everyday I have with my children is a blessing from you.

Family. Whenever times get tough we are always there for each other and that's what families are all about! Plus, life wouldn't be as interesting........

Jafar, Amir and Nasser. You three bring a smile to my face always, what is life without dogs? May I have another??? And no, I'm not crazy! (I can hear you Kristy!)

Friends. We may not see each other often but when we do it's like we've never been separated.

What are you thankful for?

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Kisses,

Rie

Change of Seasons....Change of Luck?

Fall has begun in the our household.

It is cold (90 degrees), rainy (drizzling) and cloudy (partly), but it's the closest to fall in Arizona gets. I've spent most the morning placing things here and there, absolutely my favorite time of year.

My annual "Yahooo! Fall is here" gift is on it's way to my mom. I hope you enjoy it mom!

Some amazing things took place this week. The first being that the doctor finally called with some good news. He said, your ejection fraction has come up 2% since starting the medications! Now I know that's not much, but it's not much in the right direction. Certainly something to celebrate.

I woke up Friday to find that I won something, and not just something, but a gift certificate to Single Stone Studios! Yahoooooo! Already have ideas of what I would like. I know it must have killed Shelly to post my anti Ohio State comment on her blog, but she did, and I'm proud of her. That's the first step to realizing she has been brain washed by her husband (he's brain washed too). Michigan kicks off the season on September 5th ya'll! Mark it on your calender.

This is one possibility:

My friend called to ask if we would like to join them for the first Cardinals home game (pre-season). A date night?! When? Where? What time? I'm all over that! Remember my favorite pair of heels I showed you before? I got them out of the closet (they were the perfect cardinal red), dusted them off and put them on for the first time since March, the back surgery. My girls: I've missed you. I felt my sexy coming back.....until I noticed the excruciating blisters you were causing. Check out these two hotties!
Dinner time! Some amazing things have happened this week. I pray our luck is turning around. If this week is any indication, I'd say it has.

In celebration of the beginning of my favorite time of year and returning heart function, I'm holding a give-away! Here's the deal: I love the holidays; fall, Christmas, New Years etc.... Share with me your family traditions, big or small. I'm always looking to add new traditions to our holidays. So, send me your favorite family traditions! I will choose one that I want to add to our families traditions........And what will you get in exchange? The winner will receive a large jar candle from Yankee in my new favoirte fall scent!

Leave me a comment here on the blog or e-mail me at: waterford@cox.net

You have until Friday 5pm EST.

Good Luck!

Can't wait to read your ideas!!!

Happy Easter!!! (a little belated, sorry:)

AWH!!!! Can I eat them? Pretty please with a cherry on top? I now understand why mothers sometimes eat their young:)

Now if you can spot the egg, you deserve a prize! How is a five-year-old supposed to find this one? Pretty cruel Bunny! Finding this egg took about 100 hints!


The cutest bunny in our house Easter morning. She picked out her outfit down to the bow and bunny ears on her head, seriously. When you give her choices, she very clearly makes a choice. I hear this is "a girl thing" and then the next advice I receive is "just wait". It's cute for now, but my guess is that one day this won't be cute at all.


It's a tradition in our family that when the little girls have their ears pierced, a family member purchases them their first pair of diamond earring's. These were a gift to Leila from Grandma Rowland (Mama) who came all the way from Michigan to help me out during surgery. She celebrated Easter with the children while she was here even though it was a tad bit early, the kids LOVED IT! Jalyn received Lego's, what else? So since Easter was her first big occasion since having the earring's, she wore them on Sunday, proudly I might add. I'd have to say that Leila's favorite accessory besides her hair bows are bracelets, so how about a diamond bracelet next year Mama??? (just kidding:).........sortove:)





Leila's big gift from the Easter bunny was a talking/singing/dancing/annoying Elmo. She loves it and we'll just leave it at that.

And Jalyn's big gift from the bunny was.........Lego's. Does anyone know how to receive discounts on these darn things? Seriously Lego people, why in the heck do these things cost so darn much? You see that big box? I won't even tell you the price tag, but lets just say the ship is not even half the size of that box once built. RIP OFF! The smile on his face was completely worth it.

What we do for our kids............

Hope you all had a very happy Easter!

A small update on me: I'm doing great. Continuing to take medications as I'm told, tapering slowly, napping during the day, not lifting blah blah blah. I miss holding and carrying Leila around so much it kills me! She even has stopped wanting to eat from me lately. It is so frustrating, but it is temporary right? I remind myself that things could always be worse. Right now I need the help, and I'm so lucky that my children love our nanny and that they feel safe with her. The flip side of the coin makes me sick. So if Leila feels the need to be with our nanny more right now than I'm just going to take that as a good sign. I have the rest of my life with that precious angel.

Our Boys on a Lazy Easter Morning

This would be Jafar, my oldest, my very first, the sweetest dog on the planet. When people ask what is his breed we reply "Polar Bear and Human". Seriously.
This would be Amir (name means Prince in Arabic). He is our dignified, growly, loner, only kisses special people and things (how he determines "special" I have no idea) dog. He is 130lbs and thinks he is a lap dog.

And where are the humans supposed to sit? Oh I forgot, you think YOU ARE HUMANS!

This would be our youngest, the baby. He plays every bit of the role. He is so incredibly sweet. He follows me around the house EVERYWHERE! In him, I have a constant companion.

There you have it, our boys. They received rawhide's from the Easter Bunny.

Preparing for Easter

Leila received this beautiful hair bow holder as an early Easter present. I ordered it off of ETSY http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5350642

What I loved about this gal is that I explained Leila's bedroom color scheme and she ran with it.........I love it! We hung it on her door, and now finding hair bows is no longer an issue:) Yes, I have an obsession.

***POST EDIT***

If you would like to order one of these bow holders for your daughter or as a gift you simply need to mention my name and you will receive FREE SHIPPING!

(Kelli Al-Mutawa) if you didn't already know:)

It's a dress and the bodess is personalized with her name.


Well here you have it, this was my grand entrance back into the place in my home which I love the most.....my kitchen. I only prepared the batter, then supervised the rest of the way.

Having both parents that love to cook, how could he have NOT gotten this gene???



He was so proud wearing his Easter apron and making them all by himself. What a guy. Boy do I love him. Is it wrong to eat your children?! They look so delicious!