Raeann, Becky, Mary, Jen

Last weekend I jumped in the car and escaped to meet my girlfriends from college for a little get-a-way in Pacific City. It was a blast, and there are just too many great things to tell you about in just one post.

Mary in purple spring drops.

Becky and Steph

I'll start today by telling you that we looked good! I mean it. Well, with a little help from Stephanie and her fine touch with a blush brush. And from Jen and her amazing handmade jewelry.

I chose orange hoop de hoops because I love orange. Not because we are all OSU gals, but because it's just sunny and bright.

Hoop de hoop

The necklace is my favorite by far, but I love the earrings too.

I'm not usually a big hoop wearer, but these feel like they float in all this curly hair. When I returned to the real world, it was so fun to have a special something to bring back. I wore my new jewelry to a meeting and felt like my girlfriends were there with me.

Thanks Jen! We all need to feel floaty and pretty sometimes. You'd better get to building more jewelry. We cleaned you out and I know a lot of moms are going to want your jewelry!

Jenny Duey, SweetBrooke Designs

Jen, why did you create SweetBrooke Designs? "I am a stay at home mom with a need to create a little corner of the world for just me. I love my kids and my husband more than I could have ever imagined. I love my girlfriends, they keep me balanced and sane. I am grateful for my dogs who love me. I love nature and like to bring that into my designs. I try to stay connected to my spirit, and I feel like I am just getting to know myself....even though I am 34! I like the simple stuff in life, but every once in a while I don't mind a little luxury too, then I really can cherish it. I like to feel things in my hands, so I started making jewelry. I want to create a brand for women like me." SweetBrooke Designs My jewelry is simple, classic, lovely and natural. I hand make every piece with care, and hope you enjoy it. Buy Jen's jewelry on Etsy. What else is Jen cooking up? Visit her Blog.

Also available at: Glow Boutique Salon in The Pearl District, Portland, OR

Photos by Stephanie Lewis.

I'm not easily shaken. But every once in a while, something so disgusting happens that it takes what seems an eternity to overcome and face your fears. For me, it's been over 4 years. I can't say that the experience has completely consumed my thoughts, but it has dictated certain aspects of my life. Until today, I never thought it would be possible to stomach the experience again.

I was 8 weeks pregnant, it was Christmastime. Excited about the new crock pot we had just gotten as a gift, my husband and I searched high and low for the seemingly "perfect" recipe to satisfy my cravings. And that's when we found Joe. Vegetarian Sloppy Joes, that is. Just sitting innocently in the pages of "Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker."

The Sloppy Joes were divine. So much so that I ate 5 times more than I should have. And then it happened. I became so incredibly sick to my stomach, I thought I might die. I couldn’t look at lentils the same way again after that. Just looking at the recipe or smelling something that reminded me of that meal made me gag. The thought of how nauseous it made me kept me away from that recipe for a long time.

Time really does heal all wounds (at least of the food variety) because I finally feel ready to face it again, and as I type, Sloppy Joes are simmering in the crock pot. And the best news? It smells delicious! The next challenge to overcome: getting the kids to eat them.

Sloppy Lentils

1 tblsp olive oil

1 medium size yellow onion, chopped

1 small red or green bell pepper, seeded and chopped

1 tblsp chilli powder

1.5 cups dried brown lentils, picked over and rinsed

One 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes

3 cups water

2 tblsp tamari or soy sauce

1 tblsp prepared mustard

1 tblsp light brown sugar or natural sweetener

1 tsp salk

Freshly ground pepper

1. Heat the oil in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cover, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chilli powder, stirring to coat. 2. Transfer the onion mixture to a slow cooker. Add the lentils, tomatoes, water, tamari, mustard, brown sugar, salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

I finally made it to my first Seattle Mariners Game! We had so much fun, even though the Mariners lost. My first step into Safeco Field - what a place! You feel like you're right in the middle of the field on every play.

The whole Fam-damily went: three generations of Oregonians trekked up to Seattle for the weekend. All the kids enjoyed it and sat mesmerized by three hours of baseball. Even my six-year-old son. Granted he loves baseball, but he doesn't sit that long for anything. After the game we found the playground just up from where we were sitting, closed. He didn't even care that he'd missed out on that. He was a die-hard, cheering, glove-waving fan right up to the bottom of the ninth with Ichiro up to bat and the Mariners down 8 runs to 2.

The weather was amazing in Seattle. My son said, "I'm so glad we came up to Seattle to get a break from all that rain at home. This place is like California or something." We stayed at the Silver Cloud Hotel right across the street from the field, and spent our free time in the rooftop pool, basking in the Seattle sun.

The Silver Cloud makes a perfect Mariners trip. You check in, walk across the street to the game and back. No driving, parking or hiking. Dinner was a blast at the Pyramid Brewpub, also across the street. We sampled a wide variety of brews, then walked across the street and up to the roof for a soak in the hot tub under the stars.

The ballpark roof was open during the game and then they closed it up for the night. It was amazing to see it closed, but we missed the actual move while we were at dinner. The Idaho family that we met in the hot tub told us that it was really cool to watch it move on the giant wheels. That you had to watch closely to see that it was moving, then all the sudden it was closed.

Hubby and I decided that a "no kids" trip would be a blast next time, to enjoy the Mariners, Pyramid brew and the Silver Cloud.

On a family hike yesterday we stumbled upon this herd of elk beside a sparkling stream. They stood majestic, bigger bulls than any I've seen before. Not only were they beautiful, but very willing to pose for a photo or two while we walked around for the best view. And it was convenient. They happened to be standing in the Cabela's store in Lacey, WA.

I've heard from family and friends that this store is amazing, but I was blown away. This is worth the trip. The display of animals and info is as good or better than a museum. The sandwiches in the snack bar are delicious and inexpensive, and the clothes and supplies are amazing - it's like an entire mall for just outdoor life, camping and hunting.

Now the kids were mesmerized by the animal displays and live fish tank tunnel. My daughter spent more than an hour taking photos of the sea lion, polar bear, the elk, deer, bobcat, rams and even the African elephant display. The dads were obviously interested in the camping and hunting supplies. My husband actually walked out with a toy of his own.

And for my hunting adventure... Well, I scouted the location. I waited patiently, when suddenly a very fine Raintree Girl brand camo and black hoodie appeared out of the brush, with a tan skirt.

When the time felt right, I focused the target in my scope, then pulled the American Express. I'm taking my prize home and displaying it proudly.

Well, my hike (aka "first date" after the big "D") went good! I had a fun picnic lunch and got to see some awesome waterfalls and scenery. However, I knew there was trouble in paradise when he said, about ten minutes into the hike, "so...you have a couple of rugrats, eh?" Rugrats? I thought "did you seriously just call my precious girls "rugrats"?" So, yes, he lost favor points with that comment. However, I kept in mind that he didn't have ANY kids. I told him a little about my sweet girls and we proceeded on our hike.

The best part of the hiking date? When the trail narrowed and we had to walk single file up a hill. He offered to let me go first, but I INSISTED he go first. Of course, I didn't let him on as to why, which (of course) was so that I could check out his butt! Let me tell you it looked so...words can't even describe the view. I thought to myself, "wow, it HAS been a long time," if checking out a hot butt gives me this much pleasure!

So, all in all, Mr. Hiker and I had a fun afternoon together, but I don't want to go on a second 'date.' We stay in contact, but there is nothing there more than friendship. I must say that this dating stuff is...interesting the second time around. So, who's my next date?

Lil' frog is the friend who helps me through tough times of writer's block. When I can't think of anything to write that you readers out there are going to find funny or inspiring or even halfway legible, he looks up from my desk, past my laptop, with his big happy eyes and bright green body, reminding me that I'm thinking way too hard.

Then he hands me my pen. I smile, close my laptop and pull out the good, old fashioned notebook and write something down on paper. Ahh. I feel better already. Back to finishing up stories for the May/June MOM Magazine. Now to come up with something you'll like!

Better yet - you tell me what you like! What do you want to read about in the May/June issue?

P.S. Lil' frog is a pen holder that I found at Frogs & Pollywogs Toys in Albany. Toys aren't just for kids!

After three days of sharing the spit bucket and the TV remote with my kids, we've come to some mutual agreements...

Toon time - Chowder is disgusting! And yes, he is very much a boy (there was question at first.) They love him, I do not. Seems to be the next up-and-coming Sponge-Bob-esque character who makes it appropriate to belch, fart and say words that are naughty but flow over the heads of kids and parents as acceptable. (ie: Hello, S-Bob works at the Crusty Crab in Bikini Bottom.) - Smurfs are adorable. Papa Smurf so wise, and Smurfette so blonde and really a needed addition of estrogen in the all-testosterone blue community. Why blue? It only makes sense with so many men, so little women and barely a stitch of clothing. - The classics are just that - classics. Huckleberry Hound is a true heroic example of modesty and honor. - Watching Snagglepuss is the best form of vocab-building. A few of my favorites from today: "Heavens to mergatroy" - "And the mocking bird is mocking" - "forthwith" - "for shame" - Tom and Jerry, at the other end of the spectrum, prove that wit and clever writing can only take you so far. Bonking him on the head with a giant hammer is always funny. My son asked me to turn it up so he could hear it. "It has no words!"

Chick Flicks - Though watching chick flicks will lead to great bonding with your nine-year-old daughter, it also leads to questions about sex. - Men and boys hate anything to do with chick flicks.

Super Heros - Men and boys love anything to do with super heros. - An entire 30-minute show can consist of grunts, sound effects and "hi-yaa."

Congratulations to Heather Rogers, winner of the MOM Egg Hunt.

Heather wins a Family Membership to The Little Gym in Corvallis. You and your little ones are going to have a blast with the activities, classes and camps. Now is the time to sign up for summer camp!

Sponsored by:

The Little Gym of Corvallis 958 NW Circle Blvd, Suite A (by Dream Dinners) Corvallis, OR 97330 541-753-0950 www.tlgcorvallisor.com

Click to enlarge