FIFI Recipe: Meat Loaf

Makes 6-8 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 2-6 hours
Ideal slow cooker size: 3 qt.

2 lbs. ground beef
1/2 cup cracker crumbs (or bread crumbs)
1-2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 cup ketchup

1. Combine ground beef, cracker crumbs, and onion powder. Form into a loaf. Place in your slow cooker.
2. Spread ketchup over top of meat loaf.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 4-6 hours or on High for 2 hours

Tip: For gravy
Pour the drippings from the slow cooker into a non-stick skillet. Turn burner to medium and whisk 2 Tbsp flour into the drippings until smooth. add a beef bouillon cube and stir until the cube is dissolved and the drippings thicken. Serve with meat loaf. Enjoy!

Fix-It and Forget-It 5-ingredient favorites (Slow Cooker Recipes)

The other day, Mike and I went to Costco and I stumbled on this book by Phyllis Pellman Good. It had a catchy title, "Fix-It and Forget-It, 5-ingredient favorites slow-cooker recipes." Only 5 ingredients!!! and I can stick it in a crock pot and forget it!!! Man, it sounded like one of those info-commercials. So needless to say, I asked Mike if he can buy it for me and so he did. I'd like to share some of the recipes in hope to help someone who, like me, isn't creative nor want to spend most of her time in the kitchen but rather play and spend time with her family. Because the title is so long, I'll name each entry from the book as FIFI Recipe. Please let me know if you try the recipe and how it turned out. If you're wondering if there is a certain recipe in the book, let me know and I'll be happy to find it and share it with you (as long as it's in the book of course!)

Keaolani's First Sentence

We were playing with Keaolani yesterday and Bessie gave her one of her toys, and Keaolani replied back, "Thank you Mama!"

I LOVE COSTCO!!!

Call it ghetto, call it sneaky, call it frugal, call it a gray area, but I love Costco's return policy. We have had things laying around the house that looked pretty in the packaging and under the hypnotizing lights in the warehouse of Costco, but then when we got it home. It either stayed in the packaging, or sits on the table as a paper weight. Today we ventured to go where only few venture to go...the return line at Costco.

As if in a prison, cement walls reached far into the sky. There was no coming back from this formidable place. Looming signs plastered the wall. "No returns on cigarettes." "Electronic returns only for 90 days." Etc. But in small letters you see a diamond in a rough, what some might even call the oasis in the midst of a barren desert, "Satisfaction guarantee." Bessie and I, with Christmas Tree and PSP in hand came face to face with this seeming mirage. We clinched our fists, closed our eyes, and jumped full force into what we thought would give us the much needed refreshment, if only for an exhilarating moment.

We were faced with what seemed to be one of satan's minions, yakking on the phone and giving us little attention. We made our humble request to return said items and we prayed. Boy did we pray. Then much to our surprise, as if the might Red Sea did split before our eyes, as if we saw in the fiery furnace Jesus Himself, the people on the other side of the counter replied, "Is there anything else we can help you with?"

We were shocked. Although why should we. If the Lord can raise the dead, if He can create the world with just a word, if He can love a sinner such as us, He can return items we have purchased and have Costco honor their return policy!!! All joking aside, we join the many that are facing financial woes due to the housing markets and rising gas prices. Forcing us to be creative with saving and frugal with spending. Pray for us, and let us know if you also need prayer. The moral of this story is however, Costco is my friend! Next post I will give accolades to craigslist. Tune back soon.

Hospitality

One of the things Mike and I hoped for in our marriage was to exercise true hospitality (modeled to us by Chris and Joni Rippe). We hoped that when God gave us a home, people would feel comfortable enough to make it their home. How wonderful it is to open up your home, especially in 'unexpected' time. This weekend is the perfect example. Mike and I had a free night and so we invited some friends over to hang out. About 9pm we received a call from our dear friend Diane, who is from Hawaii; her husband is the pastor of the church we attend when we are in Hawaii. She was in town for a wedding this weekend, and because of flight delays and over booked hotels, she could not get a room near SFO. So she decided to call us. She said God had definitely planned it bec our numbers were the only ones she had in her pocket calendar (no doubt it was God's providence!) Our guest room was already set as a couple of people have stayed with us in the past week as well. God willing she will change her schedule so that she can even attend church with us on Sunday.

Personally, my delight is seeing people come into our home and feel comfortable enough to put their feet up, and grab anything they need in the refrig or pantry - to truly feel like it is their home. In actuality, this house isn't really ours to begin with - it's God's. We're only here to take care of it and use it for His glory - which involves sheltering people in time of need.

Sunset Week 16

This was taken during our trip to Kauai in 2006 with the Alfaros.

Girls' Weekend: Slumber Party and Birthday Spa Outing for Michelle

This weekend has been full of activities. Friday night, the gals from COV & CORE got together for a slumber party at Josie's house; we played games, got to know each other better, watched 'Hitch', and didn't sleep until close to 5 am. Amazingly this is the first time Keaolani stayed home and didn't come with me. Mike so graciously offered to watch her. I came home this morning with both of them on the couch sleeping - should have taken a picture of it because it was the cutest thing. For some reason, it's so much easier for her to sleep when Mike is watching.

We spent the early afternoon at home resting before Jenny and Michelle came to pick me up for a spa outing in SF at Nordstrom. Believe it or not, this would be my first spa treatment; Oh, I used my gift card that I wasn't able to use when I went shopping with Jenny in Walnut Creek about a month ago. I opt for a 60 minute massage...Boy did that 60 minutes go by really fast. Michelle got one too while Jen had a facial done...I mean "did". After we were all done, we were hungry and headed out to 'The Cheesecake Factory' on top of Macy's. The wait was over 90 minutes if we wanted to be seated inside while only 15 minutes for the patio. I don't know if my blood is still thin from Hawaii but it was super cold in the city however, our hunger exceeded our need to stay warm and we decided to eat out on the patio. Fortunately, they had heater lamps.

Dinner was fun, food was delicious, dessert was - as Jenny would say - "off the hook" and company was sweet. I forgot to mention this was all for Michelle's birthday (which happens to be this coming Monday.) It never fails, when us 3 get together - we end up talking story about something that happened years ago and end up laughing so hard tears are shed.

I just got home past midnight to find everyone asleep. So blessed to have a husband who encourages me to have some "time off" so I can relax and enjoy myself with sisters. No curfew was set and Keaolani was cared for. The sweetest thing was coming home, opening up my laptop and the background was changed to a message both from Mike and Keaolani that they both love me. God is good!

Sunset Week 15

This is no Hawaiian sunset but it was the best I took this week. This
is taken at American Canyon while we were going to the Harris'. Next
week I will try to post another Hawaiian sunset.

Time for church in Vallejo

Here is Keaolani in her pretty dress. We actually bought it from a Walmart. We love Walmart!!! In Hawaii, you can get all the Walmart deals like you can get here in Vallejo/Napa/AC, but you have to option of getting Aloha shirts, fresh leis, tropical juices, and Kona Coffee Macadamian Nut Coffee, and candy! WOW! This little dress Keaolani loved. When we pulled it off the rack, she claimed, "Wow." We knew it was a keeper, so we bought it. Unfortunately we got an 18 month size and it s kinda small for her. PRAISE GOD. For months she has been swimming in 12 month clothes, so hopefully she is getting bigger.

Reunited with cousins

One great thing about being back in Vallejo is that Keaolani can play with all her cousins, and friends. Here she is with her cousins, my big brothers girls, Trinity, Syrena, and Quincy. They absolutely love her. Especially Quincy. In fact when we got home she was asking where is K-lani. How come she is not here? Those girls are sweet. They even gave us a Hannah Montana Show. It was cool!

We made it to the mainland. Boooooooo.

I am in my bed upstairs trying to prepare for work tomorrow. What a difference! Only a couple hours ago I was enjoying 85 degrees and now I am experiencing something in the lowers 30's. Looking over the pictures I took I already feel like the vacation was months ago. Traveling with kids is very different. Don't get me wrong, I couldn't have survived without having Keaolani there, but vacations are forever going to be different with kids. Before Bess and I could take on 2-3 beaches and just sleep in the sand to get rest. Now it is like a slow morning and then just one activity. Keaolani did not want to get into the water, she even cried with taking showers. She didn't want to walk in the grass, or even the sand. And whenever it was windy she didn't like it going into her face.

However as for her skin, amazingly it was great. In fact, I don't know whether it was just my mind but Bess and I think that her skin was better in O'ahu than Maui. Being able to return to O'ahu only confirmed what we thought. When we got back to O'ahu we immediately noticed that it was more humid. Although she didn't like the beach, she did enjoy the humidity and warm weather. (Notice that Keaolani and I are in the exact same position. I looked over at her and noticed she was doing exactly what I was doing. So I set up the camera and took this.)

Being at home I can really appreciate the vacation and I am ready to call this vacation as one of, if not the best ever. Being with the Harris' absolutely made this vacation great. We like to do the smae things, for the most part. And we are at the same level kid wise. But more importantly, we share the same faith. I am glad we vacationed together!!! THEY ARE COOL! Jen was even getting her groove on in Hawaii. Here is a picture of her sporting Mason's hat at the best dinner ever. We had live music, great food, a sunset, and Jen giving us some slap stick humor.

I think that this is going to be one of many David-Harris family vacations. I hope that you all had a good time looking at the chronicles of our vacation. It was not meant to tease you or make you feel jealous, it is just my attempt to never forget the great time we had. So to the Harris' Thank you for a great time. I know you had a great time and so did we. Where are we going next?

So Aloha, and see you in Hawaii again. Or tomorrow when we have dinner at your house and exchange pics and talk more story. Oh and share some of the quotes and antics that did not make it to the blog. Mahalo!

Aloha to Hawaii: Take Two

Live web cam

But no one to tell to watch.

Weather was great to walk off the puka

Last Stop

Breakfast of champions this is not. But a puka dog and shave ice
sounded really ono.

Beautiful last morning

Prime Rib and Crab Buffet

Not bad fo free yeah?

We found it!

Ever since I saw No Reservations with that Anthony guy I wanted to
come to Waikiki. Perhaps the only reason I wanted to come here,
besides now when its free. Anthony went to Puka Dogs. It is a place
that does something different to the classic hotdog. They toast the
bread from the inside. And with only one opening they pour concoctions
like coconut relish, guava ketchup, and other fruits like papaya,
lilikoi, star fruit, etc. The guy said it was great and I wanted to
see for myself.

And it was. I will try to run here early tomorrow to get another. WOW.
This place alone was worth being overbooked!

We had to stop here

Although we have a nice place Bess and I rediscovered why we don't
like coming to Waikiki. Everything is crowded, prices for things are
doubled, and there is not much aloha here.

Walikng Kalakua

Better known as Waikiki.

Downstairs

This place just keeps getting better. Downstairs is a ukulele shop. I
spent some time there.

Great view of the beach

Diamond Head

On the 11th floor we have a nice partial veiw of Diamond Head and to
the left...

Waikiki Marriotts

I was actually expecting a dive of a place but Marriotts is by no
means cheap. This place is really cool. Time to check out the room. I
hope we aren't at the top floor.

One more day!!!

Overbooked flight due to the closures of Aloha and ATA, plus our
flight had some halaus from the Merrie Monarch Festival. Too bad we
have to get put up in Honolulu, get free dinner, bfast, and two
tickets good for a year.

Aloha

We were welcomed with a rainbow now we leave with one.

Our last morning in Hawaii

Aloha Harris's

They are going to O'ahu today and spend one more day there. We are
leaving beautiful Maui tomorrow.

Scene of the crime.

Remember this Jason. This is where we swam a couple years ago.

Typical Maui

Maui is so beautiful you can literally stop from the highways and jump
into perfect beaches.

High Surf Advisory!

Honuloa from the other side

See the big waves on the top. Yes the dots are people again.

Honuloa Bay

I've always loved Honuloa for the snorkling, but today surfing was the
main attraction. Those are some killer waves. Needless to say we didnt
snorkle there.

Breakfast next door

We tried bfast at the resort one over. It was good loco moco plate and
strawberry coconut pancakes.

Guess where we are

Our last day

At least one of us is happy.

Wish you were here

I already am and I wish it was morning already so I can jump in that
pool or snorkle in that ocean. I am not brave enough for the kite
surfing.

Hula Grill original, better than Hula Pie, maybe

If hungry please dont read

Poke, ribs and bread as an appetizer. T bone steak, sword fish, ahi, lobster, mac and coconut crusted tuna, shitake mushroom, and Maui sweet onions for main course. And...(see above pic) for dessert.

Sunset Week 14

Dinner and sunset on Kaanapali. I have give credit where credit is due. This picture was Jenny's idea. She actually took a way better shot than this. But I am the blog addict so I published my cheap imitation first. Ah ha.

The ladies are ready to get their grub on

Dinner Time

Yes, those dots are people!

We almost lost Scott

We found it!

In the search for Jaws

Road Trip Staple

When we were in Oahu I bought this carton of whoppers, Nelly G's favorite. It was only a dollar. Much more suprizing was that it lasted two island a plane trip and hundreds of miles. Whenever we got in the car and needed a snack, the trusty carton was there to meet the need.

No I am not hurting her

Keaolani loves singing and when other people scratch her skin for her. Here I am doing both. I was using her arms as a ukulele, aka scratching, and singing her favorite songs when all of a sudden she fell asleep!?! So if you want to hold her use this position and sing, you will be her new best friend.

I could stay another week