Three Kings Day

Had to post about a wonderful tradition that was introduced to me last night, Three Kings Day.  My good friend served a mission in Argentina where she learned of Three Kings Day and has since celebrated with her family.    Here's what the internet says about this celebration;


"Latin America and Spain anxiously await “El Día de los Reyes” Celebration on Jan. 6th.  For many Christians, the holiday season doesn’t officially end until the 12th day of Christmas known as the “Feast of the Epiphany” or “Three Kings' Day”. The holiday marks the biblical adoration of baby Jesus by the three Kings, also referred to as three Wise Men or Magi. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the men found the divine child by following a star across the desert for twelve days to Bethlehem. Many Hispanic communities in the U.S. celebrate Three Kings Day with many different traditions including parades and performances. They will usually celebrate Three Kings Day with a scrumptious dinner that is topped off with the King's Bread (Rosca de Reyes) for dessert. It is tradition to hide a baby jesus figurine within the bread -- the person whose slice has the figurine must prepare tamales for everyone on the Day of the Candles on Feb. 2!  In addition, Children leave their shoes right outside their doors so the Three Kings will leave their gifts inside, the bigger presents are placed around them.  Many families leave a box of grass (or hay) and water for The Three King's camels to eat. Camels are known for being a bit sloppy and leaving a trail of hay behind that children can often follow to their gifts!"

Sounds fun,  right?  We celebrated last night with an amazing Argentine BBQ dinner.  Flank steak, jerk chicken, Chimichurri sauce, roasted potatoes, homemade bread, fruit salad with Dulce de leche (carmel) and then topped it off with our own version of King's Bread.  Instead of a Baby Jesus figurine, a cashew nut was hidden.  Little Biggs 4 found it so we will be hosting a dinner sometime before February 2nd.  

Unfortunately, the Little Biggs forgot to put out their shoes (and Momma Biggs didn't have any treats) so we will have to make up for that next year.  With the incredible food, and the opportunity to get more presents, Three Kings Day will definitely be a Favorite holiday in the Biggs' family.   See you next time.

Kelly 

The 20 Minute Miracle

No, I'm not trying to sell you some miracle beauty cream or body scultping treatment!  I just wanted to share a little something I like to call the 20 minute miracle that works for our family.  Easier demonstrated with pictures then with words...

Kitchen Before

Set a timer for 20 minutes (a very crucial element for everyone to work fast)  Watch the magic begin...

 3 of the girls jump on the load of towels and rags (Little Biggs 4- is not happy I'm posting this!)

 Little Biggs 3 starts wiping and putting away.

I take on hand washing and Mr. Right dries. (Yes, we have a dishwasher- a super great really expensive ASKO dishwasher that quit working 5 years after we bought it- and now, 4 years later,  we actually have become accustomed to handwashing everything!  Someday I will call a repair man and get it fixed)

20 minutes later...

It's a miracle... (excuse the bad lighting- my only camera is an iPhone 6 and I forgot to turn on all the lights)

 Something once messy and disorganized...

Is now clean and put together.  That my friends,  is the 20 minute miracle.  On a perfect week when we don't have dance recitals, orchestra or choir concerts, band or church activities we do this every night Monday thru Thursday.  On crazy weeks we substitute our 20 minute miracles for a long grueling 1 hour Saturday chores.  The little Biggs' hate Saturday chores.  I'm not sure they've figured out that the 20 minute miracle actually takes 80 minutes of their time each week- as opposed to the 60 minute Saturday chore- but somehow it just sounds better!  Sometimes we split up into different rooms if the whole house is a wreck- Little Biggs 3 has mastered cleaning a bathroom from top to bottom in 20 minutes all by herself!  One key element is that everyone that's home has to participate- you will have mass rebellion if you as the parent aren't actively participating.  It's great family bonding time, it's the 20 minute miracle.  See you next time!

Kelly

P.S.:  Did anyone notice my little Halo- trying to escape my after photo of the island?  I just now saw her!

The Creation of A Little Biggs of Everything

As a child, growing up in Escondido, California, my father would frequently take our family to the local swap meet. There, we would watch as my father bought golf clubs and hub caps for a few dollars. He would bring them home, shine them up, and resale them for profit. These early experiences led to a passion for turning trash to treasure.

As a teenager, with a low GPA, I was desperate for an easy A... so I signed up for theatre arts. I soon discovered I had a talent for speech and debate but that getting an A wasn't that easy. This eventually led to a 16 year career teaching theatre at the Junior High level, where I developed a passion for set design and decoration.  

After the birth of our sixth daughter I realized I needed to spend more time at home.   However, with a large family, two cars, multiple pets and a 5,000 square foot home, having only one income was not an option. I needed to take the talents I'd learned through out my life and create my own business. 

Over the past six years we've breed white Labradors, refinished furniture, resold clothes on Ebay, managed estate sales, planned events and sold at flea markets- specializing in home decor.  I guess you could say I've done A Little BIGGS of Everything.  Ultimately, I've learned the importance of balance in all things.  This blog is an attempt to keep me organized and accountable as I continue to embark on my goal of providing for my family. I will share the successes and failures of my projects, my latest business ventures, as well as the blessings and trials of raising a family.  I hope you will join me on my journey as we explore A Little Biggs of Everything.